March/April 2012 - Delta Community Credit Union

Insights
March/April 2012 • Volume 10 Issue 2
Dear Member,
Today, over 87 million Americans call a credit union their financial home, and this
number is expected to grow as consumers learn more about the advantages of a
smarter banking alternative.
Rick’s
Insights
Credit unions are unique in their structure and mission. We exist to help
members be more successful financially. Unlike banks, we do not issue stock or
pay dividends to outside stockholders. As a not-for-profit cooperative, our primary focus is to serve members rather than generate a
profit. Whatever earnings we generate are returned to members – rather than stockholders – in the form of lower rates, higher interest
on deposits and lower fees.
We’re governed by a Board of Directors who are elected by our members and who serve on a voluntary basis. This is an example of
the economic democracy embodied within credit unions. We’re also member-owned and operated, which means each member has an
equal voice and vote within the cooperative – regardless of their status or how much money they have on deposit.
A credit union’s commitment to serving members is also exemplified in on-going efforts to empower them with helpful financial
information. As a member of Delta Community, you have the opportunity to chart a more successful financial future by attending our
no cost financial education seminars and workshops. We believe the information presented at these events can impact you and your
family’s financial outlook in a very positive way.
The core operating philosophy for Delta Community and any successful credit union is “people helping people.” We were founded
on this principle 72 years ago, and it explains who we are. But our “business” is defined by much more than just financial transactions.
That’s why our staff volunteers to help charities, build better communities and establish the credit union as an organization that cares
about people outside of a branch or business meeting. We do this because credit unions benefit from strengthening individuals,
families and the communities we’re privileged to serve.
We compete with other financial institutions for your business. That’s why every transaction you entrust us with is a chance to prove
how much we value your support. As the largest credit union in Georgia, we give you access to the same financial products and
services offered by big banks, including money market accounts, mortgages and mobile banking. But bigger doesn’t make us better.
We’re a strong financial institution today because we understand that your business, trust and respect must be earned every day in
order for us to be successful.
The most important number at Delta Community will always be ”one” and that “one” is you. We’re honored to be able to serve
your financial needs as a credit union, and we hope you’ll always have reason to appreciate our
commitment to serve your best interests as the place where your financial life comes together.
Rick Foley
President & CEO
Where Life Comes Together
In This issue
•
•
•
•
Spring Into A Mortgage Lender That’s Right For You
Congratulations!
Is Insurance On Your Spring Cleaning List?
Small Means Big Savings When You Buy A Car
•
•
•
•
Five Reasons People Fail To Plan For Retirement
Get More For Your Money With Us
Is Your Contact Information Correct?
Member Care Center Answers Call To Serve
TM
E
S
Metro Atlanta
Atlanta
Newnan
Atlanta
Peachtree City
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta
International Airport
Atlanta, GA 30320
(Located on Concourse A)
Braelinn Village
Shopping Center
472 Crosstown Drive
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Buford (in Kroger)
Peachtree City
3300 Hamilton Mill Road
Buford, GA 30519
315 Highway 74, North
Peachtree City, GA 30269
Canton (in Kroger)
6766 Hickory Flat Highway
Canton, GA 30115
Sandy Springs
1025 Virginia Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30354
DECATUR
245 West Ponce de Leon
Decatur, GA 30030
Duluth
1980 Satellite Boulevard, NW
Duluth, GA 30097
Fayetteville
140 Highway 92, South
Fayetteville, GA 30215
Gainesville
Village Shoppes at Gainesville
891 Dawsonville Highway
Suite 140
Gainesville, GA 30501
Johns Creek
6700 McGinnis Ferry Road, NE
Johns Creek, GA 30097
If you’re looking to settle into your very first property, our First-Time Home Buyer
Program* may be just the loan for you. With up to 97% financing eligibility and
other money-saving benefits, the program was designed to walk you through the
mortgage process step-by-step. The truth is, buying a home can be somewhat
overwhelming, so to help you, we have a staff of Home Loan Specialists who will
be there with you from the start.
