Newsletter
Spring 2008
NE PA Community FCU offers Convenience Services that will save you time and money. Plus, when you make the switch to NE PA before April 30, 2008, you'll receive a special cash bonus!*
Sign Up For FREE NE PA Checking - Get $10!* NE PA has a Share Draft/Checking Account that makes accessing your money easy, without the high fees other financial institutions charge. It's the smart way to manage your money!
Add A FREE Visa® Check Card ? Get $10!* Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted, and purchases are automatically deducted from your Checking Account. Your card can also be used to make up to eight FREE ATM withdrawals each month (our NE PA ATM is always free).
Enroll In FREE Home Banking ? Get $10!* You can access your funds from any computer with Internet access ? anytime, anywhere! Once you enroll, you will receive your statements safely and securely online through e-Statements.
Enroll In NE PA Bill Payer ? Get $10!* Pay your bills electronically and save time, money, and gas. NE PA Bill Payer is completely free as long as you have a Share Draft/Checking Account, Visa Check Card, Home Banking, e-Statements, and you provide your e-mail address to the credit union.
Start Today!
Simply stop by the credit union or call (570) 421-5585, option 4.
Hurry, The Cash Bonus Offer Ends April 30, 2008!
*Cash Bonus of up to $40 will be deposited into your new NE PA Share Draft/Checking Account. One Cash Bonus per member. NE PA Share Draft/ Checking Account must remain open for 90 days or Cash Bonus will be refunded to the credit union. Bonus valid only for new services opened in March and April, 2008. Contact the credit union for complete offer details.
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Access Your
Economic Stimulus Payment Now!
Why Wait? Let?s Rebuild The Economy Together!
Your credit union wants to help all of our members access their Economic Stimulus Payment sooner, rather than later. Why wait until May 2008 or even later? We will loan* you the amount that you expect for your payment and you will not incur any finance charges if you repay the loan by August 31, 2008. When you receive your payment and pay off your loan by August 31, 2008, all of the interest paid will be refunded to your account.
You may ask, "Why is the credit union giving me a FREE loan?" We want to do our part to help the economy prosper by allowing our members to use their check now to purchase needed or desired items. The economy needs our help, so let's rebuild it together.
If you have not heard, the Federal government passed an Economic Stimulus Act recently in which many Americans will receive an additional tax rebate up to $600 per person and an additional $300 for each qualifying child. These checks/direct deposits will begin in May 2008. Please visit www.irs.gov for additional information regarding this Tax Stimulus Incentive.
Apply Today
Why wait? Access your tax money today! Apply for our special Signature Loan online, call (570) 421-5585, or stop by the credit union.
Hurry, This Special Offer Ends May 31, 2008!
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. The loan approval process is part of our Risk-Based Lending Program. Your rate will be determined by your credit history. Rate is subject to change without notice. You must be able to estimate the amount of your payment when applying for the loan. Contact the credit union for complete details. There is a calculator on the IRS website to help you estimate your payment.
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Switch Your Vehicle Loan To NE PA & Save
Spring is a great time to purchase a new car, truck or SUV, or to refinance your current Vehicle Loan from another financial institution to NE PA.
NE PA Vehicle Loans Always Offer:
- Competitive Interest Rates
- Flexible Terms Up To 72 Months
- Vehicle Pricing Guides ? So You Always Get The Best Deal
- Friendly, Personal Loan Assistance That Is Local
Make The Switch
When you bring your Vehicle Loan to NE PA and refinance at our lower rates, you could save hundreds! Watch your mail for future details on our upcoming refinancing promotion.
Apply Today
To learn more or to apply, call (570) 421-5585, option 2, or stop by the credit union at your convenience.
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Make Your Annual Meeting
And Grand Buffet Reservations
Your credit union?s 48th Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Peppe?s Ristorante, Eagle Valley Mall, East Stroudsburg, PA. This is a new location for 2008. The Grand Buffet is $28.50 and includes entertainment, prizes, and favors. The evening will begin with a cash bar at 6:00 p.m. The Grand Buffet begins at 6:30 p.m.
The business meeting will begin after dinner and include the Meritorious Service Award and the Dr. Alfred D. Sumberg Founder?s Award presentations. Reports will be heard, and the election of Board members will be held. David Piatt, Chairman, will preside over the meeting and the door prize giveaways. Don?t delay ? attendance is limited to the first 150 members, so make your reservations right away! Complete and submit the form below or call us at (570) 421-5585 x1124 to reserve your seats. The reservation deadline is Friday, April 18, 2008.
Grand Buffet Menu
- Garden Salad With House Dressing
- Poached Wild Salmon Filet
- Roast Sirloin Beef From The Carving Board
- Veal Tripoleta With Italian Sausage And Chicken
- Pollo Francese
- Torellini Pesto
- Saffron Rice, Fresh Seasonal Vegetable
- Coffee, Tea And Dessert
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Grow Your Business With Help From NE PA
You already know that NE PA Community FCU offers individuals money-saving loan and savings products. Did you know that NE PA can save your business money, too?
