We are proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 AGCU Scholarship Program. These outstanding students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to living out their faith through service to others.
Their achievements reflect the values that AGCU seeks to encourage and support through Banking with a Purpose.
A new federal savings initiative known as the “Trump Account” program is generating interest among parents and financial professionals alike. Designed to encourage long-term saving and investing for children, the program provides eligible newborns with a government-funded investment account intended to help support future education, homeownership, or entrepreneurship.
While the program is still new and evolving, understanding the basics can help families decide whether a Trump Account may fit into their child’s future financial planning.
A Trump Account is a tax-advantaged investment account created for children under age 18 who have a valid Social Security number. The accounts are designed to encourage long-term investing beginning at birth or early childhood.
For qualifying newborns born during the pilot period, the federal government provides an initial $1,000 contribution that is automatically invested into qualifying index funds.
Eligible newborns may receive a one-time $1,000 government contribution deposited into the account. The funds are invested automatically in qualifying index investments designed for long-term growth.
The goal is to help families begin investing early, allowing time and compound growth to potentially increase the value of the account over many years.
The U.S. Treasury Department has also announced the launch of a new nationwide Trump Accounts mobile app designed to help families manage and monitor their child’s account. The app became available nationwide in May 2026 ahead of the program’s official July 4, 2026 launch. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
According to federal announcements, the app allows parents and guardians to:
The platform was developed in partnership with financial technology and investment providers to create a simple, user-friendly experience for families nationwide.
Families may enroll eligible children by making an election on the new IRS Form 4547. After enrollment, the U.S. government is expected to contact qualifying families when it is time to activate their child’s account.
Official account funding and contribution features are expected to begin on July 4, 2026, coinciding with America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The Trump Account program is scheduled to officially launch on July 4, 2026.
Parents may be able to register eligible children by making an election on the new IRS Form 4547. Additional instructions and activation details are expected to be provided through federal guidance and participating financial institutions.
Once enrollment and eligibility are confirmed, the U.S. government is expected to contact qualifying families when it is time to activate the child’s account.
Trump Accounts are designed to provide tax-deferred investment growth. Earnings grow without annual taxation while invested, with taxes generally owed when funds are withdrawn.
Nonqualified withdrawals may be taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to an additional 10% penalty. Families should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific situation.
| Trump Account | 529 Plan |
|---|---|
| Broader future-use goals | Primarily education-focused |
| Government seed deposit for eligible newborns | No federal starter deposit |
| Tax-deferred growth | Tax-free qualified education withdrawals |
Parents or guardians will generally need the child’s Social Security number, basic identifying information, and a participating financial institution or approved program provider.
The program currently includes a one-time $1,000 government-funded investment contribution for eligible children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028.
A 529 plan is primarily designed for education savings, while a Trump Account may allow broader qualifying uses such as education, home purchases, or starting a business.
Yes. The U.S. Treasury Department announced a nationwide Trump Accounts app in 2026 that allows families to enroll eligible children, monitor balances, make contributions, and access educational resources. The app is available on major mobile platforms.
The child must be born during the qualifying window, have a valid Social Security number, and meet federal enrollment requirements.
No. Investments are generally placed in market-based index funds, which can rise or fall in value. Investment returns are not guaranteed.
For official eligibility requirements, contribution limits, tax guidance, enrollment details, and updates about the July 4, 2026 launch, visit the IRS Trump Accounts page:
The Trump Account program is intended to encourage long-term saving and investing for future generations. For families with eligible newborns, it may provide an opportunity to begin building financial resources early in life.
As with any financial decision, understanding the rules, contribution limits, taxes, and long-term goals can help families decide whether this type of account fits into their broader financial plans.
When a natural disaster hits, the impact goes far beyond physical damage. It can disrupt your finances, routines, and sense of stability.
This toolkit is designed to help you take clear, practical steps to regain control—while protecting yourself from fraud during a vulnerable time.
Once it’s safe:
Important documents are easier to protect when stored securely. Items like passports, titles, and insurance paperwork can be kept in a safe deposit box to help prevent loss during future emergencies.
If you’re unsure what your coverage includes, reviewing your policy or speaking with a trusted provider—like AGCU Insurance—can help you understand your options and prepare for future protection.
If used carefully, credit cards can help bridge short-term expenses during emergencies—but it’s important to use them wisely and avoid building long-term debt.
If you’re struggling to make payments, don’t wait—contact your creditors early.
Disasters often mean:
Create a priority list and adjust where needed.
Setting aside funds for specific needs can help you stay organized during recovery. Using sub-savings accounts for categories like repairs, insurance deductibles, or emergency expenses can make it easier to track your progress.
Stay cautious—pressure and urgency are common tactics used in scams.
Disasters can leave people vulnerable—and scammers know it.
If you can’t keep up with payments:
Taking action early gives you more options.
Recovery takes time—and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.
Having the right tools, staying organized, and working with people you trust can make a meaningful difference as you rebuild.
Let’s be honest: money can feel uncomfortable.
Avoidance is one of the most common financial patterns, and it often shows up quietly—letting statements pile up, delaying a budget check-in, or putting off a conversation you know you need to have.
