Professional Documents
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Spring
www.eriefcu.org
When we saw our house, we knew
it was “the one”. We called a few
lenders but decided our credit union
offered the lowest interest rate,
closing costs and the best service.
Tiffany explained the mortgage loan
process and what we needed to do.
She also knew we had to finalize
the paperwork and get into our new
home quickly.
Tiffany Layden
Member Service Officer
Be an
iBelong2 Star!
Page 5
8 Student Loans
Loans, Financial Aid, Resources
Where to go for Answers
12 MEMBERS Financial Services
Retirement, Insurance & Investments
From Larry Amenta
CU Tip ...
Open a Holiday Club Account today! View Our Quarterly
Even $5 a week can help pay for your Newletters Online!
Holiday expenses. Payroll deposits &
automatic transfers are FREE!
Norb Kaczmarek
Financial Statistics
Message from As of February 28, 2009
4 | eriefcu.org
Welcome EC-2 FCU Members
In 1952 Erie educator Gertrude A. Barber dedicated her life to creating a dynamic
and diverse facility, the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber National Institute. Today the institute
serves more than 3,200 children and adults with developmental disabilities. In
1970, EC-2 (Erie County Exceptional Children) Federal Credit Union was chartered
to provide a Credit Union for employees of the institute and Christmas Club
accounts for their clients. The charter was later expanded to include members of
ARC (Advocacy and Resources for Citizens with Disabilities).
In January 2009, the EC-2 FCU merged with the Erie FCU. We would like to
officially welcome all EC-2 FCU members to their new credit union and hope you’ll
enjoy being a part of our credit union family.
*Must be an Erie FCU member in good standing to be eligible. If entering a group, each person must be listed
and sign the media release. Anyone under 18 must provide parental consent.
eriefcu.org | 5
Member Rebate Realty
Program
Whether you’re in the
market to buy or sell a
home, the Erie Federal
Credit Union can save
you hundreds, or even
thousands of dollars through
our Member Rebate Realty
Program. We’re offering a
unique opportunity to take
advantage of a program that
can save you time, earn a
*An Erie FCU EZ Loan is an unsecured loan and subject to credit union approval.
EZ Loan term, interest rate and borrowing amount is based on certain credit
worthiness criteria. Sample Monthly Payment for a $15,000 EZ Loan, including
.25% APR Auto Pay discount and payment protection; with a 48 month maximum
term is $397.58. Contact the credit union for complete details. APR=Annual
Percentage Rate.
eriefcu.org | 7
Erie Youth Ambassador
Representative Winner
James J. DeDad
Scholarships
The Erie Chapter of Credit Unions will award six Pictured are Erie FCU CEO Norb Kaczmarek, YAC winner Tiffany
Scholarships totaling $8,000. The Scholarships named Layden, Denise Kaczmarek Erie FCU Branch Manager.
for former Erie Chapter President, James J. DeDad The Erie Chapter of Credit Unions selected Tiffany
have awarded over $90,000 to college bound students. Layden, Erie FCU MSO, to be the Youth Ambassador
Applicants must be 17 to representative for the Erie area at the Pennsylvania
24 years of age, a primary Scholarship Awards Credit Union Association’s Annual Convention in May
member of the Erie FCU 2009. The nationally recognized Youth Ambassador
1st Place $3,000
and enrolled as a full- competition allows energetic and enthusiastic young
2nd Place $1,500 people to represent the future of credit unions.
time undergraduate student
in 2009. Applications are
3rd Place $1,250 Tiffany along with other contestants were interviewed
available beginning April 4th Place $1,000 by a judging panel and tested on their credit union
1st at our offices or online knowledge. She presented her essay titled “Credit
5th Place $ 750
at eriefcu.org/dedad. Unions Committed to Financial Education”.
6th Place $ 500
The Application submission The Board of Directors and staff of the
deadline is June 12, 2009.
Erie FCU wish Tiffany continued success.
8 | eriefcu.org
Annual Meeting & Dinner The Magic of Saving Week
Youth Savings Week Starting April 20th-25th
Please join us at our Annual Meeting & Dinner to be
held on Monday, May 18th at the Erie Maennerchor Bring a little magic to your money! Save regularly,
Club located at 1607 State Street, Erie PA. Tickets are and—abracadabra—you’ll reach your goals. With
on sale now for $7 and are available at all Erie FCU an Erie FCU Savings or Treasure Club Account you
offices until Monday, May 11th. Doors open at 5:30 PM can become a savvy saver and watch your money
and a Swiss Steak dinner will be served at 6:00 PM. multiple faster than a hatful of rabbits.
