Friday, November 18, 2016

How to Stay Safe When Shopping for Holiday Gifts Online

Want to avoid long lines and large crowds this holiday season? Shopping online lets you zip through your list with just a few clicks.
Before whipping out your plastic, however, you'll want to make sure you're shopping on a secure site. Use these tips to keep your data safe.

1. Look for the padlock symbol

Don't check out at a website unless you see a padlock symbol on the browser bar of whatever device you're using. This symbol means that the page has extra security to prevent others from viewing your sensitive information.
Another way to tell a website is secure is that it starts with "https" instead of just "http." The "s" means the site is secure.

2. Be cautious around public Wi-Fi

If you need to check your online banking account while you're away from home, avoid public Wi-Fi networks. Many retailers provide free Wi-Fi as a convenience to customers, but you can't be sure who's able to see the data you send on the network — including private information.
Instead, consider using a virtual private network, or VPN, a service that lets you encrypt the information you send over the internet. That way, others won't be able to access your data even if they can access the network. You can also send data over your personal cellular provider's network, which bypasses Wi-Fi.

3. Use a credit card instead of a debit card

Credit cards offer better consumer protections than debit cards do. If someone steals your credit card information and uses it to make unauthorized purchases, you'll be liable for $50 at most, depending on how quickly you report the loss.  If your debit card information is stolen, you could lose all the money linked to your checking account.
If you're unhappy with an item you bought on a credit card — say it was damaged when you received it or it was never delivered — you don't have to pay until the dispute is resolved. But if you're unhappy with a debit card purchase, you'll need to file a dispute with the retailer and possibly your bank to try to recover the money after the fact. That's because debit card purchases automatically withdraw funds from your bank account.

4. Change passwords regularly  

Even if you take steps to shop securely, a hacker could steal your user name, password or other sensitive information from a retailer's database. Protect yourself by changing the passwords of your online accounts every three months or so. That way, if hackers do breach a retailer's software, there's a good chance they'll have access only to an old password.

5. Update anti-virus software

If you shop from a home computer, keep your security software updated. Anti-virus software companies frequently release security updates to address newly discovered security loopholes.
Follow these tips and you can take advantage of the convenience of online shopping while also protecting yourself from online fraud.

© Copyright 2016 NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Ready for Road Trip? Like Waterfalls?



It’s that time of the year.  Fall is here.  The mornings have that nice little nip in the air, which means the trees will start turning colors soon.  This is the best time to take a ride and check out our great north woods.  Wisconsin is the perfect place to see magnificent, cascading, bubbling, beautiful waterfalls.

Did you know that Marinette County is considered the Waterfalls Capital of Wisconsin?  My husband and I took a ride up there this past weekend and checked out a couple of these wonderful waterfalls. 
Marinette County is such a short drive that you can make a day or a weekend out of it.  If you want to venture further north or west, you can make a week out of it.  Make sure to bring your walking shoes,  a picnic lunch and a camera.   There a terrific photo opportunities at every turn.  Through the years the kids and us have checked out most of the waterfalls that are in Wisconsin, the UP, the upper Minnesota area and into Canada.  

If you want to start closer to home, check out the 30 foot Fonferek Falls.  This is just a short drive south on Highway 43 to County Rd MM.   After that head up north and check out Dave’s Falls, right off of Highway 141 and further up are Smalley Falls and Long Slide Falls.  If you head west on Highway 8, look for the signs for Four Foot, Eight Foot, Twelve Foot and Eighteen Foot Falls and a few more along the way.  Check out the Travel Wisconsin web-site,  www.travelwisconsin.com and  you can find links to maps and other information. 


So get yourself out there and visit Wisconsin’s waterfalls.  Be prepared to do some hiking and be safe.  Some places are pretty scary.  For me anyways, my husband will venture out on any rocks he can.  Have fun exploring Wisconsin.  

Written by: Karen S. 

Random Acts of Kindness 2016

During the month of October all of the employees at Horizon Community Credit Union participated in a challenge to get 84 random acts of kindness. The number comes from the number of years our credit union has been serving the community.

Each employee was given a set of cards with a note to "pass along" the random act of kindness. They were asked to get out into the community and do things for others that may have brightened their day, such as holding a door or buying a cup of coffee for someone!