Presidential Commons
Shopping Center
1670 Scenic Highway, North
Snellville, GA 30078
Stockbridge
285 Center Pointe Parkway
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Where the options are yours for the choosing …
The specialists are also available to assist in finding the loan that will work best
for you. We also offer conventional loans that are anything but conventional. Our
Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate mortgages are customizable to fit your needs.
Perhaps you’re looking to take advantage of today’s great rates by refinancing
your existing loan. If so, consider making Delta Community your first choice.
Stockbridge
5006 Mt. Zion Parkway
Stockbridge, GA 30281
Suwanee (in Kroger)
2121 LawrencevilleSuwanee Road
Suwanee, GA 30024
Where service meets you at your door …
Vinings
Marietta
Coming Soon!
Midtown Branch
N
1205 Johnson Ferry Road
Suite 108
Marietta, GA 30068
W
Out of State
4885 Houston Road
Sibcy Cline Building
Suite 102
Florence, KY 41042
Where home ownership happens …
Snellville (in Kroger)
3250 Riverwood Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30339
Florence, KY
(Cincinnati Metro)
Everyone knows that spring is the perfect opportunity to look for a home. The
weather is great and the flowers and foliage are in full bloom. It is also during
this time of year when homes are showcased at their best. However, as much as
knowing when to look for a home is essential, knowing where to find the right
loan is even more important. As your credit union, we want you to know that you
have a trusted financial partner that has you covered.
1100 Hammond Drive
Suite 100
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Marietta
2627 Dallas Highway, SW
Marietta, GA 30064
Spring Into A Mortgage
Lender That’s Right For You –
Delta Community
1825 Highway 34, East
Newnan, GA 30265
Southlake, TX
(Dallas Metro)
S
Southlake Corners
100 North Kimball Avenue
Suite 103
Southlake, TX 76092
E
In addition to our mortgage loans, our service offering has been designed to
make our members’ lives more simple and easy. All of our loans are serviced
in-house. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with questions that you may
have regarding your loan, and our online mortgage application is available
through our web site. We invite you to visit us online at any time and complete
the application for online pre-approval. After you’ve closed the loan and gotten
the key to your home, you can save more valuable time by paying your mortgage
online or via Delta Community’s Mobile Banking service.
Where life comes together.
So, whenever you feel that it’s the right time to
make the step to your mortgage loan,
we’re here for you.
*Only available in
the state of Georgia.
E
S
W
Salt Lake City
International Airport
765 North Terminal Drive
Delta Terminal 2
Salt Lake City, UT 84122
(Located behind airport security)
N
Salt Lake City, UT
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta (Technical
Operations Center)
1775 Aviation Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30320
Atlanta (World
Headquarters)
1030 Delta Boulevard
Atlanta, GA 30320
Visit our web site for branch and drive-thru hours.
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Delta Community Credit Union members Danielle Norato,
Brianna Argumosa and Maria Ramos for winning our Knowledge Base/Message
Center promotion and receiving the prize deposits. We encourage everyone to
utilize the Knowledge Base and Message Center as helpful online resources for
finding information and communicating with the credit union.
Page 2
Is Insurance On Your
Spring Cleaning List?
Often we think about spring cleaning as things we do to update the house or yard. But one area you might want to add to that annual
chore has to do with your home and auto insurance. Over the course of a year, many things can change, so now may be the perfect time
to review your existing home and auto insurance policies.
Contacting Members Insurance Advisors* is a great way to get started. You’ll be able to see if they can increase your coverage or save you
money. A wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Community Credit Union, Members Insurance Advisors is committed to ensuring your best
interests are always covered when it comes to your personal insurance needs.
The Members Insurance Advisors advantage includes:
•A personal insurance advisor who will take time to review your coverage, research options, and then talk with you about whether or not
they can help in a friendly, informative way.
•
Competitively priced products written through “A“ Rated insurance carriers like AAA, The Hartford, Travelers, Progressive and more.
