Archive for category Energy & Utility Industry

Energy & Utility Workers Enjoy Incredible Financial Benefits & a Cash Bonus at UECU!

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, Financial Rewards, UECU Membership on January 26, 2012

It’s here! If you noticed the hints UECU has been dropping through our newsletters, website and social media pages, you know we’ve been gearing up to unveil a new rewards program for our members.

We’re now pleased to announce the Member Loyalty Bonus™, which further rewards our members for making UECU their financial institution of choice for saving and borrowing. Thanks to the Member Loyalty Bonus™ program, the more you save and borrow with UECU, the more you’ll EARN in Cash Rewards!

In fact, UECU has given our members more than $1.2 million in total for the 2011 Member Loyalty Bonus™!

With the debut of the Member Loyalty Bonus™, UECU has joined the very elite number of credit unions across the United States to offer this type of financial reward to its members – and just try to get this from your bank. In UECU’s latest President’s Message to Members our President shares why UECU decided it was essential to offer this exclusive program to you, UECU’s member-owners, and explains how your Bonus is calculated. The basics: UECU takes the interest you’ve earned on your deposit accounts and interest paid on most UECU loans – and gives you an extra percentage – a nice bonus deposit in your share account.*

Even better, the Member Loyalty Bonus™ is really the icing on your cake – it’s the fantastic year-end Bonus you can earn on top of a year filled with UECU’s other member perks – year-round VantagePoints™ rewards, annual MyChoice™ rewards, savings rates significantly higher than the national average, amazingly affordable loan rates, a variety of free financial services, and low or non-existent fees.

We invite you to visit BONUS.UECU.ORG to discover ALL the rewards and benefits you can enjoy as a UECU member. Use our fun, interactive site to calculate how much more you could earn toward a 2012 Member Loyalty Bonus™ by doing more or all of your financial activities with your Credit Union. You can even add up all the money UECU will put in your pocket through the year, when you make use of our three rewards programs, the member giveback you receive with great lending and savings rates, and the incredible fee savings we offer.

You may be amazed by how much you can add to your wallet with UECU in a year. When you make UECU your primary financial institution you and your family members earn more in a lifetime! UECU…Where Loyalty Pays!

*The Member Loyalty Bonus™ will be classified as interest earned and reported on IRS Form 1099-INT. Visit uecu.org or call for complete program details.

Written by Amanda Y.

 

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Utility & Energy Workers, There’s Always Time Left to Give the Gift of Membership

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, Family Finance, UECU Membership on December 27, 2011

Now that the holiday season is winding down, why not take some time to reflect while you’re gathering up those mountains of discarded gift wrap or standing in the after-holidays return line? After all, this intermission between emptying our stockings and making New Year’s Resolutions is always a great time to think ahead to the fresh calendar ahead of us.

So, what could you do in 2012 to improve the lives of your family and friends?

If you’re already a UECU member, you have the privilege of offering them a brighter future. That’s right, there’s still time to give your family and utility co-workers a gift that will last them a lifetime. We know it’s the thought and feeling behind a gift that really counts. And if you received a few gizmos that have you puzzled or brightly colored sweaters destined for the back of your closet, you’d agree we usually don’t need more “stuff.”

That’s why the gift of UECU Membership is perfect. There are no batteries required, no returns or exchanges needed, and it doesn’t take up any storage space! What’s more, you’ll be giving your family and utility co-workers financial tools and solutions that our dedicated UECU team customizes to their lifetime of evolving financial needs.

So, this year, make a resolution to Share the Wealth of UECU Membership. Why not start by telling your gift recipients about the Top 4 Reasons to be thankful for Credit Union Membership? And don’t forget to give yourself a gift as well ~ remember, UECU gives our current members 500 VantagePoints™ Rewards for each new member they refer!

Best wishes for the New Year!

Written by Amanda Y.

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Energy & Utility Employees: November’s A Great Time To Give Thanks – You Can Join A Credit Union Made For You!

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, Financial Rewards, UECU Membership on November 28, 2011

With the recent celebration of Turkey Day and the rest of the holiday season approaching, I find myself concentrating on the things I’m thankful for. Being a credit union member definitely ranks high on my gratitude list – and I’m not the only one. If you don’t believe me, just check out the many Credit Union Fans making noise on social media or paying homage to CUs through their own websites or creative endeavors. Some, like the “acoustic thrift-rock duo” The Disclosures, have even made news with their songs, which celebrate the Credit Union Difference.

