Credit Union Membership is a Wise Investment! I was recently asked to share the differences between a bank and a credit union with a local student group. What follows is a summary of that conversation. All financial institutions are in the business of buying and selling money. When you make a deposit, you are selling the financial institution’s money. When you borrow money or use a credit card, you are buying money. Financial institutions also provide various services and transaction types for which they charge a fee. So what difference does it make what kind of financial institution one chooses to use? The difference seems to be the perspective and motivation of the financial institution. Banks have existed to perform these monetary functions for thousands of years. The inception of banks as we know them today was wealthy families and merchants during the renaissance era providing these financial services to farmers, merchants, trading companies and governments. Wealthy individuals continued to provide these services into the 20th century using their own monetary resources. During the twentieth century, a transition occurred and bank ownership shifted from individuals to corporations. The motivation during this entire banking history remained the same; make a profit and maximize the value of the bank owners’ investment.CREDIT UNIONS HAVE A DIFFERENT FOUNDATION AND MOTIVATIONHISTORY - Credit unions started in Germany to help the little guys that the bankers thought were too risky or too unprofitable to help. Because of their cooperative structure, they pooled their resources and held one another accountable to make things work. STRUCTURE - Credit unions operate on cooperative principles. Membership in the credit union is voluntary and open to all within the membership group. The board of directors are democratically elected from among the membership. All the members pool their financial resources to make loans to other members. The credit union is independent from all other credit unions, although credit unions may choose to cooperate with one another. Credit unions tend to support and improve the communities from which their members come.OWNERSHIP - The members own the credit union. Every customer is a member/owner of the credit union. By doing all their banking with the credit union they enhance the value of their credit union investment.CUSTOMERS – Unlike a bank, to be a customer/member/owner of the credit union an individual must also be part of the group that sponsors the credit union.GOVERNANCE – The credit union is directed by a Board of Directors who are democratically elected from amongst the credit union members.SERVICES – Credit unions tend to focus primarily on consumer financial services while providing only limited business services.PERSPECTIVES & MOTIVATIONS – As opposed to a bank’s focus on maximum profits, credit unions focus on helping each member, all the members, and the future members. They improve financial lives. They pool their resources and hold one another accountable to minimize risk, lower costs, and deliver superior service.BENEFITS – The outcome of these credit union values is lower loan rates, lower fees, higher deposit rates, and greater financial service access for members typically not served by banks. Credit unions provide financial education to their members and within their communities. The personal service, for which credit unions are known, derives its motivation from a desire to improve financial lives not from a focus on greater profits. U$X Federal Credit Union operates on these cooperative principles. To maximize the value of your U$X Federal Credit Union membership and receive financial service with your best interest at heart, I encourage you to move all your financial business here. When you invite family and coworkers to participate in your credit union, you ensure that your investment will grow and that they will derive the same financial service that you have benefited from.

Best regards,David R. Ackerman, President/CEO

Holiday ClosingsAll U$X Federal Credit Union Offices will be closed on the following dates in observance of the related holiday:

Please contact your local branch office for other changes to normal operating hours.

Conveniently Located To Serve You Better1-888-219-3159www.usxfcu.org

Audio Response 1-800-590-0207

Spring 2018 Volume 28 Issue 1

U$X Federal Credit Union®PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Cranberry MainAdministration and Legal

Correspondence 1293 Freedom Rd PO Box 1728 Cranberry Twp PA 16066-0728

Fax: (724) 779-4656

Cranberry East1694 Route 228 Ste 106Cranberry Twp PA 16066

Findlay1038 Interstate CtFindlay OH 45840

Greensburg

55 S Washington Ave Greensburg PA 15601

JeffersonMOB Ste 109B 575 Coal Valley Rd

Jefferson Hills PA 15025

Marathon539 S Main StRM D-01-024

Findlay OH 45840

Monaca400 Frankfort Rd

PO Box 222Monaca PA 15061

New Stanton100 Bair BlvdPO Box 657

New Stanton PA 15672

Petrolia206 Main Hill Rd

Petrolia PA 16050

PittsburghConcourse Level

600 Grant StPittsburgh PA 15219

Sarver479 N Pike Rd

Sarver PA 16055

Memorial DayMonday, May 28, 2018

Independence DayWednesday, July 4, 2018

The Board of Directors and Staff would like to welcome the following new companies, associations and their employees or members to U$X FCU:

U$X FCU "Where Membership is a Rewarding Experience"

TECH TIPS:New Advisory:  If you don’t want to change your Password use a long passphrase.Last summer the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) surprised everyone with their new password recommendations. These can be distilled down to this:  If your accounts and passwords have not been cracked, you don’t have to change your password as long as you make it sufficiently long.  And that means a password of 16 characters or more.  The longer the better. According to NIST passphrases are in, and complex passwords are out.     If you want to learn how to build a better password by using a passphrase read this article at the NIST website:  https://www.nist.gov/blogs/taking-measure/easy-ways-build-better-pw0rd

Auto Zone #1895Balance for Wellness, Inc.

Chagrin Solutions, LLCCommunity Health Clinic of Butler County

First National Bank-Aliquippa branchH. Jack Buzard Funeral Homes, Inc.

HIS Kids Christian SchoolJeff Hey Auto Body

Indigo Yoga LoftInstant Imprints of Cranberry

Lynn’s Heating & Cooling

Quality Lines Inc.Samco Inc. dba Yoland’s Restaurant

StairBusters.comSummit Presbyterian Church

The Dapper DoughnutThe Reuss AgencyThrive Chiropractic

VFW Post 7073 – Parker, PAWomen in the Network

Remember if your co-workers are not yet members of U$X FCU, you can get paid for introducing them to the credit union.

Ask our staff how.

Saving your money isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t have a lot to spare. After paying all your usual expenses, there may be very little “fun” money at the end of the month. When we do find ourselves with some extra cash, like a tax refund, many of us rush out to buy those shoes or that electronic gadget we’ve been eyeing for months instead of putting it into our savings. Why do we do that? Why do we spend the money we planned on using for our future? We can blame it on our brains. Behavioral science has shown that humans are hard-wired to act on impulse and that it takes conscious thought to delay gratification. It’s also much easier to focus on the present than our future. To help you save for your future, behavioral science suggests visualizing yourself as you might look when you’re older. For instance, if you want to save for retirement, imagine yourself at age 67, living comfortably, maybe traveling the country, or having the time and the means to do something you’ve always wanted to do. Another way to help you save for your future is by making it a habit. Start with small goals. For instance, commit to putting a certain amount, say $10, into a savings account every week. If you have direct deposit, you might want to consider setting up an automatic transfer of $10 into your savings account every time your paycheck is deposited. Over time, you can gradually increase the amount by a dollar or two.Teach Your Children How to Save To help your children get into the savings habit, start by having them cut out pictures of something they’d like to have someday and post the images where they’ll see them often. Then help them open a savings account at U$X Federal Credit Union. You can open an account with as little as $25.00. Encourage your child to make regular small deposits each week. Tell them their money will earn interest while it’s in their account. If they keep this routine going, they’ll quickly see their savings grows. This April, we’re celebrating Youth Month. At U$X FCU, we’ve created programs and services designed specifically for young people. So stop by and get in on the action during Youth Month!Youth coloring contest (see credit union for full details). Join one of our Youth Clubs. To give our young members an early boost, we’ll give them their own SPECIAL interest rate of 1.00% APY* on the first $500 of savings! Plus, every new youth member under the age of 12 will receive a FREE Piggy Bank.We offer three, age appropriate versions of our Youth Accounts!1. Dollar Dog Kids Club® designed for ages 0 -12 to help teach early savings skills.2. Cha-Ching!® Savings designed for Ages 13 – 17 to help teach the basics of investing, budgeting etc.3. The Edge® Savings designed for Ages 18- 24 to provide a safe transition to adulthood.

