That’s a message I can get behind, and so can our credit union. Utilities Employees Credit Union is all about making it easier for our members to save. That’s why UECU maintains savings rates significantly higher than the average of other bank and credit union rates – and why we offer savings tools that fit your lifestyle. I think many of us can agree that when we make saving easy and automatic, we follow through – we all enjoy convenient solutions, especially when it comes to our finances!

Here are three online resources to help you develop your savings plan:

1. America Saves Week. org: Get inspired by fellow American savers – read success stories, take fun quizzes to test your savings knowledge, and assess your savings progress and future wealth. You can even use some handy calculators to determine what you could save in your budget by cutting out splurges like your daily coffee – you can also calculate how much you should be putting away for an emergency savings stash or for future needs like a retirement fund.

2. Home & Family Finance Online Resource Center: For your home and family financial planning, check out the online resource center for financial tips to make your life easier and more profitable. Listen to Home & Family Finance® Radio segments and watch short videos on everything from balancing your check book, to financially preparing for marriage or children, to motivating your kids to become good savers.

3. UECU Online: UECU knows everyone has their own personal savings goals – keep up to the minute with your progress on uecu.org. UECU members can log into Advantages Online™ home banking to view your savings and checking balances, transfer funds and name your own special savings accounts … Car Savings, House Fund, Kids’ College Account, Italy Vacation, Rainy Day Savings, Mad Money … anything you choose. View your recent activities including your deposits, ACH transactions, and ATM withdrawals – and see the year-to-date dividends on your savings and the status of your yearly IRA contributions. Even put an ongoing savings plan on Auto Pilot – arrange for a regular amount to be moved from your checking to your savings account each month using an eVantages™ by Web funds transfer. Your savings tools are at your fingertips!

And don’t forget to sign up to receive the ongoing personal finance tips and great promotions we share on the UECU Blog! Enter your email on our blog.uecu.org page to get email notifications the moment we share a new post – you can even follow us on Google Reader or by RSS feed by clicking the blog feed link on the UECU Blog homepage!

Written by Amanda Y.

If you’re single or part of the anti-Valentine’s camp this February, you may be off the hook for February 14th expenses. However, if you are part of a couple, Valentine’s Day can be stressful for your relationship and your wallet. While we at UECU can’t offer you any relationship advice, we can share some ideas to take the burden off your budget…

1. Plan ahead for dinner: If dinner at a nice restaurant is part of your celebration, find out if they are offering a special menu or package. Many include flowers so you won’t end up paying for them twice. Also, consider an earlier meal that may allow you to order from the lunch or early bird menu, which could provide big savings without forfeiting the ambiance.

2. Don’t buy roses: If there’s one day a year you shouldn’t buy roses, it’s Valentine’s Day. Because roses require a lot of manual labor to grow, ship, and store, the volume of demand for one day increases the price. Buy them for your loved one’s birthday or anniversary but stick to a more common botanical variety, or even paper flowers, on Valentine’s Day. If you’re going for a natural bouquet, why not save even more by taking advantage of your credit union discount to FTD? UECU participates in the Invest In America program, which offers “Love My Credit Union” promotions like a $15 discount on many of the flowers and gift choices available through FTD.

3. Give from the heart: Why not give a handwritten letter, a personal poem, a meaningful book, or CD? These gifts are more personal and will usually mean more to the recipient than the generic candy and flowers. Recount the year on a blank calendar or download songs that commemorate your firsts (date, kiss, trip, and so on). These ideas are far less costly than others that are packaged for the masses. Also, don’t think it’s taboo to talk about Valentine’s Day beforehand, so you understand each other’s expectations. This is the best way to avoid spending more money than you need to when your partner is simply happy being with you.

4. Do your own thing. Whether you’re part of a couple, or just hanging out with your single pals this Valentine’s Day, do what makes you happy. Singles, why not take that fun day trip you’ve been planning or have your own Valentine’s Alternative party or film fest at your place? Couples, if you’d rather skip the crowds, why not meet up for lunch and a wintertime walk, or order-in for some relaxing quiet time? You could also check out the seasonal online promotions from sites like Groupon, LivingSocial or Google Offers to find a fun and affordable activity in your neighborhood!

What are your plans to save money on Heart Day? Share your frugal Valentine’s tips by leaving a comment!

Article modified from PSB

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!

Written by Amanda Y.

Tetris and Angry Birds are fun but wouldn’t it be great to have some portable financial help in your phone, too? Check out the mobile apps that can put some extra cha-ching in your pocket. Break out your iPhone, iPad, Android or BlackBerry to start saving with these 7 applications …

1. Mint: (iPhone, iPad, Android) When you use Mint, you can manage all your financial accounts in one easy spot so you can always keep track of exactly what your budget looks like.