We all have our own reasons, but as a proud member of Utilities Employees Credit Union, these have become the Top 4 Reasons I’m Thankful to be a Credit Union Member:

1. FEWER Fees. Credit unions have developed a reputation for low or non-existent fees, which sets them apart from big banks. As a cooperative, not-for-profit, credit unions are trying to keep more money in our members’ pockets. So, while other financial institutions make the news for adding or increasing customer fees for using basic financial services, UECU continues to do member-focused business as usual. Check out our lengthy Fee FREE Schedule for all the great no-cost benefits we give members – try finding that at a bank! For those fees absolutely necessary to cover operational costs, UECU even goes above & beyond, stretching our dollars further than most credit unions. The average UECU member household saves $74 more in fees each year than if they used an “average” credit union!*

2. BIGGER Savings Potential. UECU loves to help our members save – that’s why we return our profits to members with better savings rates. Even members who stick with a basic Share Savings Account earn significantly more interest than the national average – for this month, when you compare current rates, UECU has a savings rate more than 4X higher.** What’s more, we make it easier to save with lots of deposit account options and automatic fund transfer tools like e-Vantages™ by Web that can help you automatically move a set amount of money from your UECU credit union checking account into your savings.

3. LOWER Loan Payments. Speaking of savings, UECU doesn’t stop with our great deposit accounts. When you combine the annual savings from both deposit earnings AND savings from paying lower loan interest rates – the average UECU member household receives $295 more in savings than the average credit union.* That’s just compared to other credit unions – imagine how much more you’re saving than at a typical bank! Just look at the amazing credit union loan rates on our website – take our popular Auto Loan – with current rates, you could be buying your new car for as little as $8 per day – that’s a new car for the price of lunch!^ And that’s just the beginning. You can read more about UECU’s loans for utility workers at uecu.org. We also offer great rates and 24/7 loan application service for home equity loans, mortgages, boat & RV loans, personal loans and much more!

4. MORE Rewards. Who doesn’t love more rewards? UECU believes managing your personal finances should be a rewarding experience for credit union members. And we prove it with not one, but two credit union rewards programs for UECU members – our VantagePoints™ and MyChoice™ programs, which reward members for using their credit union for a mix of products and for their everyday financial activities. And we just can’t help getting in the holiday spirit – so we’ve just begun a Double Points Special to give 2X the usual VantagePoints™ rewards when members make purchases with their UECU VISA® check card or credit card through December 31st.† We’re even planning to announce a third rewards program in the New Year, so keep visiting us for updates!

And finally, the BONUS – if you’re an energy or utility worker, you’ve found the credit union that caters directly to you. Utilities Employees Credit Union has been serving Utility and Energy Employees and their Families since 1934. So join today and remind your company’s HR department you could all join – you won’t regret it – I promise I’ve just scratched the surface of all our credit union member benefits. Already a member? Why not refer a family member or utility co-worker today? Did I mention you’ll earn 500 VantagePoints™ per referral – yes indeed, isn’t it nice to be a credit union member?

Written by Amanda Y.

* Source: Raddon Financial Group, 2011 CEO Strategies Reports.
**UECU savings rate compared to national average savings rate as reported by Datatrac.com on 11/08/2011.
^ Daily payment comparison based on financing $13,000 of your total car purchase with a 60-month loan, calculated as of 11/15/2011 at a rate of 2.99% APR. Your terms may differ based on age of vehicle and evaluation of credit worthiness. Our lowest rate is based upon an evaluation of credit-worthiness criteria, and maintaining an active UECU checking account (at least one transaction per month); your actual rate may differ. Certain auto model year and minimum loan amount restrictions apply Limited time offer. Offer is subject to change without notice. Refinancing of existing UECU auto loans are not eligible. Visit uecu.org for details.
† Transactions must be signature-based; PIN-based transactions do not earn VantagePoints™. Points are earned net of credits. DOUBLE points for the purpose of this promotion cannot be combined with double points earned on the first 30 days after receipt of your new card. This promotion runs from 11/25/2011 until 12/31/2011 but can be withdrawn at any time.
This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government.
Utilities Employees Credit Union is an Equal Housing Lender.

