School Banking | 3 Get your School Banker started early!
College savings | 4 Lessons in middle school can pay off for college planning.
Lines July/August 2012
Volume 28 • Number 4
of Communication
life
Lending for
Build a better future with low fixed rate Home Equity Loans and Auto Loans.
Play ball! | 16 CAP COM’s baseball team set for championship game.
Take charge of your
college journey From choosing the right college to completing FAFSA financial aid forms to building a smart financing plan, CAP COM’s College Bound Program is with you every step of the way.
College Admissions Workshop High school seniors and parents learn about admissions, applications, scholarships, financial aid and smart financing plans. Tuesday, Oct. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Century House, Route 9 in Latham See RSVP details on Page 13.
Lessons in saving See Page 4 to discover how saving for college in middle school can pay off in high school.
Set up a free consultation today! College Bound features free consultations with our College Planning Specialists and a range of resources that support parents and students preparing for college.
Ryan Chenot Certified College Planning Specialist (518) 458-2195 ext. 3170 rchenot@capcomfcu.org Kim Donah Certified College Planning Specialist (518) 458-2195 ext. 3106 kdonah@capcomfcu.org
Kim Ryan
LINES contents 2 Youth Program Calendar Money & Me Summer Camp. 3 School Banking Open a new Youth Account. 4 Lessons in saving Sacrifice and saving for college. 5 VISA® Credit Cards Our Platinum and Classic Cards. 6 All in one spot! Apps and advice for Web and Mobile Banking. 8 Lending for life Auto and Home Equity Loans. 9 Rebuild your credit Ways to improve your FICO score. 10 CAP COM Financial Retirement tax tips. 12 Mortgages New Mortgage options. 13 Workshops and calendar Plan your summer and fall. 14 CAP COM Cares Big Benefit Raffle, golf wrap up and scholarship winners. 16 Play ball! CAP COM’s baseball team set to play in championship game. Lines of Communication is published bimonthly exclusively for CAP COM Federal Credit Union members. MELISSA CLEMENT Director of Strategic Marketing and Innovation PETER DIDIO Marketing Manager JIM O’CONNELL Marketing Specialist
July/August ‘12 | 1
President/CEO’s Message CAP COM helps maintain a strong foundation at every stage of life. You can see that in the words of School Banking mom Kara Gilmore, of Averill Park. Like many parents, Kara wants her 7-year-old daughter Savannah to learn how to save. Kara tells us on Page 3 that School Banking is “laying a foundation” for high school, college and beyond. Yet, CAP COM’s educational efforts go beyond School Banking. We are teaching We are teaching members members of all ages to make smart of all ages to make smart financial choices from college savings financial choices. to taking advantage of great Home Equity Loans. On Page 4, you’ll find a story about the benefits of teaching middle school students to save for college. Young teens who learn to save are often more focused and price conscious when choosing a college. And for young adults in their 20s who may be looking toward their first Home or Auto Loan, we’ve got solutions. Not only do we have the loans, we have credit-building advice to help you get that first loan. See Page 9 for tips on rebuilding or maintaining a good FICO® credit score. That score is often your doorway to getting pre-approved for a loan. For homeowners looking to lower monthly payments or pay off their Mortgage faster, we have new, limitedtime Home Equity Loans. On Page 8, you’ll see how those unique loans can help you save and get ahead. And for members who are nearing retirement, we’ve got retirement tax tips from the Financial Advisors at CAP COM Financial Services. And that’s just one aspect of our complete retirement planning program. Call us or visit any branch today to learn more and let us help strengthen your foundation. Sincerely,
DebORAH Collins-RAPP Marketing Specialist ELI FANNING Editor LAURA REYNOLDS Designer WILLOW DANNIBLE Marketing Associate The Supervisory Committee is the members’ representative. Please address any situations you feel were not handled to your satisfaction by the Credit Union to: Supervisory Committee, P.O. Box 11279, Albany, NY 12211-0279.
Paula A. Stopera President/CEO
9 | Rebuild your FICO® score
Your FICO® Score measures credit risk and helps you qualify for certain loans and credit cards. A low score is frustrating but our tips can help lift your score.
2 | July/August ‘12
Youth Program
>>>Calendar July
September
Money & Me Summer Camp Teens age 14-18 learn about finances through fun games, cool contests and engaging lessons. Camp is held July 23-27 from 9 a.m. to noon each day. See RSVP details on Page 13.
Summer Reading Program Kids in grades K to 12 earn up to $15 ($3 per book)* by reading up to five books by the Sept. 15 deadline.
