IN SIDER Volume 8 + APRIL 2009
The CommunityAmerica Magazine GROW YOUR FOOD. GROW YOUR FINANCES.
Fatten your wallet during the lean times. Sure, MOST BUDGETS are tight these days, but just because the economy’s struggling doesn’t mean you have to. With a little common sense and discipline, you can survive even when the financial waters are rough. In the following pages, we’ve put down a few tips to get you started on the road to a healthier financial future. So if you want to pick them up (and have some fun along the way), then take a stroll on in to this edition of the INsider.
Now drop and give me 700! Hey there, troops – Sarge here. In gloomy economic climates like this one, lots of folks are fretting about their finances. And one of the major facets of anybody’s financial landscape is – of course – that magical number we all know as the credit score. But while many people know what their credit score is, they don’t know how it’s calculated, how it got to where it is and what kinds of actions can affect it. That’s why your favorite drill instructor is here with a few handy tips to help you raise that credit score up to that glorious score of 700. Once you get to that upper end of the FICO scale (it runs from 400-850), you’ll be amazed at how easy loans are to get and how low interest rates can go. First, let’s talk about what your credit score is and how it’s calculated. Put simply, a credit score is a measure of how likely you are to pay off your debt. It’s generated using data in your credit report, and is heavily based on how much of your available debt you’re actually using (your debt-to-income ratio) and payment history. It also factors in type of credit (revolving vs. installment), new credit and the length of your credit history. Things like age, sex, race, marital status, family and employment history are NEVER factored in when working out your credit score.
Tip #1: Be on time, every time There’s no doubt that bills can be overwhelming. When life gets busy, sometimes the electric bill or the cell phone bill or a credit card bill can get lost in the shuffle. But hear this, troops: late payments can undercut your credit score faster than a well-placed leg sweep. In fact, one missed payment can knock your score down for up to 24 months. So no matter what else you do, be absolutely sure to stay organized and pay those bills when they’re due.
Tip #2: Run revolving credit right out of town Credit cards are a good thing, so long as you use them responsibly. Max those suckers out, though, and you’ll watch your credit score go down faster than a jet full of anti-aircraft fire. So spend wisely, and try to pay your credit card bill in full at the end of each month. Or, if you must carry a balance, try not to let it exceed 30% of your total available credit. For example, if you have a credit card with a limit of $1,000, try to never carry a balance over $300 from month to month.
Tip #3: Keep a close eye on your credit report Credit reporters work hard to keep your credit report complete and accurate. But just like ol’ Sarge on an R&R weekend, even experienced financial soldiers can make a few mistakes now and then. To make sure your credit score is right on target, consistently double-check your credit report for inaccuracies about once every year. You can get a copy of your credit report from each of the major credit-reporting agencies once per year for free by visiting AnnualCreditReport.com. Or, for more info, you can go directly to each agency at the websites listed below: • Equifax – equifax.com
INSIDER + APRIL 2009
• Experian – experian.com • TransUnion – transunion.com That’s it for now, troops. So fall out! Unless, that is, you’d like to join me for rappelling class. Any takers?
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ur row in yo e green g th h a tc a h W et wit your wall yard and arden. getable g simple ve
PLAN
If you’re anything like us, you may have noticed that your grocery bills are climbing lately. Prices are going up on everything from apples to zucchini, and as a result, you’re paying more every time you hit the checkout lane. But why pay exorbitant prices for store-bought produce when you can grow the same stuff right in your backyard? Just how much can gardening lower your grocery bill? Well, that all depends on how much produce your garden can support. That said, consider the following:
1 packet cucumber seeds (10 ct) = $2.79
When you’re looking to start a garden, location is key. In the wrong spot, even the most well-tended garden will struggle. When picking your plot of land, keep a few key factors in mind:
Sun – Vegetable gardens need at least 6 hours of full sun every day, so steer clear of any shade trees or other sun-blocking objects.
Water – Proper drainage is key to healthy growth for your plants, so planting in a spot that tends to collect puddles is a big no-no.
location – It’s common sense that the closer you are to your garden, the easier it is to tend. Pick a spot close to the house to make regular watering and warding off predators a snap.
Each seed = 1 plant
PREP
Each plant = 15 cucumbers 10 plants x 15 cucumbers = 150 cucumbers 150 cucumbers in a garden = $2.79 1 cucumber at the grocery store = $0.99 150 cucumbers in a store = $150
So you see? The savings are obvious, and the more you plant, the more you won’t have to spend at the store. So read on to discover just how easy and rewarding growing your own veggies can be.
