By Jeff Fitrzyk, Chief Lending Officer
When Michigan First opened its doors nearly 100 years ago, banking looked very different. A loan application meant sitting across the desk from a lender, financial records were kept by hand, and members relied on face-to-face conversations for nearly every financial decision. Today, you can apply for a loan from your kitchen table, deposit a check with your phone, and manage your finances anytime, anywhere. While the tools have changed dramatically, one thing has remained constant: the importance of having a trusted partner to help you make confident financial decisions. Over the past decade in particular, the pace of change has accelerated. Digital banking, innovation, and evolving consumer expectations have transformed the way people interact with their financial institutions. People of every generation have embraced the convenience, speed, and accessibility that technology provides.
While every financial journey is different, strong financial habits continue to provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
We have had the privilege of helping members through life’s biggest milestones and everyday moments for over 100 years. We’ve celebrated first cars, first homes, growing families, new businesses, and retirements. We’ve also stood beside members during economic uncertainty and personal challenges, helping them regain their footing and continue working toward their goals.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us over the past century. While the way we deliver financial services will continue to evolve, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue providing innovative lending solutions, personalized guidance, and the trusted service that has helped generations of Michiganders build stronger financial futures.
Times will change, but our mission never will: helping our members move forward with confidence for the next 100 years and beyond.
When Michigan First opened its doors nearly 100 years ago, banking looked very different. A loan application meant sitting across the desk from a lender, financial records were kept by hand, and members relied on face-to-face conversations for nearly every financial decision. Today, you can apply for a loan from your kitchen table, deposit a check with your phone, and manage your finances anytime, anywhere. While the tools have changed dramatically, one thing has remained constant: the importance of having a trusted partner to help you make confident financial decisions. Over the past decade in particular, the pace of change has accelerated. Digital banking, innovation, and evolving consumer expectations have transformed the way people interact with their financial institutions. People of every generation have embraced the convenience, speed, and accessibility that technology provides.
Borrowing Has Evolved
While previous generations often borrowed only for major milestones like purchasing a home or vehicle, today’s consumers use a variety of lending options to accomplish many different financial goals. Credit cards, personal loans, home equity products, and other financing solutions have become part of everyday financial life, helping families manage cash flow, consolidate higher-interest debt, finance home improvements, or cover unexpected expenses.Healthy Financial Habits
With more choices than ever before, maintaining healthy financial habits has never been more important. While technology and products continue to evolve, the principles that lead to long-term financial success have remained remarkably consistent across generations.
Some of the most valuable financial habits include:
- Saving consistently, even in small amounts.
- Delaying gratification today to create greater opportunities tomorrow.
- Building an emergency fund with three to six months of living expenses.
- Looking beyond the monthly payment to understand the total cost of borrowing.
- Building and protecting your credit, which can help you qualify for better rates and opportunities.
- Seeking trusted financial guidance when making important decisions.
While every financial journey is different, strong financial habits continue to provide a solid foundation for long-term success.
A Century at Michigan First
Over the past century, we’ve learned that financial journeys are rarely perfect. Life happens. Unexpected expenses arise. Circumstances change. A temporary setback doesn’t define your future: it simply creates another opportunity to move forward with the right support and a thoughtful plan.We have had the privilege of helping members through life’s biggest milestones and everyday moments for over 100 years. We’ve celebrated first cars, first homes, growing families, new businesses, and retirements. We’ve also stood beside members during economic uncertainty and personal challenges, helping them regain their footing and continue working toward their goals.
As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful for the trust our members have placed in us over the past century. While the way we deliver financial services will continue to evolve, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue providing innovative lending solutions, personalized guidance, and the trusted service that has helped generations of Michiganders build stronger financial futures.
Times will change, but our mission never will: helping our members move forward with confidence for the next 100 years and beyond.