Great Grades Program Kids earn $10 per quarter for every report card. The next deadline is Aug. 1. Call Youth Program Coordinator Danielle Sprague at (518) 458-2195 ext. 3032 or visit www.capcomfcu.org/greatgrades for more details.
August
Book entry guidelines • Ages 4 to 8 submit a drawing of a scene or the cover. • Ages 9 to 12 submit a 50-word written summary. • Ages 13 to 17 submit a 100-word written summary. Making Reading Program submissions Submit a signed entry form with each set of entries. Find forms here: www.capcomfcu.org/readingprogram. *See website or ask an associate for additional details. Must be a CAP COM member to participate.
Great Escape FUNday Join us Sunday, Aug. 5 at the Great Escape in Lake George. Tickets are $30 each for CAP COM members.* Save up to 50% off regular price! Tickets include: Admission, parking, lunch and Coca-Cola fountain beverages (all day). Buy tickets: • (518) 458-2195 • www.capcomfcu.org (Online sales end July 21) • Visit any branch *While supplies last. All sales final, rain or shine.
Save the date to find a great deal!
CAP COM Used Car Sale Saturday, Oct. 13! Main Office 18 Computer Drive East, Albany • More than 150 cars on site! • Get pre-approved or apply for financing at the sale. • Pre-negotiated pricing with substantial discounts on all cars.
July/August ‘12 | 3
Start early “School Banking is laying the foundation. By the time she reaches high school, I want her to know the basics.” - Kara Gilmore with her daughter, Savannah, at Miller Hill Elementary in Averill Park.
School Banking Partners
School Banking is teaching kids to save by making deposits at school. Get your CAP COM School Banker started with a new Youth Account before school starts! • Call CAP COM at (518) 458-2195 or send an e-mail to schoolbanking@capcomfcu.org. • Visit www.capcomfcu.org. • Ask for more details at any branch location.
Albany County
Saratoga County
Rensselaer County
Abram Lansing A.W. Becker Elementary Berne Elementary Blue Creek Elementary Boght Hills Elementary Eagle Elementary Forest Park Elementary Forts Ferry Glenmont Elementary Hamagrael Elementary Harmony Hills Heatly Elementary Latham Ridge Loudonville Elementary Menands Elementary New Scotland Elementary Roessleville Elementary Saddlewood Elementary Saint Ambrose School Saint Gregory’s School Saint Pius X School Saint Thomas School Shaker Road Elementary Slingerlands Elementary Southgate Elementary Van Schaick Grade School Veeder Elementary Voorheesville Elementary Watervliet Elementary
Arongen Elementary Chango Elementary Francis L. Stevens Elementary Karigon Elementary Mechanicville Elementary Okte Elementary Shatekon Elementary Skano Elementary St. Mary’s of Waterford Stillwater Elementary Tesago Elementary Waterford-Halfmoon Elementary
Bell Top Elementary Berlin Elementary Castleton Elementary Donald P. Sutherland Elementary Gardner-Dickinson Elementary Genet Elementary Green Meadow Elementary Holy Spirit School Hoosic Valley Elementary Miller Hill Elementary Oakwood Christian School Poestenkill Elementary Red Mill School Rensselaer Park Elementary Sacred Heart School School 14, 16 and 18 St. Augustine School Susan O’Dell Taylor School Tamarac School West Sand Lake School Woodland Hill Montessori School
Schenectady County Birchwood Elementary Craig Elementary Glencliff Elementary Glen Worden Elementary Saint Helen’s School
$chool
Banking
4 | July/August ‘12
Lessons PAY OFF in saving
When middle school children begin saving for college, they learn about sacrifice. So, when it comes time for them to choose a college, they may rank value and affordability as top priorities. Our College Bound Experts say that’s a great place for parents to be. “One of the biggest problems we see is families with students who are choosing colleges that are beyond their financial means,” said CAP COM’s Certified College Planning Specialist Ryan Chenot. The best age to introduce children to college planning is middle school, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Parents can explain the importance of good study habits, extracurricular activities and saving money. Near the end of middle school, families can also start planning to make the most of high school. Remind your budding scholar that time-management skills developed in middle school may help them manage school work, a job, sports and other interests down the line. Help your child learn budgeting basics by establishing a savings account for college expenses. Parents can use the account to teach basic lessons about compounding, investing and other moneymanagement basics. After a few months of saving, parents should start discussing college costs. The average cost of college in 2010, including tuition and room and board, was about $15,000 for four-year public institutions
Portions of this article were prepared by McGraw-Hill Financial Communications.
