Our AgFed journey started in 1998 when we opened a joint checking and savings account. We added two Young Savers Club accounts and where thrilled when one of our young savers was selected as a winner of the 2001 Young Savers Club art calendar contest. When faced with an unplanned car purchase, we were relieved to easily secure a car loan. Over time a home equity loan made it possible to renovate our dated kitchen. Post retirement we were proud to open a new small business account. Now we are excited to have a former Young Saver Club art calendar contest winner looking for a first-time mortgage. As our family has grown, we are proud that AgFed has been part of our journey for 22 years.
I have been a member since 1989. That is 31 years. Probably older than many of the current members. I went through the last year of the 80s then the 90s, and now onto the 2000s. We survived the Y2K scare together. I remember when I joined the tellers were located in the Smithsonian Castle building. I got my first car new loan from AFCU. I purchased a new 1996 Nissan Sentra for $11,900 (price of a older used car today). My sons got their first Visa cards from AFCU. I use the savings account to save for my son's first car and family trips. AFCU has been great with providing a summer splash loan and an emergency loan during the current pandemic. Over the years I talked up AFCU. I have convinced my coworkers and family members to join. Thumbs up to AFCU. Here's to another 31 years.
As soon as I began my federal government career I began depositing small amounts from my biweekly paycheck. Small amounts were all I was able to contribute but I soon realized these savings accumulated and enabled security and as time increased so did my feeling of empowerment. This empowerment led to credit security. Many refer to having a successful business is based on location, location, location. That was the case years ago in having the AgFed Credit Union office basically just minutes away from my office. But with the security and ease of online transactions available today with the AgFed Credit Union, it's easier than ever. Knowing if I need additional personal attention or have any questions about financial matters makes having the AgFed Credit Union extra comforting for it similar to having a close financial family - similar to having a rich Uncle. The AgFed Credit Union did become more of a family for I opened accounts for my children. They also learned through our shared accounts how to manage their money and saving small amounts of money over time grows and enables opportunities. I believe our family utilized AgFed Credit Union car loans for at least eight automobiles over the years. The ease and rates of loans we obtained from having AgFed Credit Union moved us down the road to our jobs, colleges, and family destinations. Those memories and experiences are so valuable it's hard to put into words. Years ago I retired and remained with AgFed Credit Union and have no reason to leave. And now, thank goodness I did, for having the AgFed Credit Union account became a blessing in 2020 giving me extra financial security during the Pandemic for our family experienced an unexpected emergency. Having an emergency fund allowed us to manage better during a time when venturing outside the home was jeopardizing not only our health but possible future.
When the holidays come around extra expenses like travel add up, AgFed has been there with a helping hand (and funds!). They make it possible for me to travel to see my family who live almost 1,000 miles away AND still provide presents for my children and those I want to show how much they mean to me. Barbara C. has always been the absolute best every time I have applied for personal and holiday fun loans. Just recently she was able to review my loan, get it submitted, approved, and the funds were in my account THE SAME DAY! Barbara, her coworkers, and Agfed's dedication to customer service and their members is why I continue to do business with this group.