Prepping a new garden isn’t complicated, and can be accomplished quickly and easily. First, head over to your local garden center to get some sort of fertilizer. Make sure to ask one of the store’s garden gurus which one – and how much – is right for you. Once you’ve gotten your fertilizer home, get out your shovel and get ready to plow. Dig about a foot deep, and make sure to turn over and loosen up the soil as you go. When you have it all turned up, add in your fertilizer and mix it in. Oh, and make sure to hose down all of your newly-turned soil. And your friends, if you get the chance.
PLANT Now that you’ve got your plot of land all ready to go, all that’s left to do is plant your seeds and watch them grow. Once your veggies reach a nice size, simply pick ’em off the plant and chow down.
Vegetable Carrots
When to Plant April
Planting Depth ½"
Width Apart 2"- 4"
May
1"
36"- 48"
April
2"
3"-6"
½"
6"
Spinach
April
1"
36"
Squash
May
Cucumbers Peas
Grow some green. Feed your wallet. During last year’s Financial Makeover, Chad and Robin Weinand learned how to use their green thumbs to grow lots of vegetables. And lots of savings, too.
bonus Get your herb on
Some of the most expensive items in a grocery store’s produce section are fresh herbs, so an easy way to save really – and we mean REALLY – big bucks is to grow your own. Starter plants and seeds are easy to find at garden centers or farmers’ markets – and they’re 2-3 dollars at most. So snap some up and put ’em in the ground for fresh, delicious herby goodness.
Why did you decide to start your own vegetable garden? CW: Since we eat a lot of fresh vegetables and fruit and the cost of those items was on the rise, we thought we could save money by growing produce ourselves. We also thought it would be good for our daughter to learn about planting things and watching them grow. What dID you grow? CW: Zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, pole beans, snap peas, carrots, red and yellow onions, radishes, bell peppers, beets, jalapeños, poblano peppers, basil, chives, spinach, cabbage and three types of lettuce. What were your start-up costs? CW: Seed and supplies were about $75 and the community garden plot cost $25, but since we shared our garden plot with my boss, it was $50 each. As part of the $25 fee we were provided with hoses and water, staking for the plots, manure and the initial tilling. These costs would need to be considered if you planted a garden in your own yard. How much money do you estimate you saved? CW: Easily several hundred dollars’ worth of produce came out of our 10x20 garden plot. I lost track, but halfway through the summer I estimated that we had harvested $300 worth of produce. Are you planning to continue gardening again this year? Why or why not? CW: Definitely! Not only did we enjoy the experience and the produce we harvested, but we saved a bunch of money, and it gave us something fun to do outdoors as a family. What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned from starting your own garden? CW: Something as simple as a garden can be a great way to save money. What advice would you give someone just starting out in gardening? CW: Start small. A garden can be overwhelming and difficult to keep up with if you plant too much stuff. You also have to stay on top of weeding and watering your garden through the spring and early summer to be able to benefit from your investment later. And above all, have fun with it! Starting a garden was one of the ways Chad Weinand and his family saved money during last year’s Financial Makeover. Check out this year’s participants at cacufinancialmakeover.com. INSIDER + APRIL 2009
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Annual Meeting
THE INSIDER bulletin board
Wanna get a little financial news and score some FREE T-Bones tickets while you’re at it? Then we’ve got just the event for you. Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 Place: In a huge party tent beyond the outfield wall at CommunityAmerica Ballpark. Time: We’ll start the meeting at 6pm, and be done by the time the T-Bones game starts at 7:05.
RSVP at cacu.com/annualmeetingRSVP by Monday, June 1 to get free T-Bones tickets for you and your family!
RAMSEY-O-RAMA! Get the low-down on America’s favorite financial guru, who’s now endorsing your favorite credit union. Who? As the author of several best-selling books and the host of a radio show heard by over 3.5 million people daily, Dave Ramsey has helped millions of families gain control of their finances – and have a few laughs along the way.
Total Money Makeover Live at Kemper Arena Wanna see what Dave’s all about up close and in person? Well, now you have your chance. Come join us and thousands of other financial winners for Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover Live at Kemper Arena! Date: Saturday, May 2, 2009 Time:
1pm – 6pm
Place: Kemper Arena Cost: $40-$75 Visit daveramsey.com to buy tickets or for more information.
