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WINTER 2011
NEW YEAR, NEW
FINANCIAL YOU
Membership Benefits
Designed for You
Page 2
Kids Join Free
Page 3
We Salute the 2011
Teachers of the Year
Page 4
Current Rates
as Low as
8.5 %
New
%
Autos 2.99
Used
%
Autos 3.24
Credit
Cards
APR1
APR2
APR2
Membership Benefits
DESIGNED FOR YOU
At SchoolsFirst FCU, giving back to you is the
best way we know how to thank you for your
Membership. Whether you’re about to embark
on a financial makeover, or you just want to
simplify your finances, we want to help.
If you’ve resolved to get your financial
life on track this year, try our free
and confidential BALANCE Financial
Fitness Program.3 It will help you
understand and improve your credit
report, get out of debt and develop a
workable savings plan.
Want to create your own financial road
map? Try BrightLeaf Financial. This
self-serve program helps you identify
your short- and long-term goals and
assess your savings and insurance needs.
Type “BrightLeaf” into the search field at
SchoolsFirstfcu.org to get started.
If you don’t qualify for our best rate
but you need to borrow funds now, talk
to us about our Timely Repayment
Incentive Program (TRIP).4 After you
make 12 consecutive on-time payments,
we’ll reduce your interest rate. You’ll
get the funds you need and repair your
credit in the process.
Finally, don’t let unexpected expenses
put you behind on your SchoolsFirst FCU
auto loan or personal loan. Ask us if you
qualify for our Skip a Payment program.5
It’s just like it sounds, you’ll skip that
month’s payment and we’ll extend your
loan term so you can keep more cash on
hand. Restrictions apply; ask us for details.
PUTS YOU
Discover Superior
Value, Convenience
and Savings
A credit card that gives you more.
Low rates and low to no fees are just the beginning. Our Members
enjoy additional card benefits, including zero-liability fraud
protection, purchase protection, travel and emergency assistance,
auto rental insurance and more.
Rate
Balance Transfer Fee
SchoolsFirst FCU
1
8.50%
0%1
Bank of America
10.99%
4%
Chase
12.99%
5%
Wells Fargo
10.15%
3%
Citibank
9.99%
3%
All rates quoted are APRs as 12/07/10. Bank rate sources available upon request.
Call, click or visit a branch to apply for your
Low to No Fee™ Visa today.
Buy, finance and insure with the people you trust.
If you’re in the market for a new or used car, or just looking to
refinance your auto loan from another lender, talk to us!
We’re offering our best rates, and terms up to 72 months. And
when you’re ready to buy, AutoNation Direct will find your car,
negotiate the best price, and deliver it to your door. Ask us how
to save even more with our vehicle protection products and auto
insurance through Member Insurance Services.6
60-Month New Car Loan
Rate
Payment
Bank Average
6.29%
$389.36
SchoolsFirst FCU
2.99%
$359.28
Savings with SchoolsFirst FCU: $1,766
60-Month Used Car Loan
Rate
Payment
Bank Average
6.74%
$393.58
SchoolsFirst FCU
3.49%
$363.75
Savings with SchoolsFirst FCU: $1,790
All rates quoted are APRs as of 12/06/10. Payments are estimates based on $20,000 loan amount.
Savings are estimates over the life of the loan.
We will always put your financial well-being
first. Talk to us about how you can get
the most value from your Membership.
2
New car rates start as low as 2.99% APR, and used car rates
start as low as 3.24% APR.2
Call, click or visit a branch to apply today.
New Year, New Financial You
The New Year is a great time to
assess your personal finances and
make adjustments to your budget
and spending habits. Use the guide
below to get started:
Everyone needs a budget. How
much did you save in 2010? If you’d
like to save more this year, review
your credit card and checking
account statements and determine
where you can cut back.
Start an automatic savings
plan. It’s a good idea to set aside
funds for unexpected expenses.
