4
ItemsofInterest
281.856.5300 FCCU.org Spring Branch Office 9100 Westview (at Campbell)
Branch Locations
Alief Office 3200 S. Dairy Ashford (at Richmond) Champions Office 10300 Louetta Rd., Ste. 100 (at Cutten Rd.) Copperfield Office - (Corporate Location) 15260 FM 529 (east of Hwy 6) Sugar Land Office 3400 Hwy 6 South (south of Williams Trace) Tomball Office 28850 Tomball Pkwy (north of FM 2920) NEW
NEW
Cinco Ranch Office 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Barker Cypress Office (inside HEB) 24224 Northwest Fwy (at Barker Cypress) Sam Houston Office (inside Kroger) 9125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. (at West Rd.) Grand Parkway Office (inside HEB) 6711 S. Fry Rd. (at Grand Parkway) Jones North Office (inside Kroger) 12222 Jones Rd. (at Cypress N Houston) Jones South Office (inside Kroger) 9330 Jones Rd. (at West Rd.) Fry Road Office (inside Kroger) 1705 Fry Rd. (at I-10) Katy Market Office (inside HEB) 25675 Nelson Way (at Pin Oak)
Spring Market Office (inside HEB) 2121 FM 2920 (at Spring Cypress) NEW Sienna Plantation Office (inside HEB) 8900 Hwy. 6 (at Sienna Parkway)
Look for this sign for over 43,000+ surcharge-free ATMs around the country.
Look for this sign for over 90 FREE ATM locations in and around Houston.
www.allpointnetwork.com
www.cufriendly.net
www.cuservicecenter.com
For a list of our hours and free ATM locations, visit our website at FCCU.org. 24-Hour Phone Services P.A.T. 281.856.4PAT • 800.234.PAT1 Phone-A-Loan Center 281.856.LOAN MasterCard®/Visa® Account Information Lost or Stolen Card Credit Card Fraud First Investment and Retirement Planning Center
281.856.5300 800.456.FCCU 800.600.5249 281.856.5625
Annual Meeting Reminder, on March 22nd, we will recap 2011 at our Annual Business Meeting. Join us for light refreshments. March 22, 2012 ,Copperfield Office, 6:00pm
Upcoming Shred Days! Cinco Ranch – April 21, 2012 Copperfield – May 19, 2012 All shred days are held from 9am – 1pm. The shred truck will be there so you can get rid of all the papers you no longer need. Start sorting through your documents so you’ll be ready to shred them at one of these locations. See you there! (Limit 5 banker boxes per person.) Don’t Wait – File Your Taxes Today! Make filing your taxes easy with Turbo Tax! Simply go to FCCU.org and click on the Turbo Tax banner to enjoy 15% off! Plus, with Turbo Tax, you’ll be guided through all the deductions and credits to guarantee your maximum refund. If you end up on the other side and owe taxes, make paying them easy with a low rate FCCU Platinum Card. Start filing your taxes today at FCCU.org! Help us Change a Child’s Life! Stop by any one of our conveniently located branches from March 1st to April 30th and donate your loose change to our Change a Child’s Life coin drive. Collectively, we can make a difference through Texas Children’s Hospital, who will benefit from these donations. Any amount will do as we give to our community with your help. Have you opted in to ODP? You never know when you might experience an unexpected financial situation. Have peace of mind knowing you will be covered if you need it – Opt IN to Overdraft Privilege. An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your checking account to cover a transaction. When this occurs, generally we will not authorize or pay the transaction. However, by opting in to Overdraft Privilege, FCCU will cover your checks and automatic bill payments if your checking account balance is insufficient. We will also cover every day debit transactions and ATM withdrawals if you authorize us to do so.You can enroll in ODP at FCCU.org or visit any of our branch locations for personal assistance. Opt IN and secure your emergency backup plan today! Welcome Sienna Plantation! FCCU’s newest branch is now OPEN in Missouri City! Located inside the Sienna Planation H-E-B, we’re here to bring you added convenience. Sienna Planation offers full service banking plus extended hours during the week and on the weekends. Make sure you stop by for a visit while you’re in the area and don’t miss out on our Grand Opening Specials! Stop by Sienna Plantation and enjoy better banking today!