Here is a list of all of the random acts of kindness our team has done over the last few weeks:

1. Held the door open for man who was pushing his wife in a wheel chair.

2. Bought the person behind me their food at McDonalds.

3. Was a designated driver for someone.

4. Let someone go ahead of me in line at the store.

5. Made chicken noodle soup and passed it on to others.

6. Let someone go before me at a four way stop.

7. I brought licorice to work for my coworkers.

8. Bought coffee for the person behind me at McDonalds.

9. Gave my tickets to WWE away.

10. Picked up garbage around the Eastman building.

11. Took books to the free library.

12. Brought candy into work for the members.

13. Picked up bread and buns on the floor in the isle at the grocery store.

14. Bought pumpkins and added an extra $10.

15. Call the mill to inform them a car had their lights on.

16. Gave cookies to the delivery guys.

17. Left $1 off coupons at the grocery store.

18. Returned cart at grocery store for elderly lady.

19. Brought cat food to a no-kill shelter.

20. Visited with my neighbor.

21. Bought the coffee for the person behind me at Starbucks.

22. Gave someone shopping at Old Navy my $10 Old Navy Bucks to use.

23. Brought items to the Humane Society to donate.

24. Left $1 taped to the vending machine at the mall so someone could buy a drink.

25. I let someone go ahead of me in the checkout line at the grocery store.

26. Left a tip for the housekeeper at the hotel that I was staying at.

27. Gave a donation to the boy scout troop that was selling popcorn in the grocery store.

28. Bought treats for my co-workers.

29. Visited a friend who was going through a tough time.

30. Gave up my corsage at a wedding for the groom's grandmother because they were short one.

31. I helped an elderly woman push her cart back inside the store.

32. I paid for movie tickets and a large popcorn to see Finding Dory for a family of 3. It was dollar movie tickets at the movie theater, so the popcorn costed more than their tickets.

33. Returned our bowling balls back to the rack after my family and I were done bowling for the evening.

34. I made sure to say please and thank you when I ordered food in the drive-thru.

35. Reminding my neighbor that it was recycling week.

36. Wrote to my "coach" praising her for mentoring and guiding me.

37. Gave some event tickets to a friend that was having a tough time.

38. E-mailed my in-laws to let them know how thankful I am for their constant support and friendship.

39. Was in the mall parking lot and an elderly woman seemed to having difficulty finding her vehicle….helped search and find it. It was a bit of a distance away.

40. Thanked a police officer for all that they do and let them know the support that they really have.

41. Paid for someone’s pumpkin at the pumpkin patch.

42. Helped an elderly lady load groceries in her car at Walmart.

43. Paid for someone’s coffee inside McDonalds.

44. Gave a coupon away I was not using at Target.

45. Tipped extra during a meal because she was a great waitress.

46. Donated some of my son's clothes to a non-profit organization.

47. Brought donuts into work for breakfast.

48. I was in Kohl’s and a person looked confused, so I said is there something I can help with? She was looking for a tie for her 16 year old son and was having trouble finding the right color, I am hoping I helped.

49. We babysat for someone, and refused to take money.

50. Delivered the mail to the mailbox on my lunch when it was over full.

51. Gave unwanted (already purchased) dog treats to someone at the pet store.

52. Donated books to Voyager free library.

53. Donated clothes to Good Will.

54. Donated 10 cans cat food to a local animal shelter.

55. Bought the person behind me in line their soda.

56. Helped someone save $4 in coupons and earn a $5 gift card.

57. Bought the person behind me at McDonalds their breakfast.

58. Wrote “Thank you” cards to my kids’ teachers for their hard work.

59. Donated goods to a local food pantry.

60. Gave our mailman a $5 gift card to Starbucks to “stay warm this fall”.

61. Complimented our waiter at a restaurant for doing an amazing job with our orders and being friendly.

62. Paid for shipping on a persons Thirty-One order.

63. Paid for personalization on a persons Thirty-One order.

64. Made cookies for a neighbor.

65. Let somebody check out before me at the store.

66. Donated a few items I no longer needed.

67. Helped a lady put her groceries on the belt at the store.

68. Gave a lady, who was walking in the rain, a ride home.

69. Gave someone a hug when they really needed one.

70. Bought eggs and bread for someone who needed it.

71. Gave a jar of homemade pickles to my sister.

72. Gave a person a ride home from the hospital.

73. Took my daughter and granddaughter to a concert.

74. Bought my coworker a soda.

75. Left $5 at Culvers for next drive up.

76. Made dinner for my neighbor.

77. Bought a pumpkin and a Halloween trick or treating bag full of candy for a kid who could not go trick or treating this year.

