A Financial Checklist for the New Year

As you’re preparing your list of resolutions, taking inventory of your finances isn’t the most fun choice. But fresh off the holiday season where many US adults report money as the most common source of stress, assessing your financial picture and making the right adjustments can be the most rewarding choice for you and your family. Here is a checklist of seven key suggestions to make sure you start 2026 on the right foot.

Review Your Budget

With a customizable budgeting worksheet or free app, identify areas where you may be overspending and eliminate unnecessary costs or comparison shop wherever it’s possible. Budgeting isn’t about guilt, rather it is a way to ensure you’re saving a little each month (ideally 10% of your income).

Automate Savings

Consider the “set it and forget it” approach to allocating savings so that when peak holiday spending season comes around again next year, you’ve avoided (or at least minimized) high interest credit card balances that can put a damper on the season and coming year. By directing a portion of each paycheck straight into a savings account, you build a cushion effortlessly and stay ahead of future expenses.

Strategize Debt Repayment

Review the balances and interest rates of your credit cards, loans, and other debts. Try tackling high-interest loans first. If you can pay these off, you’ll save on interest payments in the long run. If you’re looking for a personal debt management program, you can ask a Bellco representative for information about programs with our preferred vendors.

Check Your Credit Report

Request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com. Review the report for any inaccuracies or signs of identity theft. Dispute any errors you find, which could be a contributing factor to a lower credit score. Increasing your credit score can help you by qualifying for lower interest rate loans in the future.

Revisit Investments

If you have any investment accounts, assess whether your allocations still align with your short and long-term goals and risk tolerance. Market conditions often change, and your investment strategy should account for these fluctuations. And remember, your goals may change over time, so account for these changes as well.

Maximize Retirement Contributions

If you have a retirement account, check your contributions and see if you have any room in your budget to increase them. This especially applies if your employer offers matching contributions, as it’s essentially free money. The sooner you invest, the more time your money has to grow. As you get older, your contribution limits may increase, so take advantage of these increases.

Review Insurance Policies

Ensure that your health, auto, home, and life insurance policies still meet your needs. Life changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or significant purchases might necessitate adjustments to your coverage or comparison shopping for more favorable rates.

Get Connected

If you want additional support, reach out to a Bellco representative to hear about the different financial resources we offer to all our members and get help finding the right one for you. We want all our members to feel more confident with their finances in 2026!

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When to Expect Bellco Year-End Tax Forms

With a new year upon us, many people take this opportunity to start getting their finances in order, particularly when it comes to gathering all their year-end tax documents. To help set expectations, below are some answers to frequently asked questions about our year-end tax forms.

When can I expect my year-end tax forms from Bellco?

Depending on which forms you’re looking for, a majority of them will be mailed out by January 31. Below is a list of tax forms and when you can expect to receive them.

Mailed by January 31:

• Form 1098
• Forms 1099-R, 1099-SA, 1099-Q, 1099-INT, 1099-A, 1099-C

Mailed by March 15:

• Form 1042-S

Mailed by April 30:

• Forms 5498, 5498-SA, 5498-ESA

Will I receive my year-end tax forms in the mail or online?

If you receive paper statements, your tax forms will be mailed to you. If you want them sooner, as soon as the specific forms generate, you can access them by signing in to Online Banking and selecting Statements & Tax Forms from the “Accounts” dropdown menu.

How do I verify my contact information, so I can receive my tax forms quickly?

You can confirm and/or update your contact information anytime on Bellco.org. Just sign in to Online Banking, click on your name in the top right corner, and select “Contact Information” from the dropdown menu.

If preferred, you can also update your information by visiting any Bellco branch or by calling Member Services at 1-800-BELLCO-1.

Whom should I reach out to if I have tax questions?

Since Bellco employees are not tax advisors, we are unable to advise members on tax-related issues. We recommend you work with a certified tax advisor.

If you are looking for tax preparation services or software, you can visit our Tax Preparation Services page, which provides discounts on some of our preferred vendors’ services.

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What to Know When Shared Branching Locations Change

One of the biggest advantages of belonging to a credit union is the power of CO-OP. Through the nationwide CO‑OP Shared Branch network, members of credit unions that participate in this network can walk into thousands of participating credit unions across the country and conduct many of the same transactions they could do at their credit union branches. This can include deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, transfers, and more.

From time to time, however, some credit unions choose to no longer participate in the Shared Branching network. When this happens, members visiting those locations may find that Shared Branching services are no longer available. While this can be inconvenient, it’s important to know that these decisions are made by the participating credit unions, not by Bellco Credit Union. Bellco remains committed to participating in the Shared Branching network for the convenience of our members.

The good news is that many of the services offered through Shared Branching can also be completed quickly and securely through Bellco’s Online and Mobile Banking. You can deposit a check, send money, make a payment or even locate a nearby Bellco branch or ATM, all from your computer or mobile device.

So, if you’re out and about and suddenly remember a payment you need to make, your phone can handle it. Online and Mobile Banking give you convenient access to your accounts virtually anytime, anywhere, making it an excellent alternative when Shared Branching isn’t available.