March
2012
FIRST VIEW FirstGlance
it’s No Secret! We Make Mortgage Loans!
2
Celebrate Life’s Milestones
2
TeX AN S
3
BULL PEN
Tax Efficient Investing – A Smart Choice
3
ItemsofInterest
4
Stay in touch with the latest FCCU news and upcoming events by becoming a fan on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
Official Credit Union of the H OU S TON
Te X AN S
Home is where the CA$H is! Did you know your house may hold the key to paying for large purchases without paying a high interest rate? Let First Community and your home’s equity provide you the cash to reach your goals! A Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit* (HELOC) will help you finance just about anything without disturbing your savings or investments. Plus we don’t charge any excess fees that you may be subject to elsewhere. Use the equity built up in your home to: • Consolidate high rate debt • Take a dream vacation • Pay for large expenses, such as a wedding, college, or home repairs! Choose the right option for you so you’ll have extra cash when you need it most. HELOCs: Home Equity Loans: • An open Line of Credit for 5 years • Low fixed rate • Low variable rate • Flexible payment terms • Interest only payment option What are you waiting for? Rates are at a record low.* Apply now at www.firstcommunitycre.vlending.com or visit any of our branches and find the cash in your home!
Federally insured by NCUA
Watch for our Youth Week feature in next month’s edition of First View!
A Publication of First Community Credit Union
Rates as low as
4.99%APR* As of 2/15/12
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change. Certain credit criteria applies. Subject to normal credit criteria. Maximum loan to value cannot exceed 80%. Current rates are posted to our website at FCCU.org.
Making a First-Rate financial difference in our members’ lives!
281.856.5300 • FCCU.org
2
3
A Message from First Investment and Retirement Planning Center
It’s no secret!
We make mortgage loans If the news of low rates coupled with low housing prices leads you to looking to own your first home or a new home, First Community real estate experts are ready to make it happen. Our local experts know the market, handle the underwriting and process the loans in as little as 15-20* business days.
Spring Break is just around the corner and you’re probably wondering how you’ll pay for your big get-away. While it might seem like a good idea to charge everything on your bank’s credit card, in the end it might end up costing you more than you bargained for! From high annual fees to tricky rules requiring minimum spending levels, each “reward” card comes with its own set of high interest rates, hidden fees, and penalties. Compare the difference to an FCCU credit card! Credit Card Rate Penalty Rate Annual Fee Chase Sapphire Preferred 11.99-22.99%APR* 29.99 % APR* $95 after first year CitiBank Simplicity 15.24% APR* & higher N/A $0 Capital One Venture 11.9- 19.9% APR* 29.4% APR* $59 after first year First Community CU 2.99% - 17.99%APR* 17.99%APR* $0 Why worry about the fine print this Spring Break? First Community Credit Union offers Platinum cards that carry a low rate for first time cardholders of 2.99% APR for 12 months! Switch today and enjoy the rewards of a low rate FCCU credit card. *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change. Certain credit criteria applies. Introductory 2.99% rate valid for new cardholders only for first twelve months. Minimum monthly payment of 3% or $18, whichever is greater, required. Cards issued instantly at traditional locations. All rates disclosed valid as of 1/20/12 as disclosed on the financial institutions’ websites.
TeX AN S Newborn Baby
Have a new addition to your family? Open a Red Ranger account for your newborn child within the first 6 months, and we’ll help you celebrate by depositing the first $50. In addition, if you sign up for payroll deduction to the child’s account, we will match the first deposit up to $50. It’s never too early to get your child started and it’s a great way to celebrate your new bundle of joy. ALREADY HAVE THE PERFECT HOME! Fantastic! If you love the home you are in but the rate is higher than today’s current market, we might be able to save you money. Depending on your current rate, original loan amount and terms, our goal is to reduce your term at the lower rate and keep your payment the same or lower – to save you money! Let our First Community real estate experts work through the details to determine the added value to you in refinancing your home. Why not give them a call at 281.856.9057 to discuss the best option for you today? *Certain credit criteria applies. Additional requirements and/or parameters may apply. Programs are subject to change at any time without notice. Closings can occur in 15 – 20 business days when all paperwork is received in order.
