The start of the New Year means new goals, changes, and hopes for many of us. While some of us set out to kickstart our fitness journey or begin a personal journal, others choose to take a closer look at our finances. We find finances at the center of many big decisions in our lives: new jobs, moving into a family home, or even caring for a new pet. That’s why, with the help of one of our Certified Financial Coaches, we’ve set out to gather tips to make your Financial New Year Resolutions more attainable.

The Chaffey FCU W.I.S.E. Financial Coaching Program was designed to provide Members with the tools and guidance to build a complete picture of your financial needs and goals. By creating a personal plan, you can take back control of your finances this New Year.

Getting to Know Our W.I.S.E. Financial Coaches

We sat down with Dereck Sandoval, a Certified Chaffey FCU Financial Coach, to get more familiar with the W.I.S.E. program, and learn what steps you can take to accomplish your personal, financial goals:

Introducing a Chaffey FCU W.I.S.E. Financial Coach

Dereck has worked on the Chaffey FCU Team for over two years, and has been a key member of our Financial Coaching team for over a year and a half. As a Financial Coach, Dereck received certification from America’s Credit Unions via their Financial Counseling course, and has worked with Chaffey FCU Members through a variety of financial topics, such as managing excessive debt, improving credit scores, teaching how to budget, and understanding financial personalities. Apart from helping our members, Chaffey takes pride in not only improving our members financial wellbeing but our communities as well. Dereck works to provide various forms of financial education courses to high schools and adult schools, and is always looking forward to partnering up with different organizations to help make an impact in the community. We as an institution believe financial education should be available to all and take upon ourselves to look for different ways to improve the financial health of our members and communities. 

What are your goals as a financial coach in the WISE program? 

  1. Help members achieve their overall goals, not only financial but, overall life goals.
  1. Help members create habits that can benefit and fulfill the member’s needs.
  1. Create confidence in decision making and peace in day-to-day life. 
  1. Provide the support and comfort needed to help members overcome obstacles.

What is the most meaningful experience you’ve had working with Members in the WISE program over the last year?  

“Being able to bring hope and support to our members who need it and being there to watch them accomplish their goals, one step at a time. Everyone’s definition of financial health is different, so just being able to help across the board.”

WISE Financial Coaching

Habits to help you reach your New Years savings goals.  

Make 2026 your year for purchasing a new car, taking your next vacation, or adopting a new pet.  

  • Pay down credit card balances before acquiring new balances  
  • Set budgets to track your spending and savings. Your budget can be monthly or weekly (sometimes it’s hard to plan for the month as a whole so take it step by step (week by week)  
  • Think twice before making a purchase. Train yourself to become more of a conscious shopper, rather than impulsive buyer.
  • Get into the habit of understanding your relationship with money: how it makes you feel and its impact on your day to day to become more aware of certain habits you may not notice. Think about why you’re buying something, before you spend the money on it.

Tips to help you reach your resolution to pay down debt.  

Get one step closer to eliminating credit card debts, save on monthly payments, and find more room in your budget.

  • Make additional payments on any current debts, before making any new purchases.
  • When possible, pay more than the minimum on debt balances.  
  • Pay down smallest debt first. Once paid off, allocate those funds into the next debt. Work on eliminating debt one debt at a time.

Improve your credit score this year with these best practices. 

Take on the year stress-free with better credit: Can help you move into your next house, save on loan payments, and worry less about high interest rates.

  • Avoid maintaining high utilization rates on your credit cards.
  • Make all credit and bill payments on time.
  • Applying for too much new credit can bring down your score. Only apply for new loans and credit cards when you need to, to avoid opening unnecessary credit lines.