2025 Fall Possibilities
At Ascend Federal Credit Union, we’re often asked about the difference between credit unions and banks. While we share some similarities in the products and services we offer, the key difference lies in how we’re structured: Credit unions like Ascend are not-for-profit cooperatives owned by our members, while banks are for-profit entities owned and controlled by shareholders.
That difference matters because, as a member-owned financial institution, our top priority is helping our members and the communities we serve achieve financial success. One way we do that is by sharing a portion of our profits with our members in the form of lower rates on loans and higher rates on deposit products. This year, we’re proud to give back over $11.2 million to members, which includes $7.2 million distributed from our checking accounts and $4 million in annual dividends and loan interest refunds.
We also believe that education is key to long-term financial wellness. Our team regularly partners with schools, businesses, and community groups to host free financial education seminars and workshops. In addition, we offer free financial health checkups to help our members evaluate their goals and get the expert advice they need to make sure they’re on the right financial path. You can visit ascend.org/schedule to book a meeting with one of our Certified Financial Counselors either virtually or at one of our Middle Tennessee branches.
The main point that separates banks and credit unions like Ascend is simple: As credit unions, we are invested in you, our members, first and foremost. From the products we offer to our dedicated team of employees, everything we do is centered around serving you. Thank you for entrusting us to be your financial institution.
Regards,
Matt Jernigan
President & CEO
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All Ascend branches and offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving; Thursday, Dec. 25 for Christmas Day; and Thursday, Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. We’ll also close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24, for Christmas Eve.
SHRED DAY NOTICE
Shred Day is returning Nov. 8 and 15. Keep an eye on our social media for more information to be announced soon.
SAVE YOUR DECEMBER STATEMENT
Included in your December statements is information you will need to file your 2025 tax return. Please keep this statement for tax purposes. Remember, according to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, if dividends (interest) earned are not reported on your tax return, a penalty may be incurred.
VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS
Members now have the option to meet virtually with one of our Ascend Financial Service Officers or Business Banking Advisors.
At Ascend, giving back isn’t something we do once a year, it’s part of who we are. As a not-for-profit credit union, our mission is to put people first, and in 2025, we found more ways than ever to deliver value to our members and communities.
Here’s a look at how we gave back this year:
$7.2 million distributed through our High-Yield and Rewards Checking accounts, helping members maximize the value they receive monthly just for using their account.
$4 million in annual dividends and loan interest refunds to be deposited into member accounts in November.
48,500 members increased their credit score with the help of our SavvyMoney tool, moving one step closer to financial confidence.
5,359 youth members opened a savings account with Ascend, starting their journey towards becoming financially independent.
Over 16,000 new members joined the credit union, with our service extending to more than 260,000 members across Middle Tennessee.
Over $450,000 donated to community organizations across Middle Tennessee, supporting the places where our members live, work, and serve.
$47,500 given in academic scholarships from Ascend, helping ease the financial burden of higher education.
Over 50 financial literacy workshops hosted across the state, empowering members to make informed decisions about their money.
4,860 local students received free financial literacy curriculums in their classrooms to teach financial basics at a young age.
Whether it’s higher dividends on our deposit products, lower loan rates, or programs designed to help members thrive, we believe financial wellness should be accessible to everyone.
Since 2005, Ascend has returned more than $120.5 million in annual dividends and loan interest refunds to our members. This year’s dividend, totaling $4 million, will be deposited into accounts on November 15.
This return is just one piece of a bigger story of how we support our members every day, all year long — and in 2026, we look forward to finding even more ways to make a difference.
For more than 74 years, Ascend has been a trusted financial partner for individuals and families across Middle Tennessee. Our mission extends beyond banking, as we are committed to helping our members achieve long-term financial success while making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Experience the Ascend difference with:
Extended banking hours – Teller service is available at many of our branches from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, so members can easily conduct banking transactions outside of normal business hours.
Local service – Whether you’re making a transaction with a teller or have questions about your mortgage loan, when you contact us you will speak with an Ascend representative located right here in Middle Tennessee.
