Comfort Food at it's Finest

There is nothing that I love more than mashed potatoes and gravy. I am one of those people who will load up on the mashed potatoes with extra gravy whenever it's offered as a side. The best part of the Thanksgiving feast is this yummy side. By the time I get home from work at night I just want to eat something quick and easy for dinner. A lot of times this requires throwing something in the crockpot so that it is just about ready to eat by the time I get home. I spend plenty of time on Pinterest looking for quick and easy recipes or recipes that I can make in the crockpot. I found this awesome Chicken and Gravy recipe just this last week. It is sooooooo good and super easy.

Photo Courtesy of Food.com

Ingredients:

• 3 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 can of Chicken Broth (I used the low sodium kind)
• 2 packets of chicken gravy mix (I used the low sodium kind of this as well)
• Mashed potatoes (You can make the homemade kind or if you are in a hurry I like to buy the kind that they sell in the cold food section that you just heat up and serve)

Directions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot on the low setting if you will be cooking these for 8 hours or longer. Cook on high if you will be cooking them 4-5 hours.
2. Pour the can of chicken broth over the chicken breasts if they do not entirely cover the chicken breasts add just a little bit of water.
3. Cooking time is completed when the chicken falls off the fork and is able to be shredded.
4. Remove chicken from the Crockpot and shred with a fork in a bowl.
5. Take 2 cups of the chicken broth and put this in a saucepan with the two gravy packets. Heat until gravy thickens-About 2 minutes.

Serve chicken and gravy over mashed potatoes. Enjoy!

Written by: Katie B.

Makin’ My Mouth Water Brownie Truffles

http://ow.ly/Tbji5 

Ingredients:

4 squares unsweetened baking chocolate (4 oz.)
1 cup butter
4 eggs
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 (12 oz.) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
Melted milk chocolate for topping and sprinkles (optional) for decoration

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Grease a 9”×13'' inch pan well.

3. Chop butter and unsweetened chocolate into chunks and place together in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals (no longer or you might burn it!), stirring in between, until melted. Set aside to cool, stirring occasionally.

4. In a large bowl beat eggs, sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. While stirring, slowly add the melted chocolate.

5. In a separate small bowl combine flour and baking powder. Stir flour into chocolate batter until combined. Pour batter into greased pan and bake for 20-30 minutes or until a knife poked in the center comes out clean.

6. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

7. Once brownies are cool, cut off and remove the very outer edge where a "crust" sometimes forms (eat the crust, don’t throw it away. It’s delicious, it just doesn't go in the truffles.). Then use a fork to fluff the mixture into crumbs. Take a small cookie scoop (or just use your hands) to roll the brownie crumbs into 30-35 small balls. Place them on a large, parchment lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 20-30 minutes or until firm.

8. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave until smooth. Use a spoon to roll the brownie balls in the melted chocolate--I remove them with a fork to allow the excess chocolate to drip off. Place the truffles carefully on parchment paper. At this point you could add sprinkles if desired. Refrigerate until set. After they are set, you can drizzle them with melted milk chocolate if you’d like.

9. Store in the fridge and remove 5 minutes before serving.

Post by: Cari J. 

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs) – What You Need To Know

Hearing the words “Adjustable Rate Mortgage” can send some prospective borrowers running for the hills.  But what is an adjustable rate mortgage?  An adjustable rate mortgage is a mortgage whose interest rate is adjusted periodically to reflect market conditions.  You might be thinking: A 30-year loan with an interest rate that can fluctuate over the life of the loan?  If you’re not familiar with the terminology, it can sound scary!  But understanding the terms can help you understand your options better, make a smarter choice, and decide if an adjustable rate mortgage just might be a good fit for you after all. 

The following factors will play an important role in how your loan will work, both today and into the future.  Additionally, the specific numbers you are quoted for each variable can make a big difference in whether or not the loan is truly a good deal.  So what do you need to know?

Initial Interest Rate:  The initial (or sometimes “introductory”) interest rate is the interest rate that you will start out paying on your mortgage. 

