Getting to know Janel Cabadas, the new President + CEO of Earthmover Credit Union.
We recently sat down with Janel Cabadas, the new President and CEO of Earthmover Credit Union, to discuss her long history with the organization,...
We recently sat down with Janel Cabadas, the new President and CEO of Earthmover Credit Union, to discuss her long history with the organization, the many roles she’s held along the way, and her vision for leading Earthmover into its next chapter.
- You’ve been part of Earthmover Credit Union since high school—most of us were just figuring out locker combinations back then. When you think about that first teller shift, what stands out now that you’re stepping into the CEO role?
The want to do good is still there. Earthmover has built a strong foundation and we have had great leaders before me. I was taught early on and still believe today we must put the member first. We serve them, and every decision we make has to consider them.
- You’ve worn just about every hat imaginable at Earthmover—teller, marketer, strategist, EVP. How has walking in so many different shoes shaped the way you lead today?
I am fortunate that I was able to grow my career within Earthmover. This has allowed me to pick up knowledge along the way from all sides of the credit union, and it has shaped me because it has taught me that there is so much to still learn. I need every team member, and I know this because I walked in their shoes. Their knowledge helps make better well-rounded decisions. It is collaboration at its finest.
- There aren’t many CEOs who can say they’ve actually worked the front line. How does your teller experience still show up in the decisions you make now?
When I am working with staff from every department, I always want to give “the why.” I never want to assume or take someone’s understanding for granted. I think this really stems from my time on the teller line. No role here is less important. Everyone deserves to be included in our strategic goals and understand how they influence them.
- You’re following in the footsteps of Kelly McDonough, a true credit union icon and recent Hall of Fame inductee. What’s one lesson from Kelly that’s stuck with you throughout your career?
Kelly has been an incredible boss and mentor. She coached me through many situations, and I have big shoes to fill. One of the most impactful things she shared with me was that when presented with a difficult decision, always do it with integrity. If you do that, then you can’t go wrong.
- The financial world is changing fast—digital tools, new expectations, new competition. What excites you most about where credit unions fit into that evolving landscape? And then, what scares you?
This industry is so unique. We are equipped to play in the same field as the big banks. We offer everything a bank can offer and every year we proactively review how to make what we do matter and benefit the members. This idea of possibility is exciting. The thing that scares me is getting left behind. We must continue to share our story, demonstrate our differences, advocate our right to exist because it would be a disservice to our membership.
Earthmover is excited to continue its mission of bettering members, while introducing a new generation to the credit union movement. To learn more about Janel and her commitment to Earthmover, visit our press release here.
Winter Problems, Solved: Meet the Anytime Loan
Winter has range. One minute you’re reviewing holiday spending, the next you’re Googling “warm places with umbrellas in drinks.”...
Winter has range. One minute you’re reviewing holiday spending, the next you’re Googling “warm places with umbrellas in drinks.” Fortunately, Earthmover’s Anytime Loan is built for both moods.
This low-rate, unsecured personal loan is designed to do exactly what its name promises: be there anytime you need it, for just about anything you want to make happen.
Feeling the aftershocks of holiday expenses? The Anytime Loan can help roll higher-interest balances into one manageable payment, potentially lowering your rate and simplifying your monthly budget. Less juggling. Less stress. More control.
Or maybe winter has overstayed its welcome. When gray skies pile up, the Anytime Loan can help fund a tropical reset, from flights, lodging and yes, that oceanfront view you’ve been thinking about since November. Call it strategic sunshine.
What makes the Anytime Loan stand out is its flexibility. There’s no collateral required. Competitive rates. Clear terms. You decide how to use it, whether that’s paying down debt, planning a getaway, covering a surprise expense or finally tackling something you’ve been putting off.
Winter will do its thing. You don’t have to stay stuck in it.
Moving More Than Money in 2025
In 2025, Earthmover Credit Union didn’t just talk about community—we showed up, rolled up our sleeves, and fired up the grill. Because when...
In 2025, Earthmover Credit Union didn’t just talk about community—we showed up, rolled up our sleeves, and fired up the grill. Because when you’re serving your community, it helps to bring the food, too.
Through our Community Giveback initiative, we donated $40,000 to more than 35 local non-profit organizations. Each request was thoughtfully reviewed to ensure support landed where it could make the biggest difference.
One program especially close to our hearts is Earthgivers, an effort sparked and led entirely by our staff. In 2025 alone, Earthgivers distributed more than $10,500 directly to local individuals and families, including those outside our membership. These funds helped neighbors facing serious challenges like heart conditions and cancer, with BBQs and community fundraisers turning generosity into meaningful, immediate relief.
