You know that Permanent Fund Dividend we all get every fall? It’s one of those uniquely Alaska things that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the U.S. — a reminder of why we love living here. As a way to give back to our members here in Alaska, we want to help make this year’s PFD payout even better.

Fraud is no longer just an isolated event that affects a few people. The number of people that are falling victim to fraud every day has grown exponentially —and the losses are adding up fast. Protecting our members and their money matters. That’s why Nuvision Credit Union is hosting a free “beware of fraudsters” webinar on February 10, 2026.

The start of a new year is a natural time to sharpen focus on what matters most. Financial wellness—knowing where your money goes, feeling confident about your choices, and having a plan for the future—is one of those things that pays off in every part of life. It cuts down stress, strengthens families, and helps you make smart money decisions without second-guessing.

Unfortunately, financial exploitation is becoming more common, especially among older adults. But unlike other types of fraud, it doesn’t always involve hackers, fake emails, or strangers on the phone. In many cases, the pressure comes from someone the person knows, trusts, or depends on. At Nuvision, we’re here to help you protect what you’ve built. That means sharing what to watch for, helping you when something doesn’t feel right, and making sure support is available when you need it.

As 2026 begins, Nuvision Credit Union marks a milestone that reflects far more than longevity. Founded in 1935 to serve the employees of Douglas Aircraft Company, Nuvision has grown into a member-owned credit union with more than $3.9 billion in assets, serving 214,000 members through 36 branches across California, Alaska, Arizona, Wyoming, and Washington. While that growth matters, the real story is the impact made in the communities Nuvision serves.

The housing market is showing signs of gradual improvement as we head into 2026. Prices remain stable without sharp increases, mortgage rates are trending lower overall (with some fluctuations), and affordability is slowly improving in more parts of the country. This month’s update pulls together insights from Zillow, Redfin, the National Association of Realtors, and Southern California housing expert Steven Thomas to help put the bigger picture into context for our members.

Meet Matthew Brown, the heart behind Operation Children First in Soldotna, Alaska. What started as a simple way to help a few kids during the holidays has grown into a year-round lifeline for thousands of families on the Kenai Peninsula—providing toys, meals, clothing, and hope without judgment. Matt doesn't call it charity; he calls it responsibility. And his quiet dedication is changing lives, one child at a time.

December came with long days and full calendars. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how much we accomplished! Between the holidays, school schedules, and everything else stacked on top of each other, December seems like it flew by. But in the middle of all that, a lot happened across our communities — kids shopping alongside officers, toy bins filling up in our branches, and events that brought families together during the busiest time of year.