The Annual Meeting will be held immediately following
Youth age 17 and under can celebrate National
the dinner.
Youth Savings Week, April 20th-25th by making a
deposit into their new or existing savings account.
Annual Meeting & Dinner Ten young savers will be selected nationwide by the
Monday, May 18, 2009 Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and each
Erie Maennerchor Club
will win $100. The Erie FCU will also reward one
$7 per person
young saver with a $100 reward.
Swiss Steak Dinner
You can find more information about saving and
*A limited number of tickets are available. There is no charge to managing your money online at eriefcu.org. Our
attend the meeting only. Treasure Club Kid’s Account and Teen Financial
Network will help you learn all about the magic of
saving. Visit the Erie FCU and help us celebrate
Local Erie Students Learn National Credit Union Youth Week.
to Manage Finances
*Must be age 0-17 to participate. Account deposit must be
made to an existing account or a new account must be opened
during Youth Week April 20th-25th to be entered in drawing.
Membership for youth ages 0-17 requires a savings account with
a $5 minimum deposit.
The Erie FCU knows the importance of education,
that’s why we sponsor the Erie-Times Newspapers
In Education: Invest in Your Future program. Our
employees also volunteer to work with students from
K-12 to teach the Junior Achievement of Erie County
curriculum, which includes vital lessons on financial
education, economics and career choices.
Recently, the Erie FCU
visited the Leadership
Christian Academy, Our
Lady of Mount Carmel,
and Fairview Elementary
School. Students enjoyed
learning about important
life skills for wise money
management and career
choices.
eriefcu.org | 9
Earn a 1% Balance Transfer Rebate
With Our MasterCard® No-Fee Balance Transfers
Anytime you transfer balances from loans and/or credit cards held at
other financial institutions to your Erie FCU MasterCard®, you will never
have to pay a balance transfer fee, regardless of the amount of the balance
transferred. Plus, you’ll receive a 1% Rebate* for each balance you transfer.
Our Gold, Classic and Platinum MasterCards® offer additional benefits
such as: No Annual Fee, Low Annual Percentage Interest Rates and a 25-
day grace period on purchases. And for your convenience, you can access
your Erie FCU MasterCard® online 24/7 with eZCardInfo.com, which
allows you to monitor transactions, pay your bill and view your monthly
statements.
Visit any Erie FCU office now to apply for your 1% Balance Transfer
Rebate. If you would like to transfer more balances than your current Erie
FCU MasterCard® limit allows, please contact us to request an increase in
your credit limit. If you are not already enjoying the money saving benefits
of an Erie FCU MasterCard®, you can apply at any office or online at
eriefcu.org/mastercard.
*Loans granted and qualifying Annual Percentage Rate (APR) based on credit approval.
Balance transfers may not exceed approved credit limit. Current Erie FCU loans and
credit card balances are not eligible for balance transfer rebate offer.
EZ Money Manager
Features Now Available
We recently introduced new enhancements
to our EZ Money Manager. These new features
will provide you with more accessibility to your
account and will make it easier to keep track
of your funds. Now managing your money and
viewing your account information is even easier.
If you aren’t one of the 10,000+ EZ Money
Manager users, sign up at any office or online at
eriefcu.org/ez-account-access.
10 | eriefcu.org
How to Recognize & Avoid Fraudulent Check Scams
If someone you don’t know wants to pay you by check and asks you to wire or mail some of the money back, it’s a
scam that could cost you!
You are responsible for the checks you deposit. When a check bounces, even if it is fraudulent, the credit union
deducts the amount that was originally credited to your account. The credit union will not refund money you may lose
from depositing a fraudulent check.
• There are many variations of the fake check scam. It could start with an “advance” on a sweepstakes you’ve
supposedly won or the first installment on the millions that you’ll receive for agreeing to have money in a foreign
country transferred to your account for safekeeping. It could also be a fraudulent ad for secret or mystery shopper.
• They often claim to be in another country. The scammers say it’s too difficult and complicated to send you the
money directly from their country, so they’ll arrange for someone in the U.S. to send you a check.
