MoneyWisdomWinter 2015

A COMPLIMENTARY SUBSCRIPTION FROM HANSCOM FCU

10 Ways to Tell ifYour Finances Are FIT OR FLABBY 3

Refinance Your Auto AND SAVE BIG! 5

Easy Ways To Go Green WITH YOUR MONEY 2

2 Winter 2015

Easy Ways To Go Green WITH YOUR MONEYYou don’t have to be a full-time environmentalist to appreciate the value of “going green.” Practicing green habits at home and in the workplace can make a difference not only to the world, but also to your wallet.

Here are some convenient and cost-saving ways we can help you to save energy and limit waste – creating a healthier, happier planet.

Online Statements are a great starting point. Instead of receiving paper statements, save a tree or two by checking your statement online. View your Hanscom FCU accounts up to seven years of archives for easy record keeping.

Online Banking allows you to monitor your accounts, transfer balances and receive your bills, all from the convenience of your home or office. Pay bills in advance, track your deposits and withdrawals, even pay a person easily and securely, anytime.

Online Bill Pay helps you pay your bills electronically – saving you the cost of envelopes and postage. Sign up for eBills and have your bill sent directly to you electronically. Set up payments in advance and never worry about being late again.

Payday Perqs can help you get paid early. When you use direct deposit, we’ll make your funds available to you as soon as we are notified, which could put money in your hands a few days ahead.

A MassSave 0% Loan can help you make energy-efficient home improvements without a big upfront cost. This program is available to Massachusetts homeowners through utilities that participate in the MassSave program. Start with a home energy audit from a knowledgeable professional.

Use the funds, up to $50,000 with terms up to seven years, to replace or install heating and cooling systems, add insulation or put in energy efficient windows. Learn more at www.hfcu.org/masssave.

Auto loan discount of 0.25% for vehicles that receive a combined miles per gallon rating of 30 mpg or more. Check www.fueleconomy.gov to find a qualifying vehicle that fits your needs. Visit our web site at www.hfcu.org/green to learn more about any of these services.

These are our green ideas. What are yours? Tweet them to @HanscomFCU or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HanscomFederalCreditUnion.

want to connect?Visit us on social!

We all know that staying physically active and eating healthfully can do a body good. But have you ever thought about the fitness of your finances? Your approach to money management needs regular checkups, too. You might discover that you need to trim some fat from the budget, bulk up on savings or work with a financial coach to reach your goals.

MONEY SAVING TIPS

3

Are Your Finances FIT OR FLABBY?

scoring:8-10: Financially fit! Congratulations – you pass the fiscal fitness test. Keep contributing to savings and working on paying down debt.

5-7: Soft around the edges. You’re on the right track to financial fitness – but your training plan could use a boost. Perhaps it’s time to build your savings or review your financial goals.

0-4: Time for a serious workout. Focus on building the fundamentals of good financial fitness – a sound budget, appropriate savings accounts and/or a debt-repayment strategy. You might benefit from the assistance of a financial coach to get on the right track to better financial fitness.

Did you know that Hanscom FCU members have access to personalized financial education and counseling? Take advantage of free and confidential programs from BALANCESM

to get your finances on track for a healthy financial future. Visit us at www.hfcu.org and click on Help Center/Financial.

ready to flex those muscles?Whether you’re looking for minor suggestions or a major overhaul of your approach to money management, meeting with a financial counselor can help.

To help determine the fitness of your finances, take this test. Give yourself one point for each yes answer.

1. Do you have a budget and stick to it?

2. Do you have enough money to comfortably pay your bills each month?

3. Do you review your credit reports at least once a year, including your credit score?

4. Do you have a retirement account?

5. Do you have an emergency fund (enough money set aside to cover at least three months of expenses) – and contribute to it regularly?

6. Have you identified your short- and long-term financial goals?

7. Do you know your current net worth?

8. Can you locate your important financial documents, including bills, tax returns and statements?

9. Do you increase the amount you save when your income increases?

10. Do you avoid buying on impulse and purchasing items you don’t need with your credit card?

No matter how you score, we can help you keep your finances in top shape. Turn to us for a free credit score evaluation. We’ll give you your credit score and help you understand your credit report.

Plus, we’ll give you ways to improve your credit so you can qualify for the lowest loan rate possible and save money over the life of your loan.

Learn more about how we can help you by calling 800-656-4328, visiting www.hfcu.org/review or stopping by a branch.

