Thursday, May 28, 2015

Bay Beach Amusement Park

Bay Beach Amusement Park is now open. It’s located at 1313 Bay Beach Road in Green Bay. For the month of May, hours vary. Starting June 6th hours will be 10-9 daily. Bay Beach is a place where the whole family can go and have a great time.
The admission to the park is free and so is the parking. Tickets for the rides are 25 cents each. The number of tickets for each ride varies. Rides include the lady bugs, granny bugs, the jeeps, the boats, the bumper cars, the scat, the scrambler, the tilt-a-whirl, the BIG slide, the merry-go-round, the train, the swings, and ferris wheel. Two of the newest rides are the Sea Dragon and Zippin Pippin. There isn’t a ride that cost more than a dollar. There’s also a free baby pool.
You can also find play grounds, picnic tables, grills, food stands, souvenir stands and cotton candy! Grab the family, pack a picnic basket and head to Bay Beach for a day full of fun and great memories.



Post by: Alice E.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Tips to Paying off Student Loans!

Image courtesy of ddpavumba at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Being a recent college student can be very stressful. Maybe even more stressful than being in college! Between finding a good steady job, paying all the bills, AND paying your student loans I know it can be really difficult to stay afloat. When you graduate college, most student loans taken out through the government have a 6 month grace period until the payback period begins. Right out of college with all the other bills coming in, it may seem that the best idea is to not start paying your student loans until you actually HAVE to, but really it isn't. Getting a head start on your loans can help you a TON in the long run.

Just because you aren't “required” to start paying the bill, it doesn't mean that interest isn't accumulating on the totals. Interest can build up fast on loans, especially if the balances are high. So let’s go over a couple quick tips that can help you get a head start on those loans!
  • Tip #1: Skip the morning coffee run to Starbucks or McDonald’s everyday, and instead set that money aside each week for one month. On average a cup of coffee ranges from $2-$5, so meeting in the middle, let’s say each cup costs $3.50. Having a cup of coffee at least five times a week, $3.50 * 5= $17.50. Now if we get coffee five times a week for one month that can equal approximately $70! Seventy dollars may not seem like a lot, but that’s $70 less you have to pay interest on! Skipping some of your most costly habits may seem like a breeze so why not challenge yourself to quit multiple habits and save even more money! 
  • Tip #2: Take a look into consolidation programs available. By consolidating your loans it allows you to have a lower interest rate and only have ONE payment, versus the five or six you may have for each loan. There are many different financial institutions, as well as other companies who offer consolidation programs. Be smart about it though, really look into each program and their benefits. You want to make sure you are getting a BETTER deal than what you currently have, not vise versa. 
There are many other game plans and options to consider when paying off your student loans, but these two options are ones that ANYONE can tackle. Also keep in mind, if you need somewhere to keep any of these savings HCCU is always here to help!




Post by: Emily P. 

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Wisconsin Dells!

One of my absolute favorite places to visit in Wisconsin is Wisconsin Dells. I have been there during every season and I seem to find something new to do every single time that I go there. With Memorial Day right around the corner I thought I would share some of my favorite places to visit in the Dells.

1. Wisconsin Dells Ducks Tour-I think I have done the duck tour 3 or 4 times now, but the cool thing is the trail that the ducks have traveled on has been different every time that I have done this. The fun part is that they do part of the tour on land and the other part in the water. Even though I have done this tour a bunch of times it’s always one of the most fun. For more information visit: http://www.wisconsinducktours.com/

2. So far, I think one of the best places to stay in the Dells is Chula Vista Resort. I used to be lucky enough to have a friend who worked there that gave us a good deal to stay, but still their prices are not bad. I recently stayed at Chula Vista for my sister’s bachelorette party and we were able to rent out a 2 bedroom condo with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms for only $100 per person for a weekend. Chula Vista has an indoor and outdoor waterpark and restaurants on site. This is a great place to stay with your family and friends. www.chulavistaresort.com