Visit our website and use our Balance Track Personal Financial Education Center to learn how to balance your checkbook,

buy a vehicle, re-pay student loans and so much more!By helping your child give a hoot about saving now,

you’ll help them soar when they’re older. Call 888-219-3159 or visit us online at www.usxfcu.org to learn more.

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield, rates subject to change without notice. 1.00% APY applies to balances up to $500 only and balances over $500 will earn the (Base) Share Savings interest rate. The credit union Board of Directors will review and adjust the interest rate monthly. Special interest rate applies to Dollar Dog, Cha-Ching, and the Edge youth savings accounts.Copyright 2018 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

ANNUAL MEETING REMINDERWe invite you to attend U$X FCU’s upcoming Annual Meeting.

This yearly event is your chance to hear about the credit union’s successes in the past year and the challenges facing it in the future. Many important decisions are made regarding your credit union at the Annual Meeting each year. You

can have a say in these decisions by attending and voicing your opinion. This opportunity only comes along once a year…don’t miss out on it!

All members are WELCOME!!!Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 6:30 PM

DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Cranberry 910 Sheraton Dr. , Mars, PA 16046

Cash prizes, a giveaway and light hors d’oeuvres will be served! We hope to see you there!

SIGN UP TODAY!

April is National Credit Union Y outh Month!

FREE MOBILE BANKING

DEPOSITCHECKS

TRANSFERMONEY

PAYBILLS

Going Mobile – Access Anywhere, Anytime! Now every U$X Federal Credit Union Member can manage their money right from their hand held device. With the U$X FCU Mobile App you have access to your accounts anywhere, anytime. Available for iPhone, iPad and Android devices, the app is easy to download and simple to use. The app is loaded with features to make your financial life quick, easy, and convenient.

branch for a demonstration of the new mobile app and all of the new and exciting features. NEW!! Remote Check Deposit Deposit Checks right from your device Pay a Bill Pay bills on the go – all with one click View your Accounts Check your balance, look up a deposit, review your account history – instantly Transfer Funds Move money between your accounts or to other U$X FCU accounts, make payments Apply for a Loan Start the lending process right from your phone The U$X FCU Mobile app lets you manage your money on the go. The app is loaded with features to make your financial life quick, easy, and convenient.

Visit the mobile section of our website. There you will find frequently asked questions and additional helpful information. You can also stop by a branch or contact us with questions.

U$X FCU"Where Membership is a Rewarding Experience"

U$Xtra! Quiz Answer the following questions regarding U$X FCU® and win $25!

Daytime telephone number ______________________________________________Name ________________________________________________________________

Answer all the questions correctly and send your entry to: U$X FCU, U$Xtra Quiz, 1293 Freedom Road, PO Box 1728, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066. All correct U$Xtra quiz entries must be received by April 30, 2018 and will be entered into a random drawing for a chance to win one of (6) six $25 prizes. If your entry is selected, you will be notified and $25 will be deposited into your Share Savings Account. Please do not include any personal banking materials (deposits, IRA withdrawals, loan payment, etc.) with your quiz entry. Employees or Volunteers of U$X FCU are not eligible.

1. What is the special LOW interest rate for a U$X FCU 10 year Fixed Home Equity? a. 3.19% APR b. 2.99% APR c. 4.49% APR

2. The National Credit Union Youth Month theme for 2018 is? a. Make It, Save It! b. The Science of Saving! c. One for Me, One for YOU! 3. U$X FCU offers Mortgage Loans to our members? a. True b. False

4. On what date will the U$X FCU Annual Meeting take place? a. April 22, 2018 b. April 11, 2018 c. April 10, 2018

5. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), recommends how many characters in a strong and effective password? a. 6 b. 16 c. 21

The following information pertaining to the VISA Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement has been added.

