Fall brings cooler weather, colorful leaves—and, unfortunately, an uptick in certain types of scams. As the holiday shopping season approaches, fraudsters often ramp up efforts to trick people into giving away personal or financial information.

You might see emails or texts posing as package delivery updates, charity donation requests or “urgent” account alerts. These messages often include suspicious links or ask for details like your Social Security number, PIN or online banking login.

Here’s how to stay vigilant:

• Pause before you click. If a message seems urgent or unusual, verify it by contacting the company directly using a trusted phone number or website. You can also ask yourself, “Does this look like any previous message Glacier Hills has sent?” If the answer is no, then delete, ignore or report it.
• Monitor your accounts regularly. Use Glacier Hills’ online banking or mobile app to quickly review transactions and set up account alerts.
• Be cautious with public Wi-Fi. Avoid logging into banking accounts on unsecured networks.
• Update your passwords. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.

If you suspect fraud on your account, report it to us right away. Staying alert this season means you can focus on the best parts of fall—like apple cider, football and time with family—without giving fraudsters a foothold.

In Wisconsin, winter’s beauty comes with a price; often in the form of higher utility bills. The good news? A few simple changes can keep your home warm and your costs in check.

• Start by sealing air leaks. Use weatherstripping or caulk around windows and doors to keep drafts out and heat in. Don’t forget to close your fireplace damper when not in use—an open one is like a giant hole in your roof for heat to escape. (And although it might not be the prettiest thing to look at, those heat-shrink plastic window covers really do work wonders.)
• Lower your thermostat a couple of degrees and wear cozy layers. Better yet, install a programmable or smart thermostat to automatically adjust temps when you’re asleep or away.
• Switch ceiling fans to spin clockwise on a low setting to circulate warm air back down into the room. On sunny days, open curtains to let in natural heat, and close them at night for extra insulation.
• Check that your furnace filter is clean for optimal efficiency and consider an annual tune-up to avoid costly breakdowns mid-winter.
• Finally, unplug unused electronics and switch to LED bulbs to trim electricity costs. Not only do LED bulbs outlast traditional bulbs, but the cost savings are significant.

Small changes add up, and the savings can be redirected toward other winter priorities (like a weekend getaway or a little extra holiday cheer). A warm home and a fuller wallet? That’s a Wisconsin winter worth enjoying.

When you use our ATM with Live Teller Assistance and actively engage with a teller or complete a transaction with your Glacier Hills debit card, you’ll be automatically entered to win $100!

If you haven’t tried them yet, our new ATMs with Live Teller Assistance offer a quick way to access your account and enjoy the full benefits of a live teller directly via the machine. ATMs with Live Teller Assistance are available now at all branch locations.

Sweepstakes are active only when indicated at branch drive-thrus. Visit any branch location for official contest rules and information to enter by mail.

With Glacier Hills Credit Union’s online banking and mobile app, managing your debit and credit cards is easy and secure. Simply tap “Cards” to get started.

Turn cards on or off instantly, set spending limits or restrict use by merchant type or location. You can even view detailed transaction info on an integrated map to see exactly where purchases were made.

Get real-time alerts when your card is used, approved or exceeds your custom limits. You’ll also receive notifications for attempted or declined transactions, helping you spot potential fraud quickly.

From checking balances to managing travel plans—or reporting a lost or stolen card—you have the power to protect and manage your finances anytime, anywhere. It’s one more way we make banking safer and simpler for you.

In Denmark, hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”) is all about creating warmth, comfort and contentment, especially during the colder months. Here in Wisconsin, we know a thing or two about cozy living. But hygge isn’t just about blankets and candles. It can also apply to how we manage our money.

Think of financial wellness as a kind of hygge for your budget: creating a sense of security and peace by keeping things simple, intentional and aligned with what matters most to you.

This fall and winter, try adding a few mindful money habits into your routine:

• Simplify your spending. Focus on what brings you genuine joy, and cut back on the rest. It’s easy to over-consume this time of year. Instead, hit pause before you hit “complete purchase” and ask yourself if that item is really worth it.
• Build a “comfort” savings fund. Just like a warm sweater, having a small cushion for unexpected expenses brings peace of mind. A Glacier Hills’ savings account is a great place to start.
• Automate for ease. Set up automatic transfers to savings or bill payments so you can relax knowing the essentials are covered.
• Savor small wins. Paid off a bill? Stuck to your budget this month? Celebrate with something cozy but affordable: a hot cocoa by the fire, a good book or a walk in fresh snow.

When you align your finances with your values, you create more space for the things that truly make you feel at home. And that’s the essence of hygge—a warm, content heart, no matter how chilly it gets outside.