As summer vacation comes to an end, it's time to start thinking about packed lunches, school schedules, and shopping lists. While the Back-to-School season is exciting, it can also bring its fair share of financial stress. Between school supplies, technology needs, clothing, fees, and extracurricular activities, expenses can add up quickly. At ēCO Credit Union, we're committed to helping families, students, and young adults prepare with confidence. Whether you're looking for extra financial flexibility, planning ahead for future education expenses, or teaching your children the value of saving, ēCO has the tools you need to start the school year strong.
Back-To-School Loan
Back-to-School expenses can arrive all at once, but that doesn't mean your budget has to suffer. Our Back-To-School Loan is designed to provide financial relief when you need it most. Whether you're purchasing new school clothes, paying registration fees, upgrading a laptop, or stocking up on supplies, this loan can help cover the costs.
Available through August 31st at just 8.25% APR*, our Back-To-School Loan gives families and students the flexibility to focus on learning and growing instead of worrying about finances.
Apply today and head into the new school year with confidence!
Saving Stars
At ēCO, we believe financial education is just as important as classroom education. That's why our youth accounts are designed to help children and teens develop smart money habits from an early age.
Our Saving Stars account is available for members from birth through age 18 and makes saving both rewarding and fun.
Saving Stars Benefits Include:
- 2% interest on the first $1,000*
- $5 reward for every A/B report card – up to $20 per year!
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance requirements
- Scholarship opportunities for high school seniors
- And much more!
By encouraging regular saving and rewarding academic achievement, Saving Stars helps young members build confidence in both their financial and educational journeys.
Forward for Young Adults
Graduating high school, starting college, and entering the workforce are exciting milestones, but they can also be overwhelming. That's why ēCO offers Forward, a suite of products and services designed specifically for members ages 19 to 29.
Forward products help young adults establish strong financial foundations while enjoying convenient account features and credit-building opportunities.
With Forward, You Can Enjoy:
- Interest-earning checking accounts
- Hassle-free direct deposit
- A box of free checks
- Credit-building Forward Loans
- ēCO Forward Credit Card
Whether you're heading off to college, starting your first job, or building your credit history, Forward can help you take the next step with confidence.
Education Savings Accounts
The best way to prepare for next year's school expenses is to start planning today. An Education Savings Account (ESA) can help families save specifically for future educational costs while enjoying the benefits of tax-free growth.
With a minimum balance of $500 and quarterly dividends, ESAs allow you to contribute up to $2,000 annually per child. Funds can be used for a variety of qualified education expenses, including:
- School tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Computers and technology
- Tutoring services
- Room and board
- Extended daycare programs
Education costs continue to rise, but a little preparation today can make a big difference tomorrow. Open an ESA at ēCO and give your child a head start on future success.
A successful school year starts with preparation, and that includes being financially prepared. At ēCO Credit Union, we're proud to support students and families at every stage of their educational journey. From helping cover this year's expenses with our Back-To-School Loan to helping families save for the future through Education Savings Accounts and youth products, we're here to help make Back-to-School season a little less stressful.