•A complimentary yearly insurance review to see if any coverage improvements or savings opportunities might have developed over
the past year on your car and homeowner’s insurance.
Members Insurance Advisors can write an insurance policy on the things that are important to you like your home, your car or your boat.
They offer additional coverage with an umbrella policy or liability protection against damage or injury if you own a golf cart. They also offer
life insurance as well as cancer and accident insurance.
Spring is the perfect time to compare your current coverage with what they can offer. Simply complete an online form located under
the Quotes tab at www.MembersIA.com. An insurance advisor will then contact you to discuss if Members Insurance Advisors can
offer any savings or improvements with your insurance. You can also contact them directly at 404-677-8652/866-444-4614 or email
[email protected] for more information.
Add Members Insurance Advisors to your spring “to do list” today, and you’ll have access to licensed insurance professionals who care
about helping you and your family get more for your insurance dollars.
*Members Insurance Advisors is currently writing policies in Georgia only. They expect to begin writing in other states soon. Check www.MembersIA.com for updates. Nondeposit
insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution.
Small Means Big Savings When You Buy a Compact Car
If you’re in the market for a new or used car during a time when gas prices are soaring, consider purchasing a compact car. Smaller size
cars are a cheaper alternative than SUVs and larger cars and can save you on average several thousand dollars. Getting a smaller sized
car doesn’t mean you have to settle for no frills or features. Manufacturers are now adding equipment and electronic features to attract
consumers who want good mileage, economy and comfort. So instead of paying more for your monthly payment, gas and insurance,
think about small-sizing your car purchase to reap the benefit of super-sizing your wallet!
Need financing without the nail-biting and jumping through hoops? Make us your first choice versus a car dealership or bank. You’ll find
that financing your car through Delta Community is quick and easy. In addition to a simple loan application process, we also offer other
benefits including:
•
•
Rates as low as 2.75% APR*
Loan pre-approvals
•
•
Optional payment protection
Flexible payment options
You can get started by using Car Solutions, our car-buying partner. They’ve been serving members for almost 20 years with hassle-free
pricing that you’ll appreciate. Simply tell them what you’re looking for, and they’ll work hard to find exactly the car that’s right for you.
To view a selection of price competitive vehicles, visit the Car Solutions web site at CarSolutions.com or call them directly at 404-530-9000 or
1-800-226-5152. Then, let the credit union finance your loan. Apply online at DeltaCommunityCU.com or call 404-715-4725 or 800-544-3328.
*Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are dependent upon credit history, term of the loan, year of the vehicle and are subject to change.
Page 3
Five Reasons People Fail To Plan For Retirement
It seems like every day we read about a new list of the top five
or 10 things we should or shouldn’t do. In this issue of Insights,
Delta Community Retirement & Investment Services* presents
five reasons members give for not planning for retirement.
Take a look at these and see how your actions today can
benefit you tomorrow.
#1: I’m too busy. Many members want to plan for a better
retirement, but they think they don’t have time saying, “I’ll take
care of it tomorrow or the day after that.” Before they know it,
several years have gone by. The most important thing is to get
started today and stop procrastinating. Your future depends on
a well thought out retirement plan.
#2: It’s too soon. It’s never too soon! Retirement planning is
about making decisions to help you become financially secure in
the future. This means you need to make a conscious decision to
spend less than you earn, limit your debt and start the retirement
planning process today. Beginning now is the surest way to
financial independence.
#3: It’s too late. It’s never too late either. Even if you’re
near retirement or already retired, there are many reasons to
speak with a professional. They can help you develop a strategy
for how to generate retirement income and how to make sure
it’s constant during your lifetime. You may learn some options
that you hadn’t considered. Even if you have a plan in place,
it’s important to monitor the plan and get a second opinion,
especially if you are facing a life changing event.
