June 2023 News

Start Them Off Right With Student Banking

This summer, get your child started on good financial habits with our suite of youth-focused accounts that provide more conveniences, fewer fees, and highly competitive interest rates. These accounts for kids in middle and high school not only offer great rates and modern conveniences, but can help teach them how to save money, how money works, how to make it grow, and most importantly, how to be financially responsible. Student Banking accounts include:

Youth CD – Earn 4.50% APY1

  • Our Youth CD can help make your child’s long-term savings goals a reality with a great interest rate, a minimum opening deposit of just $50, a convenient 12-month term, and the ability to add funds during the term of their CD.

Youth Savings – Earn up to 4.00% APY2

  • Our Youth Savings account is the perfect tool to help your kids get in the habit of saving early. It provides a premium interest rate on balances of up to $1,000 and you’ll have the flexibility to add or subtract funds whenever you need.

Student Checking – Get a $100 Bonus*

  • Our free Student Checking account (available to members aged 13–24) is the perfect account for day-to-day money management. You get a free Visa® debit card, access to mobile banking, and no monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. Plus, for a limited time, when you open an account, you’ll receive a $100 bonus*.

When your student prepares for their next phase of education, our Sallie Mae referral program can provide access to the best Sallie Mae® student loans for their specific needs.

To learn more about these youth-focused accounts, speak with a Bellco representative or visit us online at Bellco.org/StudentBanking.

1Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective as of 6/1/2023. The interest rate and annual percentage yield (APY) are subject to change without notice at any time prior to the issuance of the certificate. After the point of issuance, interest rates and APY are fixed. Early withdrawal penalties apply. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Membership eligibility required.

2 Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is effective as of 6/1/2023.  The APY for Youth Savings is 4.00% for balances up to and including $1,000.00. For balances in excess of $1,000.00, the APY may range from 4.00% to 0.50%. The APY may change after the account is opened. Fees may reduce earnings on the account. Membership eligibility required.

*To receive the $100 bonus, the student must (i) qualify for Bellco membership, as well as the checking account, (ii) open the student checking account on or before 8/31/2023, and (iii) be aged 13–24. Students under the age of 18 must have an adult as joint owner on the account. Not valid with any other offers. Limit of one bonus per student. There is no minimum balance required to obtain the bonus. The bonus will be deposited into the new student checking account within 90 days of account opening, provided the account is still open and active at that time.

Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association.
© 2023 Sallie Mae Bank. All rights reserved. Sallie Mae, the Sallie Mae logo, and other Sallie Mae names and logos are service marks or registered service marks of Sallie Mae Bank. 


Great Places to View Colorado Wildflowers

Many people throughout the state couldn’t help but notice that our springtime rains and storms have seemed never-ending—and some people might have grumbled a little about it. A spring like this one is definitely good for our drought level; it’s also remarkable for subsequent wildflowers, which love the extra moisture.

Colorado is home to some spectacular color when the flowers are in full bloom. “Classic” Colorado varieties include blue columbine, western columbine, paintbrush, and bluebells, all of which can be seen in numerous parts of the state. Peak blooming is going on now through the end of the month for lower elevations; higher elevations will peak in July and August. Although you’ll be able to see wildflowers all over, some destinations are known for their abundance of blooms.

  • Pawnee Buttes. Within the Pawnee National Grassland on the Eastern Plains are two large rock formations that typically are the focal point of the otherwise flat terrain. But through June, the sea of yellow will be stealing the show.
  • Cathy Fromme Prairie. Just Southwest of Fort Collins, this area is alive with color right now. It sports an accessible, paved, 2.4-mile trail that offers great views of blue flax, evening primrose, cowboy’s delight, and more.
  • Blue Lake. Near Cameron Pass, the Blue Lake trail will give you access to larkspur, goldenrod, paintbrush, and fireweed; the lake isn’t too shabby either. These flowers are just starting their bloom, which will continue through August.
  • Almont Triangle. Crested Butte might be Wildflower Capital of Colorado, but if you’re happier with a less crowded area, try the nearby Almont Triangle. Blooms will begin to peak late this month and will just get better and better through July. You’ll be able to see mule’s ears, paintbrush, and more on the hillsides around Almont.
  • Alpine Loop. If you’re up for an adventurous driving tour near Ouray, the Alpine Loop scenic byway will take you by numerous wildflower fields, including in Engineer Pass, where you’ll see plentiful blooms in early July through August.

Whether you’re a fan of this year’s rains or not, you have a chance to enjoy the bounty from them by getting outside and taking in the wonder that is Colorado wildflowers. So grab your flower guide and get out there today!


We’re Now Presenting Sponsor of Free for Kids

Bellco has been a proud supporter of the Denver Art Museum (DAM) Free for Kids program since 2016. This year, Bellco expanded its investment to become the Presenting Sponsor of this important community access program.

Originally launched in 2015, the Free for Kids program at DAM provides free general admission to all visitors ages 18 and under, as well as $5 admission to all special ticketed exhibitions. The program also extends free general admission to youth group field trips and summer camps, too.

All Bellco members 19 and older, will continue to receive FREE GENERAL ADMISSION to the Denver Art Museum on the second full weekend of each month. The free weekends for this month will be June 10–11, and we’re planning something special for the 10th.

To help celebrate our Presenting Sponsorship of Free for Kids, Bellco will be at the Denver Art Museum on Saturday, June 10 with a fun, free 360° Photo Booth that lets you and your kids show off your moves while capturing the action at lightning speed.

As a reminder, the museum recommends that Bellco members show their 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 in advance, note that Bellco members may need to present their Bellco debit or credit card and an active, valid photo ID when they arrive. Learn more at Bellco.org/artmuseum.


An Easy Way to Learn About Wills and Trusts

By The Hughes Law Firm

Since 1974, The Hughes Law Firm has been providing Bellco members with peace of mind while saving them money on legal services. Teaching others about the value of estate planning has become their life passion.

The reality is we all get to a certain point in our lives when we need to start thinking about estate planning. Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one and experienced the complications that can occur when things haven’t been put in order.

No matter what the reason, Bellco members can get helpful information by attending a complimentary webinar Wills and Trusts 101, presented by The Hughes Law Firm. Here are just a few things you’ll learn:

• How living trusts avoid probate and simple wills don’t.
• What “blended families” must do to avoid disinheriting each other and/or their separate children.
• How to “bulletproof” your children’s and grandchildren’s inheritances from their divorces, debts, taxes, lawsuits and keep your hard-earned inheritance in the bloodline.
• You’ll also learn about the value of powers of attorney, veterans’ benefits, planning for cherished pets, special vacation properties, and much more.

Register today for your choice of morning or evening webinar in June:

Saturday, June 10 at 10:00 am MT
Register Here

Wednesday, June 28 at 6:00 pm MT
Register Here

Attendance is limited and these webinars fill up fast, so register to confirm your spot today. Attendees should set up no earlier than 15 minutes prior to start time. A pen and paper is recommended to write notes. You may also type your questions into the chat feature within Zoom. We hope to see you there!