Fall 2020
FIRST VIEW A PUBLICATION OF FIRST COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION • HOUSTON, TEXAS
What's Inside - Credit Corner - You Shop for Deals and We'll Fund the Wheels - Home For The Holidays
$30,415,685 in Annual Member Savings
- 401(k) Rollovers - It's Holiday Time - Is Your Contact Information Up to Date? - 2021 Scholarships - Ready for a Debt Reset? - Community Events - Hurricane Preparedness
What is the value of a dollar? While this is a rhetorical question, our commitment to our members at First Community is to always make the most of your money. Collectively, we’ve saved our members $30,415,685 million just by banking with First Community Credit Union versus having comparable accounts with leading banks. That’s 30,415,685 million reasons why FCCU membership is the smart choice. We truly appreciate you being a part of the First Community family and thank you for choosing us to be your partner EARN MORE in building a strong financial future. balances of As your financial partner, we think it’s $1-$20,000 important for you to know how much you save annually by having your accounts with First Community.
Our Annual Savings Report is one more way we’re helping you understand the value your First Community membership offers you. View the report at FCCU.org/Value today. Many members will receive a mailer with their specific savings information. If you do not receive a mailer by October 20th and would like to know what your unique annual savings are, give us a call at 281.856.5300.
Once again, thanks for being part of the First Community family.
30,415,685 million reasons why FCCU membership is the smart choice. Lower Rate Loans and Credit Cards Free and Rewards Checking Easy Online and Mobile Experience
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
Federally insured by NCUA
FCC UA to 556 78
Is your contact information up to date?
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Please take a few moments to make sure your information is up to date and current to ensure we can reach you when needed. This includes your cell number, email and mailing address. Sign up for informational text alerts to stay updated on branch closures, holidays and more by texting FCCUAlerts to 55678. Easily update your information via online banking or by visiting a branch convenient to you.
Ready for a Debt Reset? If you are in a tough spot and find your debt adding up fast, you are not alone. At First Community, we understand that while it is not ideal to build up debt, it may be necessary right now. We are here to help you dig out from that pile of bills that is, let’s be honest, overwhelming.
2021 Scholarships
Press the reset button on your debt before heading into 2021! Consolidate your debt into one manageable payment, enjoy up to 90 days no payment and, most importantly, lift that weight off your shoulders.
First Community Credit Union (FCCU) has awarded more than $500,000 over the life of our scholarship program that provides financial support to deserving high school graduates pursuing their college/university education.
An FCCU Debt Consolidation loan features: • One low rate, as low as 6.49% APR1 • Enjoy ONE, low monthly payment • Reset your debt in 5 years or less!
FCCU is accepting applications now through January 19, 2021. You must be a member of First Community Credit Union, located in Houston, TX, for at least 90 days to qualify.
We’ve all heard the catch phrases of, in these unprecedented times, in these unique times…make this time your time to reduce your debt and travel down the road to becoming debt free.
Gather the following items to start your scholarship application: • SAT/ACT scores & dates taken • Name of College/University you are planning to attend • Total cost per semester • Employment information (if applicable) • Name & email address for two recommendations (Personal & Professional) We award up to seven $4,000 scholarships that are paid out in $1,000 increments over four years of education. You may be one of our next winners! Start your application today at FCCU.org/Scholarship.
Our easy online application process starts at FCCU.org/Reset. Have questions? Call us at 281.856.5300 or visit a branch to speak with a Certified Financial Counselor to determine what works best for your budget. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change. Certain credit criteria apply for lowest rate quoted. Rates quoted on these loans include the following: 1) 0.50% off for purchase of credit life and disability insurance coverage; 2) 0.20% off with First Rewards Checking 3) 0.30% off with an FCCU Visa Credit Card. Maximum discount of 0.50%. 60 months @ 6.49% APR = monthly payment of $19.62 per $1,000 borrowed. 1
Credit Corner Your Credit Score
Keep a pulse on your credit score right from inside Online Banking. Check your credit report and more. Login to Online Banking and look at the right column of the page to see your credit score. If you login from our app, click on the "More" button in the top right hand corner to view your score. You will have to register for this free service one time. Then, your score will update monthly and you will be able to see exactly what changed on your credit report for the month. Plus, offers will appear right below your credit score with many ways we can save you money or help you build/improve your credit. Check it out today! Need help building or rebuilding your credit? If you need help building or rebuilding your credit, applying for a Credit Builder CD Loan can help you achieve this goal. With just a few quick steps, you’ll be on your way to build or repair your credit. 1. Choose your CD loan amount from $500 to $2,000. 2. Choose the term of your CD loan from 6 months to 2 years to repay your loan. 3. Loan proceeds will be used to fund a CD with the same term as the loan until the loan is paid off. 4. Once paid off, the funds are yours! Make on-time monthly payments to show a good payment history and improve your overall credit score. Ready to get started? Apply today at FCCU.org/CreditBuilder The Credit Builder CD loan is available to members that are looking to build or repair their credit. Credit will be pulled during the application process for verification purposes only. Loan proceeds will be used to fund a CD with the same term as the loan. Funds will remain on hold in the CD until the loan is paid in full. If loan is paid off in full early, funds in the CD will be available but it is encouraged to wait until the CD has reached full maturity to move funds out. See credit union representative for full details. FCCU is federally insured by NCUA.