78. Helped an elderly woman at Walmart put away her groceries in her car.

79. Left $5 dollars at McDonalds for people buying their $1 coffees on a cold day.

80. Donated unused blankets from home to a family in need.

81. Gave someone in need clothes in good condition I did not need for the winter.

82. Bought and donated groceries to the youth retreat at the St. Willebrord church in Green Bay.

83. Made cookies and passed them on to others.

84. Shared food with a coworker.

Monday, October 24, 2016

Have a SAFE Halloween this year!

Trick-or-treating is just around the corner.
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has a number of tips to help make Halloween safe.


Costumes    
  • Choose costumes that are light-colored and more visible to motorists.
  • Use reflective tape to decorate costumes and candy bags to increase visibility of children to drivers. Reflective tape may be purchased at hardware, bicycle, or sporting goods store.
  • Use makeup rather than a mask; if your child’s costume does include a mask, make sure it fits snugly and that the eye holes are large enough to allow full vision.
  • Children should wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
  • Costumes should be short enough that a child will not trip and fall.


Pedestrians   
  • Engage in Halloween activities during the daylight hours, if possible.
  • Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.
  • Remind children to walk, not run, and to only cross streets at crosswalks.
  • Be sure your children are accompanied by a responsible adult who has flashlight. Flashlights or chemical light sticks should be use so that children can see and be seen by motorists.
  • Remove obstacles from your lawn, porch, or steps if you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
  • Make sure your front porch is well-lit.
  • Avoid using candle-lit jack-o-lanterns if possible. If you do use candles, don’t place them near curtains, furnishings, or decorations. Move them off porches where children’s costumes may ignite.
  • Keep your pets in another room when you are expecting trick-or-treaters.
  • Small children should not carve pumpkins; instead, allow them to draw the designs on the pumpkin and adults may carve.
  • Turn on an outside light if welcoming trick-or-treaters.


Treat Safety
  • Instruct  children to wait until they are home to eat any candy.
  • Check candy and novelty toys for potential choking hazards.
  • Make sure packaging doesn’t have any tears or tampering.
  • Throw away anything that looks suspicious.


Motorists
  • Slow down, especially in residential areas.
  • Watch for children darting out from parked cars.
  • When Driving Children around, use child safety seats or seat belts, and have children get out of cars on the curb side, not facing traffic.

Have a safe and fun Halloween!

Post by: Alice E.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Celebrate International Credit Union Day with us!


  • Treats and giveaways will be available daily in our branches for all of our members.

  • There is a coloring contest for kids with winners receiving $20 VISA Gift Cards.  Members of HCCU under the age of 13 who complete the International Credit Union Day Coloring Sheet and return it to either branch of the credit union by Saturday, October 22nd will be entered into a drawing for a $20 VISA gift card! Stop at a branch or go to http://horizonccu.com/MemberServicesDetail.php?SID=97 to print a coloring sheet.

  • HCCU Employees will be performing 84 Random Acts of Kindness in our communities in the weeks leading up to International Credit Union Day.  That’s 1 act of kindness for each year we’ve been a credit union!

Saturday, October 15, 2016

What is ICU day?