Financial Peace University At CommunityAmerica, we know that managing your family’s finances can be overwhelming at times. That’s why, together with Dave Ramsey, we’re offering you a step-by-step plan to start winning with your money. Starting in August, we’re sponsoring Dave’s 13-week Financial Peace University at a branch near you. Look for details to come this summer.
Foundations in Personal Finance These days, every child graduates high school with a solid foundation in English, math and social studies. When it comes to money management, though, many young adults don’t have a clue – and as a result they incur massive debt and build very little savings. That’s why we’re teaming up with Dave Ramsey to implement the “Foundations in Personal Finance” curriculum at five Kansas City area high schools. Look for our program at the following schools: >> Olathe East High School >> Ruskin High School >> Blue Springs High School >> Liberty High School >> Park Hill High School
open a checking account and get There’s A creature inside of us all that would rather spend for fun than save for later. We call him Li’l Splurge. And while many think he’s too rambunctious, we know that he can live peacefully in even the most responsible of wallets.
Ask us for details.
* For new checking accounts only, defined as new checking relationship with credit union opened between 3-2-09 and 6-30-09. Individuals with existing CommunityAmerica checking account in household, or who have closed one of our checking accounts within previous three months, do not qualify. Available on the Free, Interest or Premier Checking for personal accounts only. Limits: one per person, one per account, not valid with any other offers. Minimum age to open account is 18 years old. Other qualification requirements may also apply. Upon opening of checking account and funding with a minimum of $100, member will receive a $50 deposit into regular share savings account. Any account closed or that does not become active within six months from open date will be subject to a $50 early closure fee. We will report to the IRS the value of any premium, and a 1099 will be issued at year-end. Any applicable taxes are the responsibility of the applicant. Annual Percentage Yield on Premier Checking is 0.25%. APY on Interest Checking is 0.25%. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
North Kansas City Hospital 2800 Clay Edwards Dr, 4th Floor (in “The Link”) North Kansas City, MO 64116
Prairie VillagE hy-vee 7620 State Line Rd Prairie Village, KS 66208
North Oak 9310 North Oak Trfy Kansas City, MO 64155
Bresette’S Sun fresh 7613 NW Prairie View Rd Kansas City, MO 64151
Englewood Hy-vee 207 NE Englewood Rd Kansas City, MO 64118 LibertY hy-vee 1332 Kansas St Liberty, MO 64068
White Oak 7932 N Oak Trfy Kansas City, MO 64118 Blue Valley 6280 W 135th St Overland Park, KS 66223 Nall Hills 5601 W 95th St Overland Park, KS 66207
23rd StreeT Hy-vee 1525 E 23rd St Independence, MO 64055 40 Highway Hy-vee 4545 S Noland Rd Independence, MO 64055 Blue Ridge 11501 Blue Ridge Blvd Kansas City, MO 64134 Blue Springs Hy-vee 601 W 40 Hwy Blue Springs, MO 64014
Noland ROAD 3622 S Noland Rd Independence, MO 64055 topeka 1129 S Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66612 Topeka hy-vee 2951 SW Wanamaker Rd Topeka, KS 66614 Trans Air 10895 Lambert International Blvd Bridgeton, MO 63044
OPEN SUNDAYS
INSIDER + APRIL 2009
Claycomo 8100 NE US 69 Hwy Pleasant Valley, MO 64068
jackso n Coun t y
Tiffany Springs 9060 NW Skyview Ave Kansas City, MO 64154
HIDDEN VALLEY 3100 S M-291 Hwy Independence, MO 64058
SHAWNEE station 16110 W 65th St Shawnee, KS 66217
Inside Festival Foods
4357 NE Chouteau Trfy Kansas City, MO 64117
blue springs Wal-Mart 600 NE Coronado Dr Blue Springs, MO 64014
RidgevieW hy-vee 18101 W 119th St Olathe, KS 66061
Shoal Creek 8450 NE Flintlock Rd Kansas City, MO 64157
Chouteau Crossings
blue springS Outer Road 1800 S Outer Rd Blue Springs, MO 64015
topek a
Antioch Annex 5400 NE Antioch Kansas City, MO 64119
Olathe 13590 S Black Bob Rd Olathe, KS 66062
St. Lou is
64th Street 6390 N Cosby Ave Kansas City, MO 64151
jo hnso n Cou nt y
NORTHLA ND
COMMUNITYAMERICA LOCATIONS
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Introducing the Financial Makeover Class of 2009. After this year, these four families – and their bank accounts – will never be the same. To learn more, visit cacufinancialmakeover.com