Financial Counselors At First Community, seeing members achieve their financial goals motivates us. In order to help members navigate, what can sometimes be a winding road on their financial journey, we have invested in educating many of our team members to be Certified Credit Union Financial Counselors. No matter what financial hurdle or goal you face, we invite you to make an appointment with a certified counselor who will guide you through your options. You set your goals and work to achieve them, using our counselor for moral support. Our counselors will be honest and upfront with you on what it will take to improve your financial life. Oh, and it is absolutely FREE to work with a counselor! Regardless of where you are in life financially, what stage of life you are in and what your goals are, we’re here to help. As your credit union, we care most about seeing you thrive in life and celebrating your financial successes. Make an appointment today at FCCU.org/Financial-Counselor
You Shop for Deals and We’ll Fund the Wheels. With the road to the 2020 holidays and to 2021 right ahead, it’s time to treat yourself with a new ride. Heading into the holiday season, find a bigger vehicle to fit all those gifts in and make sure you coast into 2021 in style. With competitive rates and no payments up to 90 days1, you won’t be breaking the bank for your shiny new vehicle. Let’s check this gift off the list with just 3 easy steps: 1. Get Pre-Approved at FCCU.org/Auto 2. Find your new vehicle 3. Finance with FCCU through our complete online loan process 4. Watch for a special Auto Loan offer coming October 7th – you won't want to miss this deal!
Gathering with friends and family this holiday season may look and feel different this year but make sure your home is holiday-ready, regardless if you are connecting in-person or virtually. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home to host the holidays, make a move, refinance or have been thinking about sprucing up your home, First Community has affordable options to help your home be holiday ready. With low rates, discover if now is the time to buy, make a move to a new home, refinance your current home or borrow from your home to make some updates. If you need to discuss your options to determine the ideal option for you and your budget, call our Real Estate experts at 281.856.9057.
Whether you know exactly what vehicle you want or are just starting your search for that shiny new car, be sure to use all the tools on our website to determine how much you can afford to finance. Who knows where the road to 2021 will take you; FCCU will be here though to help guide you to the right loan that fits you and your budget. If you have questions, we have answers. Give us a call at 281.856.5300 and we’re happy to help 24/7/365. Certain credit criteria apply. Rates and terms subject to change. See FCCU representative for full details. 1
401(k) Plan Rollover
Keep your retirement savings growing and avoid paying taxes on the money until you retire by rolling over funds from your prior employer(s). 3 options to choose from: • Direct Rollover - 401(k) • Tradtional IRA - Pre Tax Income • Roth IRA - After Tax Income Need help with your 401(k) plan rollover?
FCCU.ORG/WEALTH
First Community
Wealth Advisors
To set up a complimentary consultation to explore your options, CALL 281.856.5644 Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/ SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Prior to requesting a rollover from your employer sponsored retirement account to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA), you should consider whether the rollover is suitable for you. There may be important differences in features, costs, services, withdrawal options and other important aspects between your employer sponsored retirement account and an IRA. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. AdTrax FR-3232449.1-0920-1022
It's Holiday Time
Nothing stops Santa and his elves from preparing for the holidays; not even a pandemic! The elves are hard at work in the workshop this year, in hopes that the gifts are particularly dear. First Community is the team to give Santa a hand when you need a way to give gifts that are grand!
Make note of our upcoming holiday specials starting in October.
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Holidays Made Easy
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No matter what option fits your budget the best, we will work to ensure you have the funds you need this holiday season. Visit us today at FCCU.org/Santa for all things holiday. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Certain credit criteria apply. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. 0% APR intro rate for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers only valid for new cardholders. After intro rate expires, standard rate will be between 9.99% and 17.99% APR, based on creditworthiness. Minimum monthly payment of 3% or $18, whichever is greater, required each billing cycle. 2Reward points have no cash value. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, merchandise and more offered through the FCCU Rewards website. Points are non-transferrable to others. 3Cash back statement credit reward(s) will appear as a credit, in the form of a payment, on cardholder’s rewards card. Cardholder is responsible for any outstanding balance owed on the account after the credit is applied. If there is a zero balance owed on the card, the statement credit will post to the cardholder’s savings account when received. 1
PRESORTED STANDARD U S POSTAGE
15260 FM 529 Houston, TX 77095 FCCU.org 281.856.5300
PAID
HOUSTON TEXAS PERMIT NO. 1769
Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government
Federally insured by NCUA
HOLIDAYS: 10/12 Columbus Day – All branches closed 11/11 Veterans Day – All branches closed 11/26 Thanksgiving Day – All branches closed 12/24 Christmas Eve; open 9am -1pm 12/25 Christmas Day – All branches closed 12/31 New Year’s Eve; open 9am – 1pm 1/1/21 New Year’s Day – All branches closed
$30,415,685 in Annual Member Savings COMMUNITY EVENTS
HURRICANE PREPAREDENESS
Shred Days 11/14 Spring Branch 9am – 1pm
Living on the Gulf Coast has taught us that it's never too early to prepare for hurricane season. Here are a few things to keep in mind as we are in the middle of hurricane season.
Holiday Happenings Heart Walk, Toy Drive and Red Ranger Holiday Party As you can imagine, there were some important factors to take into consideration this year while in the midst of a pandemic. In order to continue keeping members and employees safe while still serving the community, our holiday events will be different this year. Just like Santa though, a pandemic won’t stop us from spreading holiday cheer! Watch our website for more details as they become available.
• Plan your evacuation route well ahead of time. • Keep non-perishable emergency supplies on hand. • Gather supplies for your household, including medication, flashlights and batteries. • Take inventory of your personal property and review your insurance policies. • Take steps to protect your home, pets and business.