Card Information Updates and Authorizations. If you have authorized a merchant to bill charges to your card on a recurring basis, it is your responsibility to notify the merchant in the event your card is replaced, your card information (such as card number and expiration date) changes, or the account associated with your card is closed. However, if your card is replaced or card information changes, you authorize us, without obligation on our part, to provide the updated card information to the merchant in order to permit the merchant to bill recurring charges to the card. You authorize us to apply such recurring charges to the card until you notify us that you have revoked authorization for the charges to your card.

Your card is automatically enrolled in an information updating service. Through this service, your updated card information (such as card number and expiration date) may be shared with participating merchants to facilitate continued recurring charges. Updates are not guaranteed before your next payment to a merchant is due. You are responsible for making direct payment until recurring charges resume. To revoke your authorization allowing us to provide updated card information to a merchant, please contact us.

This Addendum revises the terms of the Visa Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement. Please keep a copy of this Addendum with the Agreement. Except as set forth in this Addendum, the Agreement is unaffected and shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with its terms. If there is a conflict between this Addendum and the Agreement, the terms of this Addendum will prevail.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Addendum to VISA Credit Card Truth in Lending Disclosure

THE RETIREMENT MINDGAME

Your outlook may influence your f inancial outcome.

What kind of retirement do you think you’ll have? Qualitatively speaking, what if the success or failure of your retirement begins with your perception of retirement? A whole field of study has emerged on the psychology of saving, spending, and investing: behavioral finance. Since retirement saving is a behavior (and since other behaviors influence it), it is worth considering ways to adjust behavior and presumptions to encourage a better retirement.

Delayed gratification or instant gratification? Financially speaking, retiring earlier has its drawbacks

and may lead you into the next phase of your life with less income and savings. If you don’t love what you do for a living, you may see only the downside of working longer rather than the potential boost it could provide to your retirement planning (i.e., claiming Social Security later or tapping retirement account balances later and letting them compound more). If you see work as a daily set of unfulfilled tasks and retirement as an endless Saturday, Saturday will win out, and your mindset will lead you to retire earlier with less money. On the other hand, if you change your outlook to associate working longer with retiring more comfortably, you may leave work later with a bigger retirement nest egg – and who wouldn’t want that? If you don’t earmark 66 or 70 as your retirement year, you can become that much more susceptible to retiring as soon as possible. You’re 62, you can get Social Security; who cares if you get less money than you get at 66 or 70 if it’s available now? Resist that temptation if you can. While some retirees claim Social Security at age 62 out of necessity, others do out of inclination, perhaps not

realizing that inflation pressures and long-term care costs may render that a poor decision in the long run. Social Security wants you to wait until you reach what it calls Full Retirement Age (FRA) to claim your benefits. For those born after 1942, FRA is 66, 67, or somewhere in between. When you take benefits earlier than that, your monthly benefit payments are reduced by as much as 25%. That reduction is permanent.1 Some people are misinformed about this. In a 2017 Fidelity Investments poll, 38% of respondents thought the reduction was temporary and that their monthly benefits would suddenly increase when they reached their FRA.2

Setting a target age for retirement – say, 65, 66, or even 70 – before you turn 60 can help mentally encourage you to keep working to that age. Providing your health and employment hold up and you can work longer, patience can lead you to have more Social Security income rather than less. Take a step back from your own experience. For some perspective on what your retirement might be like, consider the lives of others. You undoubtedly know some retirees; think about how their retirements have gone. Who planned well, and who didn’t? What happened that was unexpected? Financial professionals and other consultants to retirees can also share input, as they have seen numerous retirements unfold. Reduce your debt. Rather than assume new consumer debts, which advertisers encourage us to take on, commensurate with salary and career growth, pay down your debts as best you can with the outlook that you are leaving yourself more money for the future (or for unexpected situations). Save and invest consistently. See if you can increase your savings rate on the way toward retirement. Don’t look at it as stripping money out of your present. Look at it as paying yourself first on behalf of your future. This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment. Citations.1 - gobankingrates.com/investing/mistakes-even-smart-people-make-retirement/ [1/8/18]2 - fool.com/retirement/2017/12/14/why-do-so-many-people-claim-social-security-at-62.aspx [12/14/17]

ARE YOU ON TARGET FOR RETIREMENT AND HAVE A SOUND PLAN IN PLACE?

