SPRING 2026
Home Buying Tips for 2026
When you're ready to move in or move up to your next home, here are some tips to save money and make sure the home buying process goes smoothly. We're here to help every step of the way!
- Get pre-approved so that you’re ready when you find your dream home. A pre-approved buyer has the confidence of secured financing and a competitive advantage in today’s housing market.
- Check your credit reports to make sure everything is accurate. Visit annualcreditreport.com, where you can order one free credit report per year from each of the three major credit reporting agencies.
- Visit our step-by-step guide to the home loan process so you understand exactly what you’ll need at each stage, from getting organized, to pre-qualification, to application, to closing.
- Already living in the home you love? Rates have been coming down, so ask about refinancing your mortgage to reduce your monthly payment or shorten your loan term. Even small changes in rates can translate into significant long-term savings. Refinancing can also reduce or even eliminate your mortgage insurance. Plus, there are cash-out options if your home’s value has risen significantly.
Have more mortgage questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
Get Your Senior Ready for College
Incoming college students have a lot to keep track of, and most students aren’t thinking about their finances. After all, the real cost of college goes far beyond tuition. There are fees, books & supplies, housing, meals, and more to consider. That’s why it’s so important to start preparing for college early.
Everything starts with the FAFSA
Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in accessing multiple forms of financial assistance including federal grants, scholarships, work-study programs, low-interest student loans, and even state and college-based financial aid.
Some financial aid is first-come, first served, so there’s no reason to wait. Don’t forget to create a Federal Student Aid ID so you can sign your application electronically, and make sure you verify your financial information using official tax documents to avoid errors. Also, make sure you list every college your Senior is considering so each school can review their eligibility.
The checklists on the Federal Student Aid website are a great place to start making sure you're correctly completing the steps needed.
Help build strong financial habits
For many students, it’s their first time managing their own money. A monthly budget will help them keep track of their spending. A checking account can be used for daily expenses while a savings account puts money aside for emergencies (hint: pizza is not an emergency) and upcoming expenses.
For example, one of the biggest money mistakes college students make is signing up for high-rate credit cards and running up balances. Make sure you have those honest, direct conversations about money and expectations before your student heads off to college so that they’re equipped to make good decisions.
We're here to support students at every stage of their educational journey
For most families, multiple sources of funding are needed, such as grants, scholarships, Federal loans, financial aid from the state or school, savings, and part time jobs. Mission City Federal Credit Union's student loan marketplace can help fill those remaining money gaps so students can focus on learning.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, our dedicated team is here to help. Reach out to us via email at loans@missioncityfcu.org or give us a call at (408) 675-3939.
We're always ready to support you on your educational journey!
Message from the CEO
Delivering Value
At our 67th Annual Meeting in March, we shared just some of the ways we’ve continued to build a better Santa Clara and deliver even more value and savings to our members.
In fact, according to an independent economic research firm, I’m proud to say we delivered average savings of $1,399 per member household during 2025. That’s comparing rates and fees across California to determine how much member households save and earn on checking, certificates, car loans, etc. vs. the same services at a bank.
The exceptional growth we experienced in 2025 makes it apparent that our members recognize and appreciate the value and the great service. Most of our new members are referrals from existing members, their family, friends, and neighbors. So please keep the good words coming!
I also want to mention that we had tremendous interest in our annual meeting this year. Annual Meeting registrations were fully booked within 24 hours of sending the meeting notice. We appreciate your support, and we apologize to those members we couldn’t accommodate. We will be exploring options for a larger venue next year.
In addition, our annual member appreciation day will be coming up in September. Please mark your calendars to enjoy some delicious food, ice cream, games, and opportunity to connect with friends. We will also have the shred truck to securely dispose of your old statements.
Strong Financial Results
I’ll share some financial highlights from 2025:
- Total Membership climbed to just under 4,500
- Record Operating Income of $1,084,000
- Total Capital reached $13.5 million
- Total Assets reached $159 million
These results place us among the top performers in our peer group. I want to thank our team for their hard work in achieving these results.
But of course, success is not just financial. Financial strength is only the foundation that allows Mission City FCU to carry out our mission.
Building a better Santa Clara
We are first and foremost a community organization. Our mission is to improve the financial well-being of our members and our community.
We have done numerous financial literacy events with our partners Santa Clara Unified School District and Mission College. We regularly support and volunteer with local organizations including:
- Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
- Salvation Army
- Santa Clara Public Library
- Santa Clara Rotary & Red Cross Blood Drive
- And a uniquely Santa Clara organization – the Harris-Lass Historic House
We also implemented several service and product enhancements in 2025:
- New online webchat
- Enhanced cybersecurity tools to protect your account
- New Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC as low as 4.99%
- Improved online loan application, which delivers automated loan decisions in seconds
- Financial Counselor certifications for our front line staff, so that they can assist you better with your financial needs
As we look into the future, there are many concerns about the economy and global affairs. At the same time Artificial Intelligence is creating new opportunities in science, medicine, and everyday life. We are optimistic about the future, and we will continue to expand our services and our reach.
Our guiding principles are unchanged
We will be an ADVOCATE for our members and our community. We are committed to financial literacy and wellness.
We will be INCLUSIVE in products, services, and operations. We are dedicated to creating an environment where all members feel valued and supported.
We will use TECHNOLOGY effectively to deliver value for membership. We believe that with the latest tools, our team can focus on personalized service, understanding your needs and being a trusted partner for you.
And last, but not least…. We are 100% dedicated to being a GUARDIAN of our members’ capital. We are committed to managing your capital with the highest care and responsibility.
With these 4 principles as our guide, we will continue building Mission City Federal Credit Union for the future.
We truly appreciate your support and trust. We are looking forward to another amazing year!
Kamil Sakici
Chief Executive Officer,
Mission City Federal Credit Union