Category: Blog

Things are starting to get back to normal at the credit union, but we’re still living in a world very different from the one we thought we would be in even just a few months ago. Every month we celebrate our employees celebrating an anniversary. We ask them a few questions about their job, and try to keep it light (mostly).

Over the last two months though we’ve done it a little differently. Our August anniversary celebrants answered one simple question;

What is something the credit union does that makes you proud to say you work here?

Mike Chapman – 10 Years

Every day I feel a great sense of satisfaction knowing the Credit Union is making it possible for thousands of local residents to safely take care of their money, no matter their age or background.

Nichole Soares – 2 Years

There are so many reasons I am proud to work at Wauna Credit Union, however the thing that makes me most proud to say that I work here, is that since day one I could see that we genuinely stand by our mission and vision. It is important to me that an institution stands by the things it says and Wauna Credit Union beyond question values people. I get opportunities every day to change members’ lives and it extends beyond just their finances. I get to work under two of the most supportive and encouraging women I have had the pleasure of working with, who consistently provide me with opportunities to learn pretty much all aspects of the credit union; It gives me a lot of pride to know how instrumental our branch is in helping the credit union run smoothly along with the member service we provide. In the two years I have been here I have had the chance to wear many hats, and I get to learn and grow all the time. Every day is a chance to use TMA, especially in the Virtual Branch.

Things are starting to get back to normal at the credit union, but we’re still living in a world very different from the one we thought we would be in even just a few months ago. Every month we celebrate our employees celebrating an anniversary. We ask them a few questions about their job, and try to keep it light (mostly).

Over the last two months though we’ve done it a little differently. Our July anniversary celebrants answered one simple question;

What is something the credit union does that makes you proud to say you work here?

Heidi White – 8 Years

My favorite thing is the work I do every day. I grew up in Clatskanie, and it’s rewarding to help my friends and their family improve their financial well-being. Part of WCU’s vision is that we want to be our members’ financial institution for life, and I really feel that when I help people go from getting their first credit card, to their first car, to their first house, and soon, I’ll be doing the same thing for their kids.

Kristen DeForrest – 4 Years

I am proud to work for Wauna because of the way we show our team and family spirit internally and with our members. We are one big family at Wauna and everyone is welcome with us!

The resulting economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has caused millions of Americans to find themselves out of work through no fault of there own. Several economic stimulus packages have helped out, and it looks like another is on the way, but one thing to keep in mind is that many of the boosts to unemployment are still taxable at both the state and federal level. out of work.

While the federal funds given to most people working or not are not subject to taxation, the essential unemployment benefits are.

Why is unemployment taxable?

If you’re collecting unemployment, the IRS considers it income, just like it would money earned from a job, and you’ll need to account for it when you file your taxes for 2020. While some states, including California, don’t tax unemployment benefits, Oregon and Washington both do

If you received unemployment insurance this year, you’ll receive a Form 1099-G, which shows how much money you received from unemployment benefits. 

How to avoid a large tax bill

There are a few options for paying your unemployment taxes: 

• Paying when you file your 2020 taxes
• Make estimated quarterly tax payments.
• Have your taxes automatically withheld.

Most of us need every dollar of unemployment insurance, but if you can make it work, the easiest option is to have taxes automatically withheld, just like you would from a normal paycheck

The trickiest one is making estimated quarterly payments. Many sole proprietors, freelancers, or others who get all or some of their income from 1099 jobs make estimated quarterly tax payments. This helps spread out the payment, but you could be off in your estimation and pay too little, or not maximize the amount you have to live on. 

Whatever you decide, we know this is tough on everybody. While we can’t give tax advice, we are happy to help you develop a budget. You can use many of online tools, like Money Management as well.

Things are starting to get back to normal at the credit union, but we’re still living in a world very different from the one we thought we would be in even just a few months ago. Every month we celebrate our employees celebrating an anniversary. We ask them a few questions about their job, and try to keep it light (mostly).

Over the last two months though we’ve done it a little differently. Our June anniversary celebrants answered one simple question;

What is something the credit union does that makes you proud to say you work here?

Monica Lauber – 16 Years

I’m proud that we continue to offer solutions to our members financial needs. It’s about them, not us. Just recently over the last few months most of the mortgage lenders and brokers stopped offering cash out refinances because of the uncertain economic times, but there are still so many reasons people would want to use the equity in their homes. At Wauna, we didn’t for a second think about taking away a valuable resource. Now more than ever, we’re in your corner.

Jeannie Mustola – 4 Years

I just joined our Commercial team, so right now one thing I’m proud of is all the work we do to help keep our area businesses growing and supporting our communities. I’m a life-long Clatskanie resident. I just bought a home here, and I’m going to raise my family here, so the credit union doing its part of keep a strong local economy is important. Over the last two months, we helped more than 100 employees keep their pay through the pandemic with SBA Paycheck Protection Loans. I love our focus on small business and being able to connect with them personally, and help them financially. I love seeing the passion people have for their businesses.

Kerbie Belknap – 4 Years

One thing I love about working here is that we REALLY ARE trying to help our member build their financial well-being. From the type of accounts we open, to the lending that we do, the credit counseling, or even the financial advisors that we partner with. All of this is not to make the credit union rich, but to help our members. That makes me proud.

Alejandra Ortega Bermudez – 3 Years

The fact that we do the most we can for every member, we go above and beyond to help the member in any situation they may be in with regards to their finances or loans.

Jonathan Kintz– 2 Years

When the position opened up and I applied, I was just looking for a simple thing. Like a side gig sort of thing, you know? Little did I know that a position doing a few hours of cleaning a week would open up the doors to the whole company and the tight knit family they have created. I have a great working relationship with my manager. He cares about how I am doing, my family, all on top of getting me all the support and tools I need to do my job the best it can be done. I have attended a few Wauna events and I enjoyed myself thoroughly every time. Even though I rarely see the folks who work at the branch, they find ways to let me know that I am appreciated and part of the team.

I also find it a great privilege to help support a local company doing solid community work. Thinking and acting locally is a big deal to me, and Wauna reflects those values.

Chris Barron – 1 Year

We are an active participant and supporter of our community, even outside of the branch, and outside of business hours. While everybody thinks about financial support, both donations and loans, we also donate our time, expertise, and resources. I’m proud to wear the WCU logo on my chest when I’m out and about, and to be part of this company.

Sabrina Ecker – 1 Year

I am grateful and proud to be part of an organization that does such good things for its members. I’ve been here a year now, and from the beginning, I’ve constantly heard about living our mission and vision, and putting the member first. Knowing that’s our goal lets me concentrate on helping people when they come to the branch.