1. Money

2. Change

3. Price

4. Bill

5. Budget

6. Check

7. Wallet

8. Deposit

9. Savings

10. Interest

A B C D E F G

H I J K L M N

O P Q R S T U

V W X Y Z

Answers: 1. 27¢; 2. 51¢; 3. 31¢; 4. 13¢; 5. 67¢; 6. 26¢; 7. 48¢; 8. 66¢; 9. 60¢; 10. 43¢. Bill is worth the least. Budget is worth the most.

How Much Are These WORDS WORTH?

Spelling makes cents! Use the coins under the letters to add up how much each word is worth and write the total next to each word. Which word is worth the least? Which one is worth the most? When you’re done, check your answers to the left.

4 Winter 2015

Getting into a good college takes a lot of hard work and dedication. One of the last hurdles to admission is the application essay – and it’s a great opportunity for you to shine. Here are some tips to help you create an application essay that gives you the best chance at getting into your top school.

Show your brand. Most pieces of the application process are simple fill-in-the-blanks. The essay is your chance to truly show your personality and what you are all about. Think of how you’re portraying your personal “brand” through what you choose to write about. Consider your tone and what you want it to convey – humor, intensity, seriousness?

Be original. Many colleges allow you flexibility in choosing what to write. Think about what experience you have that lends a unique perspective. Choose a topic that feels comfortable and can play to your strengths as

&KIDS TEENS

ESSAY HELP! Tips For Writing a College Application Essay

both a writer and a student. If the essay does have a specific assigned topic, try to bring your own angle to the subject while showing your knowledge.

Edit, edit, edit. A great essay is rarely done after the first run through. Between spelling mistakes, run-on sentences and unclear ideas, editing is an important tool in perfecting your essay. Don’t make the mistake of simply relying on a computer spell-check to catch problems. Re-read and re-write your essay until you feel it’s perfect. Getting a friend or family member to read it as well is smart since they will have fresh eyes to spot errors.

Do it yourself. The quickest way to get eliminated from consideration is to plagiarize your essay. It may be tempting to use great words from others, but you must be sure to attribute anything that did not come out of your own brain. Finally, stay away from paid services

that offer to write your essay for you. This defeats the purpose of showing your uniqueness through an essay and they often are poor quality anyway.

here to helpAfter nailing the application essay and getting into that great college, your next goal is to figure out how you will pay. See page 6 for details on our scholarship program for high school seniors planning to continue their education.

College is one of the best investments you can make. Contact us at 800-656-4328 or visit us online to learn how we can help you or your student.

Visit us online at www.hfcu.org/refinance, call 800-656-4328 or stop in at one of our locations today to learn more!

MONEY SAVING TIPS

5

Love your car but hate your payment? Here’s a secret that banks and car dealers don’t want you to know ... you can refinance your vehicle loan and save.

passing along the savings to youRefinancing your vehicle is quick, easy and could save you a lot of money each month – and over the life of your loan. Here are some of the benefits you could realize:

• Our great low rates are perfect for refinancing• Lower monthly payment or shorten your

term to pay off your loan more quickly• No application fee• No title transfer fee• Optional low-cost payment protection and

GAP coverage available

other financing opportunitiesIn addition to refinancing your current auto loan, if you’re looking for flexible, affordable financing on new and used RVs, boats, campers and motorcycles, we’re here to help!

Refinance Your Auto and SAVE BIG!

Here’s what members are saying about refinancing with Hanscom FCU:

“Refinanced my car recently with you. I got a great rate and worked with great people. Thanks for making it easy, enjoyable and affordable to get a loan.”

– Susan E.

Hanscom FCU IN THE COMMUNITY

6 Winter 2015

APPLY NOW For Our College Scholarships Hanscom FCU recently celebrated another great year of serving members with a collective

“thank you,” hosting a Member Appreciation Day at all branches. At the main branch on Hanscom AFB, Col Michael A Vogel, Commander, 66th Air Base Group, Hanscom Air Force Base, left, stopped by and was welcomed by President/CEO David Sprague.Are you or do you know a current high

school senior headed to college? Then you know that finding the funds to pay the costs is a top concern. We can help with a $1,500 scholarship for up to five members.

The John F. Condon scholarship, named for a long-time board member, can help you defray some college costs.

Awards are based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community service and a one-page essay. Financial need may also be considered.

To qualify, you must be a graduating high school senior and a primary member of the credit union in good standing at the time you apply. Application deadline is March 9, 2015. Packages are available at www.hfcu.org/scholarship, at any branch or by calling 800-656-4328, ext. 2203.

