Financial Community Education

Clearwater Credit Union Community Education is a series of classes for Missoula residents regarding various aspects of finances from understanding credit to avoiding scams to proper budgeting. Each month will feature a different class topic to help community members improve their financial literacy.

7/18/2026 – Topic: Understanding Credit – Erika Sylvester – Cooper Room A

Having good credit can save you money on interest rates and make you eligible for new opportunities. Learn about the importance of credit and what factors into your credit score, as well as gain a better understanding of how to build, repair, maintain, and protect your credit.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand what credit is and why it is important.
• Know what a good credit score is and how it’s calculated.
• Have the tools to (re)build and maintain a strong credit report.

8/16/2026 – Topic: Preparing for Your Next Vehicle – Erika Sylvester – Cooper Room A

Confidently finance your first or next vehicle with the help of this interactive class. You’ll learn what factors into a loan decision, and what comes next as you continue to grow your credit history with a vehicle loan. We’ll also work through loan payment and interest rate examples.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Understand the process of buying a vehicle from searching for your next vehicle to ownership of that vehicle.
• Look at the factors that go into a loan decision, often called the 4 C’s of Lending (Credit, capacity, collateral and character).
• Discuss the additional products needed to protect your purchase and the importance of on-time payments.
• Examine the impact of APR, down payments, and extra payments with multiple loan payment examples.

9/20/2026 – Topic: Buying Your Next Home – Erika Sylvester – Cooper Room A

Are you thinking about purchasing your first home? Or it has been a while since you went through the home purchasing process? Learn the benefits of home ownership, the application and shopping process, and get ready for your monthly payment.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Compare the benefits of home ownership and renting.
• Prepare yourself, and your budget for the financial impact of purchasing a home.
• Learn the steps of the home loan process.