TABLETALKThe Newsletter For Members Of United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union

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NEW YEAR, NEW WAYS TO SAVE

NEW WAYS TO SAVE

United Teletech Financial is extraordinarily grateful for such a wonderful and exciting year. In 2017, UTF celebrated 50 years serving the community. This milestone comes with great pride, but also with sincere gratitude. Our credit union could not have lasted this long and accomplished so much without such wonderful support from our members. Last year, we thanked our members with United Value, a brand new app that gives members the chance to save at over 50 local restaurants and businesses. We also had the opportunity to support some wonderful non-profit organizations who do such great work in the community – Fulfill (previously

the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties), Clean Ocean Action, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. To build on the momentum, United Teletech has some big things in store for 2018.

To start the year we are expanding our surcharge free ATM network. United Teletech members with a United Rewards or University Checking account will now have access to over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. This network will allow you to perform an unlimited amount of transactions on ATMs at Wawa, QuickChek, Target, 7-11, Rite Aid, Walgreens, CVS and more! Assuring that no matter where you are a surcharge free ATM is available to you. Like the previous

year, our commitment to bringing more value to every member all the time is steadfast. United Value and our massive surcharge free ATM network are all proof of that commitment. We thank you for your membership and we hope you have a wonderful 2018!

Ruth Ann Kluin, Chairman of the Board

Leo Ardine, President/CEO

IN THIS ISSUENEW WAYS TO SAVE

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

FIRST CREDIT UNION IN THE COUNTY

STEVE HEFELE, UTF’S NEW INVESTMENT ADVISOR

RICHER FOR COMMUNITY

We can help you raise your credit score, budget for more savings, and get you the perfect mortgage

FHA MORTGAGE

Points can be redeemed for anything from travel to electronics

PLATINUM REWARDS CREDIT CARD

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THE RISK

The omnipresent risk of data breaches and compromised personal information is an unfortunate but very real risk in 2018. Major and reputable stores and online businesses like Starbucks, Facebook, eBay, Uber and more have all had personal information from their customers stolen in major data breaches. September of 2017 brought one of the largest data breaches in US history, when Equifax, one of the three major credit reporting agencies, announced that 143 million consumers may have had their social security number compromised.

While we can't stop others from stealing our information we can take measures to reduce our risk from these breaches and quickly react to criminals who use your information.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM AT RISK?

Unlike all other data breaches, individuals may not be aware that they are customers of Equifax. If you

would like to find out if you may be at risk in this data breach please visit https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com/.

Monitor Financial Accounts

Monitor your accounts as often as you can. Noticing a fraudulent charge quickly after it happens can severely minimize the damage and losses that may occur through identity theft and account fraud.

United Teletech offers a variety of ways for members to monitor their accounts and assure that all charges on their account are not fraudulent. Two examples are listed below:

1. Member Alerts - If you have a United Teletech debit or credit card you can set customized alerts to be quickly notified of any unauthorized charges or suspicious activity on your account.

2. MasterCard ID Theft Protection - This service is free to everyone who has a United Teletech MasterCard

(either credit or debit). It will scour the internet to see if your personal information is being bought, sold or compromised. If they discover it is, they’ll send you an immediate alert.

Monitor Credit

1. Annualcreditreport.com is a website that allows you to check your credit profile for free once every year. Carefully go through your credit profile. It will contain every loan and line of credit that was taken out under your name. Make sure that everything listed is correct and accurate. If you find something that doesn’t look right, it will allow you to challenge the information right on the website. It is good habit to check every year.

2. Creditkarma.com is a website and app that allows you to

monitor your credit. Just like annualcreditreport.com, you will be able to see all lines of credit and loans that are in your name. Credit Karma can be checked 24-7, 365 days a year and allows you the ability to make sure identity theft has not occurred.

Dispute Fraudulent Info

If you find that there was activity on your account that you don’t recognize immediately put a freeze on your account. You must freeze your credit at all three credit bureaus. To do this please contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major credit bureaus and ask them to freeze your credit, contact info is listed below. You must put a freeze on your credit at all three agencies, otherwise you still are vulnerable.

Freezing your credit makes opening a loan in your name impossible, unless you provide a pin number that will be given to you by the credit bureaus. This is an extreme measure, but an effective one.

If you try to apply for a credit card or take out an auto loan, make sure to have that pin handy. Without it, they will not be able to pull your credit and approve you for a loan. This makes stealing your personal information near impossible.

While it is free to freeze your credit, it costs $5 to unfreeze your credit. So even if you lose your pin or want to apply for a student loan without difficulty, you can always unfreeze your account.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM IDENTITY THEFT

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO FREEZE YOUR CREDIT?

WHAT STEPS CAN I TAKE?

United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union has been approved as a certified lender for the Monmouth County Home First Time Buyers Program, allowing the credit union to facilitate first time borrowers’ applications for grants from the county to help purchase a home. United Teletech is the only credit union to win approval for inclusion in this program, run by the Monmouth County Division of Planning Office of

Community Development. About 50 institutions are participating in the program, part of an initiative by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist lower-income families in purchasing a home.

