Author: Erin Roberts

Posted on July 9, 2025 by Erin Roberts

Recognition Honors Community Impact, Employee Support, and Commitment to Social Responsibility

Wheelhouse Credit Union has been named a 2025 Company That Cares by the San Diego Business Journal, an honor that recognizes local organizations that go above and beyond in their commitment to community involvement, employee well-being, and social responsibility.

“At Wheelhouse, caring for our community isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are,” said Wheelhouse President/CEO Lisa Paul-Hill. “Being recognized as a Company That Cares is a reflection of the heart that our team puts into everything we do, from supporting our Members’ financial well-being to giving back and leaving a positive impact on the neighborhoods we call home. We’re honored to be part of this program that celebrates purpose-driven business.”

Rooted in a mission to positively impact the lives of San Diegans, Wheelhouse has long prioritized giving back to the local community through deep and lasting partnerships for over 90 years. From providing free financial education to investing in youth development, sustainability, and workforce support, the credit union continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to the region.

Through its long-standing College Scholarship Program, Wheelhouse has awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors pursuing higher education, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers. Wheelhouse also funds an annual D. Cruz Gonzalez Memorial Grant, which supports a commitment to volunteerism in underserved communities.

In addition to its support for education, Wheelhouse remains a proud partner of local nonprofit organizations, including the San Diego Police Foundation, I Love A Clean San Diego, Make-A-Wish® San Diego and more. Its employees regularly volunteer time and resources to support beach cleanups, wish-granting events, and environmental preservation efforts. Wheelhouse also supports initiatives that promote clean energy, local environmental awareness, and neighborhood revitalization—efforts that align with its core values and its pledge to create a greener, more vibrant San Diego.

Internally, Wheelhouse fosters a culture of care, purpose, and professional growth for its employees. The organization offers robust wellness initiatives, flexible work schedules, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Its commitment to a healthy, inclusive workplace culture has not only helped retain top talent but has also created a team that’s deeply invested in the organization’s mission.

“At the heart of Wheelhouse is a team that truly believes in making a difference,” added Paul-Hill. “Whether we’re helping a Member buy their first home, guiding someone through financial hardship, or planting trees in our parks, everything we do is grounded in service.”

As it celebrates this recognition, Wheelhouse remains committed to expanding its community impact and continuing its legacy as a trusted, caring partner for both Members and the broader San Diego community. With nearly a century of service behind it and an eye on a more sustainable and inclusive future, the credit union continues to prove that doing good and doing business can go hand in hand.

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by Erin Roberts

Man is Adjusting a temperature using a tablet with smart home app in modern living room

Summer’s finally here! While those sun-soaked days feel amazing, your energy bill might not. Air conditioning accounts for about 19% of a U.S. household’s electricity usage – that’s nearly one-fifth of your bill going to cooling alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to trim those costs without sacrificing comfort.

1. Get Smart with Shade & Ventilation
Keep blinds or curtains closed during peak sun hours to block heat at the source. A set of blackout curtains can shave off a few dollars from your bill. If the nights dip cooler, open windows to invite a natural breeze. And once the morning warmth rolls in, shut those windows quickly to trap the freshness inside.

2. Try Fans Before Cranking AC
Fans are AC’s less expensive sidekicks. A ceiling fan rotating counterclockwise pushes cool air down, letting you raise the thermostat by a couple of degrees with little loss of comfort. If you don’t have ceiling fans, desktop or box fans can still help. Just be sure to turn them off before leaving; fans cool people, not rooms!

3. Seal the Deal on Leaks
Wasted energy is money flying out cracks and poorly sealed windows or doors. Maybe you can fix it yourself with weatherstripping or caulk. Even just sealing window perimeters and door frames can cut your cooling bills by 10%-20%.

4. Wildly Efficient Maintenance
Clean or change your AC filters every one to three months. Clogged filters force your system to work harder, which drives up usage and shortens its lifespan. Also, consider a professional AC tune-up up every spring. Systems that aren’t serviced can lose efficiency over time, costing you more energy.

5. Upgrade Smart with ENERGY STAR
If your system is more than 10 years old, you might think about an upgrade. New ENERGY STAR certified AC units are about 20-30% more efficient than standard models ENERGY STAR window units alone typically use 23% less energy and cost about $70 per year to operate.

6. Install a Smart Thermostat
Set programmable thermostats to gently raise the temperature when you’re away or asleep and cool down right before you return. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “You can save as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.”

7. Seal and Clean Your Ducts
If you have central air, leaky or dusty ducts could be wasting the conditioned air you’re paying for. A professional duct-sealing and cleaning service is well worth it – and could pay for itself in energy savings in just a year or two.

8. Consider Long-Term Investments
Installing a heat pump could slash your energy use in winter and summer – it’s a longer-term project with upfront costs, however the savings over time can be significant. Likewise, adding insulation or upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system could reduce your overall energy usage by 20%-50%.

No single trick is a silver bullet – however when combined, these tips can significantly dial down your energy usage. And for those times when higher energy costs affect your budget or sense of security, remember: GreenPath, our trusted partner, offers free financial counseling to help you navigate your options.

Posted on May 1, 2025April 29, 2025 by Erin Roberts

Happy couple, real estate and moving in new home with boxes for renovation, investment or relocation. Interracial man and woman owner carrying box for property rent, mortgage loan or move together.

Planning a move soon? You’re in good company. According to Zillow, June is the most popular month to move, with many families and individuals packing up during the summer to take advantage of better weather and school breaks.

Moving comes with more than just boxes and change-of-address forms – it can also be a major budget-breaker. The average cost of a local move is about $1,250, while a long-distance move can run upwards of $5,000, according to Forbes.

Ahead of summer’s biggest moving month, here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Underestimating the Total Moving Costs

It’s easy to focus only on the cost of the moving truck or professional movers, however, there is a lot more to factor in. Think: packing supplies, utility deposits, cleaning fees, gas, meals on the go, and potential hotel stays. It adds up quickly.

Tip: Build a moving budget before you do anything else. Include a buffer for unexpected costs – it will save you stress down the road.

2. Not Gathering Multiple Quotes

Hiring movers? Don’t go with the first quote you receive. Prices can vary widely depending on timing, services, and distance.

Tip: Round up at least three estimates and ask about discounts – some companies offer deals for students, military members, or off-peak days.

3. Forgetting to Cancel or Transfer Services

Overlapping services (like cable, internet, or utilities) can cost you double if you’re not careful. Forgetting to cancel gym memberships or local subscriptions can leave you paying for things you no longer use.

Tip: Make a checklist of every service tied to your current address, and schedule transfers or cancellations at least two weeks in advance.

4. Skipping the Decluttering Process

The more stuff you move, the more it costs. Plus, hauling boxes of things you don’t use just makes unpacking that much harder.

Tip: If you have not used it in the last year, donate it, sell it, or toss it. You will save on moving supplies and labor – and your future self will thank you.

5. Not Accounting for Post-Move Expenses

It is easy to think the spending stops once the moving truck pulls away. Setting up your new home often comes with additional costs, like new furniture, cleaning supplies, and restocking your pantry or refrigerator.

Tip: Set aside a portion of your budget specifically for post-move purchases. Even just a few hundred dollars can help you settle in comfortably without resorting to credit cards.

Need Help Creating a Budget?
We partner with GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national nonprofit, to offer free financial counseling and tools to help you manage life’s big transitions – including moving. Whether you need help building a budget, managing debt, or planning for your next step, GreenPath is here for you.

Related Resource:
Free Online Course: Homebuying 101

This article is shared by our partners at GreenPath Financial Wellness, a trusted national non-profit.