A credit score drop can happen because of higher credit card balances, a missed or late payment, a new credit application, or changes to older accounts.

Many people check their credit and feel blindsided by a lower score without understanding what caused it.

 Understanding why your credit score dropped is the first step to fixing it and preventing it from happening again.

Common Reasons Your Credit Score Dropped

1. Your Credit Card Balances Increased

Even if you paid on time, using a larger portion of your available credit can affect your score. This is known as credit utilization, and it plays a major role in how credit scores are calculated.

What helps:

• Paying balances down, even gradually
• Avoiding maxing out credit cards
• Keeping balances well below credit limits

2. A Payment Was Late (Even by Accident)

Payment history has the biggest impact on your credit score.

A missed or late payment (even by a few days) can cause a noticeable credit score drop. This often happens due to:

• Auto-pay failures
• Due date changes
• Overlooked accounts or subscriptions

What helps:

• Setting up reminders or automatic payments
• Reviewing statements regularly
• Contacting lenders if an error occurred

3. You Used More Credit Than Usual

Using more credit for a short period of time can temporarily lower your score — even if you plan to pay it off.

Scores often improve as balances decrease.

4. You Opened or Applied for New Credit

Applying for new credit can slightly lower your score due to:

• A hard inquiry on your credit report
• A shorter average credit history

This type of credit score drop is usually small and fades over time when accounts are managed responsibly.

5. An Old Account Was Closed

Closing a credit card, even one you no longer use, can affect your score by:

• Reducing available credit
• Shortening your credit history

In some cases, closing accounts causes a temporary credit score drop even when finances are otherwise healthy.

6. There’s an Error on Your Credit Report

Credit reports are not always perfect.

Errors may include:

• Incorrect balances
• Accounts that don’t belong to you
• Payments reported late incorrectly

Checking your credit report helps ensure your credit score reflects accurate information.

Common Credit Score Questions (Q&A)

Q: Is it normal for a credit score to fluctuate?

A: Yes. Credit scores often fluctuate from month to month based on balances, payments, and account activity. Small credit score drops are common and usually temporary.

Q: How long does it take to recover from a credit score drop?

A: Recovery time depends on the cause. Paying down balances or correcting errors can lead to improvement within a few months, while missed payments take longer to fade.

Q: Does checking my credit score hurt it?

A: No. Checking your own credit score is a soft inquiry and does not affect your credit score.

Q: What’s the fastest way to improve a credit score?

A: Making on-time payments and lowering credit card balances are the most reliable ways to improve a credit score.

What to Do If Your Credit Score Dropped

If your credit score dropped, focus on what you can control:

• Make all payments on time
• Reduce credit card balances when possible
• Avoid unnecessary credit applications
• Review your credit report for accuracy

You don’t need to fix everything at once. Credit improvement happens through consistency, not quick fixes.

When Extra Guidance Helps

Credit can feel confusing, especially when changes aren’t obvious.

A financial coach can help you:

• Understand what’s affecting your credit score
• Create a realistic improvement plan
• Prioritize next steps without overwhelm
• Stay motivated while progress takes time

Ready to Take Control of Your Credit Score?

Understanding why your credit score dropped puts you back in control.

• Talk with a financial coach about your credit questions
• Explore accounts and tools that support healthy credit habits

Understanding your credit score is just as important as using it, and support makes the process easier.

Disclosure:

This content provided is for informational and educational purposes only. Vantage West Credit Union offers these types of blogs as tools to educate on various potential financial scenarios. We cannot and do not guarantee their applicability or accuracy in regard to your individual circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from our qualified Financial Coaches regarding all personal finance questions. All products and services are subject to approval. Certain restrictions may apply. Federally insured by NCUA.

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What’s New

• You may deduct up to $10,000 per year in interest paid on a qualifying new car loan.
• You can take this deduction even if you use the standard deduction.
• This is called an above‑the‑line deduction under IRC §163(h)(4).

Please Note:

• For your convenience, the total amount of interest paid during the year can be found on your December statement or in Online Banking.
• It is each member’s responsibility to verify whether their vehicle meets the eligibility requirements outlined in OBBBA.

Vehicle Requirements

Your vehicle must be:

• New (not used)
• For personal use
• Assembled in the United States
• Under 14,000 lbs. (gross vehicle weight rating)
• One of these types:
  • Car
  • SUV
  • Pickup truck
  • Minivan
  • Van
  • Motorcycle

Loan Requirements

Your loan must:

• Start after December 31, 2024
• Be a first‑lien loan (the lender is the primary holder)
• Come from a non-family lender

Income Limits

You get the full benefit if your:

• AGI is under $100,000 (single)
• AGI is under $200,000 (married filing jointly)

The deduction slowly decreases above these amounts.

