March 2008
Topics ...
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When You Joined The Credit Union You Made A Wise Decision
Trust your home loan to the mortgage specialists at NASA Federal. Get great fixed rates and payments you can live with. Whether you’re buying a new home or are ready to refinance the mortgage loan you have, trust NASA Federal to help you every step of the way. Visit our online Mortgage Center for more home loan information.
Check Out Our Jumbo Rates
Save time and money when you transfer other balances to your NASA Federal Visa. Other financial institutions and retail store credit interest rates are on the rise. Consolidate your high-rate debt with NASA Federal and save! Hurry! Offer ends March 31, 2008!
Limited Time Balance Transfers 5.9%APR1
Earn more on the money you save for the things you want. NASA Federal has top rates that are just right for your short term and long term goals. Flexibility is the key and NASA Federal offers terms from 5 to 60 months. Maximize your earnings with a NASA Federal savings account.
High-Yield Savings With Rates As High As 3.65%APY2
Enjoy a rich and active retirement. A NASA Federal IRA can help you reach that dream. Choose from a variety of investment options, including Money Market and Certificate IRAs. Make contributions for tax years 2007 and 2008 by April 15th, 2008.
High-Yield IRA Accounts 3.90%APY3
You Made A Smart Choice: You’ll save more and get the great rates you’re looking for with NASA Federal Credit Union. To open accounts, visit a branch office or log in to eBranch Online Banking at nasafcu.com. To apply for a loan, visit nasafcu.com/apply. To discuss mortgage options, visit our online Mortgage Center. For more information, visit a branch office or call 301-249-1800, ext. 203 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328), ext. 203.
1Annual Percentage Rate of 5.9% will be applied to balance transfers with a transaction date between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2008. Special rate valid until transferred balances are paid in full. Balance transfers are considered cash advances, therefore no grace period applies and finance charges begin to accrue immediately. Payments will be applied to unpaid fees, finance charges and promotional balances first. Offer valid for balances transferred from other institutions only. You must have a good credit history to qualify. If your account is not in good standing at any time, the special 5.9% APR will revert to the prevailing APR for your account. Please continue making payments on your transferred accounts until the transfers are confirmed on your other institution’s account statements.
2Annual Percentage Yield as of March 1, 2008. Minimum $2,000 deposit required. Early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Special certificate renews automatically to a standard 6-month term at the rate in effect at the time of renewal unless otherwise instructed. This limited-time offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Other terms are available. Additional conditions may apply.
3Annual Percentage Yield as of March 1, 2008. Rate applies to IRA contributions for tax years 2007 and 2008. Minimum $2,000 deposit required. Early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Special certificate renews automatically to a standard 6-month term at the rate in effect at the time of renewal unless otherwise instructed. This limited-time offer is subject to change at any time without notice. Other terms are available. Additional conditions may apply.
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Recent Home Assessments Might Affect Your Payments
Are your mortgage payments on the rise? Homeowners across the U.S. are finding that property assessments (which affect your property taxes) have risen dramatically even as home prices are falling. Plus, many homeowners’ insurance premiums are increasing as well. Both of these items affect your escrow requirement. In some cases, the combination of these two factors may make your monthly mortgage payment increase exponentially. If you find this to be true, NASA Federal wants you to know that you have may have recourse or options.
To combat a property assessment you believe is too large, most states give you the ability to appeal. First, locate your state’s Department of Assessments and Taxation. Then follow the instructions to file an appeal. The appeals process may vary from state to state.
If you find that your homeowner’s insurance has risen, shop other competitors and then call your insurance company. Make sure you review your coverage and deductibles. You have the option of either negotiating a reduced premium from your current provider or switching companies altogether for a lower premium.
If you’re looking to compare insurance options, consider the Member Homeowners Insurance Program from Travelers offered to NASA Federal members at group discounts. Visit the Travelers resource center at travelers.com/nasafcu to compare coverage and request a free, no-obligation quote. Or call 1-800-842-5936 to speak with a Travelers representative. Mention NASA Federal Credit Union and ask about multi-policy discounts if you insure both your home and auto with Travelers. For more information on how NASA Federal can help you, visit nasafcu.com/escrow or call 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).
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Money Moves For Tough Times Tips To Help Safeguard Your Future
While you may not be able to control the price of gas or food, there are some simple things you can do to shore up your finances, safeguard your future and ride out whatever the economy throws at you. Here’s a list of ideas that will help you get through the hard times, plus tips if the hard times have already hit your household.
- Eliminate the nonessentials. One way to avoid putting spending on automatic pilot is to write down everything you buy and the price. Then go through the list to see what can be cut.
- Keep your debt load light. Use credit only if you are paying off balances in full every month. Otherwise, switch to cash, checks or debit cards.
- Investigate refinancing. If your credit is good and you’re planning to stay in your house for a few more years, refinancing could be a smart move.
- Adjust your withholding allowance. The average refund is well over $2,000 and most people could use an extra $200 every month. The goal, pay exactly what you owe.
- Ask for an extension on your mortgage or car loan. Typically, the lender will do this once or twice a year. How it works: Instead of making your regular payment this month, the lender would tack an extra month onto the end of your loan period. But you won’t get off with a zero payment this month. You still have to cover the interest.
- Reward yourself. Remember to hold out a little discretionary money that you can use for fun.
- Continue funding your retirement. Retirement is going to come and you need to be ready for it.
