1. finance
2. grants, scholarships and financial aid
3. financial aid

December 2012
Sandia Laboratory Federal Credit Union
CU@home® On the Phone Improvements Planned for January
Changes to SLFCU’s CU@home On the Phone system are in
the works, scheduled for introduction in January. The new
system will be streamlined and “flattened,” meaning users
will not have to go through as many menu levels to find
what they need.
The most commonly used On the Phone commands will
be easier to access, and those not being used by members
will be eliminated.
For example, members commonly use CU@home On the
Phone to find out if a deposit has been made to their
account, and then make a transfer. With the current system,
users have to go through several levels to check on the
deposit, then go back and move through another area to
transfer. With the new system, those two actions will be
located within the same menu level.
Speech recognition commands
Because speech recognition technology is not limited by
numbers and symbols, it offers more choices than pressing
a keypad. In the new system a member listening to menu
options only has to remember a command, not an option
and the corresponding number.
Keypad options will still be available to members who do
not want to use voice commands or are in a location where
privacy is a concern.
Shortcuts
Frequent users can take advantage of shortcuts that are
accessible from the main menu by saying a key phrase.
A list of shortcuts will be provided in the January issue
of Dollars & Sense and at www.slfcu.org closer to the
launch date.
“We’re trying to strike a balance between those who use
the system often and will learn the shortcuts and those
who use it rarely and will need full explanations,” says
Kiko Contreras, Telecom Services Manager at SLFCU.
CU@home enrollment automated, simplified
To use the existing CU@home On the Phone, members need
to request a Personal Identification Number (PIN). PINs can
be obtained at any branch or by calling the Phone Center
and will arrive by mail in 3-5 days. The new system will
allow members to auto-enroll immediately and create their
own PIN after providing some personal information for
identification purposes. Once enrolled, they’ll be returned
to their previous location in the system to continue.
Existing CU@home On the Phone PINs will work with the
new system.
Account clarification
The new system will also better distinguish between
multiple sub-accounts. Users will be prompted to supply
the account type and suffix they wish to access; the system
will ask for more information if there is still ambiguity.
by Becky Richards
Albuquerque Sister Cities Builds Bridges, Impacts Bottom Line
Member Company Profile
Photos courtesy of Richard Buckler
The Albuquerque Sister Cities
Foundation is an organization
of approximately 175 members/
volunteers with an outsized impact
on the city’s international stature.
Through a series of cultural exchange
efforts it has shown its bottom-line
value to economic development
officials in city and state government.
The Foundation is also a member
company of the Credit Union and
relies on SLFCU business services.
“We build bridges, both for friendship
and for economic development,” says
the Foundation’s volunteer President
Richard Buckler, who is also a fulltime programmer at SLFCU.
A view of the Obon-Albuquerque Bridge in Sasebo, Japan during the annual Bon Festival.
Continued on Page 2
Paying for College: Prepare for the FAFSA
January is approaching and it’s time for high school
seniors and college students to fill out the FAFSA, or Free
Application for Federal Student Aid. These three commonly
asked questions will get you started with the process.
1. Should I fill out the FAFSA? Yes! Everyone should file
the FAFSA, even those who think:
• You or your parents make too much money to
qualify for aid. There is no income limit to qualify,
and eligibility isn’t determined on income alone.
• Only students with good grades get financial
aid. Most federal aid programs don’t take students’
grades into consideration.
• You’re too old to receive financial aid. Funds are
awarded based on need, not age.
• The FAFSA form is too hard to fill out. The
online FAFSA has simple instructions and there
are free chat and phone reps available to help you.
• You filed the FAFSA last year, so you don’t need
to do it again. You need to file the FAFSA every
year to qualify for federal aid.
2. What documents will I need to fill out the FAFSA?
• Your Social Security number and your parents’
Social Security numbers.
• Your driver’s license number or your alien
registration number.
• Federal tax information or tax returns for you
and your parents. If you don’t have this year’s
numbers yet, you can estimate based on last
year’s returns.
• Records of untaxed income including child
support, interest income, and veterans noneducation benefits for you and your parents.