Open a savings account and set up
automatic payments to the fund until
you reach your savings goal.
Consider refinancing. Rates for
auto loans, mortgages and credit
cards are at all-time lows. Talk to an
expert to find out if it makes sense to
refinance. In some cases, doing so
could save you thousands of dollars
over the loan term.
Read the fine print for your credit
cards. What is the APR? Annual
fee? It may be time to switch cards
or transfer a balance if you qualify for
better terms.
Review your insurance policies.
Shopping around could save
you hundreds of dollars annually
on auto and homeowners
insurance premiums.
Kids Join Free!
Children are never too young
to start learning good savings
habits. And now through
March 31, they can join
SchoolsFirst FCU for free
and receive a special gift.
Visit a branch to sign up your
kids today!6
Assess your deductions. By the end
of January you should know whether
to expect a tax return. If the check is
more than a few hundred dollars, readjust your payroll deductions to keep
more of your money in your pocket
throughout the year.
Adjust your investment and
retirement portfolio. As the market
waxes and wanes, so, too, does
the mix of your investments. One
common rule-of-thumb is to subtract
your age from 110 to determine the
percentage of your portfolio to hold
in stocks. For example, a 50-year-old
should aim for 60% of her portfolio
to be in stocks, and the rest split
between cash and bonds.
Consider seeking out a financial
professional. A personal financial
advisor can benefit you, not only by
helping you make wiser investment
and money decisions, but also in
the peace of mind that comes with
knowing you are maximizing your
resources for your future.
Just a few simple changes can help
your dollars stretch further and set
you up for a secure financial future.
We can help you start the New
Year right. Schedule some time
with us. Call, visit a branch, or
go online.
Your trust is one of
our most valuable
assets. For more than
75 years, we have
worked hard to provide you with sound
advice, a range of products that meet your
needs and personal service you can rely on.
As Malcolm Forbes said, “Once
you’ve given advice to someone, you’re
obligated.” That’s why we will continue
to be as invested in your financial
success as you are, never taking your
confidence in us for granted.
In 2011 and the years ahead, we will
continue our tradition of giving you our
very best. Our teammembers try their
Call
a every
real estate
consultant
at
best
day to make
the management
800.462.8328,
ext.
8288
today.
of your finances as seamless as possible,
explaining even the most complicated
transactions in simple terms and limiting
the red tape.
At SchoolsFirst FCU, we strive to provide
you with superior value—competitive
rates, convenience, product features and
benefits that meet your needs—and
exceptional service levels. Members who
use our credit cards, auto or mortgage
loans, checking and share accounts save an
average of $894 a year compared to banks
in California.
You can also get help from one of our
experienced financial advisors8 during
a complimentary consultation to assess
your home, auto and life insurance
or retirement needs. They can also
recommend strategies to help you achieve
your dreams.
We take our obligation to you very
seriously. Whatever you need to make your
financial life easier, please don’t hesitate to
stop by a branch, give us a call or visit our
Web site. We stand ready to serve.
Respectfully yours,
Rudy Hanley
President and CEO
3
News and Highlights
Real Member, Real Savings
Pop Eidelson, who often
discussed the credit union
philosophy and shared financial
advice with the couple.
Member Donald Verleur
recalls conducting his credit
union business in the “little
white house” on Broadway. In
1960, he and his wife joined
SchoolsFirst FCU when they
moved to California and found
teaching jobs. They formed a
friendship with then-manager
Recently, Mr. Verleur was
pleased to experience that same
level of personal attention when
he inquired about paying down
his 24% interest Bank of America
credit card. He considered a
personal loan, but after reviewing
his options, we determined a
cash-out refinance of his car at
4.99% APR would allow him to
pay down his credit card and save
him more than $5,700 in interest.
“I’m thankful for the savings in this economic time. The whole
experience was pleasant. In the fifty years I’ve been a Member,
I have never found someone [at the credit union] who wasn’t
pleasant, diplomatic and courteous.” - Donald Verleur
We Salute The
2011 TEACHERS
OF THE YEAR
These individuals represent
the outstanding work taking
place in our classrooms.