- Start a go-to fund for emergencies. The average family will face up to $2,000 a year in unexpected bills. For families already stretching to pay the bills, those surprises can trigger long-term financial problems. While you can’t plan what or when, you can have money set aside just in case.
- Safeguard your current job. Remain engaged and enthusiastic, keep a high profile and network, network, network.
- Be on the lookout for your next job. Just like a corporation, you have to ensure your own financial survival. If you believe that your company or job is in jeopardy, update that resume, reach out to your network, hit the job boards (anonymously) and ignite your job search.
NASA Federal understands a slowing economy makes times tough and is dedicated to helping you and your family achieve your financial goals. It is possible to save big bucks by making small changes in your spending. Taken together over the course of a year, these tips could really add up to a bright financial future for you and your loved ones. For more information on how to manage your finances, visit nasafcu.com/balance.
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Certificate Specials
IRA DEPOSITS
3.90%APY*
5-Month Certificate
$2,000 Minimum
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NON-IRA DEPOSITS
3.65%APY*
5-Month Certificate
$5,000 Minimum
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*Annual Percentage Yield as of March 1, 2008. Minimum $2,000 or $5,000 deposit required, depending on account type. Early withdrawal penalties apply and may reduce earnings. Special certificate renews automatically to a 6-month term at the rate in effect at the time of renewal unless otherwise directed. Credit Union reserves the right to limit deposits into this special certificate. This limited-time offer is subject to change at any time without notice.
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NASA Federal Introduces Easy Pay
The Easy Way To Pay Over The Phone
Need to make a loan payment from another financial institution fast? Use NASA Federal’s new Easy Pay. One quick telephone call is all it takes! Easy Pay is the fast and convenient alternative to writing and mailing a check. Make your request by 1:00 p.m. eastern standard time for same day processing! A nominal service fee applies. To make a payment, call 301-249-1800 or 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).
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Need Help Paying Your Taxes?
We Can Help
It’s important to file on time even when you owe Uncle Sam. At NASA Federal, you have a variety of options to help you pay including a Cashline Line of Credit, Personal Signature loan or your NASA Federal Visa. Get the time you need to pay Uncle Sam. To apply for a loan, visit nasafcu.com/apply for 24-hour service and an answer in seconds. For more information, call 301-249-1800 or toll free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328) or visit any branch office today.
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Get In Touch With eAlerts
You could win your own portable GPS!
When you sign up for eAlerts, you stay in touch with your account. eAlerts are free electronic messages about recent activity delivered by e-mail or text message to your cell phone. Sign up for eAlerts and a chance to win your very own Magellan GPS Navigation System. Contest rules are available at nasafcu.com/intouch.
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| Saving Forests One Statement At A Time
eStatements Help Preserve The Environment
Sign up for eStatements—the better way to get your account statement—for you and for the environment! eStatements are secure, electronic copies of your account statements that you can view, search, save and print online. For more information, visit nasafcu.com/estatements.
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24/7 Access To Your Accounts
NASA Federal recognizes that your time is valuable. That’s why we’ve got eBranch—our online destination to help you manage your finances. eBranch puts the power of a branch at your fingertips with a comprehensive suite of services. With eBranch, you can:
- Manage your accounts
- Make eDeposits
- Transfer funds between your NASA Federal accounts and to or from accounts at other financial institutions
- Pay bills online
- Open new accounts
- And much more
eBranch is safe, convenient and FREE. Take greater control of your finances. Log in to eBranch today using the button on the left menu.
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Get Your Tax Refund Fast
Plus, Get Members-Only Tax Prep Discounts
NASA Federal can help you file your taxes and get your refund quickly and easily this year. Choose from the following two options to help you save time and money:
- You can file both your federal and state taxes the easy—and convenient—way using TurboTax® Online. It’s easy to use, thorough and confidential. Plus, NASA Federal members get a 10% discount on self tax preparation and secure online tax filing.
- If you’re looking for the help of trained tax professionals to prepare federal and state tax forms, NASA Federal is offering a $25 discount to members who choose Jackson Hewitt. Printed and electronic coupons are available.
Plus, once you’re ready to file, be sure to choose direct deposit for your refund. Just enter your credit union account number (savings or checking) when asked, and the NASA Federal Credit Union routing number: 255077833.
For additional information about these programs and other tax-related services from NASA Federal, visit nasafcu.com/taxcenter or call us at 301-249-1800 or toll-free 1-888-NASA-FCU (627-2328).
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You Helped Support The Miracle!
Thank you for partnering with NASA Federal to raise over $1,800 for the Children’s Miracle Network when you purchased gift cards in 2007! Children’s Miracle Network hospitals provide the finest medical care, life-saving research and preventative education to help millions of kids overcome diseases and injuries of every kind. Donations help facilities within the communities the funds are generated. Thank you for your continued support of the Children’s Miracle Network!
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Calendar
APRIL 6: Cherry Blossom Run
NASA Federal is proud to be a title sponsor of the 36th running of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.
April 28: Annual Meeting
The Credit Union’s 59th Annual Meeting will be held at 5 pm in the Collington Center office. All members are invited to attend.
April 28: Special Meeting
Members of the NASA Federal Credit Union will meet at the Collington Center office at 4 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the expulsion of individuals who have not met their commitment(s) to the Credit Union. To attend, contact 301-249-1800, ext. 249. |
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