2026 Winter Possibilities
A new year comes with new goals and priorities. At Ascend, our mission is to help our members be prepared for whatever is in store by making sure your financial plan meets your needs.
There’s never a bad time to have a financial professional review your plan, so that you can be assured that your budget matches up with your goals. However, January might be the best time, as it allows you to set yourself up for a whole year of success.
As an Ascend member, you have access to free, one-on-one financial health checkup appointments with our in-house, certified financial counselors. They can comb through your budget or help you design one, go over your debt and strategies to relieve it, and give you recommendations for how to reach your goals, like putting your savings in high-yield accounts. At Ascend, our High-Yield and Rewards Checking accounts returned more than $7.2 million to members in 2025, which is money earned just by using the right product.
Financial health checkups can be done in person at any of our Middle Tennessee branches or virtually. To schedule an appointment, visit your closest branch – many have extended teller service hours available 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday – or click on “Schedule Appointment” at ascend.org and select “Financial Checkup Review.”
Embrace the new year with a financial plan that will set you up for success. I hope you and your loved ones have a prosperous and safe 2026.
Regards,
Matt Jernigan
President & CEO
HOLIDAY CLOSURES
All Ascend branches and offices will be closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, for New Year’s Day and Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Branches and offices will also be closed on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, for President’s Day.
ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION
Ascend’s 75th Annual Meeting and Board Election is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, and will be held in the Apollo Conference Room at Ascend’s Corporate Headquarters in Tullahoma.
ANNUAL REPORT
A downloadable copy of the 2025 Annual Report will be available at ascend.org in March. Printed copies of the report will also be available at all Ascend branch locations.
IRS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Ascend will be sending tax documentation to members in early 2026 as required by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for tax year 2025. Please check the forms you receive carefully and notify the credit union if you have any questions. You may receive a tax information statement showing your 2025 car‑loan interest to support the new OBBBA deduction for interest on qualifying new, personal‑use vehicles assembled in the U.S. and purchased after Dec. 31, 2024. Eligibility is income‑limited, and you’ll need to report your vehicle’s VIN when filing. Ascend does not provide tax or legal advice; please consult a tax professional or see the IRS guidance — members who aren’t eligible may disregard the statement.
DON'T MISS IMPORTANT ASCEND COMMUNICATIONS
Be sure your contact information is up to date with Ascend. In the Ascend app, select Profile under the Settings drop-down menu to update your information.
Boost your balance with accounts designed to help you earn more.
A new year means new financial goals, and 2026 is the perfect time to focus on growing your savings. Instead of letting your money sit idly in a traditional savings account, a High-Yield Account with Ascend can help you reach your goals faster.
High-yield accounts offer competitive dividend rates that compound over time, helping your balance grow even when you’re not making new deposits. At Ascend, our high-yield options give you the flexibility to save your way — whether that’s through a certificate account with a fixed rate and term, or our High-Yield Checking account that keeps your funds accessible.
Start by identifying your savings goals for 2026. How much do you want to save, and by when? Once you know your target, use our online savings calculator (ascend.org/calculators) to see how your money can grow with a higher rate of return. Even a small boost in your dividend rate can make a difference over time.
And if you’re not sure which account fits your needs best, we’re here to help. Our team can guide you toward the right savings product for your situation.
Make 2026 the year your saving strategy pays off.
Keep your information safe.
Tax Day is approaching fast, and in recent years, there’s been a rise in tax-related scams affecting Americans. Do you know how to keep your information safe?
Common Tax-Related Scams
Criminals will use various tactics to try and obtain your personal information. They’ll attempt phishing and spoofing messages, where they’ll claim to be contacting you from a reputable organization and attempt to pry your personal information.
If you receive a suspicious call, text, or email, delete it and do not click on any links. Also, if you receive an unsolicited U.S. Treasury check, notify the authorities immediately and do not make any payments to the sender. You can verify your tax return check on the U.S. Treasury’s website at tcvs.fiscal.treasury.gov.
Tax Season Safety Tips
There are a few easy practices to help keep yourself safe from tax-related scams:
- Always file your taxes with a certified professional
- Verify your Treasury check’s legitimacy and track your refund
- Look at your Treasury check’s routing number — verified U.S. Treasury checks end in 518 preceded by zeroes
- Find the “U.S. Treasury” watermark on both the front and back of your U.S. Treasury check
- Remember, U.S. government agencies will never ask you to wire money or pay fees to receive your tax refund or any other Treasury check
Tools to Help
As an Ascend member, you have a full set of tools available to help safeguard your personal and financial information. In the Ascend app, take advantage of automated fraud and account alerts, card controls, travel notices, SavvyMoney credit score monitoring, and our Advance Consent Agreement, which allows elderly members to designate a contact in case of suspected fraud.