Helpful Links

• IRS: One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act overview
• VIN Decoder (vPIC): Check where your vehicle was assembled

Important Reminder

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not tax or legal advice. Talk to a tax professional to see if your loan qualifies. Vantage West will provide an annual statement of interest paid as required by law.

The post One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Car Loan Tax Benefit appeared first on Vantage West Credit Union.

Most people put off estate planning because it feels complicated, far-off, or uncomfortable. But if something unexpected happens and you die without a will, your loved ones may be left dealing with emotional stress, legal delays, and decisions you never got to make.

Creating a will is a simple way to bring clarity and peace of mind—to you and the people you care about.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will?

If you don’t create a will, your state’s default laws will decide what happens to your property—and you and your family won’t have a say in the outcome.

• Appointing someone to manage your estate
• Choosing who receives your money, belongings, or property
• Deciding who will take care of your children or dependents (if applicable)

Even in the best-case scenario, the process can be lengthy, expensive, and emotionally difficult. And without written instructions, your wishes may not be honored.

Do I Really Need a Will If I’m Young or Not Wealthy?

Yes. If you have:

• A bank account
• A car, home, or other personal property
• Dependents or pets
• Online accounts or digital assets
• Preferences for your health care or final arrangements

…you have an estate worth protecting. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants a say in what happens next.

How to Make a Will Online (Without a Lawyer)

The good news: creating a will no longer requires expensive attorney fees or paperwork marathons. As a Vantage West member, you can:

• Create a legally valid will or trust online
• Designate beneficiaries, guardians, and health care directives
• Support at each step
• Make updates anytime your life changes

Questions? Our Legal Karma Experts Are Here to Help

Should I Create a Will or a Trust?

Both are helpful, but serve slightly different purposes:

• A will outlines your final wishes and takes effect after you pass away
• A trust can go into effect during your lifetime and may help you avoid probate

If you’re unsure which is best, Legal Karma has resources available to help you understand your options and decide what is best for your needs.

What If I’m Not Ready to Start?

That’s okay. The most important thing is to take the first step—like downloading a free estate planning checklist to help you organize your information.

They’ll guide you through:

• Identifying your assets
• Choosing guardians or decision-makers
• Documenting your preferences
• Preparing to create your will when you’re ready

Final Thought: Your Wishes Deserve to Be Known

No one likes thinking about the worst-case scenario. But planning ahead doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means giving the people you love clarity.

The post What Happens if I Die Without a Will? appeared first on Vantage West Credit Union.

If you’re feeling behind after the holidays, you’re not alone. Many people struggle to recover financially after the holidays due to extra spending on gifts, travel, food, and end-of-year expenses.

The good news? Financial recovery after the holidays doesn’t require drastic changes or perfect budgeting. A few realistic steps can help you regain control and start a strong financial reset. 

Step 1: Take a Clear Look at Holiday Spending 

The first step to recovering financially after the holidays is clarity. 

Start by reviewing: 

• Credit card balances from holiday spending 

• December transactions in your checking account 

• Any upcoming bills or minimum payments 

You’re not judging past decisions — you’re identifying what needs attention now. Understanding your holiday spending is the fastest way to regain financial control. 

Step 2: Prioritize Holiday Debt and Bills 

Not all financial issues need to be solved at once. 

When recovering from holiday credit card debt, focus first on: 

• Making minimum payments on all debts 

• Identifying high-interest balances 

• Avoiding late fees or penalties 

If you’re carrying debt from the holidays, staying current matters more than paying everything off immediately. 

Step 3: Small Wins That Help You Recover Financially 

Momentum is key when you’re working to recover financially after the holidays. 

Choose one small, achievable action: 

• Pause unused subscriptions 

• Set up automatic payments 

• Transfer $10–$25 into savings 

• Commit to not adding new holiday-related debt this month 

Small wins build confidence — and confidence makes financial recovery sustainable. 

Step 4: Create a 30-Day Financial Reset 

You don’t need a full annual budget yet. A short-term financial reset is enough to get started. 

Ask yourself: 

• How much money is coming in this month? 

• Which bills are non-negotiable? 

• What expenses can be reduced temporarily? 

