2026 Q1 Newsletter
Invest In Your Future
As we step into 2026, everyone at RECU would like to thank you for your continued trust and support. Because of you, we’re able to grow stronger, serve better, and create more opportunities to help our members reach their financial goals.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and look forward to supporting you with unmatched service and commitment to your success all year long.
Here’s to a prosperous and rewarding year together!
Have you heard about Home Equity Loans?
A home equity loan is a powerful way to turn the value you’ve built in your home into opportunities for your future. Whether you’re planning renovations, consolidating debt, or covering major expenses, using your home’s equity can offer flexible terms, competitive rates, and predictable payments. It’s a smart, affordable solution that lets your home work for you—helping you reach your goals while keeping your finances on track.
Take Advantage of our Financial Webinars
At no cost to you!
January
Ten Steps to Improve Financial Wellness
We all measure financial success differently, but all paths getting there require discipline and goals. This session teaches participants ways to financial control— including developing a spending plan, creating objectives, weighing insurance needs, and other tools that will help get on the road to personal financial success.
February
On the Road to Riches: The Foundations of Saving and Investing
Investing is one of the smartest things consumers can do to secure a brighter financial future. Every investor has different goals, risk tolerance, and cash flow, which will impact savings and investment choices. Participants will learn about savings strategies and tactics, investment tools, and how to develop an investment portfolio that works with their lifestyle and budget.
Employee Spotlight!
Meet Veronica!
“I am from Isleta Pueblo and recently built my forever home in Los Chavez with my husband. With eight years of credit union experience, I bring a strong understanding of member needs and a passion for service. I was drawn to RECU for its close-knit, family-oriented culture where relationships are built on kindness, trust, and care. Supporting members and strengthening the community makes my work meaningful and rewarding.”
Upcoming
Events & Holidays
Closed Monday, January 19th
Closed Monday, Febraury 16th
Meeting will be held on Saturday, March 28th. Time and Location: TBD
Dates: TBD
Arthur Ortiz Memorial Scholarship
Begins 1/10/26 – Deadline 3/21/26
-
Applicant must be a member of RECU in good standing for a minimum of 12 months prior to March 21st, 2026.
-
Must be planning to enroll as a full-time student at an accredited college, university or vocational-techincal school.
Winter Newsletter 2025
Welcome to our Winter Newsletter!
“Winter forms our character and brings out our best.”
– Tom Allen
With the Fall Season upon us we look forward to the cooler days, the holidays and things to be thankful for. In a time of uncertainty, our Members’ unwavering support is what has made RECU the greatest financial institution we can be. Our Members are our passion, and we find joy in serving them. We have so many exciting things to share as we continue to grow with you and we want to make sure we say thank you for your business and we appreciate you for making us your trusted financial partner.
Matthew Soto – CEO
Events & Holidays
Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day
We will be closed on Oct. 13th in observance of this holiday.
Puppies & Pizza
Join us for our Annual Puppies & Pizza Event Oct. 18th from 10am – 3pm!
Halloween Costume Contest
Our Annual Halloween Costume Contest will begin Oct. 15th – Oct. 31st
Details Coming Soon
Veterans Day
We will be closed Nov. 11th in observance of Veterans Day
Yard Visit
Details Coming Soon
Thanksgiving
We will be Closed Nov. 27th and 28th for Thanksgiving
Blood Drive
Donate to save lived Dec. 10th!
Christmas Eve
We will be closing at 12 on Dec. 24th for Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
We will be closed on Dec. 25th for Christmas Day
Winter Skips
Winter Skips will be starting November 1st and will run through January 31st.
There is a $20 fee for each loan payment skipped. Must have made 6 monthly or 12 semi-monthly payments on loan to skip payment. Real Estate, LOC’s and Christmas Loans are not eligible for skips.
FREE Webinars
RECU is partnered with Balance to provide financial materials to help educate our Members!
October
Federal vs. Private Student Loans
This workshop explains key differences between federal and private student loans, and compares eligibility, interest rates, repayment plans and more. Participants will learn how to choose the option that best suits their needs.
Oct. 7th 10:30 AM MST
Oct. 16th 05:20 PM MST
November
Safeguarding Seniors: Strategies to Combat Elder Financial Exploitation
Elder financial exploitation is a growing concern that affects millions of seniors each year. Learn about common tactics used by scammers, how to recognize the signs of financial abuse, and practical steps to take if you suspect someone you know is being exploited.
Nov. 4th 10:30 AM MST
Nov. 13th 05:30 PM MST
December
Sleighing the Holiday Season
It may be called “the most wonderful time of the year” but December can also be filled with unwanted debt and overspending. Learn budgeting strategies and tactics to avoid year-end credit card crunch and future debt traps.
Dec. 9th 10:30 AM MST
Dec. 18th 05:30 PM MST
Summer 2025 Newsletter
Summer Newsletter
“‘Cause a little bit of summer is what the whole year is all about.”
–John Mayer
A Letter From Our CEO
As our second quarter of the year comes to a close, we look back at the progress that has been made and look to the future with even more excitement. This year has proven to be an even bigger year with more growth and prosperity. We have successfully launched our Member + program and the response has been nothing short of amazing. Members are pleased with the ability to be rewarded for having their full banking relationship with RECU. On top of the exciting release of Member +, we have news to share that will further solidify the need to set up a full relationship with RECU. We have officially signed on and begun the process of implementing Shared Branching for our members. This will give our members and their families, who do not live in the local area, the ability to transact on their accounts at a participating credit union within the shared branching network. In closing, I want to acknowledge the tireless effort of our members, our volunteers, our staff and thank our community for your continued support and contributions to make Railroad Employees Credit Union what it is today.