By utilizing our fraud protection tools and practicing safe habits, you can keep your information confidential this tax season. Log in to the Ascend app to get started.
If you think fraud has affected your Ascend account, please contact us immediately at 800-342-3086.
Members Enjoy Extra Tax Savings
Being an Ascend member earns you discounts during tax season at TurboTax and H&R.
Ascend is recognized for excellence in serving employees and our community.
American Banker Best Credit Union to Work For
For the 10th consecutive year, Ascend is proud to be recognized by American Banker as one of the best credit unions to work for in the United States. We are proud to foster a culture that values our employees and invests in their personal and professional growth.
2025 Ruthie’s Community Choice Awards
Ascend has once again been named Favorite Credit Union in Rutherford County in the 2025 Ruthie’s Community Choice Awards. Thank you to our members and neighbors for your trust and loyalty. We look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful community.
Annual Costumed for a Cure Fundraiser
This Halloween, employees at Ascend locations throughout Middle Tennessee participated in the annual Costumed for a Cure fundraiser benefiting Blood Cancer United, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Employees dressed in creative costumes and decorated pumpkins, and anyone who visited an Ascend location could vote for their favorite with a contribution to Blood Cancer United. In addition to a $10,000 corporate donation from Ascend, employees and members raised nearly $5,000 to go towards research and support services for patients and their families.
Ascend Supports Operation Stand Down
Ascend team members attended two Operation Stand Down Tennessee (OSDTN) events this fall — the Columbia Heroes Breakfast on Sept. 11 and the 15th annual Nashville Heroes Breakfast on Nov. 7. OSDTN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive resources and support to military-connected individuals. Through programs focused on housing, employment, and other wrap-around services, OSDTN helps veterans reintegrate into civilian life, achieve stability, and connect with their communities. The Heroes Breakfast is a signature event that honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and military personnel. Ascend proudly served as an event sponsor, contributing a $10,000 donation to the Nashville event and a $5,000 donation to the Columbia event.
Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee Donation
Ascend donated $17,500 this year to the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. The contribution provided vital funding for the Girl Scouts’ needs-based summer camp financial assistance program, new leader jumpstart, Council Quest resources, and the annual Girl Scouts luncheon.
Aninspiring evening at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.
Community, compassion, and country music took center stage at Ascend Amphitheater during the Champions for Children event on Oct. 29 benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
As presenting sponsor, Ascend donated $100,000 to support Monroe Carell’s mission of providing lifesaving care and hope for children and families across Tennessee. The evening brought together local leaders, supporters, and artists for a night of giving and celebration, featuring performances by Jamey Johnson and Brothers Osborne. Country legend Kix Brooks, of Brooks & Dunn, was also honored for his longtime dedication to Monroe Carell’s patients and families.
Ascend’s partnership with Monroe Carell continued in December as title sponsor of the 20th annual River of Hope Radiothon on 107.5 The River, contributing an additional $10,000 to support the event.
Since 2013, Ascend has donated more than $500,000 to Monroe Carell through event sponsorships and community giving — helping ensure that more children across Tennessee can grow, heal, and thrive.
We can help. Schedule a free financial health checkup today.
Do you have your financial goals set for the new year? If you haven’t sat down and thought through your plan yet, or don’t know where to start, you have a partner ready to help with Ascend.
Do you have a plan?
January is the perfect time for a financial wellness reset. Review your spending over the last few months — taking holiday spending into account — and pinpoint areas where you were successful and where you could potentially cut back. Then, adjust your budget accordingly and look for ways to boost your savings with minimal effort, such as transferring your savings to a high-yield account or opening a certificate account.
Make Saving More Convenient
In the Ascend app, you can set up automatic transfers to consistently put money into your savings accounts or pay your bills. You won’t have to worry about moving money each month or making sure you hit the due dates for your bills — it will be taken care of for you.
Give Your Plan a Checkup
As an Ascend member, you have access to free financial health checkup appointments with one of our local certified financial counselors. When you meet, they’ll go over your budget or help you create one, discuss your goals and savings strategies, give suggestions for cutting debt, and much more. This is a great way to ensure you’re set up for a successful year ahead, and appointments are available both in person and virtually. Stop by your closest branch or schedule your checkup online.
