Spring 2020 | Vol. 15 | No. 1

VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union

F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E

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CUGain Peace of Mind with Overdraft Protection

Are you looking for a simple way to gain more peace of mind and protection when it comes to your finances? Overdraft Protection from the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union could be your solution.

In addition to no monthly fees or balance requirements, our checking accounts offer a free Overdraft Protection program to help you avoid the hassle, cost, and embarrassment of overdrawing your account, whether in the form of returned checks or declined Check Card transactions. By transferring money from your savings account to cover you, overdraft protection provides the coverage to help you avoid potentially stressful situations as well as related fees from merchants.

You also have the option of an overdraft line of credit (LOC). This is a loan that is linked to your checking account. So if you don’t have enough funds in your checking account at the time of the overdraft, the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union will transfer money from your LOC instead.

To sign up, or for more details, contact the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit union today and start living with the financial peace of mind that you deserve.

VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union

Safe Banking Resources for Members

We’ve restricted visits to our branch locations, but you can still bank safely with us:

U.S. Department of Veterans A�airs

Veterans Health AdministrationVA Pittsburgh Healthcare System

• Get cash from surcharge-free ATMs at:◊ Most GetGo and Sheetz convenience stores◊ Participating off-campus credit unions listed at

cudollar.org• Use your debit card to make purchases at grocery

stores, etc.

• Download our mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store to:◊ Deposit checks electronically◊ Check account balances◊ Pay bills◊ View transactions

NEED AN ATM/DEBIT CARD? We’ll mail it! For details, call us at 412-360-1150 (UD) or 412-822-3185 (HZ).

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT VAPGHEFCU.ORG TO:• Enroll in online banking.• Apply for a credit card.• Apply for loans.

Please do not visit our University Drive and Heinz branches to use the ATMs. ATM use and on-site branch visits are limited to staff, Veterans and visitors who are in the facilities on official business. All other branch visits are by appointment only. Face masks are recommended.

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Exercise Your Dormant Accounts and Sub AccountsWith all the great products and services the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union has to offer, there’s no excuse to let your account sit dormant and inactive. If you haven’t touched your Share Savings Account or Draft Account in a while, chances are your account is inactive or dormant! All financial institutions are required to escheat or send the “unclaimed” funds to the state if there is no activity or contact after a period of 3 years.The VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union has a wide variety of products and services to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for an Auto Loan or a Share Certificate, we can help! Stop by or call today; one of our friendly Member Service Representatives will help you figure out how you can get your money out of an inactive state into a state that works for you.

Our Home Equity Loan Will Make Your Dreams Come True!Please call the credit union for more information.

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Branch Locations and Hours

www.vapghefcu.org

VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union 1010 Delafield Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215

Hours of Operation Monday-Friday…..8 am to 3:30 pm

Heinz Branch Administration Building Building 70, First Floor

Phone:....................412-822-3185 Fax:.........................412-822-3187

University Drive Branch Building 1, Ground Floor

Room AE148 Phone:....................412-360-1150 Fax:.........................412-360-1149

HOLIDAY CLOSINGS

Memorial Day Observed

Monday, May 25

Are Your Kids on the Right Track to Financial Independence? For many of today’s young adults, the weakest link lies in learning the basics. Only 35% of teens know how to balance a checking account or manage credit cards. During the past several years, a decline in overall financial knowledge is especially pronounced among 18-year-olds, and 13% fewer teens have bank accounts.*

Achieving economic prosperity is difficult, and it’s especially hard for young people who’ve never learned how to manage money.

Your VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal credit union is ideally positioned to respond because we believe in the power of education. We’re here to help you launch the youth in your life toward financial independence, and here’s how:

• Join. For starters, open a VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal credit union savings account for each child in your family. As soon as your children can write, have them fill out deposit and withdrawal slips. Guide teenagers through using a debit card and tracking transactions.

• Share. Include your children in household money discussions. Show them how you budget income and expenses. As their skills improve, give them challenges—such as finding a better cell phone plan, calculating the total monthly cost of owning a car, or sticking to a budget for back-to-school or holiday spending.

• Coach. Remind your children to ask for help when they need it. And turn to your VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal credit union when you want help. Our tradition of service and philosophy of self-help make VA Pittsburgh Employees Credit Union and all credit unions a natural partner in pursuing financial security.

We’re here to help. For more information, contact us at 412-822-3185 or 412-360-1150.

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Time for Spring Cleaning! Spring is in the air. For many, this also means that it’s time for some spring cleaning around the house including your financial records. It’s important to know what to save and when to toss it. Check with your attorney or accountant if you’re not sure what to do.

Here are some helpful hints:• Tax returns and supporting documents - The IRS

recommends that you keep copies of your federal tax returns and supporting documents (i.e. W-2s, pay stubs, receipts, statements, etc.) for at least three years.

• Investment and retirement plan records - including copies of beneficiary forms, investment statements and records of purchases and sales.

• Statements and bills - As a general rule, save receipts for routine bills and credit card statements until proof of payment is received or any problems are resolved.

• Insurance, housing, and purchase records - insurance policies, leases, titles, mortgage loan papers, property bills of purchase and receipts for major repairs and renovations.

• Estate planning documents - Wills, trust agreements, net worth statements, power of attorney documents and advance directives should be kept in an accessible place, known to your designated executor.

