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MONTHLY INTEREST A T L A N T I C
F I N A N C I A L
F E D E R A L
C R E D I T
U N I O N
Always Where You Are
What’s Inside March 2011
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Taxes... Yikes
Service of the Month - Visa: 6%
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t may seem a little early, but robins are in the yard so spring must be on it’s way! And, AFFCU has a spring gift that is good all year long. Starting last December through December 31, 2011 all balances created on your VISA credit card through charges, cash advances and balance transfers are calculated at a low, 6%APR. And the 6% interest rate stays in effect on those balances through December, 31, 2012. So it makes sense to use your AFFCU VISA as you make your vacation plans and reservations. Plus you save money with AFFCU’s VISA in so many other ways -
Up Coming Events
No annual fee - Ever! Not now, not later! Compare $55 or more charged by others just for the privilege of carrying their card. You save money immediately! No cash advance fees – You pay no extra fees when you use your VISA in an ATM or write a convenience check. Others generally charge 3% or more of the amount you advanced or a minimum fee of $5 or more plus interest. You save more money!
Online Identity Theft Protection
No foreign currency exchange fees – Save money by not paying extra fees for the exchange rate to use your AFFCU VISA when traveling outside of the U.S.
Business Partner of the Month Enterprise
If you don’t already have an AFFCU VISA, the best choice for all your credit purchases, cash advances and balance transfers, apply now by calling 410-584-7474 and ask for Central Lending during normal business hours. After hours you may call 888-242-3328. Or go on-line to affcu.org and click on application in the left hand column. Always fax your income verification to 410-584-8061.
Only one monthly payment - Transfer balances from high rate credit cards to your AFFCU VISA. Pay less interest and make just one monthly payment to save money. Even more convenient, set up automatic payment from your AFFCU account.
- [young today, rich tomorrow] Save or pay off loans? It’s a tough question people of all ages, but particularly young 20something’s face every day. In the latest Brass issue available in our branches, you can read about the pros and cons of each in the article “Pay Down or Save up: deciding where to put your money.” You will read about good debt, bad debt, and balancing your emergency fund. Check out our friends at Brass; their website has blogs, and more advice about budget building, investing, and even entrepreneurship. Brass has all the tips and tricks to keep your cash coming in, and how to keep it in order. Go to www.affcu.org and click on the big “Gen Y” button on the right. It takes you right to Brass for great information written by young adults for young adults.
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On a Personal Note - Taxes... Yikes
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS: Martin J. Droney, Chairman Leo J. DeLuca, Vice Chairman Harris Mager, Secretary Bernard Goodman, Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS: R. Lee Bonhoff Ben A Herring Throdore Prioleau Michael H. Spencer Thomas H. Stromer SUPERVISORY COMMITTEE: Michael H. Spencer, Chairman Debbie J. Bogdan Michelly B. Merrick
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axes…(long pause, and sighhh). Oh boy. Not one person enjoys filling out their tax returns. For some it’s the hassle of finding all the W2s from each employer they had over the past year, and for others, it’s like signing away your bank account. Tax season can be very daunting. For me, I have had a few employers over the course of 2010, so I am lumped into the “can’t find that W2!” category. Luckily, I had the smarts to be organized about it. Easy tip: Start a file, or folder, and label it “2010 Taxes.” Simple. So for next year do the same, label it “2011 Taxes,” and when anything comes in the mail (e-mail too, just click print) immediately put it in that folder. This way, you don’t have to stress about anything (and I mean ANYTHING) that could happen last minute. Go to www.affcu.org.where you will find a link for Turbo Tax. It walks you through the tax filing process whether you are filing the simple form or itemizing and it is very affordable. But if you don’t trust yourself when it comes to numbers put your mind at ease by finding a reputable tax preparer . They know what they’re doing, and it won’t take too long. However you file your taxes, be sure to request direct deposit of your refund to your AFFCU checking or savings account. It is so much more secure and you will get the refund much faster. The routing and transit number is 252-075-744 Taxes can be a little scary, but it doesn’t have to be!
Up Coming EventsSeminar: March 31, 2011 Social Security… What is it? This is a seminar all about social security, and what it has to do with you. You will learn how to use it in the best way for your individual needs. This is a good place for you to come and ask any questions you have. The event will be hosted by Bill Morgan from Ameriprise Financial, and will be held at the Hunt Valley AFFCU branch at 6:00pm. Please RSVP by March 25, 2011. Conference call with Senior Investment Strategist, Lori Heinel: April 11th, 2011 Join us from wherever you are for a conference call at 6pm and listen in on some great tips from Lori Heinel about market developments, risk management, and advice on how to maintain your portfolio. Lori Heinel is a Senior Vice President and Senior Investment Strategist for OppenheimerFunds. Lori’s team is responsible for helping advisors, consultants and institutional clients analyze economic and market developments, assess the impact to their portfolios and identify specific products and solutions to help manage risk and take advantage of market opportunities. Directions: Dial (866) 777-7935 toll-free from your home, office or cell. Enter in the passcode: 9262085658 Kids Night! Our 10th Annual Kids Night theme this year is Money
Rock$
It may still be winter outside but AFFCU has a lot brewing! Mark your calendar to see the Credit Union transform into a night of Rock, complete with a rock stage, fun food and lots of fun activities for the whole family – maybe we’ll even do the wave! Date: Thursday, April 21st Time: 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Place: Atlantic Financial Federal Credit Union 40 Schilling Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 Hunt Valley, MD 21031 Encourage your child to see how their “money can rock” at AFFCU’s annual Youth Night featuring, caricatures, games, crafts and food. You'll even get a special gift for your child if you open an account or make a deposit into an existing account—plus every child gets a goodie bag to take home.