CBSI-1462502.1-0416-0518 Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), memberFINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CBSI is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. The representative may also be financial institution employee that accepts deposits on behalf of the financial institution.

CBSI-1462502.1-0416-0518 Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), memberFINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CBSI is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. The representative may also be financial institution employee that accepts deposits on behalf of the financial institution.

TOPICS THAT IMPACT YOU.

TOPICS THAT IMPACT YOU.

financial advisor is available by appointment at for no-cost, no obligation

financial planning consultation.

financial advisor is available by appointment at for no-cost, no obligation

financial planning consultation.

ARE YOU ON TARGET FOR RETIREMENT AND HAVE A SOUND PLAN IN PLACE?

U$X Financial Group's

(724)-779-4895

Nathan RodgersFinancial AdvisorOffice 724.779.4895Toll Free 888.219.3159, x4895

U$X Financial Group's

(724)-779-4895

Nathan RodgersFinancial AdvisorOffice 724.779.4895Toll Free 888.219.3159, x4895

Nathan RodgersFinancial Advisor724-779-4895

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change without notice. Rates based upon individual creditworthiness. Other rates and terms available. All loan approvals are subject to normal loan underwriting guidelines. Minimum real estate secured loan amount is $10,000. Applies to owner-occupied property in PA and OH. Intro HELOC rate as low as 1.99% APR* for 12 months from loan closing date. After promotional period, rate reverts to Prime minus 1.00%. Current U$X FCU Home Equity or Home Loans are not eligible for refinancing, unless an additional $10,000 is borrowed. Consult your tax advisor for potential tax savings.

**U$X FCU pays all closing costs ranging from $100 to $1500 (excluding Title Insurance policy if required). See credit union for details.

“Once A Member, Always A Member”

Apply

Today!

Home Equity Loan Fixed RatesAs Low As 2.49%APR*

Up To 5 Years

NO CLOSING COSTS** Up To $1,500 In SAVINGS!

NO Application Fees!

Where Membership Is A Rewarding Experience

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Minimum Real Estate secured loan amount is $10,000.00 and does not apply to purchase money transactions. Rates are accurate as of Feb. 15, 2017 for first lien position and 80% maximum loan to value. Rates are “as low as” for each loan category and available subject to meeting certain credit underwriting criteria, acceptable appraisal, title search and applies to owner-occupied property in PA and OH. Please ask about other equity loan options, rates and terms available. This is a limited time offer. Programs, rates and conditions are subject to change at any time. Consult your tax advisor for potential tax saving benefits.

**U$X FCU pays all closing costs ranging from $100 to $1,500 (excluding title insurance policy if required). See credit union for all details.

Getting Hammered By Home Improvement Costs?

Nail Down An Affordable Rate From USX FCU!

Use The Money For:

• Home Improvements

• Vacation

• Education

• Debt Consolidation

APPLY TODAY!

My to-do list1. Pay off bills

2. update kitchen

3. new roof

4. Visit credit union

Offer Ends

5/31/2018

Home Equity Loan

Fixed Rates As Low As

3.19%APR*

10-Year Term

What’s On Your Spring To-Do List?An affordable home equity loan from U$X FCU canhelp turn your dreams into reality.

*See Credit Union for full details

NO CLOSING COSTS!

All Signals Are A GO!Apply Today and Save!You've been given the GREEN LIGHT to save on your next vehicle loan.

Rates as low as

1.80%*Terms up to 48 months.

Just in time for those summer road trips, we'll put you behind the wheel of a new or used vehicle!

HURRY,OFFER

EXPIRESSOON!

Apply online at www.usxfcu.org,

call us at 888-219-3159 or visit a branch office.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. No additional discounts may be applied to rate shown. Rates and terms are subject to change at any time. Other rates and terms available. Offer subject to income verification. Contact the credit union for complete details.