and $32,800 for private colleges, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Start researching scholarships at the start of high school. Some great websites to start with include: www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org. Also, local libraries and high school guidance offices may have information about state-sponsored aid programs and scholarships sponsored by local organizations like CAP COM. (See Page 15 for scholarship winners.) In addition, www.fafsa.ed.gov provides an overview of federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants, campusbased aid programs, Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans and others. By high school, some students will begin earning money and saving on their own. Students may be able to get a job that builds on career interests and solidifies their future plans. Getting your child involved in the college process — financially and otherwise — could be a pivotal lesson in responsibility that leads to success. Our College Admissions Workshop in October helps families prepare for the journey. See inside front cover for workshop details.
VISACredit Cards
July/August ‘12 | 5
Our
®
VISA Classic and Platinum Cards
• Fixed rates and no annual fees • Flexible spending limits from $500 to $30,000 • Zero Liability Protection for unauthorized purchases
Apply today! • (518) 458-2195 • www.capcomfcu.org • Visit any branch
Protect your checking CAP COM’s Member Courtesy Pay options protect you from being declined during VISA® Debit Card transactions or facing returned checks due to insufficient funds. Member Courtesy Pay and Member Courtesy Pay Plus offer members a $500 overdraft cushion.* Member Courtesy Pay covers checks and pre-authorized deductions (ACH withdrawals). The Plus coverage includes regular coverage, but also protects Debit Card purchases and ATM transactions. After you opt in, CAP COM will pay overdraft transactions** up to $500. A $25 Member Courtesy Pay fee will be assessed for each transaction. Members will be notified by e-mail
or postal mail after each Member Courtesy Pay transaction. CAP COM also offers overdraft plans such as a Checking Account Lineof-Credit and Transfer-from-Savings options. For members with these protections, Member Courtesy Pay is an added line of protection.
Opt in today! • (518) 458-2195 • Log in to Connect-24 at
www.capcomfcu.org and choose Online Forms
• Stop by any branch
* New members and Young Adult members who qualify for Courtesy Pay will initially receive a $100 overdraft cushion. This limit may be increased to $500 after 90 days, upon request, if qualified **CAP COM retains the right to decline Courtesy Pay Program transactions at its discretion. If CAP COM does not authorize and pay an overdraft, your transaction may be declined and a returned item fee will be assessed, if applicable.
6 | July/August ‘12
There is truth in the old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind.” But
See it in one
when it comes to your finances, being out of sight can lead to past-due bills or fraudulent account charges. That’s part of the reason CAP COM is helping you organize all your financial accounts in one spot within our Connect-24 Web Banking System. With our new Add Accounts feature in the FinanceWorks budgeting software, you can add a bank, other credit union, credit card or investment firm to your personal Home Page. “The new feature delivers your whole financial life at a glance. It’s easy to add accounts and bring your budget under control,” said CAP COM Web Director Liam Miller.
spot Connect-24 Home Page
Add outside accounts.
Getting started Click the Add Accounts button in the Outside Accounts section to choose from more the 18,000 financial institutions. Add accounts by selecting a financial institution and entering the account information. Outside accounts will show financial institution name, account name, balance, and a time stamp showing when the account was last updated. That means you can monitor recent charges on all your accounts.
You can add accounts such as checking, CDs, money markets, savings, credit cards, mortgages, other loans, taxable investments, and tax-deferred investments including securities like stocks, bonds, mutual funds and cash reserves.
Take a video tour Visit www.capcomfcu.org/financeworks to see a video tour of the all FinanceWorks Web Banking tools in Connect-24.
July/August ‘12 | 7
Apps and advice from
CAP COM
Android App
Scan this code to download our Android App or visit Google Play.
iPhone App
With CAP COM, your smartphone is a powerful banking tool. Theresa Our Mobile Banking Apps for Android and iPhone let you view account balances, make transfers, pay bills, view check images, access Purchase Rewards and find the nearest branches or ATMs. Our new Remote Deposit will soon let you make deposits by uploading a picture of a check with your smartphone. Here are some tips for banking with your smartphone: New Mobile Banking tools Our new App updates let you view check images dating back 30 days and instantly access Purchase Rewards discounts. You’ll see an option to view check images in your Account Transactions, while Purchase Rewards is a stand-alone option. To see Purchase Rewards within your App, you must first enroll using the Connect-24 Web Banking System. Add Purchase Rewards1 discounts from popular national retailers by scrolling through a list and adding them to your CAP COM VISA® Debit Card. Then, use your Debit Card at checkout to activate discount offers. Purchase Rewards discounts are not applied at checkout, they are deposited to your account the month after your purchase.
