Newsletter
Winter 2009
Limited Time Only!
Gas Up On Us & Save On Your Vehicle!
Want to save money in the New Year? There’s a good chance NE PA Community FCU can cut the cost of your Vehicle Loan!
If you are thinking of purchasing a new car, truck, or SUV, then look no further than NE PA financing. Our rates are low and terms are flexible, so you know you’re getting a great bargain – and a low monthly payment!
NE PA Vehicle Loans always offer:
- Competitive Interest Rates As Low As 4.75% APR*
- Flexible Terms Up To 72 Months
- Vehicle Pricing Guides – So You Always Get The Best Deal
- Friendly, Personal Loan Assistance From The Local Lender You Trust
Refinance At NE PA & Save
Bring your Vehicle Loan to NE PA and refinance at our lower rates, and you could save hundreds! It’s easy to refinance – ask a Loan Officer for details or to apply today.
Apply Today
To learn more about this special offer or to apply, visit www.nepafcu.org, call
(570) 421-5585 option 2, or stop by the credit union at your convenience.
Don’t forget to bring the special coupon below to the credit union to take advantage of our $50 Cash for Gas offer!
Return to Top
Save Trees With e-Statements –
The “Green” Alternative
Sign up to receive your credit union account statements via NE PA Home Branch. Not only will you be helping to cut down on the amount of paper used every month, you will enjoy more secure and timely access to your end-of-month statements!
NE PA e-Statements are FREE and are available to members who have signed up for NE PA Home Branch at www.nepafcu.org (click on “Online Services” once you reach the home page). If you haven’t already, you can sign up for NE PA Home Branch by applying online, calling (570) 421-5585, or stopping in today.
NE PA e-Statements have many benefits:
- You will be notified by e-mail that your statement is posted and immediately available through NE PA Home Branch. You can download a printable PDF image of your statement, and it will look exactly the same as your current printed statement.
- Your statements will be archived on NE PA Home Branch for six months.
- You will receive your statements on the first business day of the new month.
- Your online information is kept safe & secure by our extensive security measures.
Start Saving Trees Today!
Enroll in NE PA Home Branch today to start enjoying the convenience and safety of environmentally-friendly NE PA e-Statements!
You Could Win $100!*
Each member who signs up for NE PA e-Statements from now until February 27, 2009, will be automatically entered into our $100 Go-Green Sweepstakes! For more information, contact the credit union.
*No purchase necessary. Odds of winning Grand Prize will depend on number of entries received by February 27, 2009. Grand Prize winner will be selected at random on February 28, 2009. Contact the credit union for complete sweepstakes details.
Return to Top
Member Appreciation Share Certificate Special
Your membership is very important to us! As a “Thank You” for your continued loyalty to NE PA Community Federal Credit Union, we are offering you a chance to earn even more on your investments. It’s our way of showing our appreciation for helping us grow and prosper.
Earn More Money Instantly!
For every year you have been a member, you will receive a .01% APY* bonus on a new 1-Year Share Certificate (CD).
For instance, if you have been a member for 10 years, you are entitled to a .10% APY* Share Certificate Rate Bonus.
Earn An Additional .25% APY* Bonus!
You will also receive an additional .25% APY* Share Certificate Rate Bonus if you have any three of the following NE PA accounts:
- Share Draft/Checking
- Mortgage
- Visa® Credit Card
- Home Equity Loan
- Visa® Check Card
- Home Equity Line Of Credit
Claim Your Bonus Today!
To enjoy the membership appreciation savings, simply stop by the credit union at your convenience, or call (570) 421-5585 option 4 to learn more.
Thank You For Your Membership!
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Contact the credit union for details.
Return to Top
Don’t Answer This Call!
Vishing (or voice phishing) uses Internet-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone services to trick people into revealing private data – which is then used for identity fraud. Here’s how “vishing” works and how you can protect yourself against it.
With consumers getting wise to online phishing, thieves are now exploiting new Internet-based (VoIP or digital) phone services. Thieves use automated phone messages to notify consumers of “account problems.” The victims hear what sounds like a legitimate automated phone message. Victims are asked to provide account numbers, passwords, PINs or social security numbers, which are then sold on the Internet and used to commit identity fraud.
Vishing mimics the legitimate ways people interact with their financial institutions, so victims are more likely to respond without hesitation. People trust phone transactions more than they trust the Internet, because the traceability and cost of landline or cellular phone service make mass phone fraud impractical.
But VoIP service has destroyed that security blanket. Many Internet-based phone companies make it easy to obtain an anonymous account and produce large call volumes at little cost. This lets thieves create an interactive voice response system that sounds exactly like the one your financial institution uses – even matching the on-hold music.
