AHCU Financial Pulse Newsletter Jan. 2026
Welcome to the new AHCU Financial Pulse
At Associated Healthcare Credit Union, our mission goes beyond banking—it’s about supporting the financial well-being of the healthcare workers we serve and their families. Each quarter, we’ll share updates on how AHCU is making an impact, highlight additional banking solutions available to you, and provide practical financial education to help you make confident, healthy financial decisions.
New President/CEO Joel Swanson
President’s Report: New Year, New Opportunities
This is my first time writing to you as President and CEO of Associated Healthcare Credit Union. I’m honored to step into this role following Theresa Malone’s 11-year legacy of service to healthcare workers and their families. Under her leadership, AHCU strengthened its financial foundation and navigated extraordinary challenges— from merger aftermath to the pandemic to historic industry volatility.
As we begin a new year, my focus is simple: honor that legacy and mission by making your financial life easier, stronger, and more supported.
That mission is personal for me. Much of my career has been spent supporting nonprofit health and medical causes, and three of my four sons currently work in healthcare. I understand the long hours, the pressure, and the moments when life changes quickly. This credit union exists because traditional financial institutions don’t always understand that reality— and because healthcare workers deserve better than one-size-fits-all banking.
AHCU ended 2025 on a strong note, with a solid fourth quarter driven by higher-than-projected deposit growth, mortgage activity, and investment income. We also completed a remodel of our Coon Rapids branch inside Mercy Hospital, including the addition of a new Interactive Teller Machine to expand access and convenience.
Looking ahead, our priorities are clear:
- Improve digital experiences that save time and give you greater control over finances.
- Raise the bar on service— especially in moments of stress— by being proactive, curious, and focused on solutions that save you money.
- Deliver meaningful financial education when and where you need it.
- Grow our membership and physical presence to serve more healthcare workers.
I’m excited about what we can build together! To see how AHCU can support your financial health, visit us, call, or make a video banking appointment.
Joel Swanson II
President & CEO
Healthcare Community Highlights
- Children’s Minnesota: AHCU will sponsor four Sunflower Award ceremonies honoring exceptional non-nursing support staff and three DAISY Award ceremonies recognizing nurses for extraordinary patient care.
- Allina Health: Participating in the CEC Winter Extravaganza celebrating customer experience team members.
- Hennepin Healthcare Foundation: Supporting Brain Health Awareness and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Simulation Center.
- Hennepin Healthcare: AHCU will provide fresh cookies to healthcare workers at the hospital to celebrate their annual Share the Love event in February.
- Minnesota Hospital Association: AHCU has joined the MHA as an Associate Member and will be a participating vendor at the Minnesota Healthcare Leadership Institute.
AHCU in the News
Learn more about how Associated Healthcare Credit Union supports healthcare workers and the communities they serve through recent media coverage, including the Star Tribune, below.
Articles in the Star Tribune
Support Your Community with TriUnity
TriUnity is making a difference in the lives of healthcare professionals and the communities they serve—and you can help! AHCU members have the opportunity to donate and support TriUnity’s initiatives. Every contribution helps create a positive impact where it’s needed most.
How Healthcare Workers Can Ease Financial Stress in Uncertain Times
Financial stress can slip in between shifts, paperwork, and everything else that keeps your day running. And with economic headlines changing week to week, that background tension can build fast.
How to Spot and Avoid a Romance Scam
Looking for connection online? Romance scammers are counting on it. Learn the warning signs—and how to protect your heart and your money—before a match turns into a costly mistake
Bank From Anywhere with Video Banking
No need to step into a branch—handle your banking from wherever you are. Our video banking appointments bring our team to you, so you can manage your finances between shifts, during breaks, or from home. Designed for healthcare professionals who need convenience on the go.
Member Impact Story
From Stress to Savings: How One Member Lowered Bills and Found Financial Peace
Rising expenses can feel overwhelming, just ask one of our retired members. She came into the branch with issues accessing her account and was worried about rising rent and monthly bills on a fixed income.
Our team quickly helped her regain access to online banking and explored ways to reduce her monthly expenses. While refinancing her auto loan alone wouldn’t have made much difference, we suggested consolidating her Visa card and line-of-credit loan using the equity in her car.
By combining these loans and refinancing, she freed up $124 per month, simplified her payments, and even received extra cash to pay off another card. Working together, our team helped her and her husband regain control of their finances, reduce stress, and enjoy more breathing room in their budget.
At Associated Healthcare Credit Union, we’re here to help you explore solutions that fit your life, speak to our team today for guidance in your financial situation.
2026 Holiday Closures
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 19, 2026
- Presidents Day – Monday, Feb. 16, 2026
- Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth – Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day – Saturday, July 4, 2026
- Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 7, 2026
- Columbus Day – Monday, Oct. 12, 2026
- Veterans’ Day – Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
- Thanksgiving – Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026
- Day After Thanksgiving – Friday, Nov. 27, 2026 (Closed @ 1pm)
- Christmas Eve – Thursday, Dec. 24 (Closed @ 1pm)
- Christmas Day – Friday, Dec. 25, 2026