Tips for safe Mobile Banking CAP COM’s Mobile and Web Banking are protected by 128-bit data encryption from a worldwide security agency to ensure the security and privacy of transactions. But, you can do even more to stay safe while banking with your smartphone. • Download Mobile Banking Apps only from Google Play for Android devices and the Apple App Store for iPhones to ensure that they are authentic. • Don’t program Apps to automatically populate your user names and passwords, just in case your phone is lost or stolen. • Never make transactions using a public WiFi network where fraudsters could intercept your data.
Coming soon: Remote Deposit
Scan this code to download our iPhone App or visit Apple’s App Store. 1 Please read Purchase Reward offer details within Connect-24 for offer redemption information. To see redeemed offers or the total value of redeemed offers please visit the rewards summary page in Connect -24. Personal information will not be shared with retailers.
CAP COM’s Remote Deposit will allow you to use a smartphone to capture a check image and make a deposit. With the Remote Deposit App for Android devices and iPhones, you’ll be able to take a picture of most checks and quickly submit the image for deposit using your smartphone.
8 | July/August ‘12
life
Lending for
auto
Our Car Buying Experts will find the car you want and negotiate the best price and trade-in value. Get pre-approved for an Auto Loan and enjoy rates as low as 2.39%APR**.
home
Discover Home Equity Loans with rates as low as 2.99%APR*, same-day approval, and fast-and-easy closings. Use our Home Equity Loans to renovate, consolidate debt, pay tuition or do anything you need!
Car Buyers Helpline is an independently incorporated subsidiary of CAP COM FCU. **Annual Percentage Rate. All rates quoted are for individuals with excellent credit who select our Automatic Payment Plan. Individuals with less than excellent credit and/or who do not select our Automatic Payment Plan may be offered a higher rate. Rates are accurate as of 6/13/12. Rates subject to change without notice. Visit our website or call for rates and terms. Auto Loans are available to credit qualified members.
Apply today! • (518) 458-2195 ext. 2924 • www.capcomfcu.org • Visit any branch Refinance with a low fixed rate Home Equity Loan Lock in a low rate and enjoy unique withdrawal periods of up to four years and loan limits up to $200,000.† These Home Equity Loans have low closing costs with no escrow and we’ll even pay for the appraisal! Examples:
5-year term
10-year term
15-year term
20-year term
Mortgage
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
$100,000
Fixed Interest Rate
2.99%APR*
3.25%APR*
3.99%APR*
4.99%APR*
Monthly Payment
$1,797
$977
$739
$659
*Annual Percentage Rate. Mortgages in New York State only. All Line-of-Credit loans require a minimum initial advance of $5,000 and a minimum limit of $10,000. The rate quoted is based on a loan-to-value up to 70% in first mortgage position. Other rates/terms available. Sample payment for 2.99% Annual Percentage Rate for 5 years is $17.97 per $1,000. Sample payment for 3.25% Annual Percentage Rate for 10 years is $9.78 per $1,000. Sample payment for 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate for 15 years is $7.40 per $1,000. Sample payment for 4.99% Annual Percentage Rate for 20 years is $6.60 per $1,000. Rates were effective 6/13/12 and are subject to change without notice. New York State Mortgage Tax and county filing fee will apply. Additional closing costs may apply. Credit Union membership required. CAP COM FCU NMLS Identifier: 401261. † If credit qualified.
July/August ‘12 | 9
Rebuild
your FICO® score
Here are a few simple ways that you can build better credit and raise your FICO score. Just keep in mind that repairing your score will require about 15 to 24 months of responsible budgeting. Check your credit report A regular check of your credit report for unauthorized activity is a very smart move. You can get a free credit report once each year from any of the three major credit bureaus. Start by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com to get your free report. CAP COM also suggests www.scoreinfo.org for specific
Your FICO® score helps you qualify for certain loans and credit cards. A low score is frustrating but our tips can help rebuild your score.
information about FICO scores and even more ways you can improve your score. To get your up-to-date FICO score, visit www.myfico.com. Set up bill pay reminders If there is one factor above all that can lift your score, it’s making your credit card and debt payments on time. CAP COM’s Connect-24 Web Banking System offers payment reminders and a dashboard view of your budget. That’s a great way to stay informed. What’s even better: Set up automatic payments through your credit card and lending institutions. Then, monitor your budget over time.