International Credit Union Day Celebrates The Authentic Difference

On October 20, 2016, credit unions around the world will celebrate International Credit Union Day (ICU Day).
Credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, offering the same services as other financial institutions, but with a people-first philosophy.  Since 1948, on the third Thursday of every October, credit unions have celebrated the principles that make credit unions the best financial partners of people all over the world.  “The authentic difference,” this year’s ICU Day theme, zeroes in on what makes credit unions different from banks, fintech startups and other financial institutions—our principles.  
Credit unions all over the world have operated according to the same core principles since the 1850s, when a group of weary German workers, tired of being exploited by loan sharks, formed the world’s first credit union by banding together to provide affordable credit to each other.
These principles are derived from the 7 cooperative principles, shared by all cooperatives. They are:  
  1. Democratic Control
One member = One vote. Whether you have $5 or $5 million, your voice is equal.
  1. Open and Voluntary Membership
Members are connected by a bond of association, fostering a sense of community.
  1. Non-Discrimination
Credit unions are open to all without regard for race, orientation, nationality, sex, religion, gender, or politics.
  1. Service to Members
Credit unions are ranked No. 1 in service in numerous surveys, because they exist to serve members, not profit.
  1. Distribution to Members
Credit unions return all profits to their members through dividends, lower fees, better savings rates, and improved services.
  1. Building Financial Stability
Credit unions are historically stable organizations. They’re owned by the people they serve, so they don’t take unnecessary risks.
  1. Cooperation Among Cooperatives
Credit unions and cooperatives share the same principles. Together, they amplify each other’s good works.
  1. Social Responsibility
Credit unions strive for social justice by committing to strengthening their communities and helping people of modest means.
  1. Ongoing Education
Credit unions prioritize financial education for their members, employees, and communities as part of their pursuit of social justice.
This is why we celebrate ICU Day at Horizon Community Credit Union (HCCU).  We think ideas like people before profit, social responsibility, and financial education improve lives. It’s why cooperative banking is a key component of helping people in developing countries get access to microloans, or a middle-class couple in Green Bay receive an affordable mortgage for their first home.  
So when we wish you a Happy ICU Day at HCCU, know that we’re thanking you for belonging to a movement that’s helping your neighbors—and people around the world—grow and thrive and follow their dreams.
If you have any questions about the credit union philosophy or how HCCU can help you, stop by or contact us at (920) 433-0122 or at info@horizonccu.com.
Copyright 2016 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Bellevue Trick-or- Treat Trail!

Bellevue Trick-or- Treat Trail

Wear your costume, take a leisurely walk along the wooded trail, collect candy, pick out a pumpkin, and have a time you and your child will never forget! HCCU will be there on the trail and we would love to see you there too!

When: Saturday, October 15, 2016 from 10:00am-Noon

Where: Josten Park, 2280 Town Hall Road, Bellevue


The Trick or Treat Trail is open to Village of Bellevue residents ages 2-10 and is limited to the first 400 participants. This event fills up quickly every year.

Preregistration is required and can be done online at http://bit.ly/2cf0WB0. 

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Quilt Expo in Madison, WI

http://wiquiltexpo.com/
Oh man!! The Quilt Expo is coming up!!! September 8-10 at the Alliant Energy Center Exhibitions Hall in Madison, WI!!!!

Can you tell I’m a little excited?

Just think of it – 85,000 square feet dedicated to the Quilting Arts!! There will be everything from beginning quilters to experts in the field! Not to mention all the vendors and speakers! This event is sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television and Nancy Zieman Productions, to mention just a couple. Yes, that’s Wisconsin’s own Nancy Zieman of Sewing with Nancy fame. She has the longest running sewing program on public television. They have invited people to teach new ideas, talk about their quilting history, and they even have a hands-on training area to help those of us that prefer to learn-as-we-go.

You can enter your quilt for competition; they have different categories to enter including a youth division for ages 15 and under. There are cash prizes for the main competition and the youth division is awarded gift certificates to Nancy’s Notions. You can even bring a family heirloom (or just a prized possession) in for a private appraisal.

And since quilters tend to be known for their charity work, there’s an area to donate some time to work on quilts for donation to the Quilt to Give community service project. Last year attendees made 10 quilts for donation to Enchanted Makeovers and Domestic abuse Intervention Services, and an additional 36 completed quilts were brought in by attendees to add to the donation pile! That’s a lot of sewing for a good cause!

However you look at it, it’s 3 days of looking at beautiful artworks, checking out the new sewing toys, and a chance to learn something new. Come see what ‘fiber-overload’ feels like!! Hey! Maybe you’ll even get to meet Nancy!!!!!

For complete details and pre-registration instructions go to www.wiquiltexpo

Post by: Mary D. 

Monday, August 15, 2016

Horizon Community Credit Union Family Movie Event


We will be having a 

FAMILY MOVIE DAY
Saturday, September 10, 2016
At the Get Reel Cinemas
417 George St. De Pere, WI  54115
Movie begins at 10:30 AM

We will be showing



Children (13 and under) are FREE of charge
Adults (14+) are $5.00*
*All proceeds go to the Children's Miracle Network here in WI!
10% of concession stand sales will also go to the Children's Miracle Network.