Protection against vishing is up to the user. It’s a good idea to use an extra dose of common sense whenever your ID is involved.
Never respond to a voice mail that asks you to go to a website or call a phone number to resolve an account problem. These are never legitimate.
If there is any question, call the merchant or institution at a number you know is genuine.
Get into the habit of asking for authentication. For example, ask the person at the other end of the line to verify a recent transaction you've made. A thief is not likely to have access to this type of information.
Your personal data is like gold so keep it secure. Don’t let a “thief” turn it into fool’s gold!
Return to Top
Valuable Storage Space Available At NE PA
Now you can keep your important documents safe and sound at NE PA Community FCU by renting a safe deposit box at the credit union. The cost at NE PA is LESS than at many other financial institutions!
Why Should I Rent A Safe Deposit Box?
This convenient option gives you valuable storage space for your most important documents, including:
- Military Discharge Papers
- Stock And Bond Certificates
- Birth, Marriage And Death Certificates
- And More
Get Your Safe Deposit Box Today
Ask a Member Support Specialist for pricing and details by calling (570) 421-5585 option 4 or by stopping in today.
Return to Top
Now Your Accounts Are Even More Secure
As you already know, your savings and investments at NE PA are safe and sound because they are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), an agency of the federal government.
On October 3, 2008, President George W. Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008,” which temporarily increases federal deposit insurance coverage.
This means that all of your savings and investment accounts at NE PA are now insured to at least $250,000 by the NCUA. This is an increase from the $100,000 coverage the NCUA usually provides (with IRAs the exception, since these investments were previously insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA).
The new $250,000 coverage for all savings and investment products – not just IRAs – will remain in place through December 31, 2009, unless it is extended by Congress beyond that date.
Return to Top
Our Community
Supporting our community is important to the NE PA staff, Board and members. We are proud to highlight some of the significant events we’ve participated in over the past few months.
Thank You To Our “Angels”
We appreciate the hard work and contributions of our members and staff who participated in this year’s Salvation Army Christmas Angels Program and the Kettle Drive! The Angels provide holiday gifts for less fortunate children, and the Kettle Drive helps those of all ages in need. Your generosity helped to make the holidays happier for many people!
We Appreciate Your Participation
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Understanding Your Credit Score And Managing Credit seminar at NE PA Community FCU on November 13. We are happy to have provided you with important information on managing your debt, so you can be better prepared for whatever the future brings.
Please Join Us
Individual Retirement Accounts 101 is our next financial seminar and will be held February 10, 2009, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please visit our website for more details.
Dream Vacation Sweepstakes Winner
Veronica Marino won $2,000 towards her dream vacation in our Member Appreciation Sweepstakes. Congratulations, Veronica!
Return to Top
IRA Share Certificate Special!
Would you like to earn even higher yields on your NE PA Traditional or Roth IRA savings? Invest in a Share Certificate housed within your IRA! This valuable option gives your earnings a boost by allowing you to save for
retirement at a higher yield.
Roll over funds or make a direct transfer from another retirement account at a different financial institution, and we will give you a .50% APY* bonus on your IRA Share Certificate!
At maturity, your IRA Share Certificate funds will roll over into your IRA Savings, or you can opt to invest in a new Share Certificate and continue to earn at a higher yield. It’s the smart, risk-free way to invest for your future!
FREE IRA Brochure
If you have never invested in an IRA before, you may have a lot of questions. Stop by the credit union or call today to receive a free copy of our informative brochure, “Comparing Your IRA Options.” The brochure includes details on who can contribute, tax deductibility, and much more.
Your IRA Contribution May Be Tax-Deductible
Contributions to Traditional IRAs can offer many members a great tax savings. To learn more, stop by the credit union or ask your tax advisor for advice specific to your financial situation.
Invest & Earn More Today
To start earning the special bonus rate on your IRA Share Certificate today, simply stop by the credit union or call (570) 421-5585.
*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Bonus yield offer applies to new money only. Contact the credit union for complete details.
Return to Top
Get Ready – It’s Almost Tax Time!
The 2008 tax filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2009, so you still have time to make 2008 contributions to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). NE PA offers a variety of IRAs to meet your retirement needs. You can choose from Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and SEPs. To learn more about your IRA options, visit our website at www.nepafcu.org or call and request your free IRA brochure.
Get Your Refund Faster
Once you have made your IRA contribution and are ready to file your return, don’t forget to elect to receive your refund via Direct Deposit. To receive your refund through Direct Deposit, simply indicate your choice of NE PA Savings, Checking, or IRA as the refund deposit account, then include your account number on your tax returns. To complete your authorization, you must also supply the credit union’s ABA/routing number – 231386221. There is no charge for this service!