With FREE money management services, low interest rates on loans and excellent personal service, NE PA has the financial products and services you need to help your business prosper.
Compare the products listed below to the products available at other financial institutions, and see how much you could save by choosing NE PA for your company?s needs:
Business Checking Accounts
Choose from Basic Business Checking, Preferred Business Checking, or Elite Business Checking. All three accounts feature a FREE Visa® Check Card with a $500 Overdraft Line of Credit!
FREE Electronic Account Access 24/7
Once you enroll in NE PA Business Checking, you can access your account anytime, day or night, with these FREE electronic services:
- FREE NE PA Home Branch With e-Statements
- FREE DANA Day And Night Access Telephone Teller
- FREE NE PA Bill Payer*
Low-Cost Loan Solutions
When you need to borrow for business equipment, real estate, or other needs, NE PA is here to help. We offer affordable, low-interest rate financing on a variety of products. Call today for current rates on:
- Real Estate Loans
- Refinancing
- Lines Of Credit
- Business Credit Cards
- Vehicle Loans
- Rental/Investment Property Loans
Additional Business Services
NE PA can also help you with credit and debit card processing, payroll services, and gift cards for your customers. Ask us for all the details today.
For More Information
Let us tailor a low-cost services package for all of your business needs. Simply call our Business Services Department at (570) 421-5585, x1128 to learn more today.
*Free when you have our Visa Check Card, NE PA Home Branch with e-Statements and have your e-mail address on file with the credit union.
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New Chief Operations Officer
Donald S. Carr has been appointed to fill the Chief Operations Officer opening, which was available due to Mark T. Filbert's promotion to President/CEO. Don has been employed with our credit union since May 30, 1995 when he began his credit union career as our Office Systems Specialist. From there, he has held several other positions such as Assistant Office Manager and, more recently, Vice President- Member Services, a position that he has held for the past nine years. Don originally is from the Wilkes- Barre, PA area. He started working for us after receiving his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Wilkes University. Don currently resides in Marshall's Creek with his wife, Charity, who is an intermediate school teacher in the Stroudsburg School District.
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Our Community
NE PA Community FCU staff and members are proud to participate in a wide variety of events that support our community. Here are just a few we?ve taken part in lately:
Salvation Army Kettle Drive
Thanks to donations from our members, we raised $642.01 for the Salvation Army. We appreciate your support for this worthy cause!
American Cancer Society Daffodil Days
The day was a resounding success! Thank you to all who participated.
March 12 & 13 ? Pocono Mountains Chamber Of Commerce Expo
It was great to see many of our credit union members. Thanks for stopping by!
Upcoming Events
April 26 ? Pocono Area Senior Expo 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Boomers & Beyond)
The credit union will participate in this event by providing information and answering questions on unique issues pertaining to seniors. The event will be held at the Stroudsburg Junior High School on Chipperfield Drive in Stroudsburg, PA. We hope you can join us!
April 27 ? March Of Dimes ? March For Babies
Come walk with the NE PA credit union family. If you are interested in joining the credit union walking team, contact Kimberly Kochanski at (570) 421-5585, x1116.
May 1-31 ? Children?s Miracle Network
Purchase a balloon from our office for just $2 anytime during the month of May and support this excellent cause.
May 4 ? American Red Cross ? Run For The Red
NE PA will once again support the runners by sponsoring and manning a water station.
For Details On Any Of These Events,
Please Call (570) 421-5585 x1116.
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Ask Bettyanne
It seems to me I can't watch TV, read a newspaper or listen to the radio without someone predicting future economic decline. The head of one major car manufacturer has stated that even if the U.S. is not in a recession, the auto industry is. People are pinching their pennies to meet rising fuel prices and most households have less disposable income.
One way you can lower your car payments could be to refinance your current auto loan from another financial institution to the credit union. This may lower your interest rate, which should reduce your monthly payment. If possible you might even try stretching the loan out for a longer term and adding a vehicle mechanical repair contract so you won?t have any unexpected expenses. When money gets tight a major car repair could really set you back. You get to choose how extensively you wish to cover your vehicle. The options vary from just covering major parts like the engine and drive train to coverage similar to what you get on a just purchased brand new vehicle. This coverage can be financed with your NE PA Vehicle Loan, and is well worth it since you may have to hold on to your car longer than you normally would.
If you are in the market for a vehicle, why not shop for a used one? You may be able to make a great deal since car business is down. Do some comparison shopping and don't forget about the online resources like www.edmunds.com to help you negotiate the deal. You just might end up in a better model than you could afford to buy brand new. And have the piece of mind that your used vehicle can have a warranty that covers you for repairs just like a new car warranty.
Remember to compare the cost of operating a vehicle and not just the original purchase price. You can go to www.fueleconomy.gov and compare the gas mileage and safety ratings. Another resource, www.gasbuddy.com tracks gas prices and shows you where the cheapest gas is in your area.
If you have any questions regarding your car buying process, please do not hesitate to contact me at (570) 421-5585 x1127.