EVERY ADMISSION RECEIVES A SMALL POPCORN AND A SMALL DRINK.
(Refills are $0.50)

We are also having a drawing that morning and naming the winner at the end of the movie! 
Prize is a 
$40 gift certificate 
to the Get Reel Cinemas! 
(Must be 13 years old and under to enter.)

Make sure to get there 15 minutes earlier so you can enter the drawing, get your FREE small drink and popcorn and find a seat in the theater

TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE! 
They can be picked up at either of the following branches:

3139 Voyager Dr
Green Bay, WI  54311
OR
700 Eastman Ave
Green Bay, WI  54302

If you have any questions please call (920) 433-0122

DON'T MISS OUT!

*Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times!*

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Love My Credit Union Rewards

Love your savings.

Everyone is looking for ways to save money, and that's just what Love My Credit Union Rewards is all about. 

Horizon Community Credit Union is excited to offer you exclusive discounts and benefits on products and services you use every day. Credit union members have already saved over $1.4 billion with Love My Credit Union Rewards discounts. So along with lower loan rates and fewer fees, here’s another way you can save even more.

©      Receive a 10% discount (business members a 15% discount) on select regularly priced Sprint monthly data service. Plus, waived activation fee on new lines and upgrade fees ($36 savings each)
©      Get safety and security of roadside assistance and more for less than $1 per week* with CU Road Pal.
©      Save up to $15 on TurboTax Federal tax products
©      Save on services for your home from ADT, DIRECTV, Allied, and more
©      Earn cash back when you shop at over 1,500 online retailers with Love to Shop


The more offers you take advantage of, the more you save. Start saving today at LoveMyCreditUnion.org.
 *Based on individual roadside assistance plan

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Inside Out S'mores Bars

Looking for something new to make for your next family/friend gathering? Here is a yummy recipe for Inside Out S'mores bars that everyone is sure to love! Just in time for the Fourth of July Celebrations!!


Inside Out S'mores Bars
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/500392208577970277/

Ingredients:
1 box family-size fudge brownie mix (for 9x13 pan)
Eggs, oil and water called for on brownie mix box
7 sheets honey graham crackers
Nonstick cooking spray
2 cups mini marshmallows

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350° F. Coat a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Follow directions on box to prepare brownies. Pour half of brownie mixture into pan, and top with sheets of graham crackers, breaking to fit if needed. Sprinkle marshmallows on top of graham crackers, covering completely, then drizzle remaining brownie batter on top. Bake 25-30 minutes, until edges are crisp and center is set. *The toothpick test won’t work, but the top brownies should be solid to the touch, not gooey. Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes to set completely. Slice into bars and serve. YUMMY!!! 

Post by: Chelsea S.

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Parent of a Teen? Know a Teen? Tell Them to Play Money Mission!

Farm-this, Mafia-that…we all know teens play plenty of games online. 

Enter Money Mission. Now when they play games online, they can also have the chance to earn scholarships for college!

What is Money Mission?
Money Mission is an online simulation, available to play through Horizon Community Credit Union, that teaches real life financial skills. Teens create an avatar and live, work and make real life financial decisions in the game’s simulated village, Mission Heights. Money Mission gives youth an opportunity to consider the financial obligations they face and how they will deal with them in real life.

How Long is the Game?
During each session, players are encouraged to make a wide range of decisions, including buying a car, trading stocks, and holding down a job. The choices players make are tied to their avatar’s happiness meter, a barometer designed to demonstrate how good financial decisions require life balance. Those who navigate this simulated world successfully will have a chance to win a scholarship.

Why is Money Mission Important?
This is the only financial literacy tool in the marketplace that fulfills the need for financial education within an interactive, online competitive gaming environment that also rewards college bound seniors with scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education.

How Do Teens Start Playing?
Anyone can sign up to play Money Mission at www.horizonccu.com. When you click on the Money Mission graphic to sign up (near the bottom of the home page), you’ll enter Mission Heights and begin your Money Mission. College bound seniors will also have the opportunity to compete for scholarships.

Encourage the teens you know to sign up for Money Mission!

Sign up to play Money Mission at www.horizonccu.com!

Post by: Cari J

Monday, June 20, 2016

What you need to know about Identity theft!