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Colorado Housing in 2026: Bellco Home Loans Look into the Future

Article by Bellco Home Loans

Opinion piece by Managing Director Bellco Home Loans Dale Syta (what we have been seeing and expect to see as we enter 2026)

As we step into 2026, Colorado’s housing market reflects a pivotal transition from the frenzied, low-inventory environment of the pandemic and early rate hikes to a more balanced, strategic landscape. The market is no longer fire-sale prices or ultra-low rates, but one where thoughtful planning pays dividends.

Inventory & Market Balance Colorado’s Slow Return to Normal

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen in 2025 and will carry into 2026 is growing inventory.

After years of chronic inventory shortage, listings in Denver and across the Front Range have climbed significantly in comparison. Buyers now have more options to explore rather than make snap decisions.

Homes are averaging 45-60 days on market, meaning buyers no longer face extreme bidding wars (though smart pricing still matters).

State data suggests Colorado inventory and months-of-supply measures are moving toward more balanced levels, though still shy of pre-pandemic norms.

For sellers, this means well-priced homes that are presented properly still attract solid interest, but overpricing can lead to longer days on market and fewer competing offers. And for buyers, this evolving inventory brings real choices, not perfect deals, but leverage.

Buyer Pool: Active, Cautious, and Strategic

Today’s buyers are not chasing irrational forecasts of a price crash, they are methodical.

Many buyers are evaluating homes with realistic payment expectations rather than assuming rates will plunge.

First-time buyers see incremental affordability improvements as inventory slowly normalizes, though price levels still strain budgets.

Some buyers remain on the sidelines due to the “rate-lock” effect: homeowners with sub5% mortgages are reluctant to sell and give up their low rates, reducing available inventory.

This means serious, pre-approved buyers particularly those comfortable at today’s mid 6% rate range will be in the best position to act when they find the right property.

Interest Rates Hold Steady

Mortgage rates are a critical driver of housing activity and are widely expected to hover in the low to mid 6% range through much of 2026. There’s debate among forecasters.

Some forecasts suggest rates will remain around 6–6.5% for the next year, providing predictability but not dramatic savings.

Other respected forecasts, like Fannie Mae, see a gradual decline into the high 5% range by late 2026.

Either outcome points to stability rather than volatility, which is good for planning —buyers and sellers can set budgets and expectations without chasing rate swings.

What to Expect in 2026

For Sellers

Expect competitive offers if your home is priced correctly. Homes that align with market expectations will attract serious buyers, while those clinging to pandemic-era pricing will not.

High inventory means some listings linger longer than in recent years, so preparation and presentation matter more than ever. Although no two homes are alike, sellers should anticipate a sales cycle of 60-90 days, and in some cases, even longer.

As always, location plays a major role. Areas with strong local demand (tech, aerospace, outdoor lifestyle employers) tend to retain more pricing power.

Roughly 60-70% of recent sales have involved a price reduction or seller concession, so be prepared for the possibility of parting with some equity gained.

For Buyers

More inventory means better negotiating power and less pressure to overbid or waive inspections. Buyers can take a more measured approach without the frenzy of pandemic market.

Arrive prepared with strong financing. A solid pre-approval and clear communication with your lender remain crucial. Sellers expect buyers to demonstrate that they are qualified, committed, and ready to move.

Think carefully about future rate scenarios. Securing a home at a monthly payment you can comfortably afford today may be wiser than waiting for rates to fall.

Remember, a large majority of buyers are also sellers, so contingencies are not out of the question. Take time to understand a seller’s priorities before assuming you can’t make a competitive offer on a particular home.

Refinancing: A Different Playbook

Refinancing won’t be about chasing rates as it was in prior cycles. Instead, it will be about strategic financial optimization. Many homeowners with loans from the high-rate environment of the past few years could benefit from refinancing to reduce payments or consolidate debt, even if the new rate is only modestly lower. Cash-out refinances might also be attractive for home improvements, education, or other priorities, given the stable rate landscape.

Because high-quality borrowers are already locked into rates below today’s averages, the refinance share of originations is expected to rise modestly as conditions permit.

Think of refinancing in 2026 less as a “rate chase” and more as financial housekeeping aligning your mortgage with your broader goals. Many will benefit from consolidation of high interest credit cards and loans.

Final Thoughts: A Colorado Market of Balance and Strategy

This isn’t a market of easy gains or dramatic bargains. But it is a market of opportunity for those who:

• Know their budget and stick to it
• Understand realistic rate expectations
• Leverage growing inventory wisely

Partner early with trusted lenders and agents. Colorado’s housing market in 2026 looks balanced, neither overheated nor depressed and that’s a win for a sustainable, thoughtful marketplace.

If you’d like localized price trends, neighborhood-specific inventory data, or a deep-dive refinance analysis for your specific situation, the Team at Bellco Home Loans is here to help!

Bellco Home Loans is a joint venture between Bellco Credit Union and Guild Mortgage Company, LLC, an independent mortgage lender that has helped families attain home ownership since 1960. Bellco Home Loans, LLC, NMLS #2085298, is an affiliate of Guild Mortgage Company LLC, NMLS #3274; Equal Housing Opportunity Lender. All loans subject to approval.