3. One of my new favorite places to eat is MACS Macaroni and Cheese Shop. This restaurant has several kinds of gourmet Macaroni and Cheese. One of my favorite comfort foods is Macaroni and Cheese and this place does it right. I recommend trying the Loaded Baked Potato Mac. One of the best things about this restaurant is that it is in the downtown Dells area so while you are shopping for those souvenirs you must stop in for some Mac and Cheese. http://macandcheeseshop.com/

4. The best place to shop while visiting the Dells is the Outlets at the Dells. The main reason I love shopping there is because of the Coach Outlet! You can’t beat a good deal on a coach purse. Other outlet stores include Old Navy, Under Armour, Disney Outlet and many more. Be sure to include the Outlet at the Dells as a destination for your next Dells trip. http://www.outletsatthedells.com/

5. One of my new favorite places to visit in the Dells is the Timberfalls Park. While visiting the Dells last summer as a way to celebrate my best friend getting married we visited Timberfalls Park to do a little mini golfing. This is a fun place for the whole family. They have four different 18 hole shaded golf courses. This place is the ultimate mini golf destination of the Dells. Be sure to add Timeberfalls to your list. You won’t be disappointed. http://www.timberfallspark.com/


So When you are trying to figure out what to do with your friends and family this summer considering booking a trip to the Dells. You will find something new to do every time you visit and it is guaranteed to be a fun time for everyone!



Post By: Katie B

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

YOU COULD WIN $5,000!

There’s still time to win $5,000!


Have a Horizon Visa® credit or debit card? Use your credit or debit card now through May 31, 2015 to be entered into the CSCU 2015 Spring Thing Sweepstakes to win $5,000! You will automatically be entered into the drawing for each eligible purchase! You don’t have to buy anything, just use your card! The more you use it, the more chances you have to win!

Stop in Horizon Community Credit Union and ask our MSR’s for more information today and official rules!

Hurry! You still have time, but the clock is ticking!

Post by: Kelly V.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Why an Add-On CD Might Be Right for You

http://www.ehow.com/facts_7368805_can-account-after-it_s-open_.html

Do any of these sound like you?
  • I want to start saving
  • I want a higher interest rate than what a typical savings account offers
  • I don’t want the interest rate to go down 
  • I don’t want any kind of risk to my principal amount
  • I might need my money in a year 
  • I don’t have a big principal amount to start with
  • I’m not sure how much I can contribute each month
Well, if any of those did sound like you, you might want to consider opening an Add-On CD at here at HCCU. Basically, a normal CD is a time deposit that allows you to receive higher interest on an initial deposit. What’s unique about an Add-On CD is that the minimum deposit is a lot lower, and you can add onto your deposit (hence the name) each month. The minimum deposit here is only $100 as opposed to the $500-$1,000 minimum deposits usually required. The reason the minimum deposit is so low is because an additional deposit each month is required. Now this deposit can be of any amount though. You could even set up a reoccurring transfer from another account to make sure you keep adding to your principal and don’t miss a month. Another great thing about adding a deposit each month is that the interest you earn will go up each month. The interest rate stays the same, but the more you put in, the more you get back. The current term for an Add-On CD is twelve months, so there’s not a really long commitment either. At the end of the twelve months, you can take out your total earned or start a new CD with it right away. Overall, an Add-On CD is a great savings alternative!

If you’d like any more information, visit our website, horizonccu.com, go to Savings Products, and click on Share Certificates.


Post by: Noelle C.

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Campgrounds in Wisconsin

What better way to spend your summer weekends than camping with friends and family! That’s what I’m looking forward to most this summer! Here are some campgrounds in Eastern Wisconsin that I've enjoyed going too!

