Utility & Energy Employees: In the market for a new car? ‘Tis the Season for Good Buys!
The year-end season often presents a unique opportunity to purchase a new car. Dealers have to make room for new models on their lots by selling current model year inventory. While consumers’ priorities are shifting to the holidays, the time to make annual sales quotas is running out, which means sales bonuses could be in jeopardy.
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.
Utility & Energy Employees: Starting Your Family’s Holiday Shopping? 4 Budgeting Tips To Keep The Holidays Merry!
Posted by UECU in Financial Safety, Personal Finance Tips, VISA Credit Card on October 26, 2011
The holidays can put a real dent in your finances. Follow these tips to keep your household budget in tiptop shape this season:
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.)
Energy & Utility Workers: 3 Reasons Fall is a Wonderful Season for Financial Rewards
Posted by UECU in Checking, Financial Rewards, VISA Credit Card on October 6, 2011
Autumn has arrived – leaves are beginning to change color, temperatures are falling, and UECU is celebrating a new season of rewards for our members. Here are three fall-time reasons to celebrate UECU’s VantagePoints™ Financial Rewards program:
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.
Utility & Energy Employees: September Is National College Savings Month!
Posted by UECU in Family Finance, Personal Finance Tips, Savings on September 16, 2011
Back to school is the perfect time to focus on your college savings plans for your children or grandchildren. Like planning for retirement, starting early is always better, but saving at any point is essential. And while saving for and paying for college is important, experts agree that it should not come at the expense of your own retirement savings plan. Here are some ways you can build a nest egg to help fund the college dreams in your family…
529 Savings Plans: Also known as Qualified Tuition Programs, 529 Savings Plans are government or educational institution sponsored savings plans you can open for your children, grandchildren or yourself. Contributions are not tax deductible, but investments grow tax-deferred and contributions to pay for the beneficiary’s college costs come out federally tax-free. Check with your state for specific details about their sponsored plan. Read more information on the tax benefits of 529 Savings Plans and other education tax benefits in the IRS publication at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p970.pdf.
Regular Savings or Certificate Accounts: There’s nothing risky about saving for college in a traditional savings account or certificate of deposit. The higher savings rates offered by UECU’s Advantages Money Market Savings™ Account make it an excellent choice if you will be saving a sizable balance for expenses like tuition. UECU’s Advantages Certificates of Deposit™ also offer you a variety of higher deposit rates and time periods to earn on your certificate balance.
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts: Maximum contributions of $2,000 per year may be made to each of your children’s Coverdell accounts. While the annual contributions are not tax deductible, these funds grow tax free until they are distributed. When the account is established, the beneficiary must be under 18 years old or be considered a special needs individual. As long as the money is used to cover qualified education expenses such as tuition and fees, books or supplies at an eligible elementary, secondary or higher education institution, the beneficiary will pay no taxes.
Call us today at 800-288-6423 to discuss how UECU’s savings options can help you prepare for your future educational expenses – and ask how to make your saving even easier with Direct Deposit, Payroll Deduction, or automatic fund transfers!
(Article is provided by PSB and is featured in the August 2011 edition of UECU’s News You Can Use.)
Energy & Utility Workers: Mortgages Are Made Easy with UECU
Posted by UECU in Home Ownership, Loans, Savings on August 24, 2011
Thanks to UECU, I recently became a first-time homebuyer without losing any sleep over the purchase of my home. As my family can attest, moving can be stressful – living in a sea of boxes, scheduling movers, setting up utilities, address changes, and much more – but getting your mortgage shouldn’t be.
With UECU, we enjoyed complete peace of mind that came from an incredibly affordable mortgage rate, an easy application process, and above all, working with a lender we can always trust. If you’ve heard stories from friends and family about all the hassle they went through completing a mortgage application at their financial institution, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by all the positive differences you’ll enjoy with a UECU mortgage …
1. Savings. Mortgage rates are still looking great and you can even stay up to date with current rates by signing up for email notifications with our online Rate Tracker tool. Then, choose your way to save thousands on your home purchase with one of two great UECU mortgage packages – a traditional mortgage with no Private Mortgage Insurance* or a mortgage with a super low down payment of 3.00%.**
2. Helpful Online Tools. Finding the mortgage product that’s right for YOU is easy with UECU’s “Mortgageclick” online Loan Consultant tool, which you can use to get a rate quote for the type of home purchase you have in mind. Provide the Loan Consultant with information about the home and purchase price – or simply call us – to get personalized advice on how much to plan on borrowing and what loan term to select. When the search for your dream home begins to look promising, you can complete a mortgage application to obtain a pre-approval indicating you are cleared to finance a home purchase up to an approved amount. Your pre-approval is good for 90 days. Happy Home Shopping!
3. Easy Mortgage Application. Great news about UECU’s mortgage application: there’s no need to fill out stacks of confusing paperwork on your own! Assistance and your choice of hassle-free application methods are at your fingertips 24/7, and as easy as a call or click. Once you have the property selected and have a signed sales agreement you can speak to a representative who will collect your information, fill out your application for you, and guide you through the next steps. You can also apply with UECU’s “Mortgageclick” online mortgage application – take your time and fill out your application from the comfort of home! Either way, there’s no mound of paper and you’ll enjoy prompt confirmation that review of your application is underway. Plus, if you already filled out a preapproval application, there’s no need to start over – just call us to provide information on the property and we’ll finalize your application.
4. Lock Your Interest Rate. Things get even better once your application is approved, you’ve gotten a signed sales agreement for your new home, and you’ve taken care of paying the application fee with payment options including your UECU account or VISA® Power Card™. Now it’s time for you to enjoy a rate lock on your mortgage interest rate. Lock in today’s great mortgage interest rate and you won’t have to worry if rates go up next week! Your rate is guaranteed for 60 days, so you’ll still pay today’s rate when the mortgage funding process is completed in the following weeks.
5. Convenient Borrowing: All The Way to the Finish Line. Completing the process for an approved mortgage is easy, too. Don’t stress – UECU will help you ensure all the players in your mortgage are coordinated, helping to provide necessary information for the title company, appraiser, and homeowner insurance provider involved with your purchase. And once it comes time to fund your mortgage and go to settlement, you can request a Treasurer’s check (for only a small fee) from your UECU deposit account or have money electronically transferred to the settlement agent for your funds that are required to be paid at closing. All you have to do is schedule your closing date, sign on the dotted lines, and walk away with the keys to your new home. Your mortgage payments can stay simple and paper-free, too – you can set up a recurring electronic transfer to pay from your UECU account! Ask about our payment schedules – there are options including monthly, semimonthly, biweekly and automatic additional principal payments, which may vary your payment costs.^
Call us today to begin your application or ask questions about your own home ownership plans. Call 800-288-6423 ext. 4001 for 24/7 service anytime.
Buying a home is a big step toward achieving your dreams – make it a step you can enjoy, with UECU by your side!
Written by Amanda Y.
* Private mortgage insurance waiver for mortgages with an LTV of over 80% and terms 20 years or less. Other terms and conditions may apply.
**A 3% down payment must be contributed by borrower(s) from their own funds. Availability of 97% Loan To Value mortgage is limited to credit scores of 740+ and requires applicable closing costs, PMI and purchase or refinance of single family home used as primary residence. Other terms and conditions may apply.
^Biweekly and semimonthly payments are available but a service fee may apply. Biweekly payments accelerate your mortgage payoff.
Utilities and Energy Employees: Five Savings Secrets
Posted by UECU in Personal Finance Tips, Savings on July 29, 2011
How to increase your savings without significantly lowering your quality of life.
Provided by Suzette Y.
What’s the problem? In general, when it comes to a lack of savings, it is often not a question of low income, but a matter of high spending. While it’s very true that we’re often put into situations where we must spend money (due to loss of employment, health care bills, home repairs, etc.), for many of us our excessive spending is merely a habit we must learn to break … or at least control.
But … where do we begin? Many people would like to reduce their spending and increase their savings, but it seems like such a monumental task that they simply don’t take any steps in the right direction. Sound familiar? If so, don’t shrug it off any longer. Saving money can begin right now, and you can start in small ways. Here are several easy ways to increase your savings …
Secret #1: “Put it on the mantle.” My grandmother used to use that phrase when I was making a major decision, generally related to a purchase. She would say “put it on the mantle”, meaning that I should set it aside and think on it. That’s great advice, Gram! When you’re considering a large purchase (like a car) or even small (like a pair of designer shoes), try putting it aside, even for just a week or two. Allow yourself time to think it through. If, after that time, you still feel it’s a good idea, proceed … knowing it’s not just an impulse buy. If not, don’t. Most of us have made at least one (and probably more) purchases of this nature that we have later regretted. What if you had the money back for every such purchase? What if that money was collecting interest in your savings account? It could really add up.
Secret #2: Pay yourself first. When you get a paycheck, you likely pay your rent first, your car payment second, your insurance third, and so on and so on. Somewhere at the VERY BOTTOM of your list is YOU. Why are you at the bottom? Probably because you know YOU won’t penalize YOU, if YOU don’t make a payment to YOU. My point is this … hold yourself accountable. Start by putting money into your savings account FIRST. Take care of YOU before anyone else, so there are no excuses at the end of the month. Unless your monthly bills are higher than your monthly income, you should be able to determine a set, comfortable amount that goes into savings every month … no ifs, ands, or buts. Stick to it!
Secret #3: Shop smarter. We’re all in a hurry, so it’s easy to grab items like snacks or coffee when convenient. But think about it … if you stop at a convenience store for a 12 oz. coffee every morning, that’s probably about $1.75 you’re spending every day … that adds up to over $600 every year! What if, instead, you bought a $10 coffee maker for your office and bought your coffee grounds in bulk? How much money could you save? And how could interest affect what you’re saving? If you saved just $600 per year in a basic savings account with a 5% rate of return, after 30 years you could potentially have more than $30,000 … and that’s after taxes! Start paying more attention to those “little” expenditures. They can really add up!
Secret #4: See your destination. They say that hindsight is 20/20. Think about this: if 10 years ago you began saving just $200 per month in a shoe box under your bed, then today that shoe box would have $24,000 in it! Unfortunately, you can’t go back in time. But you CAN look ahead. Use a financial calculator (there are free calculators available online) and start plugging in numbers … calculate where you could be in 20-30 years depending on how much you’re willing to save today. Once you know what you COULD achieve, saving money could become your favorite pastime – a competition (with yourself) to see how much you can increase your future net worth. Have fun with it!
Secret #5: Ditch the shoebox. Speaking of that hypothetical shoebox under your bed … the money in that box might collect dust, but it won’t collect interest. And while I seriously doubt that you keep money in a shoebox, take a moment to consider WHERE and HOW you save your money. While a traditional savings account can earn you interest, there are other options available to you that could potentially earn you more. Perhaps you’ve heard people speak about money market accounts or CDs, but you’re not sure what they are or if they’re right for you. It’s a good idea to learn all you can and make informed decisions about your money.
The best advice I can give you is this – speak with a financial professional. While saving money is important, where and how you choose to retain and grow that money can have a significant impact on your net worth in the years to come.
Suzette Yoh is a Financial Consultant with Utilities Employees Investment Services and may be reached at 800-288-6423 ext. 6365 or syoh@swbc.com.
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These are the views of Peter Montoya, Inc., not the named Representative or Broker/Dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative or Broker/Dealer give tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information. Securities offered through SWBC Investment Services, LLC, a registered broker/dealer. Member SIPC and FINRA. SWBC Investment Services, LLC is not affiliated with this institution. Funds should not be considered a deposit of or guaranteed by this institution, may lose value and are not FDIC or NCUSIF insured. Neither SWBC Investment Services, LLC nor the presenter / financial professional provide tax advice. Please consult your tax professional for tax advice. Consultations are complimentary but costs may apply to investments.Making Home Improvements This Summer? Energy & Water-Saving Tips That Keep More Green In Your Pocket
Posted by UECU in Home Ownership, Personal Finance Tips on July 15, 2011
The federal government’s energy credits may have expired, but making green improvements to your home is still a smart financial and ecological decision and investment.
Replacing your old single pane windows and doors: Insulated glass and improved seals will keep the seasonal elements out and comfortable air in. Shop around for a reputable dealer and installer. A poorly installed triple-pane window is as bad as a single pane.
Replace your water heater: If you cannot afford the higher up-front investment of a tankless, on-demand water heater, you can still upgrade your current model to a high efficiency hot water tank. Fifteen percent of your energy bill is spent on hot water, so any improvement will generate lasting savings.
Buy a rain barrel: Available in a range of prices, shapes, and sizes, a rain barrel is a great way to conserve water and save money. A strategically placed rain barrel can collect 55 gallons in a downpour. With the convenience of an attached spigot, water is readily available for watering your plants, washing your car, or cleaning your patio or deck.
Whether you can invest a lot by replacing windows or a little by adding a rain barrel, green improvements and money savings are still around, even if the tax credits are not. If this is your year to upgrade appliances or give your home a bigger green makeover, a home equity product could be the answer. UECU has slashed our home equity rates on both home equity term loans and home equity lines of credit! Call us for details at 800-288-6423 ext. 4001.
(Article is provided by PSB and is featured in the June 2011 edition of UECU’s Member News.)
Utility & Energy Industry Families: Enjoy Your Vacation MORE – Spend LESS & Earn REWARDS
Posted by UECU in Family Finance, Financial Rewards, Personal Finance Tips on June 28, 2011
When it comes to frugal fun, my family likes to live it up. Our latest vacation to the shore was no exception. With a little planning and smart choices on the road, we were able to save some bucks and get to more places with our vacation budget. And as always, our trip was made more carefree by knowing our credit union was traveling with us – and helping us earn rewards along the way. This summer, we spent some time enjoying the sand and the Atlantic, did a little shopping, visited a few nature preserves, and still had the time and funds to check out the local historic and cultural sites. Your trip itinerary may take you different places each day, but there are thrifty ways to adapt your spending strategy while you’re on the go. Are you looking to save on a vacation this summer? Your family may have their own tips and secrets – here are a few that worked for us …
1. Planning Ahead To Get The Inside Scoop
We’ve always had fun planning our family trips and now we don’t even need to line our bookshelves with travel books. The Internet is an inexpensive source of information on travel destinations. A little research ahead of time makes all your spending decisions much easier along the way. I like to check out the local attractions, what events are going on in town that week, neighborhood shops, and the best local eateries. Think about prices and make a list of the “definite” and “maybe” places on your hit parade. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast. Pick your best days for outdoor activities and avoid losing the value of admission fees because bad weather spoiled the day. If you get unexpected rain one day like we did, your list will come in handy for indoor substitutes.
2. Reaching Your Destination – Without Spending Your Budget On The Way
Packing and a long drive may be the only downers of taking a road trip (well, aside from the after-trip laundry pile) – but you can improve your experience. Need something to put in your suitcase? If you’re a fan of the outdoors like me, you might be dressing for the occasion. If you need a new hat, clothing, walking or hiking shoes, swimwear, or camping and recreational supplies for your adventure, you’re in luck as a UECU member. If you buy ahead of your trip, you’ll want to take advantage of Shop America, which offers credit union member discounts to more than a thousand big name retailers’ online stores. I was amazed at my buying options, which include discounts to more than 200 clothing and shoe providers and 90 stores selling outdoor gear and sporting goods!
For the drive, we took the family’s most fuel-efficient car and tried to minimize our cargo. Filling the tank is still painful, but we rewarded ourselves by always using our UECU VISA® Power Card™ at the pump. With our PowerCard™ we earned 1 VantagePoint™ for every $1 we spent – we’ll redeem our reward points for cash back or gift certificates we can use to book future vacations – UECU’s gift certificate vendors include several options for transit companies and travel reservation services. And while we used our own vehicle this time, the PowerCard™’s free travel security features like auto rental insurance and travel accident insurance always come in handy for reserving rentals and flights.
3. Getting Your Munchies For Less
Worried about spending too much on your meals? Think of ways to take a bite out of the local cuisine – but not your wallet. We chose one night to splurge on a seafood dinner and aimed for savvy spending the rest of our trip. When we’re eating out, we try to order our bigger meal early in the day from the more affordable lunch menu. Our UECU VantagePoints™ rewards have come in handy too – it’s easy to run into a participating restaurant on the road, since there are more than 20 restaurant chains in UECU’s gift certificate options!
Picking the right hotel helps, too – some offer a complimentary continental breakfast included in their price – and many have a mini refrigerator and/or microwave you can use to prepare a small evening meal. You can even take your edibles on the go during the day with a well-iced cooler. This way, eating “out” doesn’t have to mean another bill. Al fresco can be a nice change of pace – we enjoyed lunchtime tuna sandwiches by the sea on our trip.
4. Staying The Night
Are you vacationing in a large town or a frequent tourist destination? The hotel prices I find for these spots often make my eyes pop. One idea is to visit your destination in the “off-season” – but that only works if attractions are open year-round. My family’s method of coping is to check hotel prices in the surrounding smaller towns. Often one or two exits down the highway, you’ll get the same hotel room for significantly less a night. We usually find the savings far outweigh the few extra minutes your car’s on the road. If you like staying in the same hotel chain, many have rewards programs that earn you discounts on future stays. And once again, VantagePoint™ rewards have saved the day more than once with 14 hotel gift certificates to choose from!
So, don’t stay home all summer – you can vacation for less – think thrifty, earn rewards with UECU – and enjoy your trip even MORE!
Written by Amanda Y.
Energy & Utility Workers: Achieve Your Home Ownership Dreams
Posted by UECU in Family Finance, Home Ownership on June 15, 2011
National Homeownership Month Is Here
June marks the annual focus on the American Dream during National Homeownership Month. In spite of economic changes, home ownership still tops the list of achievements people want to accomplish. But is it still achievable?
Absolutely! With home values settling back into a reasonable spectrum and lending on the rebound, singles, couples, and families can still afford to buy a home. Here are some tips to start you on your journey toward reaching your dream of home ownership.
Start saving now. The end of the housing bubble demonstrated the necessity of a down payment. Gone are the days when a house was purchased without any invested equity from the buyer. Saving for a down payment is a great practice to minimize your mortgage payments, obtain instant equity on your new property, and solidify the investment in the loan for you and your lender. UECU offers qualified buyers multiple ways to save on their mortgages, depending on the size of your down payment.
Practice a budget before you buy. Just having the down payment is not enough. The monthly principal and interest payment, insurance, utilities, and upkeep costs need to be considered as well. Before you purchase, estimate those costs and put them aside for 6 months to a year to accurately test-drive your budget.
Do your homework. There are plenty of neighborhoods where housing is more affordable. Ask family and friends. Hire a qualified Realtor®. Scour the internet for real estate reviews. Often, a similar house may be offered for significantly less in a neighborhood you hadn’t discovered on your own. Don’t limit your search to what you know. Widen the net with help.
The path to owning your home is a substantial process and may be a little overwhelming. You could get closer to your American Dream by following these tips and discussing your interest in home ownership with UECU’s friendly and knowledgeable Financial Service Representatives. Ask about UECU’s Spring Mortgage Sale – which continues this summer. UECU’s Mortgage Sale offers qualified applicants two ways to save thousands on a mortgage – a traditional mortgage with no Private Mortgage Insurance or a mortgage with a super low 3.00% down payment.** Call us today at 800-288-6423 ext. 4001!
* Private mortgage insurance waiver for mortgages with an LTV of over 80% and terms 20 years or less. Other terms and conditions may apply.
**A 3% down payment must be contributed by borrower(s) from their own funds. Availability of 97% Loan To Value mortgage is limited to credit scores of 740+ and requires applicable closing costs, PMI and purchase or refinance of single family home used as primary residence. Other terms and conditions may apply.
UECU Membership: A Graduation Gift To Last A Lifetime
Posted by UECU in Family Finance, UECU Membership on June 3, 2011
Energy & Utility Workers – Are your kids graduating from high school? College? Give them the gift of membership & point them toward this blog article for young UECU members.
Calling all graduates, college students, young professionals … UECU is ready for YOU!
Have people mentioned lately that you’re heading out into the “real” world? Taking care of your money is definitely one of those responsibilities on the horizon. Managing your personal finances might seem like a murky, distant goal. But don’t ignore or fear it – picking the right financial institution makes it simple and convenient. UECU is waiting to take care of all your financial needs and will stick with you, wherever you’re headed – college, your first full-time job, and everywhere that comes after. UECU is the credit union you want by your side – here’s our promise …
1. Finance With YOU In Mind. No stuffy bank here – UECU gets YOU. Are you just starting out? Always on the go? Do you need a safe place to stash your funds, but still have easy access to cash? UECU has so much more to offer on top of our impressive savings rates. Our Connections™ Checking Account has it all. It’s FREE* and earns interest, and it’s specifically designed to benefit young adults and safeguard your funds. If you’re like me and don’t always want to carry checks or cash, this online checking account is for you – with the connected Advantages VISA® Check Card, you can use your account to make purchases anywhere VISA is accepted. And for a limited time, UECU will even get members age 13-21 started with a $25.00 gift** in a new UECU checking account! Looking for some serious college funds? Click here to check out our UECU Student Scholarship, which offers prizes up to $1,500! And UECU always wants to keep financial knowledge at your fingertips – we even deliver. Just point your computer mouse to our Connections™ web page for financial tips and resources tailor-made for Gen Y. We want to hear from you, too – join the conversation on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and keep updated on the UECU Blog – just click below to subscribe or comment today!
2. Convenient 24/7 Access. UECU doesn’t mind pulling an all-nighter with you. During my college years, my friends always had to run to their bank branch before 5 p.m. to deposit their pay check, check their account balance, and get cash for the evening or weekend. Lucky for me, I was a UECU member. I just stopped by the ATM at the student union building whenever I needed to fill my wallet. End of story. UECU even reimbursed my ATM surcharge fees each month^ and since I set up Direct Deposit, my part-time job pay hit my UECU account automatically. I never had to touch a paper check or wait in a teller line. Ahead of the curve, UECU had already begun to offer Advantages Online™ home banking, so I could move money between savings and checking anytime day or night and make purchases around town with my Advantages VISA Check Card™. I’ve never looked back. Over the years, UECU has only made spending and saving easier and advanced its E-Services to give your accounts ultimate portability…
3. Portability. Who says you can’t take it with you? You’re always on the go – UECU enjoys the ride. Whether you’re traveling, taking a semester abroad, or moving, just pack your bags – we’ll be there! Our branchless credit union lets you take us wherever you head after finishing school. Your fellow graduates may have to hope their bank has a local branch, but distance is never an issue for UECU. Our members live in all 50 states and have easy access to their money and our services every day. Adding and withdrawing funds is hassle-free with our many convenient services and online tools. With Advantages Online™, Advantages Bill Pay™, e-Vantages™, e-Posit Express™, and E-Notifications™, you can: manage your accounts, pay your bills online, transfer funds among your accounts at UECU or to a local financial institution account, get immediate access to paper check funds, and even stay current on your accounts with text and email messages. Learn all about our services at uecu.org.
4. Rewards. Who doesn’t like some extra credit? UECU rewards its members, no matter where you are in life. You earn UECU’s VantagePoints™ for member referrals, purchasing, saving and other typical financial activities – and then exchange points for cash back, gift certificates, and loan rate discounts†. There are real bonus points when you’re ready for your first credit card. Not only does the safe and convenient UECU VISA Power Card™ come with an amazing rate and without other cards’ outlandish fees – UECU members also earn 1 VantagePoint™ for every $1 they spend with their card! And in case one reward program wasn’t enough, members using a variety of UECU products are also thanked for their loyalty with their pick from our annual My Choice™ financial rewards – that’s right, every year!
5. A Credit Union That Grows With You. A lifetime awaits you – build your scrapbook with UECU at your side. Whether you joined UECU through a family member or working in the energy/utility industry, UECU members can stay members for life. And we’ll always be here for your financial needs, even the ones you aren’t thinking about yet. Next on your journey might be consolidating your student loans with a personal loan or getting an auto loan to purchase a new or used car – UECU’s amazing lending rates will be waiting for you! Maybe you’ll be saving to pursue further education, start your own business, or travel the world – our Education Savings Accounts and Special Savings Accounts have you covered. You may buy the home you’re dreaming of with a UECU mortgage. And it’s never too early to start stashing funds in an IRA, so you can retire to a sandy beach someday. Our financial solutions go on and on, just like your ambitions for the future. Join forces with UECU today and we’ll be there to help make your dreams a reality.
*Free Connections™ Checking requires enrollment in free E-Statements and free Advantages Online™ home banking service.
**Gift of $25.00 available through 7/31/2011 for ages 13-21 for new Advantages Checking Accounts.
^Connections™ Checking Accounts receive up to $12 per month in ATM surcharge rebates while EasyCheck Checking Accounts receive up to $8 per month in ATM surcharge rebates.
† 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. Member must be 18 years of age to earn VantagePoints™.
Written by Amanda Y.
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