Embers Blog

Meet the New Commercial Credit Administration Manager

Admin — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 2026 – Embers is proud to welcome Lisa DeCaire as our Commercial Credit Administration Manager.

Hailing from Ishpeming, Lisa has spent her entire life embracing the laid-back pace and natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. She brings a wealth of experience in commercial credit, loan operations, compliance, and lending sales, along with a true passion for serving the community she calls home.

Lisa’s professional journey started in tax accounting, but her path led her to commercial credit, a field where she truly thrives. She is excited to bring her expertise and enthusiasm to Embers, partnering with the commercial team to provide thoughtful solutions and meaningful support to local businesses.

For Lisa, the UP is the perfect backdrop for enjoying life’s simple pleasures. She and her husband, Mike, can often be found paddling in a kayak, relaxing in a hammock, or gathering around a fire. While she might not dominate a disc golf course, she knows how to make the most of outdoor adventures, and a spontaneous dance party is always part of the fun.

When she is not outside, Lisa enjoys quality time with her family, visiting camp, or catching up on a Sunday night TV binge. And when it comes to food, Italian is her favorite.

From her very first conversation with Embers, Lisa was impressed by the friendly, enthusiastic, and committed culture of the team. “I was so inspired by the member service and community outreach Embers provides,” she shares. “I am excited to serve the community I have lived in my whole life and to be part of such a welcoming and dedicated team.”

Her focus on collaboration, expertise, and community aligns perfectly with Embers’ mission to support members and local businesses.

Say Hello to Lisa 👋

Lisa is ready to connect with members and local business owners, bringing her passion and professionalism to every interaction. If you see her out and about, be sure to say hi - she’s always happy to connect!

ABOUT EMBERS CREDIT UNION
Embers Credit Union is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution that serves more than 32,000 members across all 15 counties of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and five counties in northern Wisconsin. Embers partners with its members to provide solutions for financial success and actively supports local organizations, events, and community initiatives. For more information, call (906) 228-7080 or visit embers.org.

Meet the New Commercial Credit Administration Manager

Admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 2025 – Embers is proud to welcome Bethany Cody as our new Treasury Management Officer.

A proud Negaunee native, former exchange student, and Northern Michigan University graduate, Bethany brings both deep local roots and a wealth of professional experience to her role at Embers Credit Union. With over two decades of marriage, two sons, and four cats at home, she has mastered the art of balancing family, career, and community involvement.

Bethany’s professional background extends beyond banking. She serves as vice chair on the Marquette Township Planning Commission, volunteers at the Trillium House, and has maintained her real estate broker’s license throughout her career. Her diverse experiences all reflect a common thread, a love for people, teamwork, and finding meaningful ways to make a difference.

For Bethany, the UP is where life’s best moments happen. Whether she is downhill skiing in the winter or spending time at her family’s camp in Big Bay, she finds joy in the region’s natural beauty and small town charm.

When she is not outdoors, you will likely find Bethany cheering from the sidelines at one of her sons’ sporting events. Her youngest has made it to the Little League State Finals four years in a row and brought home one State title, representing Michigan in the Little League World Series. Her oldest recently played in the U.P. All Star Football Game and received the Jack Audette Character Award, a proud milestone for the whole family.

Outside of family life, Bethany enjoys running, yoga, reading, traveling, and spending quality time with her friends. And when it comes to food, Mexican is her go to favorite! 🌮

“I love people, I love our community, and I love working on a team,” Bethany shares.
“I’m excited to connect with local businesses and help provide solutions that make their day-to-day a little easier.”

Say Hello to Bethany 👋

Bethany is looking forward to meeting business owners and community partners, learning their stories, and becoming a familiar face in Embers’ business services team. If you see her out and about, be sure to say hi - she’s always happy to connect!

Meet the New Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Admin — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 2025 – Embers is excited to welcome Magan to our team as a seasoned lending professional with a heart for community.

Magan joins us with 20 years of experience in lending and banking. For the last four years, she has dedicated her skills to the credit union world, where she discovered a true passion for helping members achieve their financial goals.

