June 2026 News

Friends Don’t Let Friends Switch Banks Without Getting Paid

We’ve always believed that great relationships deserve great rewards. That’s why we’re excited to remind you about Bellco’s Refer It Forward program, and right now, there’s never been a better time to share Bellco with the people you care about. 

How it Works

Here’s how it works: when you refer a friend, family member, or colleague to open a new Bellco checking account and they meet all requirements*, you’ll both be invited to select a $100 eGift Card of your choice from popular merchants like Amazon™, Walmart®, and more. 

But here’s where it gets even better. For a limited time, anyone who opens a new Bellco checking account and meets all requirements will receive an additional $300 bonus if they open their first checking account and have a qualifying direct deposit of $500 or more (click here for more details on our $300 checking offer). That means the person you refer could earn up to $400 in total rewards just for making the switch and you’ll get your $100 eGift Card for referring those you care about. 

Think about it: if someone in your life is considering a change in their banking relationship anyway, why not help them get rewarded for it? Friends don’t let friends switch banks without getting paid. 

Why Refer to Bellco? 

You already know what makes Bellco great. As a member-owned, not-for-profit credit union, Bellco provides lower fees, competitive rates, and service that puts members first. When you refer someone to Bellco, you’re not just helping them open an account. You’re introducing them to a financial partner that has their best interests at heart.

Ready to Start Referring? 

You can refer someone online or bring them with you to any Bellco branch. Every referral that meets the requirements means another $100 eGift Card for you, and there’s no limit to how many people you can refer. 

Visit bellcoreferitforward.com today to start referring and help your friends and family discover the credit union difference while earning rewards together. 

*See bellcoreferitforward.com for Referral Offer Disclosure terms. The merchants represented are not sponsors of the rewards or otherwise affiliated with Bellco. The logos and other identifying marks attached are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affiliates. Please visit each company’s website for additional terms and conditions.

Job Scams: How They Work and Red Flags to Look For

Amid skyrocketing inflation and a murky job market in many industries, scammers have set their sights on targeting desperate job seekers. These offers seem legitimate, but they’re designed to steal victims’ money and/or personal information. If you or someone you know is looking for a new job, it’s important to be wary of job offers that come your way and know how to spot them and how to protect yourself.  

How Job Scams Work

Fraudsters often pose as recruiters for both real and fake companies looking to conduct interviews via text, email, or through messaging apps. Once they interview their victim, they quickly offer them a job, but ask that you:

  • Deposit a check or send a portion of your funds elsewhere
  • Purchase equipment or gift cards for “work purposes”
  • Share sensitive personal or banking information

Red Flags That a Job Offer Might Be a Scam

When evaluating communications from a recruiter for a job that you didn’t apply for, here are some signs that the offer might not be legitimate:

  • Based on other similar postings, the job offer seems too good to be true
  • The recruiter only wants to communicate or conduct interviews through text or chat
  • There’s a request to move money to continue the application process, especially via wire, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
  • You receive one or multiple checks with instructions to deposit them and forward funds elsewhere

How to Protect Yourself

Whether you’ve been contacted recently with a job offer that triggers some of the red flags above or just want to be careful while searching for a new position, here are some tips to make sure you stay protected:

  • Verify the company of any suspicious job offer by visiting its official website, seeing if the job is listed in its open positions, and contacting them directly
  • Never send money or share account information with an unknown employer or recruiter
  • Be extra cautious of any unsolicited job offers
  • Trust your instincts and if something feels off, know that it likely is

As a reminder, Bellco will never call or text you unprompted and ask for your personal or account information.

Fun Things to Do in June and the Rest of Summer in Colorado

From mountain trails to cultural events and outdoor concerts, summer along the Front Range is filled with endless possibilities. But between gas prices, admission fees, and dining out, costs can add up quickly. The good news? There are incredible experiences all around Colorado that won’t drain your wallet. Whether you’re exploring solo, planning date nights, or entertaining the whole family, here are budget-friendly activities to add to your summer calendar.  

Free Denver Art Museum Days for Bellco Members

Take advantage of this exclusive Bellco member benefit for free general admission to the Denver Art Museum on the second full weekend of each month (June’s free days are June 13 and 14). Kids 18 and under always receive free admission, making it an affordable outing for the whole family.  Just show your Bellco debit or credit card and a valid photo ID at the museum’s Welcome Desk to receive free general admission. Members may also reserve their free adult tickets in advance by calling the museum’s box office at 720-913-0130. When reserving, note that you may still need to present your Bellco debit or credit card and an active, valid photo ID when you arrive.