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Tip of the Month - Online Identity Theft Protection Before you make transactions on the web: • Know who you’re dealing with, and only buy from reputable vendors with secure sites. Securely encrypted websites begin with “https” with a paddle lock icon next to the address bar. • Use passwords with a combination of letters, numbers, and other characters and change them regularly. Best not to use the same ones on multiple accounts so keep a written list in a secure place just in case you forget. Don’t share passwords with anyone. • When possible, request extra online security. Many account providers offer additional ways for you to verify who you are before you conduct business on their site. • Don’t respond to unsolicited emails promising bargains or free items which are often a front for gathering personal information about those who respond. Never email personal or financial information, as emails aren’t fully secure. Other ID Theft Measures to Take at Home • Don’t leave receipts in shopping bags, where “dumpster diving” identity thieves may find them once they’re discarded. Instead shred and dispose of them in a responsible manner. Confetti shred items that contain bar codes or sensitive data. • Check to make sure that post-holiday bank, credit card, and Social Security statements arrive on schedule. If you fail to receive a statement or bill, this may be a first sign of identity theft. Once statements arrive, carefully review them for unexplained charges or transactions. • Do not leave bill payments in an unsecure mail box, where they may be easily stolen. Deposit them in a secure USPS drop box instead. If you don’t have a mailbox that locks, consider getting one this year. If you suspect that you may be a victim of ID theft, don’t wait. Access the Federal Trade Commission website at consumer.gov/idtheft to learn how to deal with this problem. The sooner you act, the better chance you’ll have to recover your identity. This information is provided by Consumer Credit Counseling Service of MD & DE, Inc. (CCCS) is an accredited nonprofit agency that has served the local community since 1966. CCCS is dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve their financial problems. We promote the wise use of credit through education and confidential budget, money management counseling, and housing counseling. MD State License #14-01.
Vroom, Vroom, goes your money!
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id you know AFFCU refinances car loans, and did you also know that you can get $100 for doing it? If you are paying too much (which you probably are) then come see us, we can give you quotes and help save you a lot of money each month, and in the long run. AFFCU’S car loan rates start as low as 3%. Apply now to see how much you can save on the car you are already driving. And if you are in the market for a new car, AFFCU is the best place for your financing. To apply, during normal business hours, call 410-584-7474 or toll free 800-505-7476 and ask for Central Lending or go any time to affcu.org and click on application. And the 24 Hour Loan Line is always available at 1-888-242-3328.
Scholarship contest: Who wants $1000 ? Here is your chance to win a college scholarship! All you have to do is write an essay or make a video. The chosen topic is: "How can your credit union best reach out to members ages 18 to 25?” To enter the contest, you must belong to a Maryland or DC based credit union, and be entering into your freshman through senior year of college. The essay must be 750 (or less) words, or a 60-second (or less) video. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2011 with the judges’ final decisions made in mid-April. More details and scholarship applications are only available at http://www.cufound.org/scholarship.htm
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4 To Reach AFFCU Anytime...Call Main Number . . . . (410)584-7474 Toll-free . . . . . . . . 1-800-505-7476 PAT (Phone Activated Tranactions.) . . . . . . . . . . . Press 6
Just some random comments this month: • Don’t forget you can get a free credit bureau report from each of the three credit reporting bureaus each year. My suggestion, however, is to spread out your requests to give you a look throughout the year • Looking for a new or used car? Our rate can be as low as 3% • Remember for medical deductions beginning this year, some “across the counter” drugs will require a doctor’s prescription
InfoLine (rates, hours, etc.)Press 7
• Our VISA special is 6% with the rate remaining in effect until 12/31/12
Fax Number . . . . . .(410)584-8061
• If you itemize your deductions, don’t forget to include the mileage to and from the doctors, drug store, etc. For 2010, the rate was $0.165 per mile
24-Hr. Loan Ser. (toll-free) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-24AFFCU CO-OP Network ATM Locator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-888-SITE-COOP E-Mail . . . . . . . . rwebb@affcu.org Internet . . . . . . . . . www.affcu.org ATLANTIC PLU$ VISA CHECK CARD & CREDIT CARD: Call 410-584-7474 or 1-800-505-7476. Activation or Lost & Stolen . . Press 6 Member Service . . . . . . . . . . Press 5 OTHER AFFCU SERVICES
• Everyone has been saving so much the last two years, we have $25,000,000 to loan out • If you don’t like what Congress or your Legislature is doing, don’t just complain, write, email or call them. Even if they don’t actually read or hear your comments someone in the office keeps a stroke count of opinions We’re your credit union, you own us. Why not mention us to a family member or co-worker! We’re growing in deposits, services, branches (over 3,400), ATMs (over 30,000 free) and assets and want to grow in members. We’re adding a new affiliated company /organization just about each month. Know a company that doesn’t have a credit union, like BG&E, tell them to contact me. We’ll work with them and see if we can’t add them to our growing family affiliates.
Bill English, Certified Financial Planner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (410)489-7939 Enterprise Car Sales 1-800-CAR-SALE
Rick
Financial Security Mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (410)823-3300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-730-7599 MVCP Motor Vehicle Certification Prog. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-800-345-0990
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