She lives in Manistique with her husband, their two kids, and their spoiled springer spaniel, Birdie. Magan is deeply committed to her hometown and volunteers her time with several local organizations. She serves as treasurer for both CBC (Cancer, Bay Cliff and Community Charities) and the Manistique Merchants, and she also helps organize the annual Manistique Car Show.

When she is not working, you can find Magan and her family embracing everything the Upper Peninsula has to offer. They love camping, riding bikes, and spending time at the lake. A favorite family road trip is heading to Grand Marais in the summer and fall to enjoy the sights, grab pizza and a beer from the brewery, and, most importantly for her son, pick up rocks along the shore.

Magan and her husband are avid golfers, a passion that inspired their dog’s name, Birdie. Once the kids are in bed, she enjoys a quiet night binge watching shows on Netflix. Her favorite food is simple and fun, fancy appetizers.

Magan was drawn to Embers Credit Union because of our focus on culture, community involvement, and genuine support for members. “I am so excited to join the Embers team,” she says. “Their focus on culture, volunteerism, and supporting their members and our communities connects with my own values. I am grateful for the chance to be part of a credit union that has such a great vibe and I cannot wait to share that in our communities.”

Her dedication to building relationships and supporting her community embodies the spirit of Embers Credit Union.

Say Hello to Magan 👋

Magan is already bringing her positive energy and expertise to our team. Please join us in giving her a warm welcome. We invite you to connect with her and see firsthand the passion she brings to serving our members.

Meet the New Marquette Main Branch Manager

Admin — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

A Journey Rooted in Marquette

Adam was born and raised right here in Marquette, though his career path has taken him across the country. He spent the early part of his professional life working for the National Park Service, where he developed a passion for preserving natural spaces and connecting with people. Eventually, Adam transitioned into the world of banking, a career spotlighting his dedication to service and his knack for building trust with others.

Now, he’s excited to bring his diverse background and customer-first leadership style to Embers Credit Union.

A Love for the UP Lifestyle

For Adam, the UP is more than just home—it’s an endless playground for outdoor adventure. Spending a childhood among the breathtaking landscapes of the region instilled a deep love of the outdoors that remains with him to this day. His favorite spot? Copper Harbor, a gem of the UP’s scenic offerings.

When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find Adam mountain biking rugged trails, hiking, or enjoying quality time with his two-year-old daughter, Isla. Whether it’s a weekend full of adventure or a quiet evening of watching “Bluey” together on the couch, Adam cherishes every moment with his family.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering about his favorite food—sushi wins every time!

Excitement for the Future at Embers

Adam hit the ground running when he joined Embers Credit Union in September of 2024. He’s thrilled to be part of a community-focused organization with a positive and supportive culture. “What I’m most excited about at Embers is the people,” he shares. “I love interacting and collaborating with teammates, and everything I’ve seen so far has been truly positive.”

His focus is clear—building strong relationships with members, empowering his team, and creating a welcoming branch experience that embodies the spirit of Embers Credit Union.

Stop By and Say Hello!

Adam is already making an impact in his role, and we couldn’t be happier to have him leading our Marquette Main Branch. If you haven’t yet met Adam, we invite you to stop by the branch and say hello. Whether you’re looking for financial guidance or just getting to know our team, Adam and the rest of the Embers crew are here to help you live it UP!

Fraud Alerts | Scams and Safety

Admin — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Hey Embers Members!

One in ten adults falls victim to a scam or fraud yearly. We at Embers want to keep you protected, informed, and secure. On this page, we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest financial scams we are seeing!

 Fraud Update: 10/31/23

PSA: Fraudulent Texts

There is a fraudster on the loose pretending to be Embers, texting 906 residents from a variety of emails regarding:

Unusual/Unauthorized Payments

Unauthorized Transactions

Fake Charges

Deposit Confirmations

Fraud Alerts

All are a gimmick with the goal of getting you to click on the link and enter your digital banking credentials so they are shared with the scammers. These texts are being sent + targeted to all 906 numbers and not Embers Members specifically, which is why you may receive one even though you are not a member of ours. If you have any further questions about this scam or others, don't hesitate to reach out to our support team here:

link.embers.org/contact

FRAUD UPDATE: 9/15/23

Did you know that Puppy/pet scams are one of the most common scams we see?