We saved Donald
Verleur $5,700 in
credit card interest.
Orange County
• Jennie Bremer, Placentia-Yorba Linda USD
• Jeanne Jelnick, Irvine USD
• Maureen Roe, Rancho Santiago CCD
• Holly Steele, Fullerton SD
• Amy Welch, Brea Olinda USD
San Bernardino County
• Cristina Maria Swanson Hernandez, Central
Elementary SD
• Melissa Coronado, Special Education, SB
County Superintendent of Schools
• Scott Kennedy, Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint USD
SchoolsFirst FCU
Mobile is Coming
We will soon introduce a mobile
banking application to provide you
even more convenience:




heck balance history
C
Transfer funds
Pay bills
Locate ATMs and branches
More info coming soon!
Report Card Changing to Quarterly Editions
Our Member communications are a top priority to us. As your communication channel of choice evolves, we must
evolve with you. Starting in 2011, Report Card will be produced quarterly as we open new communication channels
through email, Web and social media. We hope Report Card and our new methods of communication continue to meet
your needs going forward. Please visit SchoolsFirstfcu.org for the most up-to-date news and information, and look for
the spring edition of Report Card in your March statement. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Holiday Notice
CONTACT US
All SchoolsFirst FCU locations
will be closed in observance of
the following holidays:
Online
www.SchoolsFirstfcu.org
Saturday, January 1
New Year’s Day
Monday, January 17
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, February 21
President’s Day
4
By Phone
800.462.8328
Monday – Friday
7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
TellerPhone
800.540.4546
Emergency Card Support
Available 365 days a year
from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 11547
Santa Ana, CA, 92711-1547
Branch Hours
Monday – Thursday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday*
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
*
See our Web site for
select locations
Express Center Hours
Monday – Friday
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ATM Locations
Visit our Web site for
a complete listing of
SchoolsFirst FCU
and surcharge-free
CO-OP Network
ATMs.
Please recycle.
Campus Branches
Call for hours
1. SchoolsFirst FCU’s credit card program features a range of rates based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s credit rating. As of 12/07/10 Gold and Platinum card rates range from 8.5% - 17.9% APR;
Rewards card rates range from 11.5% - 17.9% APR. Rates are variable and subject to increase after account opening. Foreign transaction fee 2% of the transaction; $25 annual Rewards card fee waived the first year.
Minimum balance transfer amount $250. You may not transfer balances from any other account issued by SchoolsFirst FCU. 2. Our auto loan program features a range of rates based on various factors, including the applicant’s
credit rating. Rates as of 12/06/10 are 2.99% APR to 18% APR on new autos and 3.24% to 18% APR on used autos. Lowest rates reflect a 0.75% discount for automatic payment transfer from your SchoolsFirst FCU account.
Estimated monthly payments range from $1.54 - $3.62 per $100 borrowed. 3. BALANCE is not affiliated with SchoolsFirst FCU. 4. Subject to eligibility. Rate reduced .50% after 12 consecutive on-time payments. Payment remains
the same. Minimum rates apply. 5. Subject to eligibility. Program available for vehicle secured and personal loans only. Must have had loan at least 12 months, with 12 consecutive on-time payments. Limit one skip per 12 months,
maximum 3 skips per loan. Loans on Summers Off program not eligible. 6. “Free” refers to the waiver of the $15 Membership fee. $5 minimum balance required to establish and maintain Membership. Immediate family members
only; eligibility subject to verification. 7. CA Insurance License 0581192. 8. Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services are offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member
FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk,
may lose value, and are not obligations of or guaranteed by SchoolsFirst FCU. CBSI is under contract with SchoolsFirst FCU, through the financial services program, to make securities available to Members. CUNA Brokerage
Services, Inc. is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.