• Cash information including savings and checking
balances, investments, and business and farm
assets for you and your parents.
3. How do I get started? Visit www.fafsa.ed.gov for stepby-step instructions. You can also attend SLFCU’s “Planning
for College” seminar on January 17 for an in-person
overview. Register at www.slfcu.org/CollegeSeminar.
by Dagny Cosby
Sources: www.studentaid.ed.gov, www.fafsa.ed.gov
SLFCU Can Help with College Debt
Federal aid doesn’t always cover the full cost of college. SLFCU is here to help students who need additional funding. Private
Student Loans can cover such costs as tuition, books, room and board, and computers. Visit www.slfcu.org/StudentLoan.
For recent grads with student loans, SLFCU offers private student loan consolidation that can potentially reduce your
rates and payments. Visit www.slfcu.org/Consolidation.
Albuquerque Sister Cities
Continued from Page 1
Buckler is an enthusiastic traveler and networker who has worked
closely with Albuquerque Mayors Martin Chavez and Richard Berry
and key economic development officials at the city, county, and
state levels. Because the Foundation’s modest budget is supported
in part by Albuquerque taxpayers, there must be a positive return
on investment.
“At the Tri-centennial Celebration in 2006 and the International
Conference in 2010 we had seven of our nine sister cities
represented here,” Buckler says. “Those groups brought millions of
tourist dollars to Albuquerque, and Mayor Berry saw the value the
organization adds.”
It’s not just sporadic tourist spending that’s beneficial, according
to Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Trade Alliance Manager Randy
Trask. There’s a longer-term benefit to the city and state in real
business agreements resulting in export and import business and
the establishment of foreign offices for domestic companies. A
brief trade mission with 10 traveling representatives typically costs
around $10,000. With Sister Cities’ foreign contacts that number can
be halved.
“International trade development without the solid connections that
Sister Cities gives us would be very costly,” Trask says. “Having
nine sister cities means we can plan a visit, like the November
Guadalajara trip, and rely on our sister city to arrange and, in many
cases, even pay for accommodations, ground transport, interpreters,
meeting coordination, etc.”
The Guadalajara mission included Mayor Berry, plus representatives
from New Mexico firms Bohannan Huston, Natural Illumination,
and Peacock Myers. Bohannan Huston already has an office doing
business in Guadalajara.
For more information about Sister Cities, go to http://albuquerquesister-cities.org.
by Tony Gardella
From top: A sunset in Tel Aviv, Israel, near sister city Rehovot;
paper cranes at a war memorial in the Nagasaki Prefecture
of Japan, home of sister city Sasebo; a mosque near Gypjak,
Turkmenistan, just west of sister city Ashgabat.
Contact Us
2
All Services: (505) 293-0500 or (800) 947-5328. Press 0 for a
CU Representative. Press 2 for lost or stolen cards. Fax (505) 237-3737 or
(877) 256-3737. Livermore, CA, (925) 245-1645
Email: [email protected] • Website: www.slfcu.org • Editor: Dagny Cosby
Routing Number 307083911 for direct deposits
Submit concerns regarding CU policies and procedures, conflicts of interest,
and/or fraud to SLFCU Supervisory Committee, PO Box 13045, Albuquerque,
NM 87191
SLFCU Teen Published by CU Succeed Get the Most from Your SLFCU Visa
Meagen Twyeffort had a difficult time finding a job last
summer. She turned her experience into an article for CU
Succeed, earning $100 for herself and $50 for her school.
“I enjoy reading the [CU Succeed] newsletter and I realized
that I could help others by sharing one of my experiences,”
said Meagen of her decision to submit an article. She was
excited when she found out that her article was selected
and intends to put her earnings into her savings account.
SLFCU members age 11-17 can check out the CU Succeed
website at www.slfcu.org/CUSucceed to read great articles
and tips, join CU Succeed, and submit their own articles.
CU Succeed is a financial education program that sponsors
an ongoing opportunity for teens to share their own ideas
about finances, learn about spending, saving, and paying for
college, and get paid for articles accepted for publication.
