The Advantage of Being 50+

YAY! You’ve hit the big FIVE – O so flaunt it! You’re looking good and you deserve a break! So what can we offer you? A FEE FREE CHECKING ACCOUNT! Yes! FEE FREE! That means NO minimum balance required! Already have a fee free checking account with us? Guess what, you can now get checks at no charge too! That’s right! FREE! We know you are looking good but we want you to feel good too! Stop in the credit union and any Member Service Representative can give you more information and get you closer to a fee FREE checking!

Post by: Kelly V

Don't Tax My Credit Union!

Credit unions today hold a tax exempt status because they are designed to be run as a not for profit organization. This helps CU members achieve financial success by giving back profits in the form of dividends, and also by offering lower interest rates and fees on loans. But even though credit unions are exempt from paying corporate income taxes, credit unions do still pay taxes like property taxes, sales taxes, and employment taxes.  In Washington there are proposed bills to change these items as a part of an overall tax reform.

Essentially, a tax is added to credit unions, which will trickle down to its members in the form of more fees, higher interest rates, and lower dividends to accommodate the additional expense to the credit unions.

There currently is a ‘Don’t Tax My Credit Union’ initiative taking place to educate current and future members of credit unions of this possible change. Members are also encouraged to write letters to their representatives about the effects of these bills. To learn more about this initiative we have a direct link on our website as well as Facebook for Don’t Tax My Credit Union, www.donttaxmycreditunion.org.

Post by: Lindsey L

Great Tips for Saving Money!

Here are a few simple little steps that you can make to improve your financial situation. They are all unbelievably simple and anyone can do them. These tips can save you a lot of money.

· Remember the Thirty Day Rule. Whenever you’re considering making an unnecessary purchase, wait thirty days and then ask yourself if you still want that item.

· Invite friends over instead of going out. Almost every activity at home is less expensive than going out.

· Take advantage of online banking with your credit union. This will help you keep much closer contact with your money and your balance and help you be in less danger of overdrafting.

· Don’t spend money just to de-stress. Instead of spending to de-stress, try some basic exercises or go for a walk, and see how you feel.

· Save your coupons. Using coupons can help reduce the cost of an item already on sale and sometimes you can end up paying barely anything for some things and sometimes actually get food for free.

· Read more. Reading is one of the cheapest hobbies around.

· Pack a lunch. Instead of going out to eat at work, you can make an enjoyable meal for your bag lunch and save cash too.

· Go for reliability and fuel efficiency when buying a car. A reliable and fuel efficient car will save you thousands over the long haul.

· Do holiday shopping right after the holidays. The discounts are fantastic and will save a bundle.

· Write a list before you go shopping. Don’t put anything in the cart that’s not on the list and you’ll save tons of money.

Post by: Beth B

Let us cover your car repairs!

Car trouble is more than hassle. It's expensive. Did you know here at Horizon we offer a product that will help limit the cost of those repairs???  It is called Mechanical Repair Coverage or MRC.  MRC will pay for the cost of covered repairs less any deductible.  Yes, pay for auto repairs!!!  We offer levels of coverage where you choose the term, mileage limit and deductible that meet your needs and fit your budget. You pay only the deductible amount you select – $0, $100 or $250.

Plus the plan includes:
-Rental Reimbursement up to $35 per day for 5 days.
-24-hour, toll-free roadside assistance, which covers towing, jump starts, flat tire changing, fuel, oil or other fluid delivery, and entry when keys are locked in your car.
-Emergency travel expenses up to $500 for lodging, meals and transportation if your car breaks down more than 100 miles from home.

You are able to add MRC to a new or existing auto loan.  Even if your loan is with another financial institution or if you own your car free and clear, as long as the vehicle is eligible for coverage, you can get MRC through Horizon Community Credit Union. Contact Horizon to see how you can benefit by having Mechanical Repair Coverage.

Post by: Kelly B

Consider this with your next auto loan...

Insurance is one of those things – you kind of have to buy it, and you hope you never need to use it. But the right coverage is important! Are you protected?

Here are a few tidbits for you to consider:

• Automobiles are expensive.
• It’s easy to end up owing more than the vehicle’s value if you can’t put money down on a car; if you choose finance tax, title and license; if you get less than you owe on a trade-in; or if you buy a new car (due to the immediate depreciation). 
• You are “upside down” on your vehicle if you owe more than what the vehicle is actually worth. 
• Accidents happen – over 5 million car accidents occur each year. A
• One in seven car accidents (about 14%) will result the total loss of the vehicle. B
• In a total loss situation, the insurance company will reimburse you for the estimated value of the vehicle at the time of the loss.
• If your insurance payout doesn’t cover your full loan balance because you owe more than your car is worth, YOU are responsible for the difference, even though you don’t have the car anymore. 
• Horizon Community Credit Union’s Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) can keep you out of this predicament by covering the “gap” between what you owe and what the car is worth. 
• GAP is very affordable, and the premium is fully refundable within 90 days if you change your mind and decide to cancel coverage.
• You can enroll in coverage when you apply for your vehicle loan and the cost can be rolled into your loan amount and monthly payment. 
• A loan officer can give you more information with just a quick phone call! (920) 433-0122

Your primary insurance will protect the vehicle itself, but what it protecting you? If something happens to your car and it ends up being totaled, that alone is a traumatic experience. Having a loan balance left to pay makes things even worse. We can minimize the angst by making sure your loan balance will be completely taken care of. It’s a small investment that will be a HUGE benefit if something ever happened.

A Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association. U. S. Auto Theft Statistics & Cost of Auto Crashes and Statistics. Copyright 2014. http://www.rmiia.org/index.asp

B AutoTrader.com. Crash Course for Coping With a Totaled Car. Copyright 2014. http://www.autotrader.com/research/article/car-news/168401/crash-course-for-coping-with-a-totaled-car.jsp

Post by: Erin S

What is 3" x 2", flat, and made of plastic?

Going grocery shopping, out for supper, or on a well-deserved vacation and don’t want to carry a bunch of cash? Boy do we have the solution for you! Instead of carrying a bundle of paper, carry a 3”x2” piece of plastic! It’s our VISA® debit card. It fits nicely in your wallet without all the bulkiness. It’s convenient and easy to use. When you make your purchase, you can sign as credit or use a PIN for debit. The money comes out of your checking account either way!  And  then, when you’re on that vacation and you are running low on gas, do not fear, that little 3”x2” debit card is here! You can get gas 24/7 with the plastic pump attendant!

Post by: Alice E

Stay safe from identity theft!

There are many things in life that are very dear to us and that we keep a close eye on. With society today, one of these things should be our identity. Although it’s hard to believe, the sad truth is that our identity is one of the most wanted items by others. Did you know that within the first 6 months of last year, 1.6 million taxpayers were affected by identity theft? Sometimes even with every effort made to prevent this from happening, it still does.

Here at HCCU, protecting your personal information is just as important to us as it is you. We want to make sure it’s really you calling us before we give out information, or that it’s really you standing in front of us before we give you money, so don’t be alarmed or offended if we ask you to verify your information or ask to see your ID. It’s for your protection. With people out there trying to get their hands on your money, identity, and good credit, we want to take extra precautions.

Not only is it important for us to protect your accounts, but we are also committed to helping you protect your identity. To do so, check out these links for lots of helpful tips on preventing identity theft and recovering from it if it happens:

Federal Trade Commission - http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/topics/privacy-identity
Transunion - http://www.transunion.com/personal-credit/identity-theft-and-fraud/how-to-prevent-identity-theft.page
Annual Credit Report.com - http://www.annualcreditreport.com/

Post by: Emily P