Colorado State Parks Free Entrance Days 

Skip the Colorado State Park daily vehicle fee on these dates: 

  • Sunday, June 14 (Flag Day) 
  • Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5 (Independence Day weekend) 
  • Tuesday, August 25 (National Park Service’s 110th Birthday) 

First Friday Art Walks 

Explore galleries for free on the first Friday of each month in spots like: 

Farmers Markets 

Browsing is free, and buying directly from Colorado farmers often beats grocery store quality and sometimes even prices. Check out these local markets:  

  • Castle Rock: Sundays, May 24–Oct. 11, 9 AM–2 PM 
  • Boulder: Saturdays, April 4–Nov. 21, 8 AM–2 PM 
  • Pueblo: May 2–Oct. 31, 7:30 AM–noon 
  • Urban Market at Union Station, Denver: Select weekends, noon–6 PM 
  • Fort Collins: Sundays, May 3–November 8 & Wednesdays, June 3–September 30, 10AM–2PM

These are just a few examples. There are many farmers markets going on throughout Colorado so you can find the one most convenient for you.

Creek and River Wading 

Cool off for free and wade in the water at: 

  • Clear Creek, Golden 
  • Boulder Creek, Boulder 
  • Cache la Poudre River, Fort Collins 
  • Fountain Creek, Manitou Springs 
  • Monument Creek, Colorado Springs 
  • Plum Creek, Castle Rock 

Just remember to be careful of water conditions and avoid rivers after heavy rainfall or other flash flood conditions.

Library Museum Passes

Check out free passes to top attractions through your local library, including the Butterfly Pavilion, Denver Botanic Gardens, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, and more. As an added bonus, many libraries also lend tools for summer projects! 

Don’t choose between making memories and sticking to your budget. With a little planning, you can experience everything Colorado has to offer while keeping your finances on track. Happy exploring! 

National Homeownership Month: Tips For First-Time Buyers

June is National Homeownership Month, an initiative to highlight the social and financial benefits of owning a home and raise awareness and spread education on how to make homeownership attainable for all Americans. In the spirit of this celebration, we’ve collected a handful of tips for our members who are looking to buy their first home or for anyone who might be looking to purchase one in the near future and want to brush up on the best way to navigate the housing market.

Set Your Budget

The most important first step comes before you even start your home search. Take a close look at your finances and determine how much you can comfortably afford for your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance). Plus, don’t forget that the cost of homeownership isn’t just your mortgage payment. Remember to factor in additional costs including utilities, HOA fees, home maintenance, and repairs to your future monthly budget. By establishing your budget ahead of time, you can avoid overextending yourself financially and have a solid set of realistic expectations in your search. You can use our Mortgage Payment Calculator to run the numbers yourself and see how home prices, your down payment, and interest rates will affect your monthly payments.

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Once you have your budget set, getting pre-approved is also a great way to make searching for your new home a smoother and easier process. On the seller’s end, having a pre-approval means that you’re a serious buyer; and on your end, it gives you a clear picture of how much you could possibly borrow. Once you find the right place, it will also make your closing process much more streamlined.

Prioritize Your Needs and Differentiate Them from Wants

Buying your first home is an exciting process and it’s good to keep that enthusiasm throughout your search. But once you’re actively looking at listings and touring potential homes, it’s hard to say no to flashy features like granite countertops or walk-in closets when they’re staring you in the face.  Remember that things like location, number of bedrooms, and nearby schools are factors that are difficult or impossible to improve on. It’s helpful to make a list of “need to haves” vs. “want to haves” before you actually tour a potential property.

Choose the Right Experienced Professionals

Remember that your real estate agent and mortgage professional should be your greatest allies during this process. They should be ready to guide you through market trends, discuss your specific situation to give good advice, and be on your side to negotiate offers to terms you’re comfortable with. You should be comfortable asking questions to lean on their expertise and they should be open to answering them in a timely manner. It’s nice to offer a family member or friend the opportunity to be your agent or broker, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the right fit for your needs.

If you’re looking for a no-pressure consultation from a team of professionals with tons of experience working in the Colorado housing market, we recommend contacting our affiliated mortgage company Bellco Home Loans.

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.