Return to Top
Signature Guarantee (Gold Medallion) is now available!*
A signature guarantee is generally required when an individual intends to conduct a securities transaction through a company overseen by the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC). The sending institution requires the signature guarantee to confirm the identity of the individual signing the document. This service is now available FREE to our members.
*Certain restrictions may apply. Contact the credit union for details.
Return to Top
BULLETIN BOARD
Holiday Closings
Monday, January 19, 2009 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 16, 2009 – Presidents’ Day
Annual Meeting Notice
Our Annual Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2009. Every member is invited to attend, so mark your calendar and save the date! More details will appear in the Spring 2009 issue of “Straight Talk.”
Camelback And Jack Frost Discount Tickets
When you buy Jack Frost and Camelback Ski Area lift tickets at the credit union, you can save as much as $18.00 per ticket, based on the day you choose. Stop by for details.
Return to Top
Senior To Senior by Dorothy Fox
Thinking of retiring? Lost investment money in your retirement account or other investments because of the economy? Would it help to work another year or two to save more money or wait for your retirement funds to regain some of their losses? Are your mortgage payments, car payments, and credit card debt too high? Maybe now is not the right time to retire. This decision takes several years of planning so you can enjoy retirement. You can find many articles to help you plan for retirement, but every senior must evaluate their own situation and lifestyle to know what will work best. Deciding when to retire takes long-term planning. Of course, everything won’t go exactly as planned, but you can always make adjustments to your plans.
Your first priority is a detailed budget. Include everything, such as housing costs (mortgage, taxes, insurance, water, sewer, garbage, utilities, cable, etc.), food, gas, medical expenses (prescriptions, medical insurance, dentist, glasses), gifts, contributions, and whatever else you regularly pay. If you feel that you will travel, play golf, or spend money on other forms of entertainment, include the cost in your budget. Take time to prepare a comprehensive budget.
Next, make a list of all the income you should receive during retirement such as Social Security, annuities, dividends, interest, etc. If you are married, consider both of your expenses and income in your budget, and don’t forget your savings. The benchmark is to spend no more than 4% of your savings in the first year and increase that amount only slightly each year. The last thing you want to happen is to have your savings run out too soon. But remember, if you are adding dividends or interest from your savings into your budget as income, the amount you will receive each month on those funds will decrease as your savings decrease.
Last, compare the expenses to the income. Will you have enough to live as you had planned? If not, don’t fret. Working another year or two might be your answer. Or you can always get a part-time job to help with the expenses. It never hurts to learn something new, to meet new people, or to try something that is different from your previous work.
And, don’t forget the credit union. We are here to answer any questions and help you develop your budget. Remember also that the credit union offers Share Certificates (CDs) if you are looking for a safe place to invest some money. The Share Certificates range in terms from 3 months to 5 years and can be purchased for a minimum of $1,000. Your principal is insured and you will earn dividends every month. Your funds are insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to $250,000 and an additional $250,000 for all retirement shares. You also get three choices of where the dividends can be deposited each month. They can stay in the Share Certificate and compound, they can be transferred to another account at the credit union so you can use the money, or a check can be sent to your home. In this economy, what is better than both confidence and safety?
Return to Top
Start The New Year With Less Debt
NE PA Community FCU has a wide variety of loans and savings vehicles that will help you trim your debt for 2009. Don’t wait – the sooner you start, the more you will save!
Lower Your Current Interest Rate
If you own a home, you can apply for a low interest rate NE PA Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Use the funds to pay off your outstanding loans from other lenders to lower your interest rate and pay less over the course of your loan! Members who don’t own a home or who prefer other debt consolidation options will benefit from applying for the NE PA Visa® Credit Card. Both our Classic and Platinum Credit Cards offer low interest rates and NO balance transfer fees. Plus, you get a generous grace period on purchases, NO annual fee and much more!
Prepare For Next Holiday Season
Get a head start on next year’s presents by opening an NE PA Holiday Club Account! With Payroll Deduction from your paycheck to your Club Account, saving becomes automatic. A Holiday Club Account makes it easy and convenient to save for the 2009 holiday season. This means NO big bills in January!
Enjoy Less Debt Starting Today
Simply call us at (570) 421-5585, x1140, x1141, or x1142, stop by the office, or visit www.nepafcu.org to apply for your loan or open a Holiday Club Account today.
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate is subject to change without notice. Home Equity Line of Credit rates subject to change two times per year based on The Wall Street Journal published rate of Prime + 0%. Contact the credit union for complete details.
**Unless title insurance is required.
Return to Top