Initial Fixed Rate Period:  This refers to a length of time that your initial interest rate is “locked-in” at the beginning of your loan, meaning that it will not change during that time period.  This can vary greatly, so you will want to make sure you ask this.  You may have a period of five years where the rate cannot change, or you may have a period of six months where the rate cannot change.  Knowing how long your rate will remain “fixed” initially can help you plan ahead in terms of budgeting and rule out loans that are not a good fit for you. 

Adjustment Frequency:  After the initial fixed rate period has expired and your loan’s interest rate begins to change, the adjustment frequency will tell you how often to expect a change in your rate.  An adjustment frequency quoted as annually means that, after the initial fixed rate period has expired, each year going forward your interest rate may change according to the economic conditions at that time.  Likewise, an adjustment period of every three years means that your interest rate will be recalculated at three year intervals for the remaining term of your loan.    

Index Rate:  The index rate is a benchmark market value that will be used to calculate each new interest rate on your loan.  Index rates can be based off the value of a single financial instrument (US Treasury Securities) or an average of several financial instruments.  You may be familiar with some index rates, such as the LIBOR (London Inter-Bank Offered Rate) or the Treasury Constant Maturities Index.  When you find out which index is used in calculating your interest rate adjustments, you can research the current index values as well as how stable the rate has been historically. 

Margin:  The margin is a figure set by the financial institution which is also used in calculating each new interest rate.  This is a fixed value that will be added to the index value when calculating the new interest rate. 

Floor (Interest Rate Floor):  This is the lowest value that the rate on your adjustable rate mortgage can ever be.  Depending on the other terms of your loan, it IS possible that your interest rate could adjust downward instead of upward.  Knowing the floor rate on your loan will help you estimate the range of possible payments that you may experience over the life of your ARM.

Ceiling (Interest Rate Ceiling):  The ceiling is the highest value that the interest rate on your adjustable rate mortgage can ever be.  This value will help you calculate your maximum possible payment on your loan, to know whether it would be affordable to you. 

Periodic Cap/Maximum Change (per adjustment):  This value will tell you how much your interest rate can change at any given adjustment.  For example, a maximum change of 2% means that even if market conditions have gone haywire, the most that your interest rate can change is 2% at the next adjustment.  This value helps to safeguard you from skyrocketing interest rates on your mortgage. 

Rounding Factor:  This dictates how the final calculation of your interest rate will be rounded.   It could be rounded up or down, depending on the terms specific to your loan.  The rounded interest rate must be an even multiple of the rounding factor (i.e. for a Rounding Factor of 0.125%, the new rate must be X.00%, X.125%, X.25%, X.375%, X.50%, X.625%, X.75%, or X.875%).

So, now that you know a little of the background information, let's cover how your interest rate actually determined.

Index + Margin = Rate // [Round as required] // Compare to Ceiling, Floor, and Periodic Cap Values

The interest rate on your loan will be calculated by taking the current index rate value, adding the margin, and then rounding it according to the terms of you loan.  Once that value has been determined, the interest rate will be tested compared to the floor, ceiling, and maximum per-change value to ensure that it is within all of those guidelines and limitations.   In other words, the final rate must be higher than or equal to the floor, lower than or equal to the ceiling, and cannot change by more than the periodic cap over the previous interest rate. 

Let’s say that the interest rate on your ARM is currently 3.75%, with a floor of 3.75% and a ceiling of 9.75%.  Using Horizon Community Credit Union’s currently offered loan terms on a 5-1 ARM (fixed for 5 years and adjusting annually thereafter) shown below, the calculation would look like this:

Index Rate: 0.34 (1 Year Treasury Index)

Margin: 3.5

Maximum Increase per Adjustment: 2%

Maximum Decrease per Adjustment: None (meaning that the rate can decrease by any amount)

Rounding Factor: to the nearest 0.125%

The calculation for the new interest rate would then be:

0.34 + 3.5 = 3.84 // Rounded = 3.875

3.875% is greater than the floor, lower than the ceiling, and is less than a 2% increase over the current rate of 3.75%

One final question to ask is what a change in the interest rate will affect.  At Horizon Community Credit Union, a change in the interest rate of your loan will impact your monthly payment amount.  However, other possibilities are the loan term (or the length of the loan), or the amount due at the maturity date of your loan. 