On July 31, the first member of United Teletech to receive a grant in the program closed on a home. The grant, an interest-free deferred second mortgage for down payment assistance, totaled $10,000.

“Our member found the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood to raise her family,” said United Teletech Mortgage Lead Rob Salmon. “Without the grant money from the Monmouth County First Time Buyers Program, buying the home would not have been possible. We are very proud that we were able to help someone fulfill their dream of owning a home.”

An individual must meet certain criteria to receive

a grant in the Monmouth County Home First Time Buyers Program. The applicant’s total household income must be under a certain threshold set by HUD, based on the size of the household. United Teletech’s knowledgeable and experienced mortgage team can help members determine if they are eligible and then guide them through the application process.

FHA GRANT PROGRAM– FIRST CREDIT UNION IN THE COUNTY

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STEVE HEFELE, UTF’S NEW INVESTMENT ADVISOR

More information in the coming months

We are pleased to announce that Steven Hefele has joined the United Teletech Financial Investment and Retirement Services program located at United Teletech Financial Federal Credit Union as a new Financial Advisor through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc.

He’s committed to providing members with insight and guidance to help them plan for their short- and long-term financial goals. He is FINRA registered and holds state insurance licenses in multiple states, giving him the ability to provide a wide array of financial strategies to our members.

Steven is strongly committed to building long and solid member relationships through integrity and brings a strong skill set in understanding the importance of member relationships. His passion is to serve members by assisting them with building, maintaining and protecting their wealth through solid financial planning strategies.

Steven has been providing financial services to clients for over 23 years and he specializes in financial planning for individuals and their families including preparing for retirement, investment guidance, monitoring during retirement, and legacy planning for loved ones.

We’re confident that Steven will provide members with the highest level of service required to help them achieve financial success.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, or to ask any questions that you may have regarding your account(s), please contact Steven Hefele today!

ANNUAL MEETING & ELECTION APRIL 30, 2018

TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR AN FHA GRANT PLEASE CALL 866.462.5532

732-530-8100 ext. 3138

steven.hefele@cunamutual.com

Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/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.

This fall you may have seen pink flags flying above our branches, or perhaps you spotted us at Sandy Hook picking up garbage from the beach, or maybe you donated food in our holiday food drive. United Teletech has a long tradition of partnerships in the community. We are proud to volunteer in charity events and donate to important causes.

In October, we joined the world in promoting Breast Cancer Awareness. Pink flags flew at our branches and informational tables were set up where members could learn about the importance of early detection and who was most at risk. We also raised several hundred dollars to the American Cancer Society to support the wonderful work they do.

For the last 20 years, rain or shine, hot or cold, UTF has volunteered and sponsored Clean Ocean Action’s annual beach sweep. It’s a cause we feel very passionate about, and cleaning garbage and debris from New Jersey’s beautiful Sandy Hook beach is something our team looks forward to every year. We also raised $1,000 towards the event

through a variety of office fundraisers. Clean Ocean Action works tirelessly to keep the waterways of our community clean and free from pollution.

The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to spend with our families and friends, but more importantly a time to give back and help those who are less fortunate. During the holidays we are having a food drive for Fulfill (formerly the Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) at all branch locations. If you have any canned meats, canned vegetables, canned fruits, or any cereal please drop them off at any of our branch locations.

RICHER FOR COMMUNITY

TINTON FALLSATM, open access

205 Hance Ave. Tinton Falls, NJ 07724

Ph.: 732.530.8100 Fax: 732.530.2027

Lobby Hours Mon–Thur: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–Noon

Drive-Up Hours Mon–Fri: 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

MARLBOROATM, open access

67 Highway 9, Unit 4 Morganville, NJ 07751

Ph.: 732.530.8100 Fax: 732.536.1847

Lobby Hours Mon–Thur: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–Noon

NEPTUNEATM, open access

3636 Highway 33 Neptune, NJ 07753

Ph.: 732.530.8100 Fax: 732.922.1838

Lobby Hours Mon–Thur: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–Noon

Drive-Up Hours Mon-Thur: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

HAZLETHazlet branch only accessible to IFF Employees (ATM available)

600 State Highway 36 Hazlet,NJ 07730

Phone: 732.335.2706

Lobby Hours

Mon–Wed: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Thurs: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

NORTH BRUNSWICKATM, open access

The Shops at Commerce Place

2201 US Highway 1 South, Suite 119-B North Brunswick, NJ 08902

Ph.: 732.530.8100 Fax: 732.398.8609

Lobby Hours Mon–Thur: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–Noon

Drive-Up Hours Mon–Thur: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Fri: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

MIDDLETOWNATM, access allowed only to AT&T badge-holders

200 Laurel Avenue Middletown, NJ 07748 MT A2-3A07

Ph.: 732.530.8100 Fax: 732.368.8195

Lobby Hours Mon–Fri: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ruth Ann Kluin Chairman

Michael Hou 1st Vice Chairman

Derek D. Mahoney 2nd Vice Chairman

Ann C. Weingartner Treasurer

Gilbert B. Harris Secretary

Robert Dowd Director

Robert E. Hodges Director

Irene Kurc Supervisory Committee Chairman