What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is a serious crime where your personal information—anything from
your name, your driver’s license, or Social Security Number—has been stolen by an imposter who intends to commit fraud using your name. With your Social Security Number, someone can easily obtain false lines of credit and rack up significant debt in your name. With a stolen identity, someone might use your name in a legal matter, leaving you with a false criminal record. Identity fraud is a major problem, and it happens more often than you might think.

How do I protect my identity? One of the best habits you can have to protect your identity is to change your passwords on a regular basis. Make this a monthly routine. Another simple step toward protection is to avoid using similar passwords, like password1 and password2. Mix it up.

How can someone steal my identity?
Your mail often contains sensitive information, like your Social Security Number, and criminals can obtain it by going through your trash. It’s important to destroy documents that include personal information before putting them in the garbage. You can buy a personal shredder or collect your documents in a secure place and dispose of them at a secure shred event like the one we held June 4th. Identity theft can also occur as the result of a lost or stolen wallet, in which case you should file a report with the local police, as well as your bank and credit card companies.

How do I find out if my identity has been stolen? Reviewing your credit report is an effective way to detect identity fraud, and you can get your report for free from https://www.annualcreditreport.com. You can review your report for signs of suspicious activity, such as accounts opened in your name that you don’t recognize, or credit checks from companies with which you’ve never done business. This could be a sign that someone is applying for credit in your name, and it’s better to catch it early. You can’t always prevent identity theft, but you can be proactive and minimize the damage. If you don’t review your credit report on a regular basis, months or years might go by before you find out that someone has stolen your identity.

What do I do if my identity has been stolen? Report the theft. Report the identity theft to the local police, the Federal Trade Commission and your State Consumer Protection Office or Attorney General. Contact the company or financial institution where the fraud occurred. Inform them that a false account has been opened in your name. For insurance fraud, contact your insurance company, and let them know that your identity has been stolen. For tax fraud, contact the IRS. Freeze your accounts. Contact the three credit reporting agencies—TransUnion, Experian and Equifax—and place a freeze on your accounts. The freeze will block any further credit applications made in your name. Call the credit union or bank. Report the situation to the fraud departments of all of your financial institutions (any and all institutions with which you do business or have current accounts).

Post by: Cari J.

Thursday, June 2, 2016

Walk to Tackle Cancer--Saturday June 18, 2016



As some of  members already know, I have been battling Lung Cancer for the last two years.  I have been on Chemotherapy and am now on Radiation.  My family, friends and co-workers have been there with me on this long (seems like endless) journey.  They have given me so much love and support, it is unbelievable.           



This being said, Aurora Baycare is hosting a “Walk to Tackle Cancer” on Saturday, June 18th and my family has decided we will be walking to support cancer patients.   The walk is a 5K or 3.1 miles and is open to any one who would like to participate.  My daughters, Rebecca & Vanessa, told me if I couldn’t walk the whole 5K they would pull me in a wagon.  J  How is that for support?? 

 We have a team set up on the walks web-site.  Our team name is "Sassy Schoen’s."   Check our team, sign up, or donate at   by clicking here and plan on joining us on June 18th.  Whether it is to walk or just cheer us one, hope to see you there!   

Written by: Karen S.  

Monday, March 28, 2016

Your Little Superhero Could Win!



We would love to see pictures of your little superhero! Share a picture with us, and be entered to win a prize pack the whole family can enjoy. You have two options to enter:

Post a picture of your child to our page in his or her favorite superhero costume (homemade or store bought), with an explanation of why that superhero is their favorite! We won’t limit you to just the superheros with capes either--if you can provide an understandable explanation for your child’s superhero, then we will accept it. 

OR

Is your child an actual superhero in the community? If they’ve recently been involved in a volunteering or community event, post a picture and tell us about it! We’d love to hear what happened!

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us by commenting on or private messaging our Facebook Page

GOOD LUCK! 