#4: I don’t need to. We all need to have a plan of action in
place for retirement. Saving money is simply not enough. Even
if you have a 401(k) or pension, you need a plan that takes into
consideration the effects of inflation, taxes, insurance coverage,
your own individual longevity and estate planning. The financial
planning process can uncover many potential problems you are
unaware of. The future is always uncertain, but a good financial
plan enables you to examine your financial security and develop
a contingency plan for those unexpected events.
#5: I don’t know how to. Not knowing how to plan for
retirement is all the more reason to speak with an advisor who
can help you sort through and better understand your assets.
Consider the fact that you may have a 401(k) from a former
employer that has not been rolled over, a couple of savings
accounts, a trust from a deceased relative and some stocks that
your parents bought in your name when you were younger.
This may seem a bit overwhelming, but leaving it as is certainly
won’t improve the situation. Consider speaking with an advisor
who can look at your complete financial picture, help you
understand it and help develop a plan to make your “financial
mess” work for you.
If you’d like to speak with a professional at Delta Community
Retirement & Investment Services, give them a call at
404-677-4890 or 1-800-544-3328. They’re here to help!
Talk to a financial coach today and start getting READY
for retirement.
*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.CUNA Brokerage Services Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all
fifty states of the United States of America. FR031207-6C46
Pictured: (L to R) Taylor Hamilton, CRPC®, Debbie Parrish, CRPC®,
Shaun Crawley, CFP®, Julie Bates, CFP® and Terry Anderson, CRPC®
are Financial Advisors with Delta Community Retirement & Investment
Services located at Delta Community Credit Union.*
Page 4
Get More For Your Money With Us
Here at Delta Community, we want to be in a position to provide
you with the necessary products, financial tools and services to
meet your needs. As your financial partner, we also feel that it is
our responsibility to provide basic education on how what we offer
can truly help make your life come together.
Take for example our Savings Accounts - a basic financial
product that just about everyone should own. A Savings Account
allows you to set aside a portion of your funds while earning
money in return. For most of our members, our Savings Account
was the lead in to their partnership with the credit union.
Therefore, it was designed for easy and simple set-up with a
minimum $5 deposit. From the beginning, members begin
earning competitive dividends, which are paid out monthly. We
also offer an Additional Savings Account, allowing you to
save for special occasions like vacation, school expenses, home
improvements or a new car.*
With our free, no-gimmicks Checking Account, you get honest
value that lets you earn money every day. This transactional
account includes a free Visa® Check Card with Reward Points, so
you’re actually giving back to yourself with each purchase made
with the card. And because we believe that convenience should
be a luxury for all to enjoy, our Checking includes Online Banking
Services with features such as Bill Pay, Online Deposit, eAlerts,
Account-to-Account Transfer and Mobile Banking so that your
account is with you at every moment.
What sets our Money Market Account apart from others of this
type are the competitive yields and no long-term commitment
features that make up the product. Basically, our Money Market
Account is a high yielding, premium savings vehicle that offers
competitive dividends without locking you into a fixed rate or
fixed term. The flexibility of this account gives you more control
over your funds. In a challenging economic environment, the more
control you have over your money, the better it is for your current
and future financial positioning.*
All of the credit union’s deposit accounts are federally insured
by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a federal
government agency. The basic insurance amount is $250,000 per
individual account holder. This security gives you the added peace
of mind in knowing that we take managing your accounts very
seriously and that you’re protected. Share insurance coverage
can be increased if accounts are held in different categories of
ownership, such as joint accounts and payable-on-death accounts.
Lastly, we also encourage you to take the necessary steps to
ensure that you are adequately covered so that your money can
work for you and your loved ones in the long term. Simple but wise
actions like naming a beneficiary on your account at the credit
union, or getting a sufficient amount of life insurance coverage
are two important safeguards to take in securing you and your
family’s future. If you need life insurance information, contact
Members Insurance Advisors, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Delta Community Credit Union. Together, we can help you
make the most of your credit union experience.
For more information about any of Delta Community’s account
products and services, call us today at 1-800-544-3328.