We all love our pets, and it's hard to resist the cute face of a puppy in a picture that's "proof" that the transaction is legitimate.

If you want to purchase a pet you found online, here are some telltale signs that it's a scam and tips to remember before you wire away your money.

Check the process. Research the breed you are purchasing - if the price is too reasonable to be valid for a purebred teacup puppy, it's likely not real.

Do your research. Only purchase from reputable dealers.

Only buy after seeing the pet in person. If that's impossible, request a live video call with the pet and breeder.

Conduct a reverse image search of the picture of the pet. If the same picture appears on other websites, it's likely a scam. You can also search for distinctive text from ads or testimonials to see if it's copied from another website.

Use a secure payment method such as ACH: consider if the transaction makes sense. No real merchant asks you to buy gift cards for them.

FRAUD UPDATE: 9/7/23

One way you can get scammed is by a phishing attack, which is when a cybercriminal sends you an email, message, social media post, or text that includes a malicious download or link. If the hacker can trick you into clicking, you risk downloading remote viewing software like anydesk, losing control of an account, or becoming held hostage by ransomware.

Here are some common signs of a phishing message:

-An offer that's too good to be true.
-Includes language that's urgent, alarming, or threatening.
-Poorly crafted writing riddled with misspellings and bad grammar.
-The greeting is ambiguous or very generic.
-Includes requests to send personal information.
-Stresses an urgency to click on unfamiliar hyperlinks or attachments.
-A strange or abrupt business request.
-The sender's email address doesn’t match the company it's coming from. Look for little misspellings like pavpal.com or anazon.com.

FRAUD UPDATE: 8/28/23

Another rising trend in the fraud world has been remote access. Many of our reported incidents have involved scammers instructing members to download a remote access app on their device to allow them to screen share as the member logs in to online banking. It’s also easy to fall for an Amazon phishing text scam, where the fraudster instructs you to download a remote access app to your device.

Never share your password, screen, or online banking, and answer suspicious texts with anyone, even us.

Is the Money in My Account Safe?

Admin — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Your financial institution is one of the safest places to store your hard-earned cash. The best part? All you have to do is open an account.

Your Money is Protected

There are two organizations, both backed by the United States government, that insure your money at participating institutions. The FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) provides coverage for banks and the NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) does the same for credit unions. These organizations both function as safety nets for your deposits.

At least $250k is protected by these institutions (and possibly a lot more, depending on the type of account). Because of this protection, insured banks and credit unions and the covered accounts within them are one of the safest places that you can keep your money. In other words, it's completely safe to keep your money in a financial institution where it's insured and protected.

Protected accounts include checking and savings accounts, money market deposit accounts, CDs, share certificates, IRAs, and more. Almost all banks and credit unions offer FDIC or NCUA protection to their accountholders. You can verify that you're covered by visiting your institution's website or by giving them a call.

How Much Money Is Insured?

How much coverage you have depends on what ownership category your account falls into. If you have a savings account and a checking account, those are both in the single owner account category, so they would be insured for a total of $250,000. But if you had accounts in different categories—say a checking account and an IRA—each account would be insured for $250,000, meaning you would have a total of $500,000 of protection.

The vast majority of financial institutions and their account types are covered under these two organizations. But if you're worried at all about whether your institution or account is secure, check their website, talk with one of their representatives, or stop by a branch to confirm that your account is covered.

Are Trust & Joint Accounts Insured?

The rules change a little when it comes to joint accounts and trusts. Joint accounts are protected for $250,000 per owner. So if you have a joint account with your spouse, it would be insured for a total of $500,000. Trust accounts are generally insured for $250,000 per beneficiary. Meaning, if you have 3 beneficiaries listed in the trust, it would be protected for up to $750,000. In other words, only a trust’s beneficiaries are protected, not a trust’s owner.