Fast transactions – We’ve updated many of our branch lobbies to include Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs) for quick transactions with the help of a local teller.
Personalized guidance – Ascend members can schedule a free one-on-one financial health checkup with a Certified Financial Health Counselor. No matter what financial stage you’re in, they’ll develop a personalized plan that matches your goals.
Community giveback – As a not-for-profit credit union, Ascend aims to make a positive impact through partnerships, scholarships, and volunteer efforts that strengthen the communities we serve.
MTSU Blue Raider Blitz
Our Tullahoma headquarters was proud to be one of the stops for the 2025 MTSU Blue Raider Blitz. The event featured a meet-and-greet with Blue Raider athletes and coaches, including Blue Raider Athletics Director Chris Massaro and Head Football Coach Derek Mason.
Lewisburg Branch Chamber Coffee
In July, our Lewisburg branch hosted the Marshall County TN Chamber of Commerce for their monthly Chamber Coffee event, bringing together business and community leaders for a morning of connection and conversation. We are grateful for the Chamber’s commitment to strengthening our community and are proud to support their meaningful work.
TN Cares Conference on Aging
Ascend Paralegal Fran MacConnell served as a panelist at the Tennessee Department of Human Services’ Nashville CARES Conference on Aging. The event brought together experts focused on addressing challenges facing aging Tennesseans. Fran shared valuable fraud prevention insights including a powerful story about advocating for a member who was the victim of elder financial abuse.
Rutherford Main Street Awards – Best Credit Union
Ascend has once again been voted as Best Credit Union in Rutherford County by the 2025 Main Street Awards. Thank you to our members and neighbors for your continued trust. We're so grateful for the opportunity to serve this incredible community.
In today’s economic climate, finding ways to reduce your monthly expenses is more important than ever. One option you may want to consider is consolidating any high-interest debts into a single, low-interest personal loan from Ascend.
Benefits of Debt Consolidation
Consolidating your debt can save you money each month by reducing what you pay in interest. For example, credit cards can sometimes have interest rates in the upper 20% range — if you have multiple that have unpaid balances, that’s a lot of money per month in interest costs alone. Combining that debt into one personal loan with a lower interest rate could lower the overall monthly payment and should help you pay it off faster.
Debt consolidation can also have a positive impact on your credit score, especially if it helps you pay down balances and make payments on time.
Always Borrow Responsibly
While personal loans can help relieve debt stress, it’s important to practice responsible spending and borrowing habits. Always make your payments on time and only borrow enough to cover your needs. Also, avoid taking on additional debt while you’re working to pay off your current debt.
Over the past 23 years, Ascend has supported our members in their pursuit of higher education through our scholarship program, awarding $306,000 since the program's inception in 2003. We are happy to share that our 2026 scholarship application will open in December.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be members of Ascend Federal Credit Union and plan to enroll or prove enrollment as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, technical or trade school in pursuit of an associate, bachelors, masters or other advanced-degree program in the next academic year.
Past Ascend scholarship winners may reapply if they meet the program requirements. If you are interested in applying for an Ascend scholarship, be sure to follow us on social media @ascendfcu and watch your email for additional information.
Visit ascend.org/scholarships for eligibility requirements and to apply.
Ascend and credit unions from all over the world come together each year to celebrate International Credit Union (ICU) Day. Stop by any of our Middle Tennessee branches on Oct. 16 to experience the Ascend difference and help us celebrate ICU Day with a special treat.
Since 1948, the annual celebration has been dedicated to recognizing credit unions for the important work we do serving our members, as well as empowering our local communities. Credit unions are unique in the financial industry in that we are nonprofit, member-owned cooperatives, solely dedicated to the success of our members and the areas we call home.
Our community-focused nature allows credit unions to truly connect with the people we serve, especially those in underserved areas where larger banks can’t or won’t reach. At Ascend, we believe in fostering stronger communities by having longstanding relationships with local small businesses as well as nonprofit organizations, such as Second Harvest Food Bank, Operation Stand Down TN, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and many more.