And when the holidays arrived, we helped spread a little extra joy by donating more than 200 toys to Toys for Tots.
None of this happens without our incredible members and employees, whose generosity proves that community isn’t just where we work, it’s who we are. Want to see more ways Earthmover gives back? Visit our Community Impact page for the full picture.
Awards with Impact: Earthmover’s Community-First Wins in 2025
In 2025, Earthmover Credit Union was proud to earn two significant honors from the Illinois Credit Union League, both rooted in something we care...
In 2025, Earthmover Credit Union was proud to earn two significant honors from the Illinois Credit Union League, both rooted in something we care deeply about: showing up for our community.
Earthmover received first place for the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award, which recognizes credit unions that lead with heart through community service-driven initiatives. This honor spotlighted our Community Giveback and Earthgivers programs—efforts that provide meaningful financial support not only to members, but also to other individuals and families in our community.
We also earned second place for the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Award, which celebrates credit unions that live out the “people helping people” philosophy through strong internal programs that provide direct savings and earning opportunities for members.
As Marisa Medgyesi, Earthmover’s Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, shared:
“We are thrilled to be recognized by the Illinois Credit Union League for our efforts in the community and the credit union. We have launched new programs to focus on member savings and earnings, while also maintaining impactful programs like Community Giveback.”
These awards don’t belong to Earthmover alone. They belong to our members, employees and community partners who make this work possible through every donation, every fundraiser and every act of generosity.
The 2026 Financial Reset: 5 Small Money Moves That Make a Big Difference by Spring
January has a funny way of making us want a fresh start. New calendar. New goals. Same streaming subscriptions you forgot about. Let’s fix...
January has a funny way of making us want a fresh start. New calendar. New goals. Same streaming subscriptions you forgot about. Let’s fix that.
Here are five small, realistic money moves you can make now that can add up to meaningful wins by spring, no extreme budgeting or spreadsheet-induced headaches required.
- Evict Subscription Creep
Scroll your bank statement. If you’re paying for three shows, two fitness apps and one meditation app you never open…congratulations, you’re very generous. Cancel what you don’t use. Even $40 a month back in your pocket feels like a raise. Take that $40 and watch it grow with an Earthmover Savings Account or a high-yield, 3.40% APY¹ certificate of deposit! - Re-Think Auto Insurance
Rates change. Life changes. Cars age. If it’s been more than a year since you shopped for auto insurance, there’s a solid chance you’re overpaying. A quick quote comparison could free up cash quickly. - Automate Your Savings—Smaller Than You Think
Big savings goals start with small, automatic transfers. Even $25 per paycheck adds up faster than expected, and you won’t miss it if you never see it. Save to Win, a special certificate account where each $25 deposit enters you into raffles for cash prizes, is a great opportunity to win big while saving. - Put Your Savings Where It Works Harder
If your savings account isn’t earning much, it may be time for an upgrade. Optimizing where you stash your cash can quietly boost your balance without extra effort—our favorite kind of financial progress. We’d recommend starting with an Earthmover Savings Account, money market account or high-yield certificate. We also offer Velocity Checking to earn 2.50% APY² while maintaining easy access to your money. - Tame High-Interest Debt
High-interest balances have a way of lingering. Exploring Earthmover’s low-rate credit cards could help consolidate balances and reduce interest, meaning more of your payment goes toward progress, not frustration.
Spring comes fast. A few smart tweaks now can make your finances feel lighter, calmer and far more in control. And that’s a reset worth keeping.
¹ Credit union membership is required. APY = Annual Percentage Yield and is accurate as of November 3, 2025. This is a limited-time offer and may be withdrawn at any time. The dividend period begins on the first day of the term and ends on the maturity date. For all certificate accounts, after your certificate account is opened, you may make withdrawals subject to the early withdrawal penalties as outlined in the Truth-in-Savings (TIS) Disclosure. Withdrawals of dividends are not subject to penalty. The frequency with which interest will be compounded and credited is monthly. The "month" begins on the first calendar day of the month and ends on the last calendar day of the month. Minimum balance and other fees may apply. Please refer to our separate Schedule of Fees and Charges and Truth-in-Savings (TIS) disclosure for additional account details.
² APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Earthmover Credit Union membership required. In order to qualify for 2.50% APY on account balance, members must maintain a minimum account balance of $0.01, must be enrolled and active in Earthmover’s Online Banking, be enrolled in paperless statements (eStatements) or be 65 years of age or older, have an active Earthmover Visa Credit Card and complete at least one (1) transaction OR make a minimum of 15 Visa debit card transactions per month with a $10.00 minimum per transaction amount (does not include ATM withdrawal), and have a total direct deposit amount of at least $500.00 in savings and/or checking. Direct deposits that are not from an employer or government agency, including but not limited to check deposits, peer-to-peer transfers (e.g., transfers from PayPal, Venmo, etc.), merchant transactions (e.g., transactions from PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.), and bank ACH funds transfers and wire transfers from external accounts, or are non-recurring in nature (e.g. IRS tax refunds), do not constitute direct deposit activity. 2.50% APY is only valid up to $5,000.00. Any balance greater than $5,000.00 will be paid at the stated dividend rate and APY for that tier. Dividends earned will be posted to the account on the second business day of the month following the dividend period. Offer and rate is subject to change without notice. See an Earthmover Credit Union team member for more details.
Your Tax Refund, Reinvented: Smart Ways Earthmover Members Are Using Theirs This Year
Tax refunds have a reputation. They show up once a year and whisper, “You deserve something fun.” And sure, sometimes they’re right. But...
Tax refunds have a reputation. They show up once a year and whisper, “You deserve something fun.” And sure, sometimes they’re right. But more and more Earthmover members are putting their refunds to work in ways that feel even better by summer.
Build an Emergency Fund (a.k.a. Peace of Mind): Use part of your refund to start—or finally finish—an emergency fund. Even a few hundred dollars set aside can turn a surprise expense into a mild inconvenience instead of a full-blown panic.
That First Extra Mortgage Payment: Making one extra payment toward a mortgage can shave real time and interest off a loan.
Start a Youth Savings Account: Some refunds are being earmarked for the next generation. Opening a savings account for a child (complete with a starting balance) sets the tone early: saving is normal, money has purpose and yes, it can grow.
Knock Down High-Interest Debt: High-interest balances are a common target for refunds. Using a refund to pay them down means fewer dollars lost to interest and more momentum moving forward. Progress is a powerful motivator.
As an Earthmover Credit Union member you save 20% on TurboTax®, whether you file yourself or have an expert file for you. Or save up to $25 on in-office tax prep services from H&R Block and get your taxes done by professionals. Plus, save even more with early-season pricing when you file by February 28th.
Take a few minutes now to lock in your discount, right from your phone.
And as a credit union member you can enter for a chance to win $10,000 from Love My Credit Union Rewards.
Your Financial Wellness Starter Pack: Free Earthmover Tools Every Member Should Try
Financial wellness doesn’t require a total life overhaul or a color-coded spreadsheet. Sometimes it just takes the right tools—preferably...
Financial wellness doesn’t require a total life overhaul or a color-coded spreadsheet. Sometimes it just takes the right tools—preferably free, easy and actually useful.
Good news: Earthmover has those. Here’s your official Financial Wellness Starter Pack.
Free Financial Wellness Courses
Earthmover’s on-demand courses break down money topics without the jargon or judgment. Learn at your own pace, on your couch, in sweatpants. That’s financial education done right.
Fraud Prevention Education
Scammers are creative, and Earthmover is prepared. Our fraud prevention resources help you spot red flags early and protect your accounts. Because peace of mind should be standard, not optional.
Save to Win
This is savings with a plot twist. Every $25 deposit into a Save to Win CD builds your savings and earns you chances to win monthly cash prizes and quarterly $5,000 prizes. Your money stays yours, earns dividends and might win big. Low risk. High motivation.
Car Buying Help with TrueCar
Buying a car doesn’t have to feel like a negotiation marathon. Earthmover’s free car buying assistance connects you to pricing tools and support that make the process smoother and more transparent.
Free Financial Calculators
Thinking about buying a home? Our mortgage calculator lets you run numbers and explore what’s realistic before you start house-hunting with confidence (or curiosity). Also, check out our free auto loan and credit line calculators, too.
Member Referral Program
Love Earthmover? Refer a friend and you both earn $58, while Earthmover donates $58 to a local non-profit of your choice. That’s a win-win-win and only takes a few minutes.
The Earthmover Momentum Blog
Fresh tips, smart insights and helpful updates—all in one place, always moving you forward.
Your finances already come with enough complexity. These tools are here to make things simpler, smarter and a lot more manageable.
Staff News and Announcements
Taylor Barringer
Promoted to training specialist. Taylor will play an integral role in staff training, growth and development.
Jalisa Boyles
Promoted to consumer loan associate. Jalisa is focused on providing a seamless loan experience for members.
Jocelyn Bustamante
Consumer loan processor, celebrating 10 years. Jocelyn is passionate about effectively managing loan applications to help members with their financial goals.