First Driver’s License
Hey Teens! Just got your first driver’s license? Bring it by so FCCU can celebrate with you! If you already have an account, we’ll deposit $50 in celebration of getting your license. Or open an account with FCCU and we’ll make the first $50 deposit.
BULL PEN! Next up – the 2012 Draft!
At FCCU, we’re excited for the next step towards another exhilarating Texans season. Now’s the time to get prepared and show you’re a true FANatic with TeX AN S Checking*. FCCU has awarded two lucky Texans Checking members with a trip to New York to experience the 2012 Draft LIVE! Watch for upcoming details on the Houston Draft Party in April!
Tax Efficient Investing – A Smart Choice
Sergio Garza Financial Advisor
Taxes can take a chunk out of your investment returns. Employing some of these strategies could help you retain more of your potential investment earnings and lessen your tax burden.
Buy and Hold Following a buy-and-hold strategy for your stock investments may save on taxes in the long run. Not only do you postpone taxes the longer you hold, if you hold your investment long enough, your gains might be subject to the lower capital gains tax rate. Capital gains are generally taxed at 15% on investments you hold longer than one year. Gains on investments you’ve owned one year or less are taxed at your regular federal income-tax rate, which may be as high as 35%. Consider Tax-Exempt Investments Tax-exempt investments, such as municipal bonds, give you income that is generally exempt from federal and often state and local income tax. If you want income rather than growth, municipal bonds may be a good choice. Take Advantage of Qualified Plans Participating in an employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan reduces your tax obligation because your contributions are not considered part of your taxable income in the year you make them. Additionally, taxes on your earnings are deferred until you withdraw funds from the plan. Explore IRAs IRAs are another option to consider, but you need to determine if your contributions to a regular IRA may be tax deductible. Roth IRAs are slightly different. Although contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible, account earnings are tax deferred and can ultimately be withdrawn from the Roth IRA income-tax free provided certain conditions are met. Invest Tax Smart Keeping as much of your hard-earned money as possible is the goal of tax efficient investing. Your financial advisor can help you explore all the ways you can invest with the goal of minimizing taxes.
Start practicing to be the ultimate FANatic for 2012 now by getting your Exclusive Texans Debit Card and choose the design that’s right for you.
Sergio Garza is our Financial Advisor with First Investment and Retirement Planning Center located at First Community Credit Union. If you have any questions, or would like to provide feedback, regarding the information presented in this article, you may contact Sergio Garza at 281.856.5625.
More Upcoming Drawings:
Representative is not a tax advisor or legal expert. For information regarding specific tax situations, please contact a tax professional. For legal advice, consult an attorney.
Texans Autographed Merchandise – Winner drawn weekly Training Camp VIP passes – Drawing in April 2012 Game Day Tickets – 10 winners drawn for each home game Travel with the Texans – Win a trip to an away game The Big Game – Win a trip to the Big Game 2013 The All Star Game – Win a trip to the All Star Game 2013 Join our team with TeX AN S Checking and WIN @ texanschecking.com! * Certain credit criteria applies. Minimum deposit to open checking account is $25. Account is free for first 90 days. Direct Deposit must begin within 90 days for account to remain free or fee of $4.95 will be assessed each month. Texans checking account holders will be automatically entered into weekly drawings to win home game tickets with a parking pass, autographed Texans merchandise or Texans trips. For all trips, no purchase is necessary. For complete rules, refer to texanschecking.com. Any prize won and accepted with a value of $600 or more will be subject to 1099-INT reporting.
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. Nondeposit 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. FR040818-8576
Pennie Lowther
Lila Vu
Registered Representative
Registered Representative
281.856.5625 Copperfield Office
281.856.5522 Alief Office
Planning • Investing • Insurance
2
3
A Message from First Investment and Retirement Planning Center
It’s no secret!