• They tell you to wire or mail money to them after you’ve deposited the check. The scammers will send a check and
ask you to send money back to cover taxes, customs, bonding, processing, legal fees, or other expenses that must
be paid and stress the importance of keeping all of this confidential.
• The checks are fake, but look real. They may be phony cashiers checks, or look like checks from legitimate
business accounts.
• There is no legitimate reason for someone who is giving you money to ask you to wire or mail money back. If a
stranger wants to pay you for something, insist on a cashiers check for the exact amount and ask the credit union
to put a hold on the funds. This will allow ample time for a fraudulent check to be returned and prevent you from
losing money.
Remember: If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Watch out for FRAUD.
Source: http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org
eriefcu.org | 11
Retirement, Insurance & Investments from a Trusted Partner
A message from the MEMBERS Financial Services Center
Trust is everything – especially when it comes to your insurance and investments.
That’s why we are honored to have been chosen by the Erie Federal Credit Union
as a financial partner to serve the needs of members like you.
Designed exclusively for credit union members, and located right here at the
credit union, the Members Financial Services Program is a full-service financial
advisor program. We provide retirement, insurance and investment services to
members like you. We’re here to help you and your family through a lifetime of
financial planning needs – from those just starting a savings plan, to those with
sizable assets looking for more sophisticated management tools.
Some of the products and services available include:
• Retirement Planning • 401 (K) / Pension Rollovers
Larry Amenta • Wealth Management • Life Insurance
Registered Representative • Education Funding • Long-Term Care Insurance
MEMBERS Financial Services Center • Mutual Funds • Tax-Managed Investing*
As a trusted partner of the Erie Federal Credit Union, MEMBERS Financial Services works in cooperation with
your credit union. Therefore, we understand the importance of serving you. We’re affiliated with CUNA Mutual
Group, a family of companies owned by and dedicated to credit unions and their members for the past 125 years.
Be assured your financial advisor will serve you with the same personalized attention you’ve come to expect
from your credit union. Call Larry Amenta at 814-825-2436 EXT. 1630 for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment.
*Representatives are not tax advisors. For more information regarding your specific tax situation, please consult a tax professional. Representatives are
registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered
broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Non deposit investment and insurance
products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial
institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members.
Business
Solutions Online
As your Business Solutions partner, you’ll have
access to our full line of consumer products as well as
the opportunity to bring credit union benefits to your
employees. Our goal is to help you grow your business,
anticipate your future needs and provide you with reliable
resources. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of working directly
with us — local people from the area who are familiar
with your business. For more information, contact
our Business Account Specialists or visit us online at
eriefcu.org/business-solutions.
12| eriefcu.org
Making a Difference
EZ Saver Debit Card FYI...
Round-Up Donations Discount Theme Park
Tickets
The Erie FCU presented a check for
Discount Theme Park tickets to
$2,512.48 to the John Kanzius Cancer Waldameer, Cedar Point and Kennywood
Research Foundation. The check included will be available at all offices in early
funds Erie FCU members elected to donate May. Please call ahead for ticket orders
from their EZ Saver accounts and the of 8 or more.
credit union’s dollar for dollar match from
September 2008 - January 2009. The EZ Holiday Office Hours
Pictured are Erie FCU CEO, Norb Saver program rounds-up each Debit Card Memorial Day
Kaczmarek and Maryann Yochim, transaction to next whole dollar amount.
President of the Kanzius Cancer Monday, May 25 - Closed
The round up amount is deposited in the
Research Foundation.
members EZ Saver Account along with 4th of July
a monthly 5% match. Members can elect
Friday, July 3 - Open regular
to have their 5% match donated to the John Kanzius Cancer Research
business hours
Foundation. If you would like to sign up for the EZ Saver Program, visit
any office location today. Saturday, July 4 - Closed
Supporting Our
Knock Out Homelessness Community
Chocolate Lovers Wanted! Proceeds
The Erie FCU supported the Erie City Mission during Help the Homeless from each Daffin’s candy bar,
Week. Our staff collected much needed items for the City Mission and purchased at our offices for $1, benefit
served as a major sponsor of their Knock Out Homelessness event. The the American Cancer Society. In 2008,
your generous candy bar purchases
event raised $35,000 to help house the homeless and feed the hungry. allowed us to donate $2,300 to the
American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
Thank You
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from the St. Martin’s Center. semin Semi
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Bu 2009 enter
For 11 years, Erie FCU staff Home ay, April 1, ence C
es d nfe r
and members have provided Wedn l & Co -
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Christmas gifts for children in Bel-Air ills and T s Future
ing W ur Family ’
the Erie area. With your help pa r
Com or Yo
we can continue to support ing F , 2009 enter
Plann ay , April 22 e nce C
this wonderful St. Martin’s n e s d n fe r
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Pictured are Cheryl Kobel, St. Martin Executive
Bel-Air
Director, Norb Kaczmarek Erie FCU CEO, Thomas
Brennan, St. Martin Board President. eriefcu.org | 13
Refer-A-Friend or Family
Member & Earn a $10
Reward!