So you see, as long as you do your homework when shopping around, not only getting the starting interest rate but also the variables that will impact your interest rate down the road, you can end up with a great adjustable rate mortgage loan that will fit your needs now and into the future.  

Written By: Cari J.

Random Acts of Kindness - What's Yours?

Editors Note: Horizon Community Credit Union staff went into the community in early October (2015) and together performed 83 Random Acts of Kindness, which you can see here. No names are listed with any of the acts; however, Loan Officer Lori volunteered her reflection on one particular act of kindness she performed. What follows below is that reflection.

A few months back on my way to work each morning, I noticed this gentleman at the bus stop just standing there waiting, people standing around him, no one saying anything, people coming up to the stop sign and not noticing him or anything around him for that matter, including myself. So one day, I waved at him, he looked at me like I had 3 heads, looked around as if to say are you waving at me. He is an older man, scruffy beard, tough looking guy. I started wondering what his story was, how life had been to him, what he lived thru. Why he was standing at a bus stop at his age each morning, where was he going, what was he doing, did he have a family, etc.

So each day I pulled up to the stop sign, I would wave, finally he started waving back, now each morning when I pull up he has the biggest smile on his face and waves before I get a chance, but what I notice the most is his eyes. Before it just seemed that he would stand there with no expression of any kind, but now he has a giant smile and his eyes sparkle. When I pull up and he isn’t there I find my day is a little off, just a bit different. One day I stopped, got out of my car and walked up to him and introduced myself and asked him his name. His name is Leonard. One day I brought him coffee and he was so happy and grateful, each day I look for him. I hope in a small way I make him feel better about his day. I know for sure he has given me more than I have given him, he makes my day just a little brighter. Something money will ever be able to buy. Funny how a complete stranger can bring something to your day. I now look forward to seeing Leonard standing at the bus stop. I hope he looks forward to seeing me too.

We have become so programmed and have let electronics and technology take over our lives that we forget how important human interaction is. Just a wave , and it cost me nothing but has given me so much.

I love the random act of kindness, not only are we doing something for someone outside of ourselves, without any expectation of anything back, but you are literally giving to yourself. There is no better feeling than to do something for someone else when they don’t expect it.Especially in this day and age when everyone feels like others always have an ulterior motive for what they are doing.

Written by: Lori S.

Packer Tailgating

Football season is in full swing, and you can bet the Packers are "bringing it" this season. You can gear up for games at Lambeau Field at the Tundra Tailgate Zone located outside the Oneida Nation Gate. There is a live band, Packer gear and ticket giveaways, a variety of food and beverages for purchase and tons of HD TVs to enjoy the game inside climate controlled tents. This is free and open to the public. The Tundra Tailgate Zone opens four hours prior to kickoff, and for noon kickoffs, stays open for the following prime time match-ups.

Regardless of the weather, our Packer Nation always shows up. For holders of season parking passes, show off your green and gold automobiles and take out the grill… or sofa. There are a number of parking lots close to Lambeau Field that are available for those who wish to reserve spaces for their tailgating antics. So, make sure you leave your TVdinners at home and come out and enjoy some Wisconsin beer brats.

Written by: Mai Y.

Veterans in My Life: Alice's Story

Father 
Bruno B Luberda
World War II
Marine Corps - Corporal
Tank Driver
Fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima
Wounded in Saipan when his tank was hit by enemy fire
Awarded the Purple Heart
Served 1942-1946

Sister
Lynn M Luberda
Army – Sergeant 1978-1981
Helicopter Maintenance/Turbine Engines
Served in California, Korea and Kentucky
Reserves until 1990

Uncle
Chester Luberda
Sobieski, Wi
Born 10-09-1923
Causality 05-30-1945
World War ll
Marine Corps – Radio Operator
Corporal – Marine Bombing Squadron VMB-611
Died while serving

LOCATION
Davao, Philippines
DETAILS
KIA MIA killed and missing in action




BURIAL

Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO

AWARDS

★ Purple Heart

★ American Campaign Medal

★ World War II Victory Medal

★ Combat Action Ribbon

ADDITIONAL DETAILS - Corporal Luberda was reported missing in action on May 30, 1945 while on a regularly scheduled combat strike against enemy installations at the Kibawe Trail area near Davao, Mindanao.