To read Meagen’s article visit www.slfcu.org/Meagen.
by Nicole Riner
NMCUEF Scholarship
The New Mexico Credit Union Education Foundation
(NMCUEF) is accepting applications for scholarships
for the 2013–2014 school year. Applicants must be New
Mexico residents with a 2.8 GPA enrolled full-time as an
undergraduate at an accredited institution in New Mexico.
Last year, 122 students each received $1,000.
The 2013-2014 scholarship application is available at
www.slfcu.org/Scholarship. Completed applications
must be submitted to the NM CU Education Foundation,
not to SLFCU, and must be postmarked by Friday,
February 22, 2013.
Get
cash
back
on everyday spending!
SLFCU has a credit card
that meets your needs.
Visit www.slfcu.org,
call 505.293.0500
or 800.947.5328,
or stop by any branch.
Members who use SLFCU credit cards know about our low
rates, cash rebate options, and simple terms. Our Visa cards
also offer a selection of consumer protection products that
can save you money and provide peace of mind.
For Visa Gold and Classic Cardholders:
Don’t buy extra insurance next time you rent a car.
Just pay with your SLFCU Visa card. With Visa’s Auto
Rental Collision Damage Waiver, you can decline the
rental company’s insurance option, and if something
happens to the vehicle, Visa will reimburse you for costs
incurred by theft or damage, including towing charges.
See www.slfcu.org/Rental for complete details.
Coverage is limited to up to 15-day rentals (31 days outside
the US). Other restrictions apply.
For Visa Gold Cardholders:
Extend the life of your purchases. When you use your Visa
Gold, your purchases are covered by Extended Warranty
Protection, which increases the original manufacturer’s
repair warranty up to one additional year on warranties of
three years or less.
To file a claim, you’ll need to provide copies of your Visa
receipt, your store receipt, warranty details, and other
information such as serial number. Or Visa’s Warranty
Manager Service can keep this information on file for you.
(See last paragraph for details.)
Please note that some items, such as motorized vehicles,
software, and medical equipment, are not eligible.
Count on Visa emergency services when you’re
traveling. If you’re a Visa Gold cardholder and run into
problems when you’re far from home, Visa can help with
referrals for:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Legal assistance
Replacement tickets
Help with lost luggage
Prescriptions
Translation services
English-speaking doctors, dentists, and hospitals
Emergency transportation home or to a
medical facility
Costs incurred through Visa Travel and Emergency
Assistance Services are the cardholder’s responsibility.
To take advantage of any of these services, call
800-VISA-911 (or call collect at 303-967-1096 outside the
US). See www.slfcu.org/Gold and www.slfcu.org/Classic for
complete details and disclosures.
by Becky Richards
Savings Yields
Share Savings & Checking
Share Savings $100 - $9,999
IRA Share Savings $5 - $9,999
Savings & IRA Share Savings
$10,000 to $49,999
Savings & IRA Share Savings
$50,000 or more
Money Manager $500 or more
Money Market Savings
$2,500 - $9,999
$10,000 - $24,999
$25,000 - $49,999
$50,000 and over
Term Share Certificates
6 to 11 months
$1,000 minimum balance
$1,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $199,000
$200,000 and over
Loan Rates
APY*
0.30
0.30
Rate
0.30
0.30
0.40
0.40
0.50
0.15
0.50
0.15
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.40
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.45
0.55
0.65
0.75
0.45
0.55
0.65
0.75
Term Share Certificates
18 month bump rate
$2,000 minimum balance
$2,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $199,000
$200,000 and over
24 to 35 months
$1,000 minimum balance
$1,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $199,000
$200,000 and over
48 month variable rate
$1,000 minimum balance
$1,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $99,999
$100,000 - $199,000
$200,000 and over
APY*
Rate
0.65
0.75
0.85
0.95
0.65
0.75
0.85
0.95
APY*
Rate
1.06
1.16
1.26
1.36
1.05
1.15
1.25
1.35
APY*
Rate
0.45
0.55
0.65
0.75
0.45
0.55
0.65
0.75
New Vehicles
Term
To 36 months
61-84 months
APR**
As low as 1.99%
As low as 2.89%
Used Vehicles
Term
To 36 months
61-72 months
APR**
As low as 2.14%
As low as 3.04%
Vehicles from the current or two previous model years and
mileage = <25,000 qualify for new car rates.
