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We're excited to offer you cutting-edge service in our new facility. Stop by and check it out the next time you're in the area!
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Our New Hazleton Office
Refinancing Rewards!
Dear Valued Members,  John Kebles, recently retired
President/CEO of Choice
One
Community CU,
completed his
last day of
service at the credit
union on
June 30, 2009.
We'll miss you, John! |
and trust and look forward to serving your financial needs for years to come.
Sincerely Yours,
Thomas Smith
President/CEO
Make The Holidays Merrier!
Need extra cash for holiday gifts? Choice One can help you afford your goal!
Holiday Loans
Borrow $2,500 For As Little As
5.24% APR* For 12 Months
Take advantage of our great low rate to help pay for gifts, travel, a New Year's Eve getaway and more! Make this holiday season even more memorable. Hurry, this offer is only valid October 1 - December 23, 2009. First payment will be due January 27, 2010.
Apply Today!
It's never too early to start planning for your borrowing needs. Call
us at (570) 823-7676 ext. 233 or stop by
the credit union to apply or learn more.
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. All rates subject to change without notice. Rates shown are for qualified borrowers; other rates and terms available. Contact the credit union for complete details.
 |
Instant Savings!
|
It's The Only Card You Need
Our affordable VISA® Cards are perfect for shopping, travel and emergency cash. Your Choice One VISA gives you:
- A Great Low Interest Rate
- 25-Day Grace Period On Purchases
- NO Annual Fees
- Bill Payment Options
- FREE Travel/Accident Insurance
- Cash Advances Worldwide
Apply Today
Stop by or call (570) 823-7676 ext. 233 for more information. You
can also apply online. Start saving with the
Choice One Community CU VISA today!
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. All rates subject to change without notice. Rates shown are for qualified borrowers; other rates and terms available. Contact the credit union for complete details.
Hurry, Offers End January 31, 2010!
Brighten Your Financial Future
With These Money-Saving Strategies
It's easy to see why some Americans are overwhelmed by their debts with household bills, loan costs and multiple credit card statements piling in on a monthly basis.
Feeling stressed about all those monthly payments? You're not alone. According to credit reporting agency Experian, the average American's balance on credit cards, auto loans and other fixed payment debts totaled $16,600 in 2008.
There is a solution - but it depends on your personal financial situation. The following options could help you lower your monthly bill payments and save money in the long run.
Take Advantage Of A Better Loan
You can automatically lower your monthly payments by consolidating all of your
high-interest debts into one lower interest loan - you'll not only lower the amount of
payments you have to worry about each month, you'll also lower the total amount of
interest you pay overall.
Examples of loans that may work best for this strategy are Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit, Personal Loans and Credit Cards. Ask us about our low interest rate options today.
Negotiate Better Terms
If credit card debt is a major concern for you, don't feel shy about calling your credit
card company and asking if you can stretch out your payments over a longer period
of time. You should also ask the company if it is possible to lower your interest rate,
or consider transferring your balances to a lower interest rate Choice One Credit
Union loan or VISA® Credit Card.
Remember…
No solution can eliminate debt instantly. But by lowering the interest rate and
negotiating the term of your loan, you could save yourself a few headaches (and some
cash) every month. By staying on the savings path from now on, you can be sure to
get ahead of the game - and out of debt faster.
For more information about your loan options, call (570) 823-7676 or stop by today. You can also apply 24/7 by dialing our Loan Center at (866) 851-1658.
Save On Your
Monthly
Mortgage
Payments
If you are a current homeowner, take advantage of today's "bargain" Mortgage rates by refinancing at Choice One Community. We never charge high fees for refinancing, and we can help you make your monthly home payments more affordable. Whether you're a new homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, we have a loan that will meet your needs. Rates have never been lower, so now is a great time to buy or refinance and cash in on the savings!
- No Points To Qualified Buyers
- Financing Up To 95% LTV
- Financing Up To 96.5% LTV
- Terms Up To 40 Years
- Low Closing Costs
- Wide Variety Of Mortgage Programs - One Is Right For You!
Learn More Today
View our most current rates or
apply for a Mortgage online. For personalized
assistance, please contact Cathleen
Casey at (570) 823-7676, ext. 237 for an appointment. We look forward
to helping you save money on
your Mortgage!
We Are
Community
Ambassadors!
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Go Direct® campaign recognized Choice One Community CU as a Go Direct Community Ambassador for going the extra mile in promoting Direct Deposit to senior citizens, people with disabilities and others who receive federal benefits. Thank you to our tellers and staff for promoting the use of Direct Deposit for federal benefits.
A simple action like switching from paper checks to Direct Deposit can have a meaningful, positive impact on the lives of our members and on our community. Choice One's participation in Go Direct Community Ambassadors underscores our commitment to the safety and well-being of the people we serve. To learn more about the Go Direct campaign, visit www.GoDirect.org.