Lt. Fish's aircraft wreckage and crew skeletal remains were found on November 16, 1956 in the area the plane was reported missing. Although individual identification was impossible, it was confirmed that the remains were of Lt. Fish and his crew. A group burial of the eight Marines, with full military honors, was held at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO on July 15, 1957.

By: Alice E.

Veterans in My Life: Breanna's Story

Sneaky selfie with two veterans in the background!
My grandpa (left) is a Navy veteran, and my father (right) is a Nat'l Guard veteran. 

It could be argued that I was born into the Armed Services culture--I think it's stuck with me to this day.  I was born in Oceanside, CA, right off of the Marine Corps base Camp Pendleton, where my father was stationed. I tease him, to this day, that we should have stayed in that warm climate! Alas, the Marine Corps life was no longer his calling, so my father moved us to Minnesota, where he began serving in the National Guard. 

My father, the human sacrifice? He's the one laying down, about to be "gutted" by his comrade.

After my parents divorced, my father remarried to a soldier. Our family grew to a whopping five kids (four boys and me). Between my former Drill Instructor father and my soldier stepmother, there were minimal issues in keeping us in line, homework done, and chores completed. It was "Yes ma'am/sir" and "No ma'am/sir" and all manners were paramount. As a child, and especially as a teen, I resented this strictness. I grew to resent it even more when my father was sent on four consecutive deployments while I was in Junior High/High School.

My dad is directly to the right of the man in the black shirt.
Not sure whether this is Iraq or Afghanistan...

The first deployment was to Iraq. Not long after he left, we got a call: He had been injured. A base housing generator had blown up near him. He jumped in front of the men that were with him to shield them from the blast. This left him with some very bad burns and a traumatic brain injury. After some skin grafts and a few months of recovery, he was ready to return. As a teen, I didn't understand why he felt "unfulfilled" and needed to complete his deployment. This led him to his deployment in Kabul, Afghanistan with the Engineers Corps. He was able to finish this one out, and we, thankfully, didn't get a phone call. His next deployment was at the WI Nat'l Guard base in Tomah, WI (yes, that's technically a deployment for this MN Nat'l Guardsman :) ). Last, but not least, he was sent to Seoul, South Korea. That deployment ended just in time. The day I graduated from high school was the first time I got to see my father in person in at least a year! 

My dad now. He lives in western WI. Miss him!

As an adult, I'm very grateful for those values my father instilled in me.  I know to be respectful and what it means to be dependable. I know that when I work with a team, it's important that I do my duties to help the team succeed. I also know, if my father can survive what he survived, that I can survive anything I'm going through! I'm forever grateful for the sacrifices he's made and I'm so proud of him. 

Thank a vet---they deserve it!

Written By: Breanna B. 

A Personal Finance Story: 12 year-old Lori saving For Her Horse!

Way back then before technology, 12 year-old children did different things to occupy their time. I was no different.

My passion back then was horses.I grew up on a farm and always had a pony or horse since the age of three. I rode whenever I could. I love the freedom, pleasure and escape. My horse at the time became very ill. The veterinarian could not diagnose what the problem was and she passed away. I was heart-broken. My friend and buddy, my escape, my freedom---all gone. I felt completely lost.

The only thing that was going to fill this void was a new horse. So, I started saving my allowance to buy myself a new best buddy. Back then, kids didn’t have accounts in a bank for savings. It was up to us to save up for things we wanted but didn’t need. This can be very hard , especially as a 12 year-old with a case of the "I wants."

