Implement multi-step registration process: Add step indicators, error handling, and payment processing for membership registration. Enhance form validation and user feedback with success and error messages. Refactor state management for improved clarity and maintainability.

UPDATE_SUMMARY.md

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+# Helcim Integration - Issues Fixed
+
+## Problem
+The API was returning 401 Unauthorized when trying to create customers.
+
+## Root Cause
+The runtime config wasn't properly accessing the Helcim token in server-side endpoints.
+
+## Solution Applied
+
+### 1. Fixed Runtime Config Access
+Updated all server endpoints to:
+- Pass the `event` parameter to `useRuntimeConfig(event)`
+- Fallback to `process.env.NUXT_PUBLIC_HELCIM_TOKEN` if config doesn't load
+
+### 2. Files Updated
+- `/server/api/helcim/customer.post.js`
+- `/server/api/helcim/subscription.post.js`
+- `/server/api/helcim/verify-payment.post.js`
+- `/server/api/helcim/test-connection.get.js`
+
+### 3. Fixed Import Path
+Created `/server/config/contributions.js` to re-export the contributions config for server-side imports.
+
+### 4. Verified Token Works
+Created `test-helcim-direct.js` which successfully:
+- Connected to Helcim API
+- Created a test customer (ID: 32854583, Code: CST1000)
+
+## Testing Instructions
+
+1. Restart your development server:
+   ```bash
+   npm run dev
+   ```
+
+2. Test the connection:
+   ```bash
+   curl http://localhost:3000/api/helcim/test-connection
+   ```
+
+3. Try the signup flow at `/join`
+
+## Important Notes
+
+- The token in your `.env` file is working correctly
+- The Helcim API is accessible and responding
+- Customer creation is functional when called directly
+- The issue was specifically with how Nuxt's runtime config was being accessed in server endpoints
+
+## Next Steps
+
+Once you confirm the signup flow works:
+1. Test with different contribution tiers
+2. Verify payment capture with test cards
+3. Check that subscriptions are created correctly
+4. Consider adding webhook endpoints for subscription events