How Can I Protect All My Money?

There are lots of specifics when it comes to FDIC and NCUA insurance. If you want to get more information about your situation and find out the best way to ensure that all of your money is protected, you can talk with your bank or credit union or check out the websites for the FDIC or NCUA.

Professional Help with Your Business

Admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Although it’s tempting to try and run a business on your own, it’s usually a good idea to get professional help.

Hiring lawyers and accountants can help keep you out of legal and financial trouble, while public relations experts get your company in the public eye.

Technology consultants keep you aware of the solutions that will work best for your business. And having a good relationship with a particular credit union, bank, or banker is helpful as you attempt to make major financial decisions, such as arranging a line of credit or securing loans.

Keep in mind that professional advice can be expensive. In general, it’s a good idea to figure out the areas where expert help could provide the biggest boost, and hire professionals to achieve it. As you have more money at your disposal, you can hire other specialists when you need them.

You can also get business counseling at no cost from retired executives through an organization called the Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE), sponsored by the Small Business Administration. To find a local chapter, you can go to their website, Score.org.

A local Small Business Development Center can also help you navigate building your business. These centers offer free or low-cost training and assistance for things like business planning, accessing capital, and regulatory compliance. SBDCs are partnered with the SBA and funded in part by Congress. Find your local center by going to the America's SBDC website.

Financial Guidance

Running your own business is challenging enough without trying to handle your company’s tax planning and reporting. Most business owners would agree that hiring an accountant is a good investment.

Click here

Accountants can work with you and your financial officer or controller to keep your business financially sound. Some areas that accountants can help you with include preparing profit and loss statements, audit reports, and earnings projections. An accountant can also troubleshoot for you and help you fine-tune your budget.

Many accountants will help you organize your records for more efficiency. And if you need a loan, your accountant can help you determine what type might be appropriate for you.

Click here

Attorneys

As a business owner, you’ll probably need to work with an attorney. If you have business associates who work with an attorney, ask for their recommendations. You can also contact your local business association for referrals.

In the early stages of your business, a lawyer can help you decide what type of structure (sole ownership, partnership, corporation, or franchise) will work best for you. As you grow, an attorney can foresee various business needs, such as zoning regulations, employment practices, and workplace safety. It’s also important to retain a lawyer if you are applying for trademarks or patents, because many legal issues arise during the application process. Finally, it’s crucial to have an employment lawyer review your employee handbook to make sure you cover all the bases, legally speaking.

It’s essential to find someone who’s experienced in business law, preferably someone who has worked with businesses like yours. You may also want to think about the size of the firm. A smaller firm may give you more personal attention, but a larger one usually offers a wider range of services.

Finally, you should find out how you’ll be charged for the legal services you need. Most lawyers charge an hourly fee, and the cost of each consultation depends on the lawyer’s billing rate. That generally depends on level of experience, the part of the country where you live, and the type of firm it is. Some lawyers charge a flat fee for a specific service, regardless of the amount of time it takes.

Specialized Consultants

Hiring an advertising or marketing specialist will help you create an image and brand for your business. A small advertising agency or independent specialist may be ideal for your small business’s needs.

You can also employ a public relations (PR) firm or add a public relations specialist to your staff to help you gain exposure that you otherwise may not be able to attain. A PR agent can write press releases, manage your social media presence, and generally educate the public on the latest happenings in your business.

Technology consultants can help keep you updated with the latest software and manage the operation of your systems. If you want to teach your employees how to maximize their productivity, cultivate working relationships with clients, and more, a soft consultant may be just the answer.

In short, while there are no guarantees, it may be worth the time and money to research and hire a professional that can help take your company to the next level."

Selling Your Home

Admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

Selling your home marks the beginning of an important journey, often influenced by a need for more space, a desire to downsize, or a relocation. Understanding and managing the emotional and financial aspects of selling a property rich in memories and investments is vital.

