Story #1 Mortgage
I’d been renting for quite a few years when I noticed a house for sale that would be the perfect place. Close enough to my kids’ school, stores and restaurants, yet far enough off a main street to be quiet, it truly is a great find, and my credit union helped me get my loan. Between the manageable payments and the great location, we’re happy and comfortable here. Simple as that.
Story #2 Auto
Story #3 HELOC
When it rains, it pours--literally! My family has been living in our home for 10 years and with the last rainstorm, it became the obvious that the roof was in need of repair. Thank goodness for the HELOC at our credit union! We were able to draw on our line of credit and get the roofers out for repairs the next day. Having the HELOC made a bad situation a whole lot better!
Story #4 CU Difference
Where do I begin? My credit union has made a tremendous difference in my life—I feel they’re really looking out for me. From lower fees to tons of free, convenient services, I save more at the credit union than I would at a bank. From surcharge-free ATMs to free online access to lower loan rates, at my credit union, I get it all!
Story #5 Checking
A fee for this, a fee for that—for me, it was adding up fast! I don’t know about you, but I’m not exactly thrilled with paying fees for my checking account so I decided to do something about it! I joined the credit union and opened a checking account there, where there are lower and far fewer fees than other financial institutions. Plus, now I have access to all sorts of other great services—talk about convenient!
Story #6 IRA
Retirement might seem like a long way off, but my credit union helped me realize that saving now will allow my money to compound over time, meaning I can retire with a much bigger security blanket than I ever thought possible! Plus, the credit union offers numerous types of IRAs: traditional, Roth, and Coverdell so I can choose what is best for me and take advantage of the tax benefits. All of the sudden, IRAs aren’t as difficult as they once seemed!
Story #7 Savings
As a parent, savings is more important now than ever. I want to provide my children with the best possible advantages in life but I have to strike a balance between saving and maintaining a realistic budget. My credit union helped me figure out what I need to save and what I need for living expenses each month. Now, saving is part of my life—it’s easy and it’s helping to keep my family secure.
Story #8 Online Account Access
I can’t imagine what people did before Online Account Access! Wait for a statement to come in the mail? Not me! I can log-on whenever I need to find out what transactions have cleared and what my balance is—I can even make my loan payments! My life is busy—Online Account Access makes it easier for me to track my account—after all, it’s my money!
Story #9 Certificate
My mom always used to say, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” I always blew saving off…until I found out how much I could earn with a little effort! A share certificate from my credit union earns me several times more interest than a regular savings account…and all I have to do is commit to keeping that money in the certificate for a certain length of time. Plus, with a low minimum deposit of $???, it made it easy for me to get started on a savings path.
Story #10 Student/Youth
My parents opened a Youth Club savings account for me at the credit union when I was only a few months old. A lot of time has passed since then, but a piece of every $20 birthday gift from grandma, and all my babysitting and lawn mowing jobs went into that account. By the time I left for college, I had saved enough to pay for most of my own tuition. Help your kids save—open a Youth Club account for them today. They’ll thank you later.
Story #11 Small Loans/Payday
I admit it…strapped for cash, I borrowed from a payday lender. I got caught in a spiral of rolling the loan over and ended up paying through the nose. If you’re stuck in a payday loan spiral like I was, call the credit union for help! They have loan programs if you’re in an emergency financial situation. They’re quick, they’re MUCH cheaper, they’re discreet, and they exist to help you get back on your feet.
Story #12 Identity Theft
My identity was stolen 2 years ago because I was careless about shredding my credit card statements—but NEVER AGAIN! ID theft can happen to anyone and it’s expensive to fix. I spent thousands to fix the damage to my credit and I want to help others prevent what happened to me. Your first step is to order a copy of your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. Secondly, shred EVERYTHING with your name on it before discarding.
Story #13: Online bill pay
Gas, electric, water, credit card, phone…I was getting overwhelmed with having to pay all these different bills each month. What a relief when the credit union introduced online bill pay! I can set up all my bills with the payment amount and due date and the system pays my bills for me. No more checks, no more stamps, no more accidental late payment…it’s all right there. Thank you, bill pay! Visit our website to sign up for Online Bill Pay!
Story #14: Holiday Club
Around the holidays, I was always short on cash so I’d pay for gifts with my credit card. Come January, I’d have a BIG bill! When I heard about the Holiday Club at the credit union, everything changed. Throughout the year, an amount I choose is deducted from my paycheck so I’m not reaching for the credit card in December. Putting $20 into my account bi-weekly gives me over $500 for the holidays!Open your Holiday Club account today!