Use your credit card responsibly A good rule of thumb is to keep your credit card balance at or below 40 percent of your credit limit. So, if you’ve got a $1,000 limit, you should use $400 as a personal benchmark. This will help you avoid “maxing out” your card. Also, it may help keep your payments low, which is a good first step to making on-time payments or paying off your balance. And if you do those things, you’ll be on your way to better credit. Please call (518) 458-2195 or visit a CAP COM branch to talk with our Associates about improving your credit future.
Get help. Get a Checkup! CAP COM’s Financial Checkups can help you save on monthly bills and improve your credit future. We’ll review your budget, income, expenses, savings and loans before recommending strategies to help you save. Start today • (518) 458-2195 • www.capcomfcu.org • Ask at any branch CAP COM FCU cannot guarantee that Financial Checkups will help all individuals realize saving.
Amber Alvey Main Office
CAP COM
10 | July/August ‘12
Financial Services
(518) 782-0209 | (800) 688-1045 | Fax (518) 782-5433 www.capcomfinancial.com
Retirement tax tips A tax-efficient retirement plan can help you and your heirs keep more of your hardearned wealth. Building a tax-smart plan can be complex but these simple tips and advice from our Financial Advisors can help you make wise choices.1 Make it easy for your heirs Naming beneficiaries will keep your assets out of probate court and protect your heirs from unnecessary tax penalties. What’s more, naming a spouse as beneficiary opens up options such as a marital deduction for the federal estate tax. There are times when transferring assets into an irrevocable trust can also be a smart move. Assets in an irrevocable trust are passed on free of estate taxes, potentially saving heirs thousands. As of today, federal estate tax applies to all estate assets over $5.12 million. That may seem high, but the threshold could revert to $1 million in 2013, unless Congress elects to extend it. Consider municipal bonds Municipal bonds can be a haven from taxes and stock market volatility. Interest paid on most municipal bonds is exempt from federal taxes and sometimes state and local taxes.2 The rule of thumb is: The higher your tax bracket, the more you may benefit from investing in “munis.”
The IRS and your RMD Here’s a translation: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires retirees to begin taking annual Required Minimum Distributions (RMD) from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans after age 70½. So, if your required distribution will push you into a higher tax bracket after age 70, it may be smart to begin taking withdrawals during your 60s. Failure to take the proper distribution can result in a tax penalty equal to 50% of the required distribution.3 However, Roth IRAs do not require annual distributions and qualified withdrawals are tax free.4 So, you may choose to begin withdrawing assets held in a Roth IRA after you have exhausted other Jim Faranda Senior Financial Advisor sources of income.
Talk with us! Call CAP COM Financial Services at (518) 782-0209 and set up a meeting. Our Financial Advisors are salaried, non-commissioned professionals who provide unbiased retirement, insurance, estate planning and tax advice for our members. This article was prepared by McGraw-Hill Financial Communications and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. Consult your financial advisor if you have any questions. Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by McGraw-Hill Financial Communications or its sources, neither McGraw-Hill Financial Communications nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall McGraw-Hill Financial Communications be liable for any indirect, special or consequential damages in connection with subscribers’ or others’ use of the content. 1 For specific tax advice, please see a tax professional. 2 Capital gains from municipal bonds are taxable and may be subject to the alternative minimum tax. 3 Required distributions are calculated using the Uniform Lifetime Table, which takes into consideration your life expectancy. 4 Withdrawals prior to age 59½ are subject to a 10% penalty. CAP COM Financial Services - Securities products offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Annuities offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. A Registered Investment Advisor, CAP COM Financial Services is a division of CAP COM Federal Credit Union. CAP COM Financial Services and CAP COM Federal Credit Union are not registered broker dealers and are not affiliated
Not NCUA Insured
May Lose Value
No Credit Union Guarantee
July/August ‘12 | 11
Travelers protection Travelers provides CAP COM members a chance to save money and expand insurance protection. Auto Insurance Enjoy special program rates, basic features and options to enhance your protection. We also offer boat and yacht insurance.
Flood Insurance Many people find out too late that their property insurance does not cover flood damage. Protect highvalue items like a basement furnace.
Home and Condo Insurance Get coverage and enhance protection at special rates for members.
Umbrella Liability Insurance Get $1 to $5 million of extra liability protection.
Renter’s Insurance A renter’s possessions are not covered by a landlord’s insurance.
