Learning Corner

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information and poses as you, running up charges, wiping out your account. It could take months or even years to learn you've been a victim. It can make it difficult to obtain loans, jobs, even affordable insurance rates... and worse, it could take years to clear your record.

Your credit union considers identity theft a serious threat, and continuously monitors its security procedures to protect you and your accounts. But total security is possible only with your help.

Here are steps you can take now to stop thieves from stealing your good name:

  • Do not give out personal information, such as account numbers, on the phone or over the internet unless you have initiated the contact. Remember: if someone has a right to this information (such as your credit union), they should already have it... and shouldn't request it over the phone!
  • Report lost or stolen checks immediately.
  • Destroy unused financial solicitations before discarding them, and tear up other financial documents such as statements or receipts before discarding them.
  • Guard your PIN numbers, and treat your ATM receipts with care.
  • Make sure your mailbox is secure.
  • Contact the major credit reporting companies at least annually to review your file. A copy of your credit report is available for a small fee. The three major credit bureaus are:
    • Equifax  1-800-685-1111
    • Experian  1-800-397-3742
    • TransUnion  1-800-916-8800

If you have been a victim of identity theft or you know someone who has, take these steps immediately:

  • Contact United Poles FCU to protect your accounts
  • Contact your credit card companies
  • Contact the Social Security Fraud Hotline 1-800-269-0271
  • Contact the FTC Identity Theft Hotline 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338)

Shopping For A Loan - Which home equity loan type is right for me?

The key advantages to home equity loans over home equity lines of credit are that home equity loans are simpler and more stable than lines of credit, the interest paid is at a fixed rate, and generally there are fewer fees and charges.

A home equity loan is a more conservative home equity borrowing option than a line of credit and can give you greater peace of mind. Because home equity loans generally have a fixed interest rate, the monthly payment is also fixed over the life of the loan. A home equity line of credit has a variable interest rate and your monthly payments will therefore vary over the life of the loan. A home equity line of credit also gives you the option of making minimum payments on the outstanding amount – the option to make minimum payments can increase the interest you will pay over the life of the loan.

Making minimum monthly payments or even partial payments that do not fully pay off the home equity line of credit during the life span of the loan creates a ‘balloon’ payment – a large sum owed at the end. This situation is entirely avoided in a home equity loan where you must make fixed monthly payments that pay off the loan in full.

A situation you want to avoid is taking out a home equity line of credit for purposes of debt consolidation. Use a home equity loan instead. A home equity line of credit works very much like a credit card so the minimum payment option in a home equity line of credit is not conducive to debt management and can leave you with a dangerous balloon payment at the end of your loan.

What situations call for a home equity line of credit? A line of credit is the right choice when you need to access money at intervals or you do not know exactly how much money you will need. College tuition payments over the next four years are an example where money is needed at intervals. An open-ended repair or home improvement job on your home that spans a long period of time is an example where you may not know exactly how much money you will need and when you will need it. In both of these situations, you benefit by using the money only when you need it through a line of credit.

Home equity lines of credit generally have a lower interest rate than home equity loans. They can be a good choice if you are borrowing a small amount and you know you will be paying it back quickly.

Remember, both home equity loans and lines of credit serve a purpose. At United Poles FCU we can help you decide which one is best for you.

Source: http://www.home-equity-loan-information.com/which-home-equity-loan-type.html

Should I Buy or Rent?

Buying a home can be an emotional decision. You may find the perfect neighborhood, the home you have dreamed about, and see yourself sitting on the front porch before you consider how you’ll make the monthly payment! Keep your feet on the ground, take a step back and think how much house you can afford, the stability of your income, and your lifestyle.

For example, if you’re purchasing a home as an investment opportunity, be careful. Historically, while primary housing appreciates in value, it’s only in the single digits, while mutual funds or the stock market have appreciated 8-10%. You need to balance this information with the taxpayer benefits you will typically enjoy, such as deducting mortgage interest and real estate taxes on your income tax return.

There are some great benefits to homeownership. You build equity as you pay down your mortgage and typically the value of your home increases over time. You also don’t have to worry about housing costs escalating significantly with a fixed rate mortgage. But remember, when you own a home, you’re responsible for its upkeep. If something breaks in an apartment, the landlord takes care of it. If you own the place, this is your problem. So make sure you don’t put every penny of your savings into your down payment and closing costs. You might need money for an unexpected repair like a leaky faucet or new sump pump.