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury
Giving Annuities A Second Look
Content developed by CUNA Brokerage Services, provided by James H. Van Wert, Jr., CFP
Today, you have more investment choices than ever before. But one of the most popular investments is also one of the oldest. Take a minute to get reacquainted with how annuities might be able to help you reach your financial goals.
What Is An Annuity?
An annuity is a contract between you and an insurance company. You buy an annuity to
provide you a stream of income guaranteed by the insurance ompany to last for as long as
you live.
Qualified And Non-Qualified Annuities
An annuity is qualified when it is associated with an employee benefit plan. There are limits
on how much you can invest in qualified annuities.
A non-qualified annuity also grows tax-deferred, but has no contribution limits. Investors
often purchase non-qualified annuities after they have maximized participation in an
employer-sponsored plan.
Fixed And Variable Annuities
A fixed annuity guarantees to pay a specified rate of interest on the accumulated value of the
annuity for a specified period of time. With a variable annuity, the accumulated value will
vary with the performance of the investment options chosen by the contract owner. These
investments are not FDIC-insured, nor are they deposits guaranteed by a financial institution.
The Taxation Of Annuities
Any earnings in an annuity are "tax-deferred," until withdrawn. When withdrawn, earnings
are taxed as ordinary income. There is typically a 10% federal tax penalty on earnings
withdrawn before age 59 ½.
Get Advice When Purchasing An Annuity
A financial advisor can help you evaluate the benefits and risks of a particular annuity so that
you can determine if it is appropriate for your own unique financial situation.
James H. Van Wert, Jr., CFP is a Financial Advisor with MEMBERS Financial Services located at your credit union. If you have any questions, or would like to provide feedback regarding the information presented in this article, you may contact Jim at (570) 208-4520.
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.
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.
Make Life More Convenient And Earn Rewards!
Manage your money for free with our 24/7 Convenience Services - it's so easy!
Try Our Rewarding VISA® Check Card - Get cash at ATMs, or pay for purchases wherever the VISA logo is displayed - the charge is automatically deducted from your Checking Account. Always remember to choose "credit," and you'll earn one UChoose Rewards® point for every $2 you spend. Points can be redeemed for gift certificates, brand-name merchandise, airline tickets and much more! Learn more at www.uchooserewards.com.
Enroll In Direct Deposit - Have your pay, pension, government or other regular checks automatically deposited in your credit union account. Your funds are available immediately!
Sign Up For FREE Virtual Branch® Account Access - Manage your money 24/7 with the click of a mouse! Get balances, review account histories, transfer funds, make loan payments, pay your bills and more!
Give Online Bill Payer A Try - Virtual Branch gives you access to free Online Bill Payer. Pay bills electronically, no stamps required.
Get Started Today!
Simply call us at (570) 823-7676 ext. 258, come in or apply for these services online. You'll love saving time and money every day!
Be Prepared!
Open An IRA Today
Saving for retirement or a first home are two major concerns of American workers nationwide. One of the best ways to be sure you have enough set aside for these two major expenses is to invest in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) at your credit union. IRAs are the safe, secure way to ensure you are prepared for whatever the future brings - all while you take advantage of the tax savings.
Traditional IRAs
If your goal is long-term retirement planning and you don't plan to access your
funds for many years, you may want to choose a Traditional IRA. You can invest up
to $4,000 per year, or $8,000 for married couples. The funds will not be taxed until
you start taking withdrawals, most likely when your income (and therefore your tax
bracket) is lower.
Roth IRAs
Many financial experts are now recommending Roth IRAs for those who have time
to save. With a Roth IRA, you can access your funds in a shorter term (withdrawals
are penalty-free after five years).
Need Help?
Our loan officers will be happy to help you decide which type of IRA is best for
you. Simply give us a call at (570) 823-7676 ext. 258 or stop by today!
Bulletin Board
Holiday Closings
Veterans' Day - Wednesday, November 11
Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 26
Christmas Eve (Closing At 1 p.m.) - Thursday, December 24
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25
*Please note that we are open Saturday, December 26, 2009New Year's Day - Friday, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 18
69th Annual Meeting
The 69th Annual Meeting and election of
officers will be held on Sunday, April 18,
2010, at the Choice One Community CU
main office, 101 Hazle Street, Wilkes-Barre,
starting at 11:00 a.m. There is no charge
to participate in the meeting and election
of officers. If you are interested in seeking
election to the Board of Directors in 2010,
the deadline for nominations is February 1,
2010. Please submit your name along
with a brief biography to the Nominating
Committee at:
Chairman Nominating Committee
Choice One Community FCU
P.O. Box 1205
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1205
Terms will expire in 2013. Nominations may also be made by petition. Petitions may be signed by 1% of the adult membership with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 500. Signed petitions must be submitted by January 13, 2010 to:
John Bereznak, Board Secretary
Choice One FCU
P.O. Box 1205
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1205
Credit union bylaws state that nominations from the floor will only be accepted if there are not sufficient nominations from the nominating committee or by petitions. If an election is needed, it will be by paper ballot at the Annual Meeting ONLY.