Get a FREE Travelers quote! • Visit www.travelers.com/capcomfcu • Call (800) 842-5936 • Visit any branch location
Insurance is underwritten by The Travelers Indemnity Company or one of its property casualty affiliates, One Tower Square, Hartford, CT 06183. Coverages, discounts, repair options and billing options are subject to availability and individual eligibility. CAP COM Federal Credit Union does not warrant, guarantee or insure any service or product offered by any insurance company. CCFCU and Travelers are separate entities.
Your long-term care insurance
Insurance options
CAP COM Financial can help build a long-term care insurance plan to protect you and your family. Long-term care insurance helps protect your assets if you need extended care at home or in a facility. You can choose the facility that you may enter and the level of care you will receive. Begin considering this insurance when you turn 40. The earlier you purchase long-term care insurance, the less you’ll pay for it. In some cases, premiums are tax deductible, though we advise that you consult a tax advisor.
Life insurance Get unbiased insurance advice and fast, no-hassle quotes. Protect your family today. Simplified Issue Life Insurance Answer a few health questions and qualify for life insurance without a medical exam. It’s easy to get started! Term Life Insurance Guaranteed-level policies with terms from five to 30 years. Whole Life Insurance Permanent insurance with a payout value that builds over time. Get a FREE life insurance quote! Call CAP COM Financial at (518) 782-0209!
12 | July/August ‘12
More than a Mortgage
Homebuyers trust CAP COM. Discover Mortgages with these great features: • No PMI on select Mortgage programs. • Little or no closing costs. • Little or no down payment. • Local origination, underwriting and servicing.* • Easy and convenient application process in person, online or in 15 minutes or less by phone! Get started today! • (518) 458-2195 or (800) 468-5500 ext. 2920 • www.capcomfcu.org • Visit any branch *While many of our Mortgage products are serviced locally there may be instances where this is not the case. Our mortgage experts can provide you with information regarding the servicing of your particular loan. Mortgage products are offered by our Mortgage Team, Homeowners Advantage, which is an independently incorporated subsidiary of CAP COM FCU. Mortgages in New York State only. Home loan interest may be tax deductible. Consult your tax professional about deductibility in your situation. Licensed Mortgage Banker - NYS Dept. of Financial Services. CCFCUF NMLS Identifier: 290363. CAP COM FCU NMLS Identifier: 401261. Principal Address: 453 New Karner Road, Albany NY 12205.
New Mortgage options The State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) offers great Mortgage programs to assist first-time homebuyers and CAP COM now offers these great programs! SONYMA Mortgage programs feature competitive interest rates, low down payment requirements, flexible underwriting guidelines, no prepayment penalties and down-payment assistance. “These are great options for many families across the state. We are very happy to offer it to our members,” said Chief Mortgage Officer Chris McKenna. Properties eligible for SONYMA loans include one- to four-family owner occupied homes, as well as double-wide manufactured homes. Income limits for borrowers vary by county and size of the household.
This program joins our great FHA, USDA and VA loans. Each program has advantages and our Licensed Mortgage Experts will work with you to find the best solution for you.
SONYMA highlights • 97% financing available • Down Payment Assistance Loan • Lower PMI premiums vs. FHA • Double-wide financing available • 30- or 40-year terms
spotlight
July/August ‘12 | 13
In the
In May, CAP COM recognized employees for outstanding efforts in support of members and fellow employees with TOP Awards. TOP Support Kim Ingoglia Project Development Manager Main Office 18 years of service TOP Service Christina Gorman Member Services Specialist Colonie Branch 5 years of service
TOP Sales Shannon Clawson Member Communications Specialist Main Office 5 years of service Robert Snyder Senior Mortgage Specialist Homeowners Advantage 1 year of service
Leadership Award Jim Thompson Facilities Manager Main Office 1 year of service
Robert Jim Kim Christina
Credit Union
Calendar
Workshops CAP COM hosts informational workshops on topics that matter to you. Reservations are required. Unless noted, workshops are free. Money & Me Summer Camp Kids learn how to manage money and make it work for them. July 23-27 | 9 a.m.-noon each day For members age 14-18. Training Center 18 Computer Drive East, Albany AARP DRIVER’S SAFETY PROGRAM Safety program for drivers age 50 and older (AARP fee applies). Aug. 21 & 22 9 a.m. - noon First-time Homebuyers Don’t let home-buying myths stop you. Get the facts and get started! Sept. 18 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Training Center 18 Computer Drive East, Albany
Shannon
College Admissions Workshop High school seniors and parents learn about admissions, applications, scholarships, financial aid and smart financing plans. Oct. 2 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Century House, Route 9 in Latham
Workshop RSVP • (518) 458-2195 ext. 3168 • workshops@capcomfcu.org • www.capcomfcu.org Include in your RSVP: • Name • Address • E-mail and phone number • Number of attendees • How you discovered our workshops
AUGUST Sunday, Aug. 5 Great Escape FUNday Join us at the Lake George park. See our website and Page 2 for ticket sale details. SEPTEMBER Saturday, Sept. 1 & Monday, Sept. 3 Closed for Labor Day Weekend. Tuesday, Sept. 11 Most branches open late at 8:45 a.m. due to company-wide staff training. Exceptions include: Latham Branch at 8:30 a.m. North Greenbush and Glenmont Branch at 9 a.m. Glens Falls Branch at 9:30 a.m. OCTOBER Monday, Oct. 8 Closed for Columbus Day.