We make mortgage loans If the news of low rates coupled with low housing prices leads you to looking to own your first home or a new home, First Community real estate experts are ready to make it happen. Our local experts know the market, handle the underwriting and process the loans in as little as 15-20* business days.
Spring Break is just around the corner and you’re probably wondering how you’ll pay for your big get-away. While it might seem like a good idea to charge everything on your bank’s credit card, in the end it might end up costing you more than you bargained for! From high annual fees to tricky rules requiring minimum spending levels, each “reward” card comes with its own set of high interest rates, hidden fees, and penalties. Compare the difference to an FCCU credit card! Credit Card Rate Penalty Rate Annual Fee Chase Sapphire Preferred 11.99-22.99%APR* 29.99 % APR* $95 after first year CitiBank Simplicity 15.24% APR* & higher N/A $0 Capital One Venture 11.9- 19.9% APR* 29.4% APR* $59 after first year First Community CU 2.99% - 17.99%APR* 17.99%APR* $0 Why worry about the fine print this Spring Break? First Community Credit Union offers Platinum cards that carry a low rate for first time cardholders of 2.99% APR for 12 months! Switch today and enjoy the rewards of a low rate FCCU credit card. *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms subject to change. Certain credit criteria applies. Introductory 2.99% rate valid for new cardholders only for first twelve months. Minimum monthly payment of 3% or $18, whichever is greater, required. Cards issued instantly at traditional locations. All rates disclosed valid as of 1/20/12 as disclosed on the financial institutions’ websites.
TeX AN S Newborn Baby
Have a new addition to your family? Open a Red Ranger account for your newborn child within the first 6 months, and we’ll help you celebrate by depositing the first $50. In addition, if you sign up for payroll deduction to the child’s account, we will match the first deposit up to $50. It’s never too early to get your child started and it’s a great way to celebrate your new bundle of joy. ALREADY HAVE THE PERFECT HOME! Fantastic! If you love the home you are in but the rate is higher than today’s current market, we might be able to save you money. Depending on your current rate, original loan amount and terms, our goal is to reduce your term at the lower rate and keep your payment the same or lower – to save you money! Let our First Community real estate experts work through the details to determine the added value to you in refinancing your home. Why not give them a call at 281.856.9057 to discuss the best option for you today? *Certain credit criteria applies. Additional requirements and/or parameters may apply. Programs are subject to change at any time without notice. Closings can occur in 15 – 20 business days when all paperwork is received in order.
First Driver’s License
Hey Teens! Just got your first driver’s license? Bring it by so FCCU can celebrate with you! If you already have an account, we’ll deposit $50 in celebration of getting your license. Or open an account with FCCU and we’ll make the first $50 deposit.
BULL PEN! Next up – the 2012 Draft!
At FCCU, we’re excited for the next step towards another exhilarating Texans season. Now’s the time to get prepared and show you’re a true FANatic with TeX AN S Checking*. FCCU has awarded two lucky Texans Checking members with a trip to New York to experience the 2012 Draft LIVE! Watch for upcoming details on the Houston Draft Party in April!
Tax Efficient Investing – A Smart Choice
Sergio Garza Financial Advisor
Taxes can take a chunk out of your investment returns. Employing some of these strategies could help you retain more of your potential investment earnings and lessen your tax burden.
Buy and Hold Following a buy-and-hold strategy for your stock investments may save on taxes in the long run. Not only do you postpone taxes the longer you hold, if you hold your investment long enough, your gains might be subject to the lower capital gains tax rate. Capital gains are generally taxed at 15% on investments you hold longer than one year. Gains on investments you’ve owned one year or less are taxed at your regular federal income-tax rate, which may be as high as 35%. Consider Tax-Exempt Investments Tax-exempt investments, such as municipal bonds, give you income that is generally exempt from federal and often state and local income tax. If you want income rather than growth, municipal bonds may be a good choice. Take Advantage of Qualified Plans Participating in an employer’s 401(k) or 403(b) plan reduces your tax obligation because your contributions are not considered part of your taxable income in the year you make them. Additionally, taxes on your earnings are deferred until you withdraw funds from the plan. Explore IRAs IRAs are another option to consider, but you need to determine if your contributions to a regular IRA may be tax deductible. Roth IRAs are slightly different. Although contributions to a Roth IRA are not deductible, account earnings are tax deferred and can ultimately be withdrawn from the Roth IRA income-tax free provided certain conditions are met. Invest Tax Smart Keeping as much of your hard-earned money as possible is the goal of tax efficient investing. Your financial advisor can help you explore all the ways you can invest with the goal of minimizing taxes.