A 30-day plan helps you recover from holiday overspending while setting the stage for healthier habits. 

Q: Is it common to struggle financially after the holidays? 

A: Yes. Struggling to recover financially after the holidays is extremely common, especially when holiday spending is put on credit cards. Many people enter January with higher balances and lower savings. 

Q: Should I pay off holiday debt or start saving first? 

A: Ideally, both—but start small. Focus on minimum payments for holiday debt while beginning to save even a small amount. Having savings can help prevent future credit card reliance. 

Q: How long does it take to recover financially after the holidays? 

A: For most people, financial recovery after the holidays takes a few months. Consistent small steps, not drastic changes, make the biggest difference. 

Q: What if I feel overwhelmed by holiday debt? 

A: Feeling overwhelmed after holiday overspending is a sign you may benefit from guidance. A financial coach can help you prioritize debt, manage expenses, and create a realistic recovery plan. 

Q: Where should I keep money I’m trying to save after the holidays? 

A: A high yield savings account is a good place to start your recovery. It separates savings from daily spending while keeping funds growing and accessible. 

When to Get Help Recovering from Holiday Spending 

If holiday debt or financial stress feels unmanageable, you don’t have to handle it alone. 

A financial coach can help you: 

• Review holiday spending and debt 

• Create a recovery plan that fits your life 

• Start saving without feeling restricted 

• Build confidence in your financial decisions 

Ready to Recover Financially After the Holidays? 

Recovering financially after the holidays isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress

You don’t have to do it alone.

Explore savings account options

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TUCSON, AZ (DECEMBER 16, 2025) – Vantage West Credit Union has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Regional Credit Unions for the third consecutive year.

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group recognized companies that are committed to powering local economies by supporting small businesses, financing community projects, and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. Read more about what makes Vantage West one of the best at www.VantageWest.org/Why-Us.

“We’re honored to be recognized by Newsweek for a third year,” said Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, CEO at Vantage West. “It underscores our commitment to serving our members and strengthening the communities we call home. Every day, our team works to make a positive impact, and this honor reflects that shared dedication.”

Jennifer H. Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief at Newsweek, adds, “More than financial service providers, credit unions are community partners, showing up in neighborhoods, participating in local initiatives, and helping strengthen the connections that bind their members together.”

Vantage West’s approach to modern banking aims to meet members where they are and to provide holistic financial wellness support, empowering them to take control of their financial future.

The post Vantage West – America’s Best Regional Credit Union for Third Year appeared first on Vantage West Credit Union.

Need a break from your loan payment?

Choose to Skip-A-Payment — one per year, per loan.

Requests can be processed using our Skip-a-Pay feature in online banking or via our mobile app. Simply sign-in to check your eligibility.

Skip-A-Pay can only be used on installment loans secured by vehicles (autos, RV’s, motorcycles, etc.), signature loans, and variable rate share secured loans. Loan payment deferment will be your next due date. Please refer to your statement to confirm the month being skipped.

There is a $30 processing fee to skip a payment on each loan.

Terms and Conditions

1. All deferrals are subject to approval criteria established by Vantage West Credit Union and restrictions may apply.
2. Installment loans secured by vehicles (autos, RVs, motorcycles, etc.), signature loans, and variable rate share secured loans are eligible for the Skip-A-Payment program. Business loans, loans secured by real estate, Buy Now Pay Later loans, CashPlease loans, fixed rate share secured loans (i.e. those tied to certificates of deposit) and revolving loan types (i.e. credit cards and lines of credit) are not eligible for the program.
3. To be eligible, you must be current on all payments and not have caused Vantage West a loss.
4. Loans with a modifications in the last 12 months, workout loans, and loans that are currently delinquent or have been delinquent 61 days or more in the last 12 months are not eligible for the Skip-A-Payment program.
5. Loans must be open a minimum of 4 months to be eligible.
6. Account must be in good standing and have par value.
7. To be eligible, vehicle secured loans must have current and acceptable insurance. Loans with active Vantage West issued collateral protection insurance policies are ineligible.
8. Minimum monthly loan payment must be greater than $50.00 to be eligible.
9. You can only skip one payment per calendar year, per loan, with this program. Skips must be at least 90 days apart.
10. Although no late charges or penalties will be imposed for failure to make the payment being deferred, finance charges will continue to accrue at the rate provided in your original loan disclosures and agreements.
11. Deferring a payment will result in higher total finance charges than if you made payments as originally scheduled.
12. Deferring a payment will extend the term of your loan and extra payment(s) will be required after your loan would be otherwise paid off.
13. If the deferred payment is scheduled for an automatic transfer or electronic payment through Vantage West, we will advance that scheduled payment and set it to resume the following month. If your payment is originated from another financial institution, it is your responsibility to update that scheduled payment. Vantage West will not be responsible if the payment is not cancelled in a timely manner
14. You agree and are required to resume your regular payment schedule after the deferred month.
15. Credit life, disability, debt protection, GAP, or other insurance contracts will not extend beyond the original maturity date identified in those contracts as a result of your participation in the Skip-A-Payment program.
16. Requests to skip a payment must be submitted ten (10) business days before the payment’s due date.
17. There is a $30.00 fee for a Skip-A-Payment. It will be automatically deducted from the share account you designate. If funds are not available, your request will not be honored.
18. Vantage West reserves the right to modify the program, or any aspect or feature of the program, at any time without prior notice.