The Fine Print:  This contest is open to anyone who chooses to participate. As curators of the contest, we hold the right to define an “understandable explanation” and to change that definition as the situation calls for. Pictures must be posted between April 4th 2016 12:00AM and April 28th 2016 11:59PM. By posting the picture to our Facebook Page, you release the photo to be used by Horizon Community Credit Union for contest and marketing purposes. Only one entry per child will be accepted, though there is no limit to the number of pictures that we will accept. Winners will be determined by random drawing. The winner will be contacted through the Horizon Community Credit Union Facebook page. The winner has two weeks from the first date of contact to pick up the prize UNLESS arrangements have been made to allow for more time to pick up the prize pack at the branch that is convenient to the winner. By accepting the prize, winners also agree to allow a member of the HCCU staff to take a picture of the acceptance of the prize.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Start Young: Teaching Children Financial Literacy



photo courtesy of expertbeacon.com

“Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”

-Benjamin Franklin


Do you remember how you learned about money? Think back! My grandfather used to pull out change from his pocket, have us name the coin and its value, and then have us make a given monetary amount with what we had available. Later on, my mother and I created an arrangement where I would clean the house for a certain sum of money. Soon after that started, she took me down to the hometown bank and opened up a checking account for me. She walked me through how to write a check and how to balance a checkbook.

Though these are great ways to teach a child the value of money, they aren’t the only things you can do. Here are some other ideas:

Play the Grocery Game: Give your child a fixed amount of money and a list of things needed at a local food back. Challenge your child to buy as much as they can with that fixed amount of money. For an older child, you can give them your grocery list and have them work out the cost and compare places and prices.

Need/Want Game: As you and your child are looking through a magazine together, ask your child if a particular item is a need or want and why. You can also have your child identify needs and wants while they walk through the store with you. It is important for children to know that a need is something essential, while a want is nonessential, and the significance of spending on a want instead of a need.

Let Them Adopt a Budget Line: Give your child a single budget category for a month and let them manage it. It’s advised that you choose a category where you can control how much or how little is spent, like groceries, education, and vacation. The child can do research online and find the best way to spend the money. This not only helps illustrate the concept of a budget, it allows the child to see their choices in action.

Show Them How to Use Budget Tools: There is an endless number of budgeting tools out there. Teach your child how to use a budgeting tool to help them understand the value of a budget and why it’s necessary to track all expenses.

Let Them Make Mistakes: We all make mistakes, and we tend to make a bit more of them when we’re learning! Let your child make mistakes, and, most importantly, let them see the consequences. Talk with your child about the consequences, and what could have been done to avoid them.

No Bailout: Resist the urge to help your child pay for the last few dollars of a purchase. Consistently bailing out your child sets up a future of bailouts, and it also diminishes the child’s effort and any feelings of accomplishment they have from paying for it by themselves.

Open A Youth Savings Account at HCCU: We have youth savings account at HCCU that have a special reward attached to them--a toy! Each time a child makes a deposit in their account, they get to choose a toy out of our treasure chest. As the child gets older, they have the option to open a Student Checking, or perhaps have an ATM or Debit Card. See a Member Service Representative for details!

We cannot stress enough how important it is for children to learn how to spend, save, and invest their money wisely. If they develop the good habits when they are young, they are far more likely to manage their finances successfully as adults. Because we believe success is on your and your child’s horizon, we are more than willing to help educate you and/or your child about the “tools and rules” that come with an HCCU membership. You can always call 920-433-0122 or visit your nearest branch if you have any questions.


Written By: Breanna B.

Sources:

Investopedia--5 Ways to Teach Your Kids The Value Of A Dollar

Investopedia-- Teaching Financial Literacy to Kids

Monday, February 22, 2016

Chain of Hearts Campaign for the Children's Miracle Network



3139 Voyager Dr branch
February 2015
If you have stopped by either of our branches lately maybe you have noticed the hearts by our teller windows and the chain of hearts we are creating behind our teller line! Well in case someone hasn't told you and you are wondering, throughout the month of February Horizon Community Credit Union will be collecting donations for the Children's Miracle Network HCCU has a goal to raise $2,000 through our Chain of Hearts Campaign and we hope that with all of our members help and support we can achieve that goal! 100% of funds collected will stay in Wisconsin! So help us put the money where the miracles are.

Hearts: $25
Links: $1

Please help us meet our goal of $2,000! No matter how big or small your donation is, every dollar donated counts! You can stop by either of our branches or give us a call to donate.

To learn more visit the Children's Miracle Network website here.


Creating miracles by raising funds for our local Children's Hospitals. 

Thank you all for your generous support!

- Horizon Community Credit Union



Post by: Karla C.