Start practicing to be the ultimate FANatic for 2012 now by getting your Exclusive Texans Debit Card and choose the design that’s right for you.
Sergio Garza is our Financial Advisor with First Investment and Retirement Planning Center located at First Community Credit Union. If you have any questions, or would like to provide feedback, regarding the information presented in this article, you may contact Sergio Garza at 281.856.5625.
More Upcoming Drawings:
Representative is not a tax advisor or legal expert. For information regarding specific tax situations, please contact a tax professional. For legal advice, consult an attorney.
Texans Autographed Merchandise – Winner drawn weekly Training Camp VIP passes – Drawing in April 2012 Game Day Tickets – 10 winners drawn for each home game Travel with the Texans – Win a trip to an away game The Big Game – Win a trip to the Big Game 2013 The All Star Game – Win a trip to the All Star Game 2013 Join our team with TeX AN S Checking and WIN @ texanschecking.com! * Certain credit criteria applies. Minimum deposit to open checking account is $25. Account is free for first 90 days. Direct Deposit must begin within 90 days for account to remain free or fee of $4.95 will be assessed each month. Texans checking account holders will be automatically entered into weekly drawings to win home game tickets with a parking pass, autographed Texans merchandise or Texans trips. For all trips, no purchase is necessary. For complete rules, refer to texanschecking.com. Any prize won and accepted with a value of $600 or more will be subject to 1099-INT reporting.
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. Nondeposit 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. FR040818-8576
Pennie Lowther
Lila Vu
Registered Representative
Registered Representative
281.856.5625 Copperfield Office
281.856.5522 Alief Office
Planning • Investing • Insurance
4
ItemsofInterest
281.856.5300 FCCU.org Spring Branch Office 9100 Westview (at Campbell)
Branch Locations
Alief Office 3200 S. Dairy Ashford (at Richmond) Champions Office 10300 Louetta Rd., Ste. 100 (at Cutten Rd.) Copperfield Office - (Corporate Location) 15260 FM 529 (east of Hwy 6) Sugar Land Office 3400 Hwy 6 South (south of Williams Trace) Tomball Office 28850 Tomball Pkwy (north of FM 2920) NEW
NEW
Cinco Ranch Office 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd. Barker Cypress Office (inside HEB) 24224 Northwest Fwy (at Barker Cypress) Sam Houston Office (inside Kroger) 9125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. (at West Rd.) Grand Parkway Office (inside HEB) 6711 S. Fry Rd. (at Grand Parkway) Jones North Office (inside Kroger) 12222 Jones Rd. (at Cypress N Houston) Jones South Office (inside Kroger) 9330 Jones Rd. (at West Rd.) Fry Road Office (inside Kroger) 1705 Fry Rd. (at I-10) Katy Market Office (inside HEB) 25675 Nelson Way (at Pin Oak)
Spring Market Office (inside HEB) 2121 FM 2920 (at Spring Cypress) NEW Sienna Plantation Office (inside HEB) 8900 Hwy. 6 (at Sienna Parkway)
Look for this sign for over 43,000+ surcharge-free ATMs around the country.