Your friends and family should be
enjoying all the benefits the Erie
Federal Credit Union offers. You
can refer anyone who lives, works,
worships, volunteers, attends
school in Erie or Crawford County,
PA or has family member who is
already an Erie FCU member. Once they
become a member and open a qualifying
U.S. Savings Bond Values account*, we’ll reward you with a $10
deposit into your savings account. There
Get the Facts... is no limit to the number of rewards you
can earn. Visit eriefcu.org/referafriend
to print the Refer-A-Friend or Family
Do you have savings bonds that have matured
Member form or pick up extra forms in our lobbies or
and stopped earning interest? If so, it’s time to cash
drive thrus. Simply complete the Referring Member
them in, or reinvest them, and have your money
portion of the form and pass it along to a friend or
start working for you again. Use the tables below to
family member. We’ll take care of the rest.
determine whether your bonds have stopped earning
*Rewards can only be earned by existing Erie FCU members in good
interest, or how long you can expect them to continue standing, age 18 or older, when they refer a new member. New members
earning interest. must open a Prime Share Savings Account with a minimum required
deposit and one Active Qualifying Account with funds not already on
The following savings bonds no longer earn interest: deposit with the Erie FCU. Qualifying Accounts include: Checking Account
with Debit Card, Money Market, Share Certificate of Deposit, Erie FCU
Series Issue Date MasterCard® or Loan (excluding Indirect or Better Choice Loans). New
E May 1941 through January 1979 accounts closed within 90 days of opening will be charged a $20 fee and
the Reward will be forfeited by the referring Erie FCU member.
H June 1952 through January 1979
HH January 1980 through January 1989
Savings Notes May 1967 through October 1970 Go Direct With
A, B, C, D, F, G, J, K All issues
Direct Deposit
2009 Changes to IRAs Direct deposit is simply the best way
to receive your Social Security, SSI,
14 | eriefcu.org
Choose your checking* &
enjoy these great benefits!
• Debit Card with Unlimited Transactions
• Free 24/7 Online Account Access
• Local & Nationwide ATM Access
Dividend +Plus
• High Yielding Dividend
• $500 Average Daily Balance
• Free Checks with Direct Deposit
Premium
• Monthly Dividend
• No Minimum Balance
• Free Checks with Direct Deposit
Free
• No Monthly Service Fee
• No Minimum Balance
*Certain fees, terms and requirements may apply to checking accounts. See credit union for complete details.
Erie FCU Designated ATM Network
PERMIT NO 869
Reminder: Erie FCU cards have surcharge-free access to over 28,000 CO-OP ATMs nationwide.
US POSTAGE
PRSRT STD
KWIK FILL RED APPLE FAULKNER’S COUNTRY MARKET
ERIE, PA
PAID
3725 McClelland Avenue & East 38th 13580 Route 8 ● Wattsburg, PA
SHELL FOOD MART ERIE FCU
605 Parade Street & 518 State Street ● Corner of State St. &
East 6th Street N. Park Row
PHB EMPLOYEES FCU ERIE COUNTY COURTHOUSE
7773 Main Street ● Fairview, PA 140 West 6th Street
SHELL FOOD MART VILLAGE WEST
4917 Peach Street & West Gore Road 3330 West 26th Street
SHELL HOLIDAY MART BLASCO LIBRARY
8228 Peach Street & Robinson Road 160 East Front Street
ERIE FCU 5th DRIVE THRU LANE ERIE GENERAL ELECTRIC FCU
1005 Greengarden Road 5 Grant Street ● North East, PA
ERIE FCU 2nd DRIVE THRU LANE GANNON WALDRON CENTER
5500 Zuck Road 124 West 7th Street
MANUS SUNOCO Wykoff’s Gulf Express
26 East 12th Street & French Street 3804 Liberty Street