14 | July/August March/April ‘12
Grand prize winner! Tournament winners from The NES Group.
CUNA Mutual’s Jim Langer tees off.
Mary Sebast was shocked. “I couldn’t even breathe. I never win anything,” said BIG Benefit Raffle Grand Prize winner Mary Sebast of the moment when CAP COM President/CEO Paula A. Stopera called with the big news. Mary told the story when she received her prize at a special reception for all the winners. The Raffle raised more than $66,500 to help the CAP COM Cares Foundation support local community organizations. “The Foundation is grateful for the generous support of our members, volunteers and friends. And, it’s always fun to celebrate with our winners,” Paula said. BIG Benefit Raffle prize winners: $10,000 Grand Prize Mary Sebast, of Burnt Hills $5,000 Second Place Prize Rich Barber, of Albany $1,000 Prizes Mary Pat Provost, of Latham Chris Hersey, of Eagle Bridge Kristi Miller, of Albany Ruben Wong, of Ballston Lake Regina Garcia, of Troy Yesid Virviescas, of Schenectady
The 17th Annual CAP COM Cares Foundation Golf Tournament held in mid-June helped raise more than $33,000 for local charities. The event was held at Wolferts Roost Country Club and brought together 144 golfers from many Capital Region companies.
We thank our tournament sponsors: CUNA Mutual Group Digital X-Press NES Group Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc. Lavelle & Finn, LLP Attorneys at Law Bond Shoeneck & King
W.B. Mason Woodward Connor Gillies & Seleman Architects BBL Family of Companies Capital District YMCA
Care packages for troops Two care packages recently arrived at Aviano Air Force Base in Italy at the right time for Airman Corbin Dean. The packages arrived as parents and CAP COM members Martha and Lloyd Dean, of Petersburgh, N.Y., were visiting their 23-year-old son. As part of the Support Our Soldiers (SOS) program, the Foundation routinely sends out packages with the comforts of home such as toothbrushes and magazines to soldiers serving overseas. Lloyd said of the package: “Corbin was thrilled with the support of the CAP COM members. Thanks for remembering our troops who are working hard to keep us safe.”
U.S. Air Force Airman Corbin Dean.
July/August ‘12 | 15
Bringing college dreams to life! July/August ‘12 | 15
The Foundation awards over $50,000 in scholarships each year.
The CAP COM Cares Foundation recently named 18 local students as winners of the annual Weidner “Ed” Davis Scholarships and Harold Horning Scholarships.* Winners are CAP COM members and each earned $2,500. Congratulations winners: Jessica Abel, of Colonie Kristin Bartlett, of Clifton Park Jacqueline Brassard, of Guilderland Emily Christian, of Bethlehem Brittany Condon, of Castleton Taylor Coticchio, of Colonie Alexis Fehervari, of Guilderland John Hodes, of Stone Ridge Carli Jurczynski, of Guilderland
Haley Korn, of Niskayuna Megan Lounsbury, of Clifton Park Riley McLaughlin, of South Glens Falls Laura O’Connor, of Albany Devin Papuzza, of Colonie Brandon Phillips, of Latham Kathryn Reittinger, of Colonie Alison Walker, of Saratoga Springs Alexis Willey, of Rotterdam
*Harold Horning Scholarship winners are selected from families of employees and volunteers.
CAP COM Cares
Foundation Proudly established by CAP COM Federal Credit Union
Brandon Phillips is a graduate of Shaker High School and will attend the University at Albany.