Look for this sign for over 90 FREE ATM locations in and around Houston.
www.allpointnetwork.com
www.cufriendly.net
www.cuservicecenter.com
For a list of our hours and free ATM locations, visit our website at FCCU.org. 24-Hour Phone Services P.A.T. 281.856.4PAT • 800.234.PAT1 Phone-A-Loan Center 281.856.LOAN MasterCard®/Visa® Account Information Lost or Stolen Card Credit Card Fraud First Investment and Retirement Planning Center
281.856.5300 800.456.FCCU 800.600.5249 281.856.5625
Annual Meeting Reminder, on March 22nd, we will recap 2011 at our Annual Business Meeting. Join us for light refreshments. March 22, 2012 ,Copperfield Office, 6:00pm
Upcoming Shred Days! Cinco Ranch – April 21, 2012 Copperfield – May 19, 2012 All shred days are held from 9am – 1pm. The shred truck will be there so you can get rid of all the papers you no longer need. Start sorting through your documents so you’ll be ready to shred them at one of these locations. See you there! (Limit 5 banker boxes per person.) Don’t Wait – File Your Taxes Today! Make filing your taxes easy with Turbo Tax! Simply go to FCCU.org and click on the Turbo Tax banner to enjoy 15% off! Plus, with Turbo Tax, you’ll be guided through all the deductions and credits to guarantee your maximum refund. If you end up on the other side and owe taxes, make paying them easy with a low rate FCCU Platinum Card. Start filing your taxes today at FCCU.org! Help us Change a Child’s Life! Stop by any one of our conveniently located branches from March 1st to April 30th and donate your loose change to our Change a Child’s Life coin drive. Collectively, we can make a difference through Texas Children’s Hospital, who will benefit from these donations. Any amount will do as we give to our community with your help. Have you opted in to ODP? You never know when you might experience an unexpected financial situation. Have peace of mind knowing you will be covered if you need it – Opt IN to Overdraft Privilege. An overdraft occurs when you do not have enough money in your checking account to cover a transaction. When this occurs, generally we will not authorize or pay the transaction. However, by opting in to Overdraft Privilege, FCCU will cover your checks and automatic bill payments if your checking account balance is insufficient. We will also cover every day debit transactions and ATM withdrawals if you authorize us to do so.You can enroll in ODP at FCCU.org or visit any of our branch locations for personal assistance. Opt IN and secure your emergency backup plan today! Welcome Sienna Plantation! FCCU’s newest branch is now OPEN in Missouri City! Located inside the Sienna Planation H-E-B, we’re here to bring you added convenience. Sienna Planation offers full service banking plus extended hours during the week and on the weekends. Make sure you stop by for a visit while you’re in the area and don’t miss out on our Grand Opening Specials! Stop by Sienna Plantation and enjoy better banking today!
March
2012
FIRST VIEW FirstGlance
it’s No Secret! We Make Mortgage Loans!
2
Celebrate Life’s Milestones
2
TeX AN S
3
BULL PEN
Tax Efficient Investing – A Smart Choice
3
ItemsofInterest
4
Stay in touch with the latest FCCU news and upcoming events by becoming a fan on Facebook and following us on Twitter.
Official Credit Union of the H OU S TON
Te X AN S
Home is where the CA$H is! Did you know your house may hold the key to paying for large purchases without paying a high interest rate? Let First Community and your home’s equity provide you the cash to reach your goals! A Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit* (HELOC) will help you finance just about anything without disturbing your savings or investments. Plus we don’t charge any excess fees that you may be subject to elsewhere. Use the equity built up in your home to: • Consolidate high rate debt • Take a dream vacation • Pay for large expenses, such as a wedding, college, or home repairs! Choose the right option for you so you’ll have extra cash when you need it most. HELOCs: Home Equity Loans: • An open Line of Credit for 5 years • Low fixed rate • Low variable rate • Flexible payment terms • Interest only payment option What are you waiting for? Rates are at a record low.* Apply now at www.firstcommunitycre.vlending.com or visit any of our branches and find the cash in your home!
Federally insured by NCUA
Watch for our Youth Week feature in next month’s edition of First View!
A Publication of First Community Credit Union
Rates as low as
4.99%APR* As of 2/15/12
*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change. Certain credit criteria applies. Subject to normal credit criteria. Maximum loan to value cannot exceed 80%. Current rates are posted to our website at FCCU.org.
Making a First-Rate financial difference in our members’ lives!
281.856.5300 • FCCU.org