Dear LVECU Member,
We are excited to announce that we will be upgrading our core computer system in the second quarter of 2017 to better serve our members and their banking needs.
Please pay special attention to all communications you receive from LVECU beginning now and continuing through the upgrade, as we will be sending further details to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.
We will also provide the most up-to-date information at www.lvecu.org/upgrade, including any product changes and adjusted hours of operation.
Your personal information and deposits will remain secure and insured throughout the upgrade. We look forward to introducing you to our new and improved system later this year.
As always, thank you for allowing us to serve you!
The LVECU Team
Important Information About Your IRA
April 18, 2017 is the last day to make Traditional or Roth IRA deposits for the 2016 tax year. When mailing IRA deposits always indicate the tax year you would like the deposit contributed. Statements for IRA balances will be mailed by May 31, 2017.
Inclement Weather
Due to inclement weather, the credit union may adjust its hours of operation. Before heading out on the road, please call the credit union office, check the website, or log on to the WFMZ website for the most up-to-date closing information.
Kirby Kangaroo & CYY
Each quarter we get new Kirby Kangaroo merchandise for our Club members to purchase with their Kirby Credits! Want to see the latest items? Stop in to either office or visit our Kids/Teen Club page to view the newest additions.
Congratulations to our $100 CYY 3rd Quarter Drawing winner, Jonathan Smith. If you're between the ages of 13-17, all you need to do is enter whenever you visit the credit union, and you could be our next $100 winner!
Things to Consider Before You Do It Yourself
With the continued popularity of HGTV and DIY-Network, combined with the ever rising interest in Pinterest, it’s no surprise that more and more of us are becoming DIY-ers.
Before you tackle that next basement-to-man-cave makeover or that desk-into-nightstands project, keeping a few simple reminders in mind can help ensure you Nailed It! instead of Failed It!
Be honest
If you have never used a power tool or tape measure in your life, a major renovation project might not be for you. If you only have one day free to tackle your kitchen overhaul, you may need to reevaluate. Basically, be honest with yourself about your level of experience, and the time you have to spend on the project. (Trust me when I say it will always take longer to complete than you anticipate.) The good news is that with all of today’s resources at your fingertips, you can watch how-to videos until you probably actually can.
Beware of going over budget
Remember what I said about projects always taking longer to complete than you anticipate? Yeah, it’s pretty much the same thing with the cost of the project, too. Whether it’s because of unexpected challenges that come up, or design changes, or overly optimistic budgeting on your part from the beginning, expect expenses to rise. You can try to compensate for this by figuring out what you think it will cost, then tacking on another 10-20%. For the complete article, click here.
Personal Finance 101: Shape Up Your Finances
Improve your financial fitness and manage your wealth. Get your finances in shape by taking these steps:
Bulk up your emergency fund
Having a back-up fund may prevent you from having to tap or max out credit cards if your refrigerator dies or your car needs major repairs.
Improve your credit score
Having a clean credit history is more important than ever. First, obtain your free credit reports from annualcreditreport.com, review them, and dispute any errors. Next, work to improve your score: Pay all bills on time, maintain a healthy mix of credit, use less than 25% of your credit limit, and be sure to pay all fines and tickets—even unpaid library fines or parking tickets may be viewed negatively by potential lenders.
Click here for more tips and the complete article.
Practical Money Skills Resource Roadmap for Educators
If you’re looking to incorporate money lessons into your classroom, Practical Money Skills is a great place to start.
Click here and follow the guide to navigate around the site and learn about available resources. Whether you’re introducing this topic to your students for the first time or you want to reinforce what you’re currently doing, Practical Money Skills offers a wide array of free lesson plans, online games, videos, calculators, and more.
Annual Meeting Invitation
You are invited to attend the LVECU Annual Meeting.
The business meeting is an opportunity for you to voice your concerns, to ask questions, and let your opinion be heard. You are not only a member at LVECU, you are an owner.
To sign up, email koehlerk@lvecu.org or complete the reservation form and return it by March 3, 2017. A wonderful breakfast buffet will be provided. See you there! Please include the name(s) and the last 2 digits of the account number(s) of each member attending.
Remember, your participation is important for the growth and strength of the credit union movement.
Click here for a printable registration form.
2017 Scholarships Applications Now Being Accepted
LVECU will once again be offering ten $1,000 scholarships!
Applicants must be a member in good standing for at least 12 months (custodial accounts and joint owners do not qualify) and be enrolled full-time for the upcoming semester as a student of an undergraduate program, or a minimum two-year course of study at a community college, trade school, or technical school. Scholarship certificates will be awarded at the LVECU Annual Meeting on March 11, 2017 and the winners will receive their scholarship funds following the fall 2017 semester, provided they meet the scholarship guidelines. Please stop in to either office or visit our website for complete details and to pick up your application. Applications will be accepted through January 31, 2017.
Giving Back
Thank you everyone who helped us decorate our Christmas trees with hats, scarves, gloves, etc. Your generously donated items will benefit homeless families of the Lehigh Valley this winter season.