16 | July/August ‘12
The CAP
COM Crusaders baseball team won a Division Championship with two victories in recent games at the ValleyCats stadium in Troy. Up next
is the championship! Look for details on the web: • www.capcomfcu.org • www.facebook.com/capcomfcu • @CAP_COM_FCU
Hours & Locations At a glance Phone CCFCU Phone CCFCU Toll Free CCFCU Fax Touch-24 Touch-24 Toll Free
(518) 458-2195 (800) 468-5500 (518) 458-2261 (518) 458-8986 (800) 634-2340
BRANCH Hours Monday to Wednesday Lobbies 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Drive Thrus 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.* Thursday and Friday Lobbies 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.* Drive Thrus 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.* Saturday* Lobbies 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Drive Thrus 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. *See Early Drive Thru Hours below. See Glens Falls hours at right. EARLY DRIVE THRU HOURS Monday to Friday Main Office & Latham 7:30 a.m.
Branch and ATM Locations Albany (Main Office and mailing address) 18 Computer Drive East Albany, NY 12205-1168 Brunswick 799 Hoosick Road Clifton Park 1744 Route 9 Cohoes 219 Ontario Street Colonie 341 New Karner Road Glenmont 384 Bender Lane Glens Falls New 8 Glens Falls Tech Park s! hour Glens Falls hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Latham 4 Century Hill Drive Niskayuna 582 Balltown Road North Greenbush 233 Route 4
ATM Locations Clifton Park Food Court, Clifton Park Center Waterford (Limited branch hours) 260 Hudson River Road SURCHARGE-FREE ATMs SUM Networks and CO-OP ATMs STEWART’S SHOPS ATMs Use any Stewart’s Shops ATM for just $1 per withdrawal.* *Initial fee is $2 and CAP COM will reimburse members $1 for each withdrawal within 24 hours.
Locate ATMs at www.capcomfcu.org or with our Mobile Banking Apps. WEB & MOBILE BANKING www.capcomfcu.org Secure online banking and convenient mobile-device banking featuring CAP COM’s iPhone and Android Apps.
CAP COM FCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
Member Company
Discounts FYE
Get 20% off a CD or DVD Visit www.capcomfcu.org/discounts and print our FYE coupon. Present the coupon and get 20% off any regularly priced CD or DVD $12.99 or up. Find FYE stores in Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center mall. Must present coupon. One transaction per visit, not to include video game hardware or software, electronics, sale items, CD singles, gift cards/coins, tickets, or special orders. Not valid with any other offer or on prior purchases. Photocopies or other mechanical reproductions of this coupon will not be accepted.
Villa Valenti
Get 10% off your meal Get 10% off your meal at Villa Valenti by paying with your CAP COM VISA® Debit or Credit Card. The restaurant is located at 369 West Sand Lake Road in Wynantskill. Must use CAP COM VISA Debit or Credit Card at time of payment to get discounts. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.
Become a Member Company CAP COM serves more than 500 Member Companies. It’s easy for employees at Member Companies to join CAP COM. Add CAP COM to your benefits package for FREE and receive: • On-site presentations about CAP COM benefits. • Educational workshops at your location. • Unique promotions exclusively for our Member Companies. • A summer visit from the CAP COM Ice Cream Van. All Member Companies can join our Member Discount Program.** Discounts are offered to CAP COM members on our website and in our newsletter. Find a full list of discounts at www.capcomfcu.org/discounts.
Call Carie to discover more today! Carie Sala Business Development Manager csala@capcomfcu.org (518) 458-2195 ext. 3671 www.freecompanybenefit.com
**Offer details vary by vendor. Program effective as of 2/1/10 and updated as of 6/15/12. Credit Union does not endorse or guarantee the products or services of Member Companies and is not liable for consequential direct or indirect damages which may result from the purchase of a good or service. Previous purchases excluded. Program subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Join us at Great Escape
FUNday! Allison and James Bartley, of Schenectady, enjoy a Great Escape ride.
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Albany, NY Permit #186 18 Computer Drive East Albany, NY 12205-1168
Sunday, Aug. 5
Get your tickets today!
• Tickets are $30 each. • Save up to 50% off regular price. • See details on Page 2.
School Banking | 3 Get your School Banker started early!
Volume 28 • Number 4
of Communication
July/August 2012
Lines
College savings | 4 Get FUNday, Season Pass and Any Day Ticket details.
Lending life for
Build a better future with low fixed rate Home Equity Loans and Auto Loans.
Play ball! | 16 CAP COM’s baseball team set for championship game.