Thank you for being a member of Ascend!
As you prepare for the holiday season with shopping, gatherings, and seasonal deals, it’s important to protect your cards, accounts, and personal information from fraudsters targeting busy shoppers. Ascend is here to help you shop smarter and safer with these simple holiday fraud prevention tips.
Monitor Your Accounts Regularly
Monitor your accounts regularly to spot fraud early. Review your credit and debit card statements weekly and set up transaction alerts to catch suspicious activity immediately. Ascend members can use card control features in digital banking to lock and unlock cards, limit transactions, and monitor activity right from your phone.
Do Not Share Your Personal Information
Scammers use a tactic known as spoofing to make it appear that you are receiving a phone call, email, or text message from Ascend to trick you into sharing account information. If you receive a suspicious message or phone call, contact Ascend directly at 800-342-3086 to verify its legitimacy. Remember, Ascend will never ask for your digital banking login credentials or one-time passcode.
Shop with Caution
When shopping online, stick to reputable websites, avoid unfamiliar pop-ups, and check for a secure URL (https) with a lock icon before entering payment details. Keep your devices updated with the latest security settings to protect against online threats.
Keep Your Cards Secure
While shopping in stores, store your cards securely and consider using a digital wallet like Google Pay or Apple Pay for an extra layer of protection.
Take Immediate Action if Needed
If you notice suspicious activity or believe your card has been used fraudulently, report it to your financial institution immediately. Ascend members can call us at 800-342-3086 for assistance if fraud is suspected.
One of the key areas of focus in our community involvement efforts at Ascend is to aid local organizations in the fight against hunger, such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. We’re long-standing partners, and Ascend is a proud sponsor of their holiday campaign each year, as well as their Mobile Markets, which are designed to go directly into communities most impacted by food insecurity and eliminate transportation barriers.
Second Harvest Food Bank has served the Middle Tennessee community for nearly 50 years. They work to ensure equitable access to food and resources in our community and strive for a future where everyone is food secure and no food is wasted. Through partnerships with local organizations and individuals, they’re able to take donations of surplus food and repurpose them for those experiencing food insecurity. Also, they help empower community members through education, advocacy, and connecting them with the proper resources.
Want to get involved? Second Harvest Food Bank is always looking for volunteers, and it also hosts many events throughout the year to support its important mission. There are a wide variety of other ways you can give.
Certificate accounts are a smart way to grow your savings with guaranteed returns and no risk. If you’re looking to earn dividends while keeping your funds protected, a certificate account with Ascend can be a smart option.
What is a certificate account?
A certificate account allows you to set aside money for a set period in exchange for a higher rate than a basic savings or checking account, helping your funds grow with confidence. At Ascend, certificate accounts can be opened with as little as $500, are compounded monthly, and have no setup or maintenance fees.
You can receive up to 4.02% Annual Percentage Yield (APY) on our 6-month certificate*.
Is a certificate account right for me?
These accounts are ideal for individuals who already have a separate emergency fund, as it’s best to keep your funds in the account until the term is complete to avoid early withdrawal penalties.
Can I withdraw my deposit before the term is completed?
Yes, but you may be subject to a penalty. For more information view our disclosures at ascend.org/certificates.
What happens when the certificate account matures?
When your certificate account matures, it automatically renews at the prevailing rate and same term length, with a seven-day grace period to withdraw, deposit, or adjust your terms if needed.
Ready to open a certificate account with Ascend?
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your financial journey, opening a certificate account with Ascend is a prudent step toward achieving your financial goals.
*Minimum $500 deposit required. Offer effective as of September 1, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time. Fees can reduce your earnings. There is a penalty for early withdrawal.
As the year wraps up, it’s the perfect time to evaluate your finances. Whether you’re building an emergency fund or saving for the holidays, Ascend is here to help you finish the year strong and prepare for a successful 2026.