Preparing to Sell

Homeowners decide to sell for various reasons: needing more space, downsizing for simplicity, or relocating for work or lifestyle changes. When you are ready to sell, you must make your home as desirable as possible for potential buyers—first impressions are critical. Decluttering and sprucing up your home can significantly impact its appeal. Addressing minor repairs and aesthetic improvements can also add value.

Effectively marketing your home is essential to attract the right buyers and secure the best deal. Here are some tips on getting the property in front of the right people:

Find a real estate agent that can provide access to additional marketing resources and networks, including listing your property on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which increases visibility
Tailor to your target audience, highlighting aspects of your home and neighborhood that are most appealing to potential buyers in that demographic
Use high-quality photographs and a compelling listing description that emphasize your home's unique features and benefits
Utilize online platforms and real estate websites to reach a broader audience
Host open houses and private showings for potential buyers to experience the space firsthand, creating a more personal connection

Pricing and Offers

Setting the right price for your home involves understanding market trends and researching comparable homes. Overpriced homes can deter buyers, while underpriced homes may result in financial loss. Consider current market trends and the condition of your home. Consulting with a real estate professional can provide expert valuation and advice based on extensive market knowledge and experience.

Once offers start coming in, evaluate each one on their buyer qualifications, contingencies, and your closing timeline. Respond promptly to offers, be flexible but not a push-over when negotiating, and use your real estate agent's expertise to navigate the process. Aim for a mutually beneficial outcome that makes the sale advantageous for you and the buyer.

The Costs of Selling

Understanding the various costs involved is crucial for a successful transaction. The most prominent expense is typically the real estate agent's commission, which ranges from 5% to 6% of the sale price. This fee is split between the buyer's and seller's agents and covers the costs of listing, marketing the property, negotiations, and closing the deal.

Additional costs include staging and home preparation expenses. Before listing, sellers often invest in minor repairs, painting, and landscaping to enhance the home's appeal. Staging, which involves furnishing and decorating the property to attract buyers, can also add to the costs.

Closing costs are another significant expense, comprising various fees and taxes associated with the sale. These include title insurance, transfer taxes, escrow fees, and prorated property taxes. You should also be prepared for potential capital gains taxes if the sale price exceeds the property's cost basis. Sellers must factor in these costs early to set a realistic price and budget accordingly.

Capital gains tax is applied on the profit made from selling a property, but some exemptions can reduce the tax burden. For instance, in the United States, if you lived in the home for at least two of the last five years before the sale, you may be eligible to exclude up to $250,000 of the gain if filing as a single taxpayer, or up to $500,000 if filing jointly.

Besides capital gains tax, there are other tax considerations if you are selling an investment property. Depreciation recapture tax and local/state taxes may apply and vary by location. Consult with a tax professional to understand the tax implications and minimize tax liability

After Selling

Planning your move is the final step in the home-selling process. Begin by researching and hiring a reliable moving company or vehicle well in advance, ensuring they fit your budget and scheduling needs. Establish a detailed timeline for packing, transferring utilities, and addressing any necessary repairs or cleaning in your current home, aligning these tasks with your closing date to ensure a smooth transition. Finally, prepare for your arrival at the new house by familiarizing yourself with the area and planning the layout of your belongings to make the unpacking process more efficient and less stressful.

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Selling your home is a journey filled with opportunities and challenges. By understanding each step of the process and preparing accordingly, you can navigate this path with confidence and success.

Basic Bookkeeping

Admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

How It Works

Owning a business means staying on top of financial reports and bookkeeping. Easier said than done. Well, it used to be. This Coach session will guide you through basic bookkeeping principles and provide a spreadsheet for you to create both a Profit & Loss Sheet and a Balance Sheet for your business. To start, click Get Started. The Coach will provide information and ask for information at various times; just follow along and have your business receipts and finance information at the ready. If you don't have that information, no worries, the Coach will provide further instruction.

To Buy or Not to Buy?

Admin — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 04:00:00 GMT

If you’re ready to change your living situation, you may be debating whether it’s better to rent or purchase your next home. Unfortunately, the decision isn’t always easy to make.