Disclosures

Updated: December 1, 2022

The following loans are not eligible for a payment skip: 1) Credit Cards, Business Loans, Business Credit Cards, Real Estate Loans (First Mortgages, Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit, Land Loans, Investment Properties, and Vacation Homes), Certificate Secured Loans or one time Pay Share Secured Loans; 2) Loans that are currently delinquent or have been delinquent 61 days or more in the last 12 months; 3) Loans with modifications within the last 12 months; 4) Workout Loans; 5) Loans covered by collateral protection insurance. By participating in our Skip-A-Payment program, you agree and understand that: (i)although no late charges or other penalties will be imposed for failure to make the payment being deferred, interest will still accrue on your outstanding balance of the loan at the agreed rate (which will result in higher interest charges than if you made your payment as originally scheduled; (ii) the deferred payment will extend the term of your loan beyond the original maturity date (which will result in you having to make payments after your loan would otherwise have been paid off); and (iii) you will be required to resume your regularly scheduled payments the following month. Please note that any life, disability, debt protection, GAP coverage, or other insurance contracts will not extend beyond the original maturity date identified in those contracts as a result of participation in the Skip-A-Pay program. Payment skips can only be used one time per year and must be at least 90 days apart. Certain other restrictions may apply.  Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS#485751. Subject to approval.

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IT security impacts nearly every part of your customer experience. Jim Jenkins from Vantage West Credit Union talks about how that means more than just keeping data safe.

In this installment of our interview series, we’re talking about something that often seems at odds with brand and experience –IT Security. But, depending on who you ask, humans are responsible for 74-88% of all data breaches. Plus, given how competitive business is these days, how do you balance the essential need for security with a differentiating, user-centered experience? When is enough security enough, and how do you prioritize? To answer those questions we’re talking to Jim Jenkins, the VP of Information Security and Information Security Officer at Vantage West.

In this installment of our interview series, we’re talking about something that often seems at odds with brand and experience --IT Security. But, depending on who you ask, humans are responsible for 74-88% of all data breaches. Plus, given how competitive business is these days, how do you balance the essential need for security with a differentiating, user-centered experience? When is enough security enough, and how do you prioritize? To answer those questions we’re talking to Jim Jenkins, the VP of Information Security and Information Security Officer at Vantage West.

Welcome Jim!

Craig: Your approach to security has always stood out to me, especially how you weave it into the broader customer experience. Vantage West was recently recognized by Forbes as a best-in-state credit union and Newsweek as one of America’s Best credit unions. When you start getting those kind of awards it means that you’ve not just got security figured out, but that you’ve also dedicated yourself to the experience your customers have working with you.

Jim Jenkins: Thanks, Craig. Yeah, I’d say Vantage West has embraced the idea that security is an element of our business that’s actually built into our brand. A credit union is a little bit different from a bank, we’re member-owned so we’re constantly on the lookout to protect our member’s interest. Security at its core is about trust and it’s part of our brand, that we’re a trusted intermediary. When we start talking about security we want to make sure that whatever our members do with their money is secure. If they’re expecting to send money via a transfer tool our members want to know we’ve validated who they are, validated the recipient and then conduct the transaction in a trusted way.

Craig:  That kind of validation seems essential to the overall member experience but how do you strike a balance between meeting the technical demands of security and ensuring a smooth user experience?

‍

Jim: Security isn’t one-size-fits-all. At Vantage West, we think of it as trust in action. We’ve moved away from the old-school ‘castle and moat’ approach—where security was all about big walls and tight defenses. Now, we see it more like armor that our members can wear wherever they go, providing protection without weighing them down.