Open all mail daily. Destroy junk mail immediately, shredding any papers with personal information on them. Open bills and check them for accuracy before payment—or simplify payments by authorizing automatic withdrawals from your checking account.

The majority of your records should be stored for quick access. You may want to store them in a fire-safe box and sort them using the general categories listed above as a guide, but tailor your system to suit your needs.

Manage your finances with your computer by paying bills online, filing your taxes electronically, completing VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal credit union transactions, planning your retirement savings or managing your budget with a software program. Keep paper records of any financial information stored

on your computer, including passwords and PINs needed for access.

Make sure that you regularly sort the contents of your wallet and properly discard outdated

materials. Wallets can be lost or stolen so as a precaution, photocopy any of your

essential documents and store the copy in a safe location.

Improve Your Credit ScoreFollow these three easy steps, and you’ll

boost your credit score in no time!

Pay Bills On Time• Late payments pull down your credit

score, plus paying all those late fees can add up. Save money and help pull up your credit score all at the same time.

Pay the Maxed-Out Cards First• Points are deducted if you use more than 50% of your

card’s limit. Pay your maxed-out credit cards, and your credit score will improve.

Don’t Cancel Any Credit Cards• Most of your credit score is based on how much credit

you have but aren’t using. When you cancel a card, it will decrease the amount of your available credit.

If you are drowning in credit card or any kind of debt, give the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union a call. We are your financial partner and want to help members keep their feet on the ground.

There are more reasons than ever to love being a member of VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union.

Your credit union membership is about the trust and care of community, built around where you live, work and play. That’s why VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union membership saves you money through exclusive member-only offers through our trusted partners. Through Love My Credit Union Rewards, credit union members have saved over $2 billion with offers like:

• $100 cash reward with each new line you activate with Sprint. Plus, existing customers earn $100 Annual Loyalty Cash Rewards, and 25% off select accessories in Sprint stores.

• Credit union membership also saves you up to $15 on TurboTax federal products.

• Protecting your car and home shouldn't cost an arm and a leg. VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union members can save big with an exclusive discount from the TruStage Home & Auto Insurance Program.

Learn all about how your VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union membership gets you all these exclusive savings, and more at VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union or LoveMyCreditUnion.org. Check them out and start enjoying credit union member benefits you never knew you had.

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Identity Theft: Protecting Your Credit Card

Your credit report follows you wherever you go, and locking away your personal and financial information from identity thieves is essential. Good credit can be the difference between opportunity and denial, whether you’re applying for an Auto Loan, First Mortgage, or Student Loan.

Here are a few tips to ensure that your finances are secure and sensitive information is kept safe.

• Shred any paperwork containing personal information. This includes “junk” mail offering credit card pre-approval.

• Keep secure documents containing personal data in a locked file drawer, cabinet or box.

• Limit the number of credit cards you use and carry.

• Memorize your Social Security number and passwords to avoid having them recorded in your wallet or purse.

• Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus on a yearly basis.

For more tips on how to protect your credit, contact the VA Pittsburgh Employees Federal Credit Union today. Our team of financial experts is ready to provide you with advice and assistance.

Penny-Wise Tips to Save this SpringLooking for ways to grow your bank account this spring? Keep more money in

your pocket with these seasonal saving tips.

Shop and compare. Which supermarket has the best prices this week on bread, broccoli, or other products you use? Find deals from hundreds of local stores in one place at www.moneysavingmom.com/store_deals. Then look for printable coupons at coupons.com to shrink your grocery bill even more.

Spruce up for less. Instead of expensive, chemical-loaded cleaning products, try making your own homemade cleansers using baking soda, white vinegar, and other household staples. You’ll spend just pennies a batch, and you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing just what goes into them. Find “recipes” (including one for homemade laundry detergent!) at eartheasy.com.

Save on sporting goods. Equipping your family for another season of baseball, soccer, or Ultimate Frisbee? Save big by buying high-quality secondhand equipment instead of brand-new gear. If you have unused or outgrown items, you can exchange them for credit at playitagainsports.com or other locally-owned stores near you.

Save on the house and car you already have. With interest rates remaining low, now may be the time to refinance your mortgage or auto loan. A fixed rate or lower adjustable rate can mean hundreds of dollars in savings every year. Call us today to see how we can help.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates effective as of 4-20-2020. All rates are subject to change without notice. Rates may change based on credit approval and terms. Call the credit union for current rate information. Equal Opportunity Lender. **

Loan RatesType Maximum Term Rate*

Share SecuredShare Secured Loans are as low as 3.55% above the

current dividend paid on regular shares

New Vehicle

5 Year Value of vehicle up to 60 months as low as 2.80%

6 Year Value of vehicle 61 to 66 months as low as 3.29%

7 Year** Value of vehicle 67 to 72 months as low as 3.54%

Used Vehicle 2016-2019 Value of vehicle up to 60 months as low as 3.05%

2015-2013 Value of vehicle up to 36 months as low as 3.55%

2015-2013 Value of vehicle up to 48 months as low as 4.30%

2015-2013 Value of vehicle up to 60 months as low as 4.55%

Home Equity Contact the Credit Union for Home Equity Loan Rates.

Signature Loan up to 1 year as low as 7.30%

over 1 year as low as 7.80%