Story #15: Impressive Loan Service
I sat down with the loan officer at the credit union to take out a loan to convert our basement into a rec room. He thoroughly explained the documents and responsibilities of the loan and I appreciated how he saw me as a person instead of just a credit score. Many emotions go into borrowing, and my credit union understands it’s about more than money…it’s about my family and my future. At the credit union, I felt taken care of. It was a great feeling.
Story #16: Impressive Front-Line Service
I approached the teller window at the credit union, not exactly sure how to present my problem. I’m not a troublemaker, but I had some questions about my statement. The teller not only listened to me explain my concern, but she was empowered to fix the issue for me. I didn’t have to wade through several layers of supervisors to get things fixed. She was courteous, she was thorough, and she made me confident in the credit union. Mistakes sometimes happen…it’s how they are resolved that matters. At the credit union, I felt taken care of. It was a great feeling.
Story #17: E-Statements
The more electronic services in my life, the better! The credit union’s e-statements have been a life saver for me—I actually look at my statement MORE now than I did before when I received paper copy. Sign up for e-statements today by logging into Online Account Access and following the links.
Story #18: Small Business Loans
For a few years, I had been yearning to start my own restaurant, but never could save up enough to get my dream off the ground. A small business loan from the credit union made my dream a reality! After all this hard work, the restaurant is doing well and I am close to paying off the loan…and I think I’m ready to open another location! Ask about the SBA loans options available for your small business at (website).
Story # 19: Deposit - Rate Commentary
Who wouldn’t like to earn higher rates on deposits? My credit union helped me earn more interest by opening higher yield accounts such as a money market and a certificate instead of keeping everything in a regular savings account. By diversifying, I earn more interest and still have access to funds “just in case.” Credit unions are known for higher interest rates on deposits—find out what they can do for you!
Story #20: Loans—Rate Commentary
Who wouldn’t like to save some money? I noticed the credit union offered lower rates than what I had on my car loan so I refinanced at the credit union and will save $500 over the life of the loan! Use the calculators on the credit union’s website to compute your savings—or if you need a lower monthly payment, extend the term of your loan. Whatever you need, the credit union can help make it happen!
Story #21: Fee/Overdraft Protection Commentary
I used my debit card for groceries, not realizing my account was low. Anywhere else, I would’ve gotten slammed with a hefty fee, but not at my credit union. They hooked my checking account up with overdraft protection so if I ever overdraw, the funds come out of my savings for a very small fee and I’m saved the embarrassment. Kudos to credit unions for keeping fees as low as possible!
Story #22: Brand
Not only do I want to feel my money is safe, I want to feel comfortable when I walk in the door. My credit union makes me feel welcome. It’s modern and fresh without being stuffy and pretentious like other financial institutions. They know my name and offer all the financial services I need. The personality of the credit union suits me. The credit union lives up toYOUR TAGLINE HERE.
Story #23: Vacation Club
Like a lot of people, I struggle with house, car, and credit card payments, but I wanted to take a vacation and didn’t want to pay with plastic. Turns out, the credit union’s Vacation Club helped me out. It didn’t happen overnight, but I deducted $50 from each paycheck for a year... giving me over $1300 to splurge in the Caribbean! Fun in the sun---and no vacation debt when I got home!
Story #24: Small Business Checking
When I first opened my landscape company, I used my personal checking account…after all, it was my business so why separate the two? I soon realized this arrangement was no longer working so I needed a business checking account that could handle a larger transaction volume and that separates business funds from personal funds. The credit union has checking designed for businesses, with special features that make it easier to manage. I couldn’t live without it!
Story #25: Debit Card
My debit card and I go everywhere together. Gas, groceries, take-out…it’s all paid with my debit card. My debit card is great because it’s tied to my checking account at the credit union yet it offers me the protection of a credit card. Plus, unlike a credit card, I can’t overspend—the money in my account is what fuels my debit card! For me, it’s no checks and no cash, just my handy debit card!
Story #26: Credit Card
It seems like I get 10 credit card offers a day, all offering 0% for 6 months before the rate reverts to 25%! I don’t need a bunch of bells and whistles…I want a card with a reasonable limit and rate that I can use without worrying about racking up tons of fees. Lucky for me, the credit union has a VISA/MasterCard just right for me: briefly explain a key feature/benefit. Apply at xyzcu.org.
Story #27: Shared Service Centers
I was out of state visiting my brother’s family and needed to make a deposit. My credit union belongs to the Shared Service Centers, a network of over 2200 branch locations where anyone from any participating credit union can make transactions. I logged onto cuservicecenter.com, and sure enough, there was a Shared Service Center only a few miles away. This is another great way my credit union gives me the convenience and accessibility I need!