‍

Craig: That’s a great analogy—security as flexible, user-friendly armor. How do you communicate that to your members without causing unnecessary concern or making things feel too complicated?

‍

Jim: That’s a big part of our strategy. We avoid the doom-and-gloom messaging that often surrounds security. Instead, we focus on building trust. For us, trust comes down to three things: can we do what we say we’re going to, will we follow through, and do we have our member’s best interests at heart? When we emphasize these values, we shift the conversation from one of fear to one of trust. It’s about reassuring our members that we’re not just protecting their money—we’re looking out for them in every way.

Craig: I understand that from a messaging perspective but how do you make sure this trust translates into real action on the members’ part?

‍

Jim: We treat security just like any other feature set with a product owner. I like to say we take a ‘scrummish’ approach to the ideation and delivery of any new security capability which eventually turns into a feature. We use tools like focus groups, prototyping, and user acceptance testing to understand if something is a  problem or causing friction and then we explore the right solution. We treat security like a first-class product within the product suite.

‍

Plus we’re very intentional about how we communicate. We don’t just tell our members what to do—we explain why it matters. Take multi-factor authentication, for example. We offer it as an added layer of security and explain its benefits. But we also respect that not everyone will opt in. Our job is to make sure they’re informed and understand the risks. We’re big on clear, open communication—so our members know exactly what’s at stake and can make the best choices for themselves.

Craig: It sounds like you’re not just providing security but empowering your members to take an active role in it.

 

Jim: Absolutely. It’s about partnership. We encourage our members to be thoughtful and intentional in how they use our services. This way, they’re not just passive users—they’re actively engaged in their own security. It strengthens the relationship and builds a real sense of community within our credit union.

 

Craig: Thinking beyond the feature’s specific goal and asking ‘how does this improve our members lives’ is important, letting you tie it to a strategy that’s anchored in the kind of important relationship building financial institutions need to stay connected in such a competitive space. Thanks for your time Jim.

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Vantage West Credit Union closed all of its Tucson-area branches for All-Team Volunteer Day, providing more than 3,840 total hours of service to various causes, including Habitat for Humanity Tucson.

Vantage West Credit Union: Vantage West closed all of its Tucson-area credit union branches to take part in an All-Team Volunteer Day on Oct. 14, providing more than 3,840 total hours of service to various causes. Efforts included:

• Creating care kits with essential items for youth experiencing homelessness with Youth On Their Own.
• Tending crops and harvesting fresh produce at Felicia’s Farm for families struggling with food instability.
• Constructing affordable housing with Habitat for Humanity Tucson.

 

“This day wasn’t about us. It was about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our neighbors and showing up for them in the way that only a community united by shared values can,” said Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott, president and CEO of Vantage West.

Homebuyers, volunteers, donors, staff and community members gathered in Midtown to celebrate Habitat Tucson’s 500th home built since 1980, within their newly built 7-home neighborhood. Habitat for Humanity Tucson partners with community members and families. The land for the new 7-home neighborhood was gifted by Miramonte Homes, Borderland Construction, Desert Earth Contracting, and Richard Studwell.

Video by Grace Trejo, Arizona Daily Star

Stories of Impact from the Day

Arizona Pest Control: Arizona Pest Control recently donated $30,000 to support sports and education programs in Tucson. Since 2022, the company’s charitable giving has exceeded $100,000, benefiting Sabino, Ironwood Ridge, Catalina Foothills, Mountain View, Salpointe, Empire, Canyon del Oro, Tucson, Cienega, Pusch Ridge Christian, and other Southern Arizona high schools.

 

“Excellence in kids’ education and after-school sports is crucial for successful outcomes for our students and families in the community,” said Caleb Tennenbaum, marketing director at Arizona Pest Control. “Tucson has supported us for over 77 years, and we are committed to giving back to this amazing community in every way we can.”

 

For information about Arizona Pest Control’s support of after-school programs and educational initiatives, email [email protected].

Tucson Federal Credit Union: WholisticTransformation, a local nonprofit that supports youth aging out of the foster care system, has received a grant for more than $90,000. Tucson Federal Credit Union partnered with the nonprofit to secure the Ahead Program grant.

The grant will be used to fund the Resident Navigator initiative, which guides youth toward their goals by connecting them with vetted community resources.

 

WholisticTransformation was founded by TFCU member and board member Bryan Benz.

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