In today’s economy, there have been some great incentives for buying a home. However, if your job is not secure or you may need to relocate soon, you should probably wait. The costs add up, including closing expenses and commissions to real estate agents. You need time in your home to recoup that investment. If, on the other hand, your income is secure and you have found a place you can afford, talk to the Credit Union about your mortgage options. We would love to help!

Source: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/should-you-buy-or-rent.aspx

Five Financial Mistakes to Avoid

We all slip now and then with our money, especially in a tough economy, but be aware of these financial faux pas so you don’t end up paying in the long run.

  • Don’t Forget to Roll Over Your 401(k). When you leave a job, don’t forget about your 401(k). If you don’t roll over your funds into a qualified investment vehicle within 60 business days of leaving your job, you could be subject to a 20% income tax and/or a 10% early withdrawal fee. Also, if your previous employer gets into financial trouble, you could lose your 401(k). Keep what’s yours by rolling over your money into an Individual Retirement Account with the Credit Union!
  • Credit Card Concerns. Many families struggle to make ends meet and often resort to making purchases and payments with credit cards. Even worse, they’re only making minimum payments to these high-interest credit cards. When you pay only the minimum balance due, you’ll end up paying more in interest, assuming no additional debt is accumulated. Sound familiar? Apply for a Debt Consolidation Loan through the Credit Union. We’ll consolidate your high-interest credit cards and give you one low monthly payment.
  • Insurance Shortfalls. Make sure to double-check your insurance coverage – health, life, car, etc. According to the US Census Bureau, 47 million Americans are without health insurance, and the number of under-insured Americans increased by 60% between 2003 and 2007. While you may be saving money now, if something were to happen, you could be paying much more! The Credit Union offers low-cost life insurance and GAP insurance. Ask us for more information.
  • Make Punctual Payments. Save yourself some money by making prompt payments on loans and credit cards. When you miss or make a late payment, this information gets sent to credit bureaus, making it harder to obtain future financing. With the Credit Union’s Online Bill Payment, avoid those late fees by setting up one-time or recurring payments on credit cards, loans, and other bills. You can also log in to Online Banking and make payments to credit union accounts with online transfers. Sign up today!
  • Use Your Head, Not Your Heart. Many financial mistakes occur when you purchase or invest from emotion. Whether you financed a big-screen TV you can’t afford, made an investment into a friend’s “start-up” company, or kept the house in a divorce for “sentimental” reasons, decisions made on emotion may leave you hurting financially in the long run. Give us a call and we’ll help you set up a plan so you don’t fall into the emotional buying trap.

Source: www.finance.yahoo.com

Retirement Checkup

Retirement is not just something that happens. From choosing investments to protecting yourself and your family from risk, you make financial decisions that may help enrich your life not only in retirement, but each step along the way. As you get closer, it’s a good idea to assess your progress and review your retirement dreams and goals.

Get Your Retirement Dreams Into Focus

What does your ideal retirement look like to you today? You may have new ideas about what you’d like to do and may even have a date in mind when you’d like to retire. Have your dreams and expectations changed? Before you can make sure you have the funds to retire, you need a clear picture of where you’re headed.

Make the Most of Your Investments

Just as you see your doctor or dentist every year for checkups; it’s also a good idea to review your retirement savings each year. You need to fine-tune your investment strategy to make sure you’re still on track to meet your goals.

Boost Your Retirement Savings

You may want to increase the amount you’re saving in retirement plans or save even more by going beyond what you save in a plan with your employer. If you’re behind your savings goal, take a look at catch-up strategies.

Manage Debt With Retirement In Mind

Start mapping out your income and expenses, creating a comfortable balance that leaves you the flexibility to enjoy life with only the amount of debt you truly need. Consider becoming debt-free by retirement. For example, consider paying off your mortgage before you retire. Doing so may eliminate a major monthly expense, but you need to balance that against any tax benefit you might be giving up.

By staying on track financially as you get closer to retirement, you are better prepared to create the future you want.

Source https://www.wellsfargo.com/investing/retirement/50s/checkup