Upcoming
Events & Holidays
July – September
Independence Day
Learn More
Closed Friday, July 4th
School Supply Giveaway
More Information Below
Beginning Monday, July 7th While Supplies Last
Free Financial Webinars
Click Here for More Info
Mastering the Gig Economy
July 8th, 2025 @ 11:30 AM MT
July 17th, 2025 @ 06:30 PM MT
Labor Day
Learn More
Closed Monday, September 1st.
Dates: TBD
Celebrating
Independence Day!
2025 School
Supply Giveaway!
Pre-K – 8th Grade Members
Pickup your free backpack of school supplies courtesy of your Credit Union!
Starting July 7th While Supplies Last
If you don’t currently hold a minor account, you can open one today for just $5!
Happy
Labor Day!
505-864-4740
Routing #307084004
2025 Annual Meeting
70th Anniversary Annual Meeting
Spring 2025 Newsletter
Welcome to our Spring Newsletter!
“In Winter, I plot and plan.
In Spring, I move.”
-Henry Rollins
A Word from our CEO
The first quarter of 2025 has come to a close and business was very favorable for the members of Railroad Employees Credit Union. Loans continued to show growth which is a sign of consumer confidence. Membership is also growing for the RECU family as we continue to see organic growth that outpaces our competitors not only locally but in our state against our peers.
Most recently there has been consumer concern over the tariffs and how this could impact overall consumer spending. We here at RECU believe that the “show must go on” and we will be continuing with the same great service, new great products and staying extremely competitive in the market. We are Railroader strong!
This second quarter will bring about some increased visibility for RECU as we will be making two historic yard visits. For the first time ever, we will be on site visiting the BNSF Amarillo Texas yard as well as the BNSF Needles California yard. There has been a request to show our presence in these member rich areas and we will be answering the call.
Please stay tuned for MEMBERS + as we are feverishly working towards an official roll out date for this membership level and all the discounts that come with it.
-Matthew Soto, CEO.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Blood Drive
Click here to register
Wednesday, April 9th
10:00AM – 1:30PM
Parking lot at RECU
Wednesday & Thursday
April, 9th & 10th
Starting at 8AM
Thursday & Friday
May, 8th & 9th
Starting at 8AM
Closed Monday, May 26th
In observance of
Memorial Day
Closed Thursday, June 19th
In observance of Juneteenth
Saturday, June 21st.
9:00AM – 12:00PM
Parking lot at RECU
Finance Coaching
Click here for more info!
Balance Pro offers FREE Webinars for different aspects of financial education
Stay tuned for the launch of Members+
It’s That Time of Year Again!
Summer Skips are Coming
Skip a Loan Payment during the month of June or July!
There is a $20 fee for each loan payment skipped. Must have made 6 monthly or 12 Semi-Monthly payments on loan to skip payment. Real Estate, Christmas Loans and Lines of Credit are not eligible for skips.
Form will be available online June 1st, 2025.
The historical Legacy of
Memorial Day
“Americans began to recognize Memorial Day in 1868, and the country established it as a federal holiday in 1971. Originally known as “Decoration Day,” the holiday started with communities coming together to decorate the graves of those who died during service.
“Every generation, from the Civil War to both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, has had men who have either paid the ultimate sacrifice or have been injured. So, it’s ingrained in our DNA to stand in the gap,” said National Guard veteran Bill Hansen. “To stand in the gap is to serve and support our country, and our family, even when others don’t.”
After the Civil War, Americans across the nation began holding tributes in the spring, decorating graves with flowers, reciting prayers, and honoring the estimated 620,000 fallen soldiers of the war (2% of the population at the time). Some records show that formerly enslaved people in Charleston, South Carolina organized the earliest Memorial Day commemorations in 1865. In 1866, the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the official birthplace of Memorial Day when the city closed all businesses so residents could decorate the grave sites of soldiers with flowers and American flags every year.” -Wounded Warrior Project
The historical Legacy of
Juneteenth
“On “Freedom’s Eve,” or the eve of January 1, 1863, the first Watch Night services took place. On that night, enslaved and free African Americans gathered in churches and private homes all across the country awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had taken effect. At the stroke of midnight, prayers were answered as all enslaved people in Confederate States were declared legally free. Union soldiers, many of whom were black, marched onto plantations and across cities in the south reading small copies of the Emancipation Proclamation spreading the news of freedom in Confederate States. Only through the Thirteenth Amendment did emancipation end slavery throughout the United States.
But not everyone in Confederate territory would immediately be free. Even though the Emancipation Proclamation was made effective in 1863, it could not be implemented in places still under Confederate control. As a result, in the westernmost Confederate state of Texas, enslaved people would not be free until much later. Freedom finally came on June 19, 1865, when some 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas. The army announced that the more than 250,000 enslaved black people in the state, were free by executive decree. This day came to be known as ” Juneteenth,” by the newly freed people in Texas.”
– National Museum of African American History & Culture
505-864-4740
Routing #307084004