Wolf River: 
Image courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Address: E8041 County Rd X, New London, WI 54961
What they have to offer:
- Rent-able tubes for relaxing trips down the river!
- Sandy beach with a volleyball net
- Playground
- Game room
- Little souvenir shop
- Bar/restaurant

Plymouth Rock:
Address: N7271 Lando St., Plymouth, WI 53073
What they have to offer:
- Mini golf
- Game room
- Swimming Pool
- Ball diamond
- Outdoor movies
- Bar/restaurant
- Rent-able cabins

Quiet Woods South:
Address: 9245 Lovers Lane, Brussels, WI 54204
What they have to offer:
- Swimming pool
- Playground
- Ball Diamond
- Outdoor Movies
- Water slide
- Bar/restaurant
- Store with LOTS of goodies
- Rent-able Cabins
- Mini golf

Devils River:
Address: 16612 County Rd R, Maribel, WI 54227
What they have to offer:
- Little convenience shop
- Fishing
- Beautiful walks
- Playground
- Swimming Pool

Cedar Valley:
Address: N5098 Cedar Valley Rd, Kewaunee, WI 54216
What they have to offer:
- Mini golf
- Swimming Pool
- Outdoor Movies
- Game room
- Bar/restaurant
- Little convenience shop
- Fishing/canoeing
- Playground
- Volleyball court

Post by: Chelsea Fels

Monday, May 4, 2015

Spring E-Cleaning!

http://www.zonealarm.com/blog/2013/05/spring-clean-your-electronics-by-upgrading-updating-and-deleting-software/

When people think of “spring cleaning,” a garage or basement full of old things comes to mind. Rarely do people consider that their electronics need their own spring cleaning (and I’m not just talking about making sure you dust between the keys). In our modern world, we are quite dependent on our computers and devices. Since we are using them so regularly, we hardly ever think to “clean” them. If you haven’t a clue where to start, don’t worry. I’ll give you a few tips that I've found and a few of my suggestions.

Computer
1) Run a Disk Cleanup: On a Windows PC or laptop, go to the Start Menu. All versions of Windows have search capabilities. Search “Disk Cleanup,” and once you find it, run it.

2) Clean out your web browser cache: This takes up a lot more space than you’d think. Most browsers have a settings tab where you can do this.

3) Uninstall Programs: Go to Start -> Control Panel ->Programs->Uninstall programs. Select and uninstall programs that you know you do not use. Sometimes you can accidentally install unnecessary programs, and that will slow down your computer.

4) Defragment your hard drive: After you've done all this deleting, your hard drive will be fragmented. Your computer will thank you. Simply go to the start menu and search “defrag,” and a program like “Disk Defragmenter” will show. Run that program. Word to the wise—back up your information, just in case!

Devices/Smartphones
1) Clean Out Pictures: This is a big offender when it comes to taking up memory. Plug your smartphone/device, via USB cord, into your computer. Open it much like you would open the contents of a flash drive (go to Computer in your Start Menu). When you find the folder(s) of pictures, copy and paste them to your desktop. Now your pictures are backed up, and you can delete the files in the folder as you feel necessary.

2) Uninstall Apps: Apps can be lovely, but they also take up a fair amount of space. Delete the ones you aren't using, and be honest with yourself. Do you really need 4 apps for games?

3) Clear Call History and Old Texts: These take up quite a bit of space. Clear your call log and delete old texts. This is a habit to keep up so that your device continues to run well.

4) File Manager: This is suggested for Android phones. After you delete an app, the file folder can remain on the phone, taking up space. CNET suggests the Astro File Management app for this purpose.

5) Back Up and Restore/Reset: Plug your phone in via USB to your computer, and back up all files. Head into your settings and do a factory reset. It won’t be clogged up and it should still connect to your cellular network.

Though you know you need to clean that basement or garage, do a quick clean up on your computer and devices first. If you would like more information on spring cleaning your technology, simply search “tech spring cleaning” on your search engine or check out the link below to help you find more ways to make your devices run faster. Happy cleaning!

http://www.cnet.com/how-to/six-spring-cleaning-tips-for-all-the-tech-in-your-life/

Post by: Breanna B.