NGFCU members faced many of the same challenges brought on by the economic downturn that created concerns for most Americans. With stock values dropping and savings rates falling in 2008, it became more difficult to find a worthwhile return on investment without sacrificing security. NGFCU members had one advantage over the rest of the population in that their savings and loans at NGFCU were unsullied by the failings suffered by other financial institutions. NGFCU continued to provide an above-market return on savings while maintaining affordable loan interest rates and terms. To support member efforts to securely build wealth, the Credit Union offered among the highest savings rates in the country. Demonstrating continued member confidence in the value of NGFCU membership, term (CD) account balances increased by 10% and IRA term account balances increased by 19%, while assets expanded by 14% to nearly $685 million by the close of 2008.