What's Up With musicstream LIVESM?
Upcoming Concert Featuring New Cupid!
Choice One is sponsoring a musicstream LIVESM (MSL) concert for Misericordia University and the
surrounding community on October 29 from 9-11 p.m. Local hip hop sensation Gino Lispi will open for
New Cupid!
New Cupid is most famously known for his "Cupid Shuffle," the nationwide sensation. Even Choice One Community's Financial Literacy Mascot, Dollar Dog, and his friends are doing the dance - check out the video!
Get your tickets today to learn more about your credit union and have a chance to dance the "Cupid Shuffle!" For more information, please call Sue Bat at (570) 823-7676 ext. 221.
The MSL program is a great way for students to learn more about credit unions while enjoying performances by cutting-edge artists.
As an MSL sponsor, Choice One hosted its first MSL concert in April. The show featured great performances by The Woody Browns Project and Scott McKenna.
The second MSL concert sponsored by the credit union was
held on September 16 during the 6th Annual Party On The
Square. The event helped promote inancial literacy and also
welcomed students from five local colleges (Kings, Wilkes,
LCCC, Misericordia and Penn State). Over 5,000 students
attended while Faded Fortune and Elevation rocked the Choice
One stage!
Check out more photos from Party On The Square!
Check Out Our Youth Programs!
Dollar Dog Kids Club® - For Kids 12 And Under
With this free program, kids learn to manage money and get in the savings habit. For each deposit they make,
they'll receive a Dollar Dog coin; the coins can be redeemed for fun Dollar Dog items! Your child can open
a Dollar Dog Kids Club® Account with a deposit of $5 or more, or convert his or her current Share Savings
Account to a Kids Club Account. Check out the Dollar Dog Clubhouse on our website, too!
cha-ching!SM - Just For Teens!
With cha-ching!SM, teenagers learn the basics of saving, investing and budgeting with Savings and Checking
Accounts, Check Cards, Online Banking and other free services.* Check out cha-ching! online and you'll find
podcasts, videos, downloads and more, all full of teen-friendly financial information.
the edgeSM - Young Adults
With the edgeSM, young adults get access to free Checking Accounts with no tricky fine print, savings products
that earn more than bank Savings Accounts, free convenience services and more. Check out the edge online to
find informative podcasts, blogs from financial experts, money-saving coupons, free new music, cool videos
and much more!
Stop by or call (570) 823-7676 ext. 258 to learn more or get started today.
*Accounts and other services may require co-owner over 18.
Give Yourself A Bailout!
Need some extra cash? A Home Equity Loan or Line of Credit can help you reach all of your goals faster. Use the funds to make home renovations, pay college tuition, consolidate bills at a low interest rate, pay wedding expenses and much more.
When you choose Choice One Community CU for your loan, you'll enjoy:
- Low Rates
- No Application And Appraisal Fees
- Terms Up To Twenty Years
- Interest May Be Tax-Deductible (Consult Your Tax Advisor)
Consolidate debt from another financial institution with a Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit, and you'll receive a $10 cash rebate for every $1,000 borrowed!**
Learn More Today
To apply or learn more about your home equity options,
contact Lisa Weihbrecht at (570) 823-7676 ext. 232 or lmweihbrecht@c1mail.com.
*Payment quoted is based upon a special rate of 6.49% APR. APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates
effective as of 10/01/09. Rates subject to change without notice. Other rates and terms available.
Consult your tax advisor for tax-deduction eligibility. Visit www.choiceone.org for additional potential
fees. Contact the credit union for complete details.
**Consolidate debt from another financial institution to receive a cash rebate up to $100. Cash
rebate will be deposited into member's Share Savings Account at loan closing. Contact the credit
union for complete offer details.
Golf Tournament
Raises $10,000
Our 34th Annual Golf Tournament was held June 27 and raised $10,000 for two good causes. We raised $5,000 for the Weinberg Food Bank and $5,000 for the St. Nicholas School Scholarship Fund. Thank you to all the golfers who participated and to all the sponsors.
Car Show Recap
The 6th Annual Car Show was held on September 13 in conjunction with the United Way of Wyoming Valley Rib Fest and raised $1,600 for the United Way's Success By Six program.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to help us celebrate Member Appreciation Day on September 12, 2009! We had free food, fun kid activities, great prizes, entertainment and more - all to thank you for choosing Choice One Community CU as your financial institution!
Throughout the entire week, members entered to win gift baskets and other valuable prizes. Our grand prize winner was Eric Miller. He won a 4-day, 3-night cruise on a Carnival or Norwegian cruise line! John and Cynthia Garrison won a flat-screen TV. Richard Andrejko won a $500 VISA® Gift Card.
Thank You For Choosing Choice One Community CU - We're Here For You!