Stay on top of your credit and secure your financial future with SavvyMoney.
Your credit score plays a big role in your financial journey. From qualifying for an auto loan to buying your first house, your credit history can affect your financial opportunities. That’s why credit monitoring should be part of everyone’s financial journey.
Ascend makes it easy for our members to stay on top of their credit. We offer our SavvyMoney tool inside digital banking to provide credit score monitoring at no cost to you. Navigate to the “Your Credit Score” widget in the Ascend app to access SavvyMoney and start monitoring your credit today.
In addition to allowing access to your credit score anytime, SavvyMoney also monitors your credit report daily and informs you by email if there are any big changes detected, such as a new account being opened or a new credit inquiry being made. This monitoring tool is a great way to keep an eye out for identity theft.
To start improving your score:
Pay on time: Your payment history has a significant on your credit.
Keep balances low: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit limit.
Avoid unnecessary new credit: Too many inquiries in a short period can lower your score.
Review your report: Check for errors or unfamiliar accounts and dispute them right away.
Keeping your credit in good shape doesn’t have to be complicated. Log into the Ascend app today to access SavvyMoney and take charge of your finances in 2026.
Get prequalified and start your home search.
If buying a home is in your plans for 2026, Ascend will be your partner every step of the way. We have a knowledgeable local team ready to assist you throughout the mortgage process, from prequalification through closing.
When you choose Ascend as your lender, you get more than just competitive rates and various mortgage program choices. We handle most of our mortgage servicing in-house* — that means no confusion about where to make payments or who to call if you have questions. We’re truly your partner throughout the life of your loan.
We also have a mortgage team that lives and works in Middle Tennessee. They are familiar with the local market and possess a wealth of knowledge that can guide you through your mortgage journey.
The best way to start the process is by contacting an Ascend Mortgage Loan Originator and asking about prequalification. Once you’re prequalified, you’ll know how much you can afford and what price range you should be looking for.
Make a new home part of your new year plans. Contact the Ascend mortgage team at 931-454-1300 or go to ascend.org/mortgage to get started.
Federally insured by NCUA. Ascend is an equal housing lender. NMLS #451452. All loans are subject to credit approval.
*Ascend services all mortgage loans, excluding FHA and VA loans.
Don't miss your chance to receive one of our 10 scholarships!
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’re awarding ten (10) $2,500 scholarships for the 2026-27 school year, and applications are now open!
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. Previous Ascend scholarship recipients may reapply if they meet program requirements.
The deadline to apply is Feb. 27, 2026.
Visit ascend.org/scholarships for eligibility requirements and to apply.
Wil-Ma Valor - Spring Hill
Joy Revived - Lewisburg
South Sudanese Diaspora Advocacy Alliance - Murfreesboro
Sunshine Community Inc. - Madison
Future Generation Early Learning Centers - Mt. Juliet
Aztec Atlantean Alliance - La Vergne
Home Builders Association of Middle TN - Brentwood
Lebanon Lions Club - Lebanon
UncommonTEEN Ministry - Lebanon
The Freetheism Foundation & Book Apothecary - Carthage
Email bizdev@ascend.org to learn how we can help improve the financial well-being of your organization’s employees, members, or students.
Meeting to be held Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1 p.m.
The Nominating Committee for the Ascend Board of Directors has submitted nominations for three Board seats to be filled in 2026. Click here for biographical data on nominees David Elrod, Ramon J. Guzman, and Anthony J. Taylor.
Nominations by petition must be submitted to the secretary of the Board of Directors no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10, to qualify. Nominations by petition must be signed by 1% of the membership (minimum of 20 and maximum of 500 signatures). Biographical data and a signed “Notice of Willingness to Serve” must accompany petitions.
Blank petitions and “Notice of Willingness to Serve” forms may be obtained by contacting the Ascend marketing team at mktg@ascend.org. In the event that no nominating petitions are filed by the general membership, nominees submitted by the Nominating Committee will be elected by acclamation. In this case, according to the by-laws, a mail ballot is not required.
Nominations will not be accepted from the floor at the Annual Meeting if there is at least one nominee for each position to be filled.
The results of the 2026 Annual Election will be announced at the 75th Annual Meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, March 21, and will be held in the Apollo Conference Room at Ascend Headquarters in Tullahoma.