Story #28: ATM Network
ATMs everywhere—that’s what I want! I’m on the road for my job a lot, and I like to have access to cash without having to pay a bunch of fees! Lucky for me, the credit union belongs to the Alliance One/CO-OP Network, giving me access to thousands of surcharge free ATMs! I look for the Alliance One/CO-OP logo and never pay a dime for transactions--I couldn’t be happier! Visit atmallianceone.org/co-opnetwork.org to find the location nearest you.
Story #29: brass|STUDENT PROGRAM
When my daughter brought a copy of brass|MAGAZINE home, I was excited to see the school was finally teaching money matters…then I looked a little further. Not only does brass|MAGAZINE appeal to teenagers, the magazine is sponsored by our state’s credit unions. Banks aren’t doing this…credit card companies aren’t doing this…CREDIT UNIONS are doing this! Encourage your teenager to read brass|MAGAZINE…compliments of the credit union! My daughter does!
Story #30: Online Loan Application
Between working, being a mom (which also means being a taxi driver), and finding time to sleep, having all the tools I need from my credit union online is the #1 reason I’m a member. I can’t imagine stopping at the credit union for a paper loan application—I barely have time for the drive-thru! When it’s time for a car or home improvement loan, or we’re itching to refinance, my application is on www.xyzcu.org.
Story #31: Money Market Account
I was shopping for an account that was the best of both worlds: a higher rate return AND liquidity. For me, this meant opening a money market account. I earn a much higher rate than a regular savings or checking account yet, unlike a certificate, I have immediate access to my funds without penalties. Plus, I can draw on my money market by writing a check or using my ATM card—for me, it’s win-win!
Story #32: REAL Solutions
Like many new Americans, my parents were distrustful of financial institutions, and I never had an account as a child. By adulthood, I was used to living without an account, but decided it was time to change! Through REAL Solutions, my credit union reaches out to people with low or moderate incomes, new Americans and the "unbanked" – people who otherwise have little access to affordable saving and borrowing opportunities. REAL Solutions gave me a chance to begin.
Story #33: COOL Solutions
I have to say, my credit union is pretty COOL. They’ve adopted COOL Solutions where certain services are enhanced so they’re a better fit for younger members. For example, a COOL certificate might have a lower minimum deposit than a traditional certificate so younger people can save even without a larger initial deposit. Credit unions have come a long way in tailoring their services to younger members. See what else the credit union has in-store!
Story #34: Student Loans
When I applied for student loans, I could not get the full amount I needed through Federal Stafford loans so I investigated a private student loan with the credit union. The credit union was able to help me fill in the gap so I could pay for everything I needed. If you need a private student loan or are thinking about consolidating multiple loans, the credit union’s lender code is XXXXXX.
Story #35: Children’s Miracle Network
When my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia, we were scared and uncertain. The Children’s Miracle Network helped us through the roughest year of our lives, and today my daughter is in remission, living the life of a normal girl. I am proud that we belong to a credit union that supports CMN. Please support CMN during the ‘08 Chain of Hearts by purchasing a heart for $1 inside the credit union lobby. Your generosity makes a world of difference.
Story #36: Free Tax Preparation Assistance
There was a period when I was out of work and could not afford tax prep services. I heard about free tax preparation from the credit union and it really helped me out. Credit unions have been heavily involved in to help low to moderate income (<$39,000) people complete their taxes. Tax prearation assistance sites are located in many neighborhoods-- to locate the nearest site, call 1-800-829-1040. The most convenient part? My $289 refund was deposited directly into my new savings account!
Story #37: Money Smart Week
Setting a monthly budget has always been hard for me. Last year, I attended a workshop on setting a personal budget held by the credit union during Money Smart Week. It has made a big difference in how I manage my money. This year, I encourage you to attend a Money Smart workshop! From DATE to DATE, credit unions across the state will be holding workshops to educate people about personal finance. Check out the topics at moneysmartwi.org.
Story #38: Financial Education/Workshops
I am going to start referring to the credit union as my guardian angel! In the past year, I have attended credit union workshops on topics ranging from smart car buying to first-time home buying to retirement…all for free! I feel so much better-prepared for my future and am on my way to financial security—even on my humble salary! The following workshops are coming up:
Story #39: Social Responsibility
Giving back to the community is important to me so support the local businesses who feel the same. The credit union is involved with a long list of charitable and social causes, including Children’s Miracle Network, , , and . The credit union’s support exceeds $XXXXXX. Our membership at the credit union is what makes these contributions possible. Please continue to support the credit union so it can support these causes!