 I took up the envelope savings system. I got three envelopes, labeled them and started saving that way. One of those envelopes was for my new buddy. That envelope was my priority envelope. My desire for a new horse seemed to trump the desire for the new Adidas white tennis shoe with the red stripes. Those were the big deal in middle school back then, but I opted for my new four-legged buddy over being cool. Everyone else was wearing the cool shoes and I stuck with my pay-less shoes so I could have my horse.

If I had to go back in time to twelve again, I would still pick the horse.

I believe that learning to manage money and save for what I wanted helped me be more responsible.

Now we can set up ten different savings accounts for one person so they can meet those goals, which is convenient and much safer than using envelopes. It is pretty much the same scenario. Some things change, and some things stay the same. 

Post by: Lori S.

Stock The Shelves 2015

We are so excited to be a part Stock the Shelves again this year. There are some exciting new things that have come to this fundrasing event!

This year, Stock the Shelves has a spokesperson--Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Randall Cobb! Anyone who makes a monetary donation of $100 or more will receive Stock the Shelves Stock, with Cobb's face on it!

If you make a qualifying donation here at Horizon Community Credit Union, your stock will be mailed to you by the Press Gazette. 

Not only can you be rewarded with a this Stock when you donate, but your donation goes twice as far with matches, thanks to: JJ Keller, US Venture, Fox Cities Chapter of Credit Unions, Brown County Chapter of Credit Unions, Gannett Wisconsin Media, Fox Valley Community Foundation, Greater Green Bay Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, and Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin. 

Brown County's fundraising goal this year is $120,000, with all donations benefitting the local community. Will you help us reach that goal?

Stop by either one of our branches to make a non-perishable and/or monetary donation! 

Thank you, from the whole Horizon CCU Team!

NOTICE: HCCU ATM Removal

Horizon Community Credit Union’s mission is to help our members achieve financial success. Following this mission statement can sometimes require us to make difficult choices. One such choice is the decision to eliminate our Voyager Drive ATM machine. As of December 1, 2015, our ATM will be permanently out of service.

The decision was based on two major factors. First, new changes to ATM/Debit card regulations and EMV chip cards means that a significant investment would be required in order to keep the ATM machine in compliance with new standards. Second, analysis has show that traffic to our ATM has declined significantly as a result of other fee-free ATMs in our immediate neighborhood. After through analysis, HCCU did not feel that the volume of transactions warranted such an investment.

There are several alternatives available to help make the transition seamless. First, there are fee-free ATMs available at the I-43 Business Park Kwik Trip and Capital Credit Union both located on the corner of East Mason Street and Huron Road. Any member with an ATM or debit card issued by Horizon Community Credit Union is automatically a member of the ATM Alliance, a national network of ATMs that our members can use without incurring an ATM service charge. Members can locate a network ATM by visiting the webpage http://www.allianceone.coop/ . You can also download their mobile app at stage.allianceone.coop/mobile-app. As always, Horizon Community Credit Union will never charge a fee for ATM transactions, regardless of who owns or operates the machine. The only fees that our cardholders may be subject to are those charged by the ATM itself. If you use a machine whose owner charges you a fee, you are responsible for paying that fee. Second, there are two ways to avoid those surcharge fees. Platinum SunDrops members are eligible for up to $5 in ATM Surcharge Refunds per month at your request, and if you have a HCCU EcoChecking Account, you are eligible for up to $10 in ATM Surcharge Refunds per month. 

If you have any questions or comments relating to this decision or the fee-free ATM resources available to you, please contact a member of the Horizon Community Credit Union staff by any of the methods below.

Phone: 920-433-0122
Email: info@horizonccu.com
US Mail: 

Horizon Community Credit Union 

PO Box 670 

Green Bay, WI 54305-0670
Fax: 920-433-0165

HCCU VISA Gift Cards

The right size…

The right color…

Goes with everything…

VISA® Gift Cards…

http://ow.ly/TbhIl 

The perfect fit every time! 

They are perfect for everyone on your list this holiday season! It’s the gift of choice that can be used almost everywhere including online merchants.

You choose the dollar amount, from $10 - $500, and they choose where to spend it. Since you choose the amount, there’s no overspending and there’s no fighting for parking spaces or standing in long checkout lines at the mall!

Post by: Cari J.