*Important Notice: Federal regulation and our deposit agreement limit the number of
withdrawals and/or transfers that may be made from a savings account by telephone/
PC transfer, preauthorized transfer, check, or debit card. You are limited to six (6)
withdrawals and/or transfers from your savings account each monthly statement cycle
by pre-authorized transfer, or telephone/PC transfer (including bill payments).
Is Your Contact Information Correct?
Comes Together
We Where
want Life
to make
sure you have access to important information about your account, new products and services, promotions and other
events at Delta Community. To do so, we need to know how to get this information to you.
TM
Please take a moment to confirm whether or not the personal and email address we have on file for you is correct. If not, you can update this
information very easily in Online Banking. Simply log into your account and click the Member Service tab. Then, click Change Address under
Account Tools & Information.
As a reminder, to prevent important credit union email messages from going to your spam account rather than your inbox, please accept
Delta Community Credit Union as a sender. Also, if you’re not already doing so, retrieving emails via your smartphone will ensure that your
notifications are received quickly and are with you at all times. This is especially helpful should there be an important alert from
Delta Community regarding your credit union account.
Your Delta Community emails will come from: [email protected] or [email protected]
Page 5
Member Care Center Answers Call To Serve
At Delta Community Credit Union, our members are our top priority. In tough economic times, many
businesses are forced to cut back wherever possible. Sometimes these cuts can have an adverse effect on customer
satisfaction. Our approach has always been to be a responsible lender and to remain fiscally strong so that we can
continue providing you with the great benefits you have come to expect from the credit union while maintaining a superior
level of member service. That is why the principle of “people helping people” is one we value so greatly. Our employees
are members too, so they’re familiar with the credit union’s products and services from a consumer’s point of view. We
strongly believe our passionate and skilled staff is best suited to serve our members’ needs whenever possible.
Our Member Care Center, located in Atlanta, serves as your first point of contact when you call the credit union. Member Care Agents are
knowledgeable on a broad range of our products and services. Our Member Care Center can help you with everything from general account
information, Online Banking, Loan and Credit Card applications and much more. It is their number one priority to satisfy the reason for your
call, while being respectful of your time and providing a memorable call experience. We treat every member as an individual and recognize
the need to serve our members in a friendly, professional way. As Member Care Agent Jennifer Miller says, “I try to think about what my
expectations would be if I were on the other end of the call.”
“We are continuously looking for ways to improve our processes and the call experience in an effort to exceed member expectations when
contacting Delta Community,” Member Care Center VP Dean Odle said. “Last year, we handled over 746,000 calls, and 2012 will bring
about improved menu options, including Voice Response Technology to make our phone system more member-friendly. Our agents will
also participate in intense servicing training focused on assessing and fulfilling our members’ financial service needs. We take our role at the
credit union seriously, and we are excited about our future,” Odle said.
“By being knowledgeable about our products and services and thinking outside the box, I’m empowered to assist our members with
their needs,” Member Care Agent Hannah Spence said. Hannah is most satisfied when she’s able to provide first contact resolution to our
members and leave a great impression of the credit union. Creating that great impression is what we’re all about and something we seek
to achieve with each and every member contact.
Financial Status as of February 29, 2012
Assets: $4,254,000,000
Loans: $2,580,000,000
Deposits: $3,771,000,000
Members: 246,482
Great Connections
Delta Community Credit Union | 404-715-4725 or 1-800-544-3328
Loan Line | 1-800-544-3328
Audioline | 404-715-4627 or 1-800-334-7536
Web Sites | w
ww.DeltaCommunityCU.com, www.MembersIA.com
Holiday Closings
Mon., May 28 | Memorial Day
Insights is a bi-monthly publication for the members of
Delta Community Credit Union. Issues are archived on our
web site for easy reference.
Managing Editor – Autumn Davis
Editor – Jeffrey Deck
Contributing Writers – Natasha Burroughs, Hesper Hall, Kem Henderson,
Renee Jones, Kate Kauffman and Ollie Moore
Editorial Inquiries: Email us at [email protected]