Owner Occupied SmartValuetm 1st Mortgages †
Term Rate (1st 5 Years) Rate (Remaining Term) APR
30 yr
4.19%
4.00%
4.07%
40 yr
4.19%
4.00%
4.06%
Owner Occupied Jumbo SmartValuetm 1st Mortgages
Term Rate (1st 5 Years) Rate (Remaining Term) APR
30 yr
5.19%
4.75%
4.85%
40 yr
5.19%
4.75%
4.83%
Annual percentage yields and annual percentage rates as of 11/26/2012. Subject to change without further notice.
*Penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal.
** Non-variable rate loans, 100% financing available including tax, title, license and extended warranties. Available rate is based on credit history and term
and may be higher than rates listed here. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates subject to change without notice.
†
Rate and payments adjust only once every 5 years. Rate is variable and can increase by no more than 2% every five years with a lifetime cap of 5%. 4.0%
floor rate applies at first adjustment. Since the index in the future is unknown, the Rate Remaining Term displayed is based on the current index plus margin
(fully indexed rate) as of the date above.
Federally insured by
NCUA
3
Dollars & Sense
®
CU@home On the Phone Improvements
Paying for College: FAFSA Prep
Get the Most Out of Your Visa Card
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE PAID
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
PERMIT NO 417
PO Box 23040, Albuquerque, NM 87192
Holiday Help for Those in Need
Take Sandy When You Travel
Keep in mind those in need during this holiday season
and consider giving back to a local charity. To make a
cash donation to one of the charities below, please call the
Phone Center at 505-293-0500 or 800-947-5328.
Check out the “Where in the World is Sandy?” photos at
www.facebook.com/SLFCU to see where Sandy the Lab
has been. Take a photo of Sandy while you’re traveling
during the holidays and send it to [email protected] and
your photo may be posted too.
Roadrunner Food Bank
SLFCU partners with Roadrunner Food Bank yearly to
collect non-perishable foods for hungry New Mexico
families. Visit any New Mexico branch through December
31 to make a food donation, or donate online or volunteer
at www.rrfb.org.
The American Red Cross
Our members have generously supported Red Cross
responses to disasters for over 12 years, including the
recent devastation from Hurricane Sandy. Donate or
volunteer at www.redcross.org.
Shoes for Kids
For over 50 years, this Sandia National Laboratories
employee program has been buying shoes for needy kids
in Albuquerque during December. Make a donation at any
branch or by calling the Phone Center.
On the Calendar
December 22–January 1
Osuna branch closed.
Monday, December 24
Kirtland and Livermore East branches closed.
All other branches close at 1 pm.
Tuesday, December 25
Christmas - All branches closed.
December 26–31
CU Auto Used Car Sale
9 am–5 pm • 5901 San Mateo Blvd. NE, Albuquerque
Shop CU Auto Sales’ inventory of late model used cars.
Monday, December 31
New Year’s Eve - All branches close at 3 pm.
Tuesday, January 1
New Year’s Day - All branches closed.
Sandy the Lab stuffed animals are sold at all SLFCU
branches for $10 each. Proceeds benefit the UNM and
Oakland Children’s Hospitals.
2013 Seminar Schedule
SLFCU’s January–June 2013 Seminar Schedule is now
available at www.slfcu.org/Events. Upcoming seminars
include Planning for College, First Time Home Buying,
Investing 101, Teen Financial Education, Retirement
Income Planning, and much more. All of SLFCU’s financial
education seminars are provided for free.
Holiday Wire Transfer Cutoff Times
Wire transfer requests must be submitted by 11 am on
December 24 and 1 pm on December 31 due to abbreviated
holiday hours.
Transfer requests submitted prior to the cutoff will be
processed same-day. Transfers submitted after the cutoff
will not be processed until the next business day that the
credit union is open. CU@home® Online and Move Money
will continue to operate as usual during the holidays.