In the moment, it can feel like relief. But avoidance is still a decision. And over time, it carries consequences.
Ignoring your finances doesn’t make problems disappear—it gives them time to grow.
What starts small can quickly turn into something more difficult to manage:
What feels like “I’ll deal with this later” often turns into weeks—or months—of background stress that never fully goes away.
Avoidance doesn’t eliminate pressure. It postpones it—and often increases it.
If you’ve ever avoided opening a statement or checking your balance, you’re not alone.
Avoidance is usually driven by emotion, not logic:
Avoidance works temporarily. But the longer it continues, the more difficult things become.
Many people discover the same thing once they finally take a look: the reality is often far less overwhelming than expected.
Clarity brings direction. And direction reduces stress.
Avoidance is often a signal that something feels unclear or too large to tackle all at once.
The solution isn’t to force a major reset—it’s to change how you approach it.
You don’t need a complete system overhaul. Begin with:
Short, consistent check-ins are more effective than occasional deep dives.
Instead of viewing your finances as something to fix, think of them as information to understand.
Your numbers show:
Avoidance often grows when there’s no structure. Set a regular time—weekly or monthly—to review your finances.
Keeping it consistent makes it easier to stay on track.
Progress doesn’t require perfection. Each small action builds momentum:
Over time, these actions lead to confidence and control.
You don’t have to manage everything in your head.
AGCU’s online and mobile banking tools are designed to give you a clear, simple view of your finances in one place. You can:
Having everything in one place removes a lot of the guesswork and makes regular check-ins easier to maintain.
Even a quick glance at your accounts can help you stay informed and avoid surprises.
When you begin to engage with your finances regularly, even in small ways, the impact becomes clear:
And one of the biggest shifts:
You stop carrying the mental weight of unfinished financial tasks.
Avoidance can feel easier in the moment—but it comes with long-term costs.
Taking a few minutes to engage with your finances can change how you feel about them entirely.
Avoidance is a money decision. And so is choosing to face it.
For generations, Cross Pointe Camp & Retreat Center has been a place where lives are changed.
From the 1940s through today, campers have gathered around campfires, built lifelong friendships, and discovered a deeper calling. Many who stepped onto these grounds as children left with a renewed passion for serving, ministry, and faith.
And while the memories are timeless… the facilities that support those moments need renewal.
AGCU is proud to partner with Cross Pointe Camp & Retreat Center to help update and improve their facilities—ensuring that future generations can experience the same life-changing moments.
To help make that possible:
For a limited time, AGCU will match donations* to support this project.
Every gift you give will go twice as far—helping restore spaces where faith is strengthened, friendships are formed, and purpose is discovered.
Camp isn’t just a place.
It’s where:
It’s where a spark becomes a flame.
Now is your opportunity to invest in the next generation.
👉 Give today
👉 Double your impact
👉 Help Light the Match – Visit a branch, or Call 866-508-AGCU and help us build memories and strengthen the ministries
*AGCU will match donations to Cross Pointe Camp up to a total of $5000.00
We are committed to higher education and young adults. The AGCU scholarship program is our way of thanking our youth account members who have chosen Assemblies of God Credit Union as their financial institution.
This year, Assemblies of God Credit Union (AGCU) will award five (5) scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to graduating high school seniors who are members of AGCU and will attend an accredited college, university, or vocational school in the fall. Additionally, the Merrell Cooper & Michael Cooper Scholarship for $2,000 will be awarded. All scholarships are non-renewable.
The deadline for applications is 5:00 pm (CST) on April 10, 2026.
Do you have questions about the scholarship application or the process? Please email Janelle Carlton at jcarlton@agcu.org
Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose
Stay safe, stay joyful, and keep your money where it belongs!
‘Tis the season for festive lights, warm gatherings… and unfortunately, for scammers hoping to cash in on the holiday rush. Before you finish your shopping list, take a moment to protect yourself from the most common holiday scams making the rounds this year.
Scammers love the holidays almost as much as we do—because it gives them an excuse to send fake delivery notices, order confirmations, or even “letters from Santa” designed to steal your personal information.
What to do:
This is the time of year when generosity shines… and sadly, when fake charities try to take advantage of it.
How to stay safe:
With millions of packages delivered in December, thieves take advantage of boxes left unattended on porches and doorsteps.
Prevention tips:
That too-good-to-be-true price on a popular gift? It probably is too good to be true. Fake online stores pop up every year, collecting money—and sometimes personal data—but delivering nothing.
Think before you click:
“Win a free iPhone!” “Claim your free cruise!” “Holiday gift basket giveaway!”
Scammers use social media and text messages to promise outrageous prizes that install malware or harvest your information.
If it sounds too good to be true, it is.
Ignore suspicious messages, and never download unfamiliar apps or files.
Gift cards are a popular present—but scammers often sell empty, expired, or previously used cards.
Before buying:
Scammers post “job openings” on social media that lead to fake application portals designed to steal your personal information.
To avoid job scams:
Enjoy the season, but keep an eye out for anything that seems off. A few extra seconds of caution can protect your money and your identity.