2. Skype: (iPhone, iPad, Android) An app everyone should have that allows phone calls, video calls, and instant messaging for FREE.

3. Redlaser: (iPhone, iPad, Android) Scan any barcode and find out where to go buy it and how much everyone is charging for it.  Never overpay again.

4. Gasbuddy: (Phone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry) A free app that lets find the cheapest gas while you’re on the go. Locate gas stations near you and see their current prices.

5. MyCoupons:  (available for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry) This handy app is perfect for everyone out there who clips coupons each week but then forgets to take them to the store. It allows you to scan the coupon right into your phone and redeem at the store. Unless, of course, you forget your phone too.

6. Coupon Sherpa: (available for iPhone, coming soon for Android and BlackBerry) Delivers hundreds of department store coupons and discounts directly to your phone. The inventory is updated daily so you always have the latest savings.

7. Key Ring: (available for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry) Stop carrying around (or forgetting) those loyalty cards that get you extra discounts and perks. This app stores all the information in your phone so you can always access it without the bulky keychain.

Article provided by PSB and featured in UECU’s Fall/Winter 2011 Connections™ Newsletter

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.

Charitable donations and monetary contributions. If you’ve been collecting your clothing and books or saving coins in a jar, don’t wait any longer. Donate to your charity of choice and get a receipt.

Speaking of receipts…begin collecting them for tax filing. Think about whether you have any deductible expenses, from non-reimbursed business expenses like uniforms and cell phone bills, to postage and paper costs for job hunting. Your tax advisor will direct you on what can be used, but now is the time to put together your paperwork to back up your plan of action.

Mileage expenses. Did you drive your car … to medical appointments? …to or from volunteer work? … to job interviews? Use an online mapping application and categorize how you used your car in 2011. Again, depending on your personal tax strategy, the expense of many miles of travel can be deducted.

Have your UECU tax forms delivered electronically. Reduce your paperwork and get email notification the instant your Tax E-Forms are available in your Advantages Online™ home banking profile. Log in to Advantages Online™ and sign up today to go paperless for 1098, 1099-INT, 1099-Q, 1099-R, 1099-SA, 5498, 5498-ESA, and 5498-SA forms related to your UECU accounts.

Let UECU help you make tax season more convenient & rewarding. For instance, to get your refund faster, be sure to request it be automatically deposited in your UECU account. To easily file your taxes and access tax advice online, try Turbo Tax® – and visit uecu.org to learn about our member discount for Turbo Tax®! And finally, why not be rewarded for paying your taxes? Your UECU VISA® Power Card™ makes payment easy AND earns you VantagePoints™ – convenience and rewards – suddenly tax season is looking brighter!

Article provided by PSB and featured in the November 2011 issue of UECU’s News You Can Use.

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 31^st.† 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.

There are many good reasons to buy now. So, do your homework – being informed before you shop can make the difference. Research the manufacturer websites for deals and rebates that may not be advertised locally. Visit consumer websites to learn about the fuel efficiency and safety ratings for the car models you are considering. If you have a car to trade, know its value before you start negotiating the price of a new car.

Walking into the dealer prepared makes any time a good time to buy. Check out these consumer websites to help you prepare: Kelly Blue Book (www.kbb.org), Edmunds (www.edmunds.com), Safer Car (www.safercar.gov), and Fuel Economy (www.fueleconomy.gov).

What could help you be even more prepared? Getting a pre-approved auto loan. With UECU’s incredibly low APR auto loan rates starting as low as 2.99% APR*, now is a great time for UECU members to purchase the car, van, SUV, or light truck you’ve been thinking about. To apply for an Auto Loan, simply call us at 800-288-6423 ext. 4001 or apply online at www.uecu.org. Ask us to send you a Pre-Approval Certificate, which you can have in-hand when you visit the dealer – now you’ll be ready to bargain for a great car deal!

(Article is provided by PSB and is featured in the October 2011 edition of UECU’s News You Can Use.)

 *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.

1. Determine your budget: It’s a simple idea but not easily followed. Figure out how much total money you can afford to spend. Include your holiday club accounts, extra money, or anticipated income from a part-time seasonal job.

2. Allocate your budget: Now that you have the total you can spend, decide how to allocate it. Set a dollar limit on what you will spend on a gift. Determine how much you will need for entertaining. Decorating? Travel? Remind yourself that the season is about your family and friends and not about impressing. There is no joy in paying for things you really could not afford.

3. Open a Holiday Savings Account  – For Next Year: Now is the best time to open your holiday savings account for next season. Evaluate how well you managed within your budget this year and make any necessary adjustments. UECU’s Holiday Savings Account allows you to earn interest on your holiday nest egg and you can make it even easier to put your savings plan in action by arranging regular, automatic deposits with Direct Deposit, Payroll Deduction, or Automatic Transfer from another financial account. Add funds to your Holiday Savings Account throughout the year and automatically receive a payout of the full balance on October 1st, just in time to put it to use for the season.

4. Consider using your Credit Card – FOR PROTECTION: Using your credit card to make your gift purchases gives you added protection in several ways. It’s safer than carrying cash or checks. If your wallet is lost or stolen, liability limits will protect you against fraudulent use. UECU’s VISA® Power Card™ offers you free fraud protection, personal identity theft coverage*, and zero liability for unauthorized use of your card. You’ll enjoy feeling extra secure about your purchases with the Power Card™’s free Warranty Manager feature, which doubles the manufacturer’s warranty up to one year. Your card also comes with free price protection, so if you find an item for less than your purchase price, VISA will refund the difference. Plus, using your Power Card™ at the end of the year provides you with an extra bonus – you’ll earn DOUBLE VantagePoints™ for your purchases made from November 25 through December 31! It’s UECU’s way of rewarding you for taking your Power Card™ with you for your busy year-end errands. The holidays can be an exciting yet hectic time – let UECU help you enjoy the season more with easy ways to save for and make your purchases. Visit uecu.org or call us at 800-288-6423 to ask about our Holiday Savings Accounts, VISA Power Card™ and double holiday VantagePoints™!

 *Insurance provided by Indemnity Insurance Company of North America.

 (Article is provided by PSB and is featured in the September 2011 edition of UECU’s Member News.)

1. All Autumn Long (& All Year-Round): Add VantagePoints™ Without Extra Effort. Since UECU members earn reward points for nearly every financial product or service they use, it’s easy to quickly rack up points for your everyday financial activities without even thinking about it!* VantagePoints™ are your ticket to great financial rewards – exchange your points for cash back, gift cards, or even loan rate discounts!** As a UECU member, you’ll earn ongoing points for your deposit balances, utilizing home equity or personal lines of credit, and for the signature-based purchases you make with your UECU VISA® Power Card™ or Advantages VISA® Check Card™.^ What’s more, you can earn an extra 500 VantagePoints™ EVERY time you refer a new member to UECU. There’s no limit to how many you can earn, so spread the word to family members and utility or energy co-workers about the incredible rewards and financial services waiting for them at Utilities Employees Credit Union!

2. October-December 26: UECU’s “Treasure Hunt” VantagePoints™ Online Giveaway. Would you like to have some fun and earn EXTRA rewards every week this fall? UECU members who start playing this week could earn up to 3,000 VantagePoints™ during our fall Points Giveaway – UECU’s Online Treasure Hunt! Play pirate for the day and explore the uecu.org website for hidden links using new clues each week – find the links and you’ll gather up your own treasure trove of VantagePoints™! Members can play our Online Treasure Hunt every week through December 26, 2011 to earn some of the thousands of VantagePoints™ UECU will give to our members. Visit uecu.org for the complete giveaway rules and play today!

3. November 25-December 31: Holiday Double VantagePoints™. Why not make your holiday shopping count by earning a little something for yourself? UECU members earn DOUBLE VantagePoints™ when they use their UECU VISA Power Card™ or their Advantages VISA Check Card™ from November 25, 2011 through December 31, 2011! It’s UECU’s way of rewarding our members for taking your UECU cards with you for your busy year-end errands. Don’t have a VISA Power Card™ or an Advantages VISA Check Card™? NOW is the perfect time to get one so you can enjoy our holiday promotion!

So, why not make the most of this autumn? Not a UECU member yet? Learn how to JOIN today – and then invite your utility or energy co-workers to join, too – in addition to UECU’s incredible savings, loan and credit card rates, you’ll be joining the credit union that REWARDS its members. And come the holidays, don’t forget to give the gift of membership to family … family members can earn 500 VantagePoints™ for opening each new adult UECU member account … and you’ll earn the same for each person you refer! *

Written by Amanda Y.

*For complete details and rules of the VantagePoints™ Network Rewards Program, visit uecu.org.

**Transactions must be signature-based; PIN based transactions do not earn VantagePoints™. Points are earned net of credits.

^ Rate reduction can be used on a new loan only. Rate reduction cannot be used on VISA® Power Card™, Home Equity Loans, Mortgages or Lines of Credit.