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Child Safety Online
In today?s modern world, it is difficult for parents to ensure that their children can safely engage in online activity. The daily news is filled with reports of Internet predators. Underage Internet users are often unaware of the malicious intent of online acquaintances or sites with which they interact.
The Internet is an excellent information source available at all hours, day and night. It is also a place where younger people find the opportunity to socialize, interact with others who have similar interests, and feel they find understanding and acceptance.
There is also a downside to the Internet. It can increase children?s exposure to people with nefarious intentions. Most of us have heard stories about identity theft, hacking, and children who fall victim to someone who stalked them via chat rooms or other online sites.
Parents can ensure that the home computer provides safeguards by keeping in mind the following:
- Keep computers in the family room rather than the child?s bedroom. It is more difficult for offenders to communicate with a child when the computer screen is visible to other family members.
- Research applications that provide filtering, blocking, or website ratings in order to provide adequate content control.
- Become acquainted with your child?s online friends, just as you would their other friends. Anonymous Internet contacts may not always be what they seem. Someone who represents himself as a 12-year-old girl may actually be a 50-year-old man.
Check out our
TEAM (Training, Education and Awareness for Members) website
to learn more about Internet safety and the latest financial scams.
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Join Us In Celebrating Youth Week!
Help us celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week from April 20-26, 2008. At this special time of year, we celebrate the youngest members of our credit union and promote fun with financial education. All week long, we will have refreshments and giveaways for our members ages 18 and under.
We are also planning a special information session on financial aid and financial services for college-bound students. A financial aid specialist from Northampton Community College will be present on April 29 from 7:00 p.m. ? 8:30 p.m. to offer advice and answer your questions about financing opportunities available to students and parents. To RSVP for this special information session, please call Kimberly Kochanski by April 22 at (570) 421-5585, x1116.
Reservations are required.
Check Out Googolplex
Googolplex is our online resource that makes learning about money management fun for elementary, middle & high school kids. They can learn about earning, saving and spending money, and have fun at the same time!
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Bulletin Board
Holiday Closings
Monday, May 26, 2008 ? Memorial Day
Friday, July 4, 2008 ? Independence Day
Loss-Causing Member Notice
Members who have caused a monetary loss to the credit union will be eligible only for a Savings Account and dividends on that account. This loss may have resulted from a charged-off loan, a Share Draft loss, or an ATM loss, including loss of fees or losses related to deposits that have not been repaid to the credit union.
Outgoing Wire Transfer Information
Members who conduct outgoing wire transfers must be aware that a telephone number call-back is required before the transfer can be sent. The call-back must be made to a telephone number that the credit union currently has on file (i.e., your home number or work number). Any changes to the telephone number of record must be made in writing. If you need to notify us of a change, please mail the new number to the credit union or fax it to (570) 421-5476.
NEW Services Available
The credit union is now offering American Express Travelers Cheques, Gift Cheques, and Gift Cards. For more information or to purchase these items, stop by the credit union.
Important IRA Reminder
The deadline for 2007 IRA contributions is April 15. If you haven?t yet made your contribution for the 2007 tax year, stop by the credit union today. We can help you start saving more for your future!
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Discount Tickets!
Stop by the credit union for discounts for all your favorite places. We offer discount tickets and coupons for all these great attractions:
2008 Consignment Tickets Available For:
- Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom
- Camelbeach
- Six Flags Great Adventure
Additional Ticket Discount Coupons Available For:
- Caesars Pocono Resort
- Hershey Park
- Sesame Place
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Your Convenient Lending Tool
In certain instances, opening an NE PA Home Equity Line of Credit can make managing your finances easier. This versatile, affordable lending tool can be used for new purchases, bill consolidation, and much more.
Make That Important Purchase
If you have been considering home remodeling or a family vacation but need extra funds to meet your goal, a Home Equity Line of Credit can help you fill in the gap.
You could save money by choosing this particular loan over many other types of loans, because the interest rate is typically lower. Plus, you borrow only as needed. Once you pay down the balance of your loan, the funds become available to borrow again.
Consolidate Debts & Lower Your Interest Rate
By paying off your high-interest debts with a low-interest Home Equity Line of Credit, you can reduce the number of payments you make each month. You will also pay less over the term of your loan!
Enjoy Tax Savings, Too
The interest you pay on your Home Equity Line of Credit may be tax-deductible. Ask your tax advisor for more information.
Apply Today
Simply call (570) 421-5585 and select option 2 or stop by the Loan Center anytime to learn more about how a Home Equity Line of Credit can work for you. You can also apply online.
Current Rates Are Available 24/7 On Our Website!
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Dormant Account Alert!
All member accounts with no activity for two years will be classified as dormant. Credit union policy allows for a maintenance fee of $5.00 per year to be assessed on dormant accounts. The state?s Deposition of Abandoned and Unclaimed Property Law requires all financial institutions, including credit unions, to report all abandoned and unclaimed property in their possession for five years or more from the date it was first abandoned. Those accounts that have been dormant for five years will be turned over to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
How can you avoid having your account classified as dormant? Simply make a deposit or withdrawal and you can avoid this maintenance fee. Contact us if you have any questions.
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