Meet Bruce - He Has His Eye on Retirement

How Long Have You Been a BECU Member?

I joined BECU in November of 1996, the same year I started at Boeing (computing support, Kent campus). It was my first exposure to a credit union, although, in retrospect, I wish I'd followed my late father's advice and joined a credit union much sooner. Although I left Boeing in 2002 due to layoffs, and have been in civil service with the State of Washington ever since, I've maintained my BECU membership and don't have any regrets.

What Do You Love Most About BECU?

That's easy -- customer service. No matter what financial issues have cropped up over time, I've never been disappointed having BECU help out. No conventional bank I know of even comes close.

If You Could Retire Anywhere, Where Would It Be?

There are a few choices on the table for that, especially considering it's just six years away for me.

I'd like it to be a quiet spot, somewhere close to a wildlife rehab center, ideally working with raptors (birds-of-prey) but also within striking distance of a larger city. And, wherever we land, it has to have community-owned Internet service (ideally over fiber).

This way, I can do volunteer work with the birds and also support my 'techie' hobbies (it's hard to find electronic equipment suppliers, no matter if it's new or surplus, in rural areas). Monmouth or Independence, in Oregon, is looking pretty good right now. I've also been casting an eye towards Huntsville, Alabama (there's a terrific zoo just a few hours south of there, and plenty of 'techie' presence thanks to NASA).

If You Had to Eat One Meal, Every Day, for the Rest of Your Life, What Would It Be?

Thai food! Healthy and satisfying, all in one snap. Pad See Ew with chicken is a favorite of mine.

What Has Been The Best Piece of Financial Advice You Have Ever Received?

Simple. Keep your debt low and savings high and join a credit union! Both of those came from my dad.