One of the best ways to do this is by scheduling a financial health checkup with one of our Certified Financial Counselors either in person at a branch or virtually from the comfort of your home. During your checkup, we’ll help you assess your current financial health, review your spending and saving habits, and create a personalized plan to reach your goals.
After your checkup, you can put your plan into action by setting up automatic transfers to your savings within the Ascend Mobile App. This helps you build your savings consistently, turning your goals into habits without extra effort.
For members looking to grow their funds faster, Ascend offers a variety of high-yield accounts, including certificate accounts, money market accounts, and our High-Yield Checking account. These accounts can help you earn more while working toward your financial goals, and even small, regular contributions can make a big difference over time.
Join Ascend Retirement & Investment Services, offered through LPL Financial (LPL), for one of their upcoming no-cost, no-obligation financial planning seminars. These informative discussions cover various topics vital to maintaining long-term financial independence.
2025 Upcoming Seminars (Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m. CT)
Oct. 21 – Social Security & Your Retirement Planning, Ascend Smyrna Branch
Oct. 21 – Investment Basics Ascend Nashville – Charlotte Ave. Branch
Oct. 22 – Social Security & Your Retirement Planning, Ascend Columbia Branch
Oct. 23 – Social Security & Your Retirement Planning, Ascend Cool Springs Branch
Oct. 23 – Investment Basics, Ascend Tullahoma Headquarters
Oct. 23 – Social Security & Your Retirement Planning, Ascend Murfreesboro Regional Operations Center
Securities and advisory services are offered through, LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Ascend Federal Credit Union and Ascend Retirement & Investment Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Ascend Retirement & Investment Services, and may also be employees of Ascend Federal Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Ascend Federal Credit Union or Ascend Retirement & Investment Services.
Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:
Not Insured by NCUA or Any
Other Government Agency
Not Credit Union
Guaranteed
Not Credit Union Deposits
or Obligations
May Lose
Value
Ascend Federal Credit Union ("Ascend") provides referrals to financial professionals of LPL Financial LLC (“LPL”) pursuant to an agreement that allows LPL to pay Ascend for these referrals. This creates an incentive for Ascend to make these referrals, resulting in a conflict of interest. Ascend is not a current client of LPL for advisory services. Visit lpl.com/disclosures/is-lpl-relationship-disclosure for more information.
The LPL Financial registered representative(s) associated with this website may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.
LPL Financial Form CRS.
As 2025 approaches its end, now is the perfect time to review your finances and set yourself up for a confident start to 2026. At Ascend, our goal is to help you become an effective financial steward, and a few simple steps can make a big difference.
Top Off Your Retirement Plan
If you have a 401(k), ensure you’re taking full advantage of your employer’s matching contributions. Consider catching up on contributions before the Dec. 31 deadline, with a limit of $23,500, plus an additional $7,500 if you’re 50 or older.
For IRAs, you have until April 15 to reach the $7,000 limit, with an extra $1,000 if you’re 50 or older.
Maximize Your Health Savings Account (HSA)
If you have an HSA, consider maximizing contributions before the year’s end to take advantage of tax benefits while saving for future medical expenses. For 2025, the limits are $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families, with an additional $1,000 catch-up for those over 55.
Use Your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Funds
Check your FSA balance and plan your health care spending so you don’t lose unused funds at the end of the year.
Update Your Beneficiary Information
Life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child can affect your beneficiary designations on accounts like savings, retirement plans, and life insurance policies. Take time to review and update your beneficiary information to ensure your accounts reflect your current wishes.
Additional Tips for Year-End Preparation
Organize Tax Documents Early: Begin gathering tax documents, including W-2s, 1099s, and receipts for deductible expenses. Consider Professional Guidance: If your financial situation has become more complex, consulting with a financial professional can help optimize your position.
At Ascend, we’re committed to helping you navigate your financial journey with confidence. By taking these steps now, you can approach the new year prepared and financially secure.
Ascend is not a law firm and does not provide legal or tax advice. The information provided by Ascend is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional.