Posts Tagged financial REWARDS
Ready or not, Valentine’s Day Is Coming! 4 Ways to do Heart Day on a Budget
Posted by UECU in Financial Rewards, Personal Finance Tips, Savings on February 9, 2012
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
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.
Energy & Utility Workers: 5 Year-End Tactics to Prepare for Tax Season
Posted by UECU in Financial Rewards, Financial Services, Personal Finance Tips on December 16, 2011
The economy has changed. Tax laws have changed. Your personal financial situation may have changed. What has not changed are these basic tips to consider at the end of the year that may help you save on taxes.
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.
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 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.
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.
Energy Employees Benefit Financially from 5 Convenient Services at UECU
Posted by UECU in Financial Services, UECU Membership on March 18, 2011
Looking for an easy way to stash more of your cash in your savings account? Are you just searching for convenient ways to manage your money? Utilities Employees Credit Union has your solutions.
Recently, I saw the new Bank of America commercial about automatic transfers – perhaps this is a new concept at Bank of America. However, convenient financial services are nothing new at Utilities Employees Credit Union – and we’re STILL giving you great lending offers and some of the nation’s best savings rates!
While I was a UECU member before I began working here, today I’m an even bigger fan of the credit union’s incredible services – now I enjoy seeing them benefit our members every day. My advice? Don’t wait to take advantage of your membership benefits – log on at www.uecu.org and bring UECU’s convenience to life. Advantages OnlineTM, our powerful home banking tool, gives you a 24/7, All Access Pass to manage your accounts from the comfort of your own home. Even better, you can set up automatic tasks that will put your money to work for you, day or night.
Check out five things you can do with Advantages OnlineTM without ever having to visit a branch …
1. Transfer Funds – Transfer funds easily and electronically between accounts with e-Vantages™ by Web, our no-cost transfer manager tool. Whether you need to transfer your money from a UECU account to an account at another financial institution or you need to transfer money from a UECU account to another UECU account, e-Vantages™ by Web can be used to set up a one-time or recurring electronic funds transfer. You can even save more by regularly moving a fixed amount to savings from your checking account. YOU decide when, how often, and how much to transfer – change or discontinue transfers anytime – you’re in control!
2. Pay Bills – Avoid postage fees and gain control over your bills with our online bill pay tool – Advantages Bill Pay™. View and manage your monthly bills, day or night. You decide how much to pay, when to schedule payments, and what payment method to use.
3. Receive Account Alerts by Email or Text – Keep updated on your financial activities while you’re on the go with E-Notifications™. Sign up for E-Notifications™ and receive automated, electronic financial alerts about current or pending activity on your UECU accounts, through emails or text messages.* There’s no cost to sign up and timely alerts may even save you money!
4. Get Instant Check Funds – Now you can make deposits from anywhere – anytime, day or night! Use e-Posit Express™ , our remote check deposit tool to enter information and “deposit” your paper checks online, then drop them in the mail. We’ll deposit the rest upon receipt of your checks, but as a qualifying** member you will already have immediate access to between $750 and $1,500 of those funds!
5. Obtain Member Rewards – Redeem your VantagePoints™ member rewards online – our members love earning VantagePoints™ for their financial activities with UECU – and with the click of the mouse, you can redeem your points for gift certificates, cash back, and more.
… and there’s so much more! Don’t miss the opportunity to make your finances convenient – check out the possibilities at www.uecu.org.
*Alerts received as text messages on your mobile phone may incur a charge from your mobile service provider. Standard message and data rates apply.
** A member must meet qualifying criteria to be eligible.
Written by Amanda Y.
Protect Your Holiday Purchases
Posted by UECU in Financial Rewards, Financial Safety, VISA Credit Card on December 16, 2010
Maybe you’re one of the lucky ones and you’ve finished your holiday shopping. Or, maybe you haven’t even started. Either way, getting your money’s worth is a goal everyone has in common. Make sure you do your part when making purchase and payment decisions this month.
Make your purchases using your VISA® Power Card™. This rewards credit card comes with FREE Price Protection, FREE Warranty Manager, and zero liability for unauthorized use that most members don’t realize or utilize. Also, if you need to return or exchange an item, UECU will go to bat for you if the merchant isn’t willing to help. But remember that the added protection that your UECU VISA Power Card™ offers won’t offset overspending or poor credit management. Use the credit card as a tool, but make sure your budget can handle making more than the minimum payment when the bill arrives.
Including a receipt or gift slip is very important if your gift recipient needs to make a return or exchange. Without it, they will either be turned down or only allowed the current price which may be below what you actually paid! It’s a simple thing, but one many people forget. Make the effort to ask and give the gift slip or receipt so your recipient doesn’t get short-changed.
While buying the extended warranty offered by the sales clerk isn’t always a good financial decision, when it comes to electronics, moving parts and kids—it is! Cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, and game consoles see a lot of action and take a beating from their owners, especially when their owners are still in elementary or middle school. Extended warranties for these items will often include full replacement value if it malfunctions, benefits if they are lost, and repair services that more than cover the cost of the warranty. Read the fine print, but in most cases, a $50 warranty on a $400 purchase may be a good investment.
The smartest way to get your money’s worth is to use your UECU VISA Power Card™ for all your purchases through December 31st and earn DOUBLE VantagePoints™*! Redeem those points for gift certificates, cash or a loan rate discount^ and give yourself a holiday gift too! Don’t have our VISA Power Card™? Call 800-288-6423 Ext. 4001 to apply.
*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.
^Rate reduction can be used on a new term loan only. Excludes Home Equity Term Loans, Mortgage Loans, VISA Power Card™ and Lines of Credit.
(Article is provided by PSB and is featured in the November 2010 edition of the UECU News You Can Use newsletter)
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