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Letter from a Member

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, UECU Membership on December 1, 2010

I used to travel to Sponsor Company locations and got to meet and talk to a lot of our members all over the country. Over and over again I would hear how great it is to talk to a live person and how wonderful everyone is on the phone. Many of the members would describe how nervous they were initially with a financial institution so far away, but after many years of talking to our friendly staff they felt at ease and now use UECU for all of their deposits and borrowing needs. Recently, I got the opportunity to read a letter from a member of UECU. He described in detail what UECU and the employees here have done for him. It made me, for the first time, really feel what all of the members were trying to say when I talked to them in my travels. Geoffrey said, “A trip to UECU is like you are coming in to visit a friend you have not seen for awhile. The front desk customer service is beyond anything I have ever experienced at a bank.”

That comment made me take a closer look at my co-workers. Co-workers Geoffrey complimented in his letter, but I had taken for granted. Tina works as a Member Advocate at UECU. She is always a delight to run into at the Credit Union. Always saying hello, asking how you are, and humming a little tune along the way. Geoffrey wrote that Tina had gone above and beyond his expectations to help him in a unique situation. He described the experience “It was like she was working just for me. I am sure she was doing other things for other people at the same time, but she worked so fast it was like I was the only customer.”

Allen is one of our Financial Service Consultants at the Credit Union. I run into Allen almost every day when he is headed to the lobby to meet a member, running out the door at lunch to pick up some coffee, or when he is leaving for the day to go for a run or a bike ride. Geoffrey called UECU when he needed a loan. He wrote something similar about Allen, “Again I was treated like I was the only customer he was working with.” The Credit Union really helped this member to make an already stressful time a little easier. After a year, Geoffrey wanted to explore some options on refinancing. He called Allen back and was greeted with the same experience as always, “I contacted Allen directly. Not only did he remember me, again it was like contacting a friend and they were ready to do whatever they could for you.”

I always knew our Member Service was outstanding and also nationally recognized, but Geoffrey mentioned in his letter that “My background has years of customer service. UECU should not only be a model for Customer Service in the banking industry, but to companies in general. UECU employees show what customer service means. It is a true desire to want to help individuals, to do above what is expected of you to exceed their expectations. I know UECU is a company I would want to work for. I am sure the employees of UECU are very proud of what they do and who they work for.”  Geoffrey couldn’t have known when he wrote his letter, but UECU was named one of the Best Places to Work in PA for 2010. Part of the assessment consists of an employer survey to measure the employee experience. This letter is a true testament to the employees at the Credit Union and demonstrates not only our pride but how we strive to go above and beyond our members’ expectations.

Geoffrey, I want to thank you for taking the time to write this letter to UECU. I also want to thank all of my co-workers here at UECU for making each member feel like they are the only member of UECU. The staff and our members make UECU one of the best places to work and to do all of your financial business.

Written by Jaime B with excerpts from Geoffrey M.’s letter to UECU

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Share UECU Membership

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, Family Finance, UECU Membership on October 26, 2010

My parents brought me up to be pretty competitive. Not only was I competitive in Soccer, Field Hockey, and my grades in school; but my competitive nature has carried over to my work life. I find myself racing co-workers to meetings or back to my cubicle. Fortunately for me UECU has made it really easy on me to belong and work at one of the most competitive financial institutions in the U.S. Over the last few years, many of us have felt more comfortable to talk about our finances with our family and co-workers. We hear about this every day when we are watching the news, reading the newspaper, and talking with family and friends. I am happy to say that with UECU, you have seen very little change with your Credit Union. We give our members a lot to brag about. The next time you find yourself talking about the economy and financial reform with your family and utility co-workers tell them with great confidence that you have not had to endure more fees while getting less from your Credit Union.

Here are the top five reasons to tell your family members and utility co-workers about UECU today:

  1. FREE Checking with our EasyCheck Checking Account. YES this really is a free checking account with no catch.
  2. Refer them before December 31, 2010 so they can open the 10 in ’10 Certificate of Deposit™* and you can get $20^.
  3. Rewards that have not changed even when others have reduced their rewards or even eliminated them altogether.
  4. Great loan options to get you what you need at just the right time.
  5. A Credit Card that we have not had to change and is far above the rest.

The holidays are a great time to talk to your family members about the benefit of Credit Union membership at UECU. The special offer of a 10.00%APY* CD is also a great opportunity to sign up children and grandchildren and get them started with a great rate on their savings. You are happy with your Credit Union; why not show your competitive nature and share all of the great benefits of UECU with the people you care about the most.

“Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the NCUA, a United States Government Agency.”

*One 10 in ’10 Certificate of Deposit™ per new member account. The 10 in ’10 Certificate of Deposit™ offer is valid until December 31, 2010. Offer is also valid for an IRA Certificate of Deposit. There is a minimum/maximum balance requirement of $500. You may not make additional deposits after the account is open. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) assumes principal and dividend remain on deposit until maturity. Monthly dividends can be added to the CD or deposited into a member’s share account for regular Certificate of Deposit. Dividends on IRA Certificate of Deposit must be added to principal. The Certificate of Deposit matures at six (6) months and will automatically renew for six (6) months at the rate in effect at time of renewal. Early withdrawal penalties apply.

^ $20 is awarded when the new member opens a 10 in ’10 Certificate of Deposit™.

Written by Jaime B.

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Five Ways UECU Can Benefit Your Company

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, Financial Services, UECU Membership on July 28, 2010

Utilities Employees Credit Union is not just another financial institution. Over 75 years ago, UECU made a commitment to provide a great benefit to energy and utility professionals; a commitment UECU continues to this day. The Business Development Team at UECU contacts energy and utility companies every day about the benefit of credit union membership their company can offer employees at no cost.

While benefits of credit union membership are numerous, below are five ways Utilities Employees Credit Union can benefit your company:

  1. Accommodates employees nationwide, offering the same benefit to ALL employees
  2. Offers a financial assistance program to employees at no cost to your company
  3. Compliments existing benefits with no additional work for staff
  4. Available anytime, anywhere with “home town” member service
  5. Increases productivity by promoting financial health and wellness

The rising cost of health and pension benefits has forced many companies to cut back. This means using less people to put together more complicated benefits packages. We know handling benefits for all of the employees can be overwhelming, so we take care of our benefit for you. UECU can help defray the rising cost of a benefits package. We make ourselves available to help the employees by providing complimentary services to everyone nationwide through great deposit and loan products, cutting edge services, and one-on-one financial consultations.

Written by Jaime B.

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Welcome to UECU

Posted by UECU in Energy & Utility Industry, UECU Membership on June 28, 2010

I started working for Utilities Employees Credit Union over four years ago. My financial background was working in the credit card and mortgage industry for a large commercial bank. I was not very familiar with credit unions, but was eager to see if there really was a difference between UECU and a bank. With my previous employer, my primary role was always to sell the product, which involved convincing the customer they needed the product, and moving on to the next sale. When the sale was complete, I no longer interacted with that customer. My first few days at UECU, I learned we are all here to serve the member, find a financial solution the member needs and improve their financial well being. The Credit Union taught me that there is a better choice beyond banks to attain financial goals.
Here are my top five items that were new to me when I joined UECU:
1. My first statement was not an itemized list of the fees I was being charged, but instead I saw money added to my account from UECU as reimbursements for ATM surcharges and payment of interest that I earned on my checking account.
2. I never carry cash, but always have my check card. I learned that every time I select “credit” at a merchant with my check card, UECU collects a percentage. The money collected helps UECU keep above average savings and loan rates and keep the members’ fees down.
3. My money is federally insured just like the FDIC, but for credit unions it’s insured by the NCUA. My money is federally insured at the same limits it would be at my local bank branch. Not much to worry about here though, UECU has 5 stars (the best!) in our safe and sound rating on Bauer Financial.
4. After I became a member, I asked family members to join. Let’s be honest, when you have a good thing you want to tell everyone about it. My family was surprised they could join too when none of them worked in the energy or utility industry. UECU likes being exclusive, but we are here to help family!
5. UECU offers members more! With all of this new credit card legislation upon us, we are not changing features on our card. Our members did not receive notice of a rate increase, cutback on rewards, or an annual fee. UECU already had a great card, so no need to make all those changes.
UECU started out small back in 1934 focusing only on great savings rates. Now, the Credit Union is full service and virtual serving the energy and utility industry across the United States.
Call us, stop by, visit our website, or if you recognize me, stop me on the street. UECU and the staff (who are also members) are always happy to serve the membership by offering products and services to meet your individual needs. I am now a Credit Union (especially UECU) fan, you could be too!

Written by Jaime B.

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