The 2014 Board of Directors Memorial Award was presented to the Natick Soldiers Systems Center Civilian Welfare Fund (CWF). The $1,500 award honors past and present Hanscom FCU board members by recognizing volunteer groups that serve our membership base. Pictured left to right, back row: Hanscom FCU Director Fred Ryan; CWF volunteers LaVern Olmstead, Kathy Ferent, Theresa Sowerbutts and Marie Belmore; Hanscom FCU President/CEO David Sprague. Front row: Hanscom FCU Director Hugh McNeil, CWF volunteers CSM Robert Beausoleil and Duane Young, Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board Paul J. Marotta, CWF volunteer LtCol Brian Greata, and Hanscom FCU SVP of Operations Jim Potter.

PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE

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Jessica Read, manager of member relations, received the Cushman Award at the annual employee appreciation event. The award, named for a long-time board member, is given to the staff member who best embodies the ideals of Hanscom FCU. As a team leader in member service, Jessica displays flexibility, extensive product knowledge, and outstanding training skills. Earlier in the year, she also received the President’s Award for strategic support.

Hanscom FCU Chairman of the Board Paul Marotta (left) accepted the Eugene Ball Award from Pete Weldon, former Chairman and current Director of the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen. The award was created to recognize outstanding leaders in the credit union movement. Mr. Marotta was elected Chairman in 1992 and has served on the board since 1988. He began his volunteer career in 1976 when he joined the Supervisory Committee.

We had a spooktacular time at the Trunk or Treat event held by the Bedford (MA) Chamber of Commerce. Relationship Manager Cheryl Eggerts and Bedford Branch Assistant Manager Joan Daly made a charming good witch/bad witch team, handing out candy to local children.

You Said It –

We’ve received many kind words on our redesigned web site. Thank you to all who took the time to leave a review.

“I’ve always had great experiences with Hanscom, from resolving issues with charges, credit score reviews, and comparing loan rates just to name a few. I’m proud to have been a Hanscom member for many years!” – Kimberly P

“I’ve been with HFCU for many years and very satisfied. Although I moved from east coast to California, I am keeping my Hanscom accounts. Thanks to convenient online banking service.” – Ching-Yi L

“I have been a customer for over 15 years and can’t say enough about how efficient HFCU has been for me. They also follow up on questionable charges incurred to my account. Best bank or credit union I have ever dealt with.” – Paul C

We are sad to report that Ferdinand L Fecteau, director emeritus and former President of Hanscom FCU, died on Friday, December 5, 2014. Mr. Fecteau was active as an employee and a volunteer until he retired from the board in July 2012. Mr. Fecteau was solidly focused on members, and could be counted on to consider their well-being at every turn. He has left a legacy for all staff and volunteers to follow and he will be missed.

our missionTo provide superior financial service responsive to our members’ needs.

contact usHeadquarters: 1610 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

800-656-4328

www.hfcu.org

Download our free app for iPhone® and AndroidTM

Short code for text access: 692667

Routing Number (for direct deposits and withdrawals): 2113-8048-3

NMLS# 410771

To report a lost or stolen Visa® card: 800-656-4328 Overseas (24 hr): 701-461-0621 (call collect)

board of directorsPaul J. Marotta, ChairmanMark D. Walsh, Vice ChairmanJohn A. Delcore, SecretaryAlan M. Hart, TreasurerTeresa S. ConradHugh W. McNeilRay T. Phillips Frederick C. RyanLawrence S. RzepeckiFerdinand L. Fecteau, Director Emeritus

statisticsMembers ............................................... 56,362

Assets .......................................$1,073,000,000

Loans ......................................... $766,000,000

Deposits ......................................$951,000,000

Reserves ..................................... $100,800,000

October 31, 2014

This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to Hanscom FCU are provided for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Thinkstock, ©iStock, ©Fotolia. ©2015 Hanscom Federal Credit Union.

1610 Eglin Street Hanscom AFB, MA 01731

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12/7/2012http://bitly.com/SM3Slv.qrcode

Join Us at the Annual Meeting

You are invited to our Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 2, 2015, at Moseley’s on the Charles in Dedham, Mass.

The Annual Meeting is your opportunity to connect with credit union volunteers, staff and fellow members. The evening incudes a free cash raffle, giveaways and refreshments.

After the business meeting, stay for a sit-down dinner and live entertainment. Tickets for the meal are just $12 per person.

Order your tickets online at www.hfcu.org/meeting, by phone or at any branch. We hope to see you there!

Go green. Log in to Online Access HD to sign up for online statements. Learn more at www.hfcu.org/online.