Reasons to Buy

Accomplishing a Goal

Many people consider owning their home to be a key part of the American dream, so much so that it’s often seen as an end in itself. Owning can help you feel grounded and part of a community. It can provide a sense of accomplishment and a place to build family traditions. You’ll also have more freedom to decorate or renovate as you please without rules from landlords (though you may still have an HOA that enforces certain restrictions).

Earning Equity

Earning equity is one of the most compelling financial reasons to buy. Equity is, essentially, the value you gain from the part of your home that you own. So, if you buy a $500,000 home and put $100,000 down, taking out a loan for the remaining $400,000, you have $100,000 in equity. Your equity can go up without you doing anything. Let’s say before you can even make a payment toward your home, there’s a big shift in the market and your $500,000 home is now worth $600,000. You just gained another $100,000 in equity since you still only owe $400,000 on your home. And while you make mortgage payments, the portion of your payment that goes toward paying down the principal increases your equity, increasing the financial boost from your home rather than going straight to a landlord where you’ll never see it again.

Investment Potential

A home is an investment, often the largest you’ll ever make. That means that while it has the potential to drop in value, it also has the potential to grow. If that happens, you’ll be able to sell your home for more than you bought it for.

Stable Payments

Another benefit is knowing that your payment is locked in for the life of your loan. Once you agree to your mortgage, your payments won’t change, unless you decide to refinance. Regardless of changes in the housing market, you’ll always know what your monthly payment is and won’t have to worry about your rent going up.

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Deducting Interest on Your Taxes

You can also deduct paid home loan interest on your taxes. For mortgages taken out in 2023, you can deduct up to $750,000 in interest. You can also deduct up to $10,000 in property taxes you pay to state and local governments. Those deductions can significantly reduce your taxes, especially in the first few years when the bulk of your mortgage payments goes toward interest.

Potential for a HELOC or Home Equity Loan

As a homeowner, you may also be able to open a home equity line of credit (Opens in a new Window) (HELOC) or take out a home equity loan. With both of these options, you borrow against the part of your home that you own (your equity). You can use this money to finance home renovations or other purchases, though be aware these loans lower your equity in your home and can put your home at risk should you be unable to make repayments. These options generally have lower interest rates than personal loans, and you can often deduct the interest you pay on your taxes.

Reasons to Rent

More Freedom

Renting requires less commitment and gives you more freedom to relocate. If you think you may want to move to a new city in the near future, or simply enjoy changing your living situation frequently, renting makes this much easier to pull off. Once you’re in a home, you may be stuck with bad neighbors, an unforeseen frustration with the location, or a problem you didn’t realize the home had until it’s too late. And if you do want to try to sell because of this, the issue may make it hard to do so. If you discover one of these problems while renting, you’re free to leave as soon as your lease is up (and even earlier if it’s worth it to you to pay the penalties for breaking the lease).

Not Your Financial Responsibility

Renting lowers your responsibility in the property. Depending on the situation, you can often count on a landlord to shoulder much or all of the financial burden for upkeep or repairs. You also aren’t directly responsible for property taxes. Though, it’s important to note that the price of your rent may reflect all of these costs.

No Down Payment

Getting together a down payment and managing the expenses of a mortgage, taxes, insurance, and upkeep of a home may put a big strain on your budget. And having all your assets tied up in a home has serious drawbacks. Among other things, it may limit your ability to invest enough to meet the other goals that are important to you. Renting, on the other hand, can be a slightly smaller, more manageable cost.

No Risk of a Bad Investment

A home can also lose value, sometimes dramatically. If real estate prices drop and you need to sell, you may have to settle for a lower price than you'd like, or even less than you paid to buy the home. With renting, you won’t have to worry about these changes.

Making the Decision

At the end of the day, deciding if it’s better to rent or buy requires you to consider your top priorities. Both options have benefits and drawbacks. Regardless of your choice, both expenses will likely be a significant portion of your budget, so it’s important to choose carefully.