And remember…
AGCU will never ask for your personal information by text, email, or unsolicited phone call.
If you’re ever unsure, call us directly.
Contact AGCU Member Care:
📞 866-508-AGCU (2428) | Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT
📧 info@agcu.org
💻 Video Banking
The holiday season is a time for joy, generosity, and connection — but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for scammers. As shopping and online activity surge, so do attempts to trick consumers into sharing personal information, sending money, or clicking malicious links.
At AGCU, we want to help protect you and your family from holiday scams. Most holiday frauds are simply variations of everyday scams that take advantage of increased spending, shipping, and charitable giving. By staying alert and knowing what to look for, you can keep your information — and your holiday — safe.
1. Fake Shopping Websites and “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Deals
Scammers create websites or social media posts impersonating major brands. These “spoofing” sites advertise incredible discounts on popular gift items — but the products never arrive. Worse, they’re designed to steal your payment and personal information.
2. Phony Order Confirmations and Coupon Emails
Fraudsters send realistic-looking “order confirmation” or “delivery update” emails containing malware links or fake tracking forms. Clicking these links can expose your account details to criminals.
3. Gift Card Fraud
Gift cards remain a top holiday scam target. Thieves sometimes tamper with cards in stores or trick people into paying for purchases or donations with gift cards.
4. Fake Charity Appeals
Scammers exploit the season of giving by impersonating charities or ministries and pressuring you to donate immediately.
Huge discounts on “hot” products or limited-time deals from unfamiliar websites
Spelling or formatting errors in emails or online stores
Unsolicited messages asking you to click a link, download an app, or confirm an order
High-pressure tactics urging instant donations or purchases
Any request for payment by wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift card
Shop safely.
Type the store’s web address directly into your browser instead of clicking email or text links. Use trusted retailers and check for “https://” in the URL.
Pay smart.
Use a credit card — not a debit card — when shopping online. Credit cards offer stronger protection and make it easier to dispute fraudulent charges.
Buy gift cards wisely.
Purchase directly from the issuing business rather than from retail racks. Register cards when possible and use them promptly.
Stay secure online.
Avoid shopping or accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi unless you use a secure VPN.
Verify before you give.
If a charity pressures you to donate immediately, that’s a red flag. Legitimate organizations will let you give when you’re ready.
Use strong, unique passwords for every account, and consider a password manager.
Enable biometrics or PINs on your phone and devices to protect against theft.
Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible.
Watch for suspicious emails or texts — don’t click unknown links or attachments.
Monitor your accounts regularly and set up alerts for new payees or unusual activity.
Keep your software and apps updated — updates often include critical security patches.
By taking small steps now, you can enjoy a safer, stress-free holiday season and protect your financial wellness all year long.
If you believe you’ve been a victim of fraud or your cards are lost or stolen, contact us immediately.
📞 1-800-558-3424 (24/7 assistance)
Missionaries unable to dial 800 numbers may call 1-701-461-0125.
If your debit card is lost or stolen, don’t wait to report it. Call us right away at 866-508-AGCU (2428)
AGCU will never solicit you for information relating to your account in an email or over the phone.
The NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) does not have any personal information on our membership. Email posing to be from the NCUA is false and an attempt to obtain your personal financial information.
If you have moved, we may contact you to verify your current address.
If you are suspicious of an email appearing to be from AGCU, please call us to verify its validity.
Remember: The holidays should be filled with joy, not worry. Stay cautious, stay informed, and together we’ll keep “Banking with a Purpose” safe and secure.
Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose
Thanksgiving is a time for food, family, and gratitude — but it’s also the #1 day of the year for home cooking fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). While you’re preparing the turkey and all the trimmings, keep your loved ones (and your home) safe with these simple precautions.
The heart of every Thanksgiving celebration is the kitchen — but it’s also where most holiday fires start.
Quick action and the right tools can make all the difference.
Small habits help prevent big problems.
Even with precautions, accidents can happen. That’s why having the right home insurance coverage matters.
AGCU Insurance offers protection for homes, condos, and renters, along with specialized coverage for weddings, valuable items, pets, and more — because peace of mind should always be part of your celebration.
Visit AGCU Insurance or talk with an agent today to review your coverage and make sure you’re fully protected this holiday season.
Mailing:
P O Box 2328, Springfield, MO 65801
Physical Location:
1776 E Independence, Springfield, MO 65804
Physical Location:
1535 N Campbell Ave, Springfield, MO 65803
Phone: 417-447-9356
Fax: 417-889-1964
Email: insurance@agcu.org
Building a strong credit history takes time. That’s why it makes sense to adopt good credit habits even if you aren’t planning to apply for new loans in the near future.
To help improve your credit, make sure to pay your bills on time and try to only use a portion of the total credit available to you.
Following a budget, keeping an emergency savings, and avoiding taking on too much debt in the first place can make it easier to care for your credit.
Keeping up a solid credit history and good credit score is a bit like staying in shape—you have to work at it regularly to stay at the top of your game. If you wanted to run a marathon, you wouldn’t wait to start training until it was a month away. Similarly, you don’t want to neglect your credit until you’re about to apply for a major loan.
