Refinance Your Old Loan. Bada Bing. Bada Boom. Refinance Your
Transcription
Refinance Your Old Loan. Bada Bing. Bada Boom. Refinance Your
P.O. Box 830742 Richardson, Texas 75083-0742 Community Investments (continued from page 4) What's more, as your goals and/or time frame change, so should your asset allocation. For example, as you near retirement, your assets should shift to a more conservative allocation, oriented more toward capital preservation rather than growth. has different financial characteristics that make it more or less appropriate depending on the objectives you seek. With this knowledge, we can utilize a combination of asset classes to construct an effective and well-balanced portfolio that will help offset the volatility of the financial markets. Second, organize your assets into four categories: stocks, fixed income, cash equivalents and other tangible assets, such as real estate. Using this information, you can determine if your current allocation is designed to meet your specific needs and goals. If you are saving for your newborn's college education, for instance, a more aggressive stance utilizing stocks may be more appropriate for that portion of your portfolio earmarked for college funding. However, once college is right around the corner for your child, this part of your portfolio should include more bonds and cash than stocks to help provide protection. Finally, it is critical that we review your allocation regularly. In order to ensure the decisions made are on target to meet your objectives, monitoring your allocation and making necessary modifications in light of industry conditions and changes in your goals or financial situation is essential. For more information about how asset allocation can provide the balance your portfolio needs in both good and bad markets, please contact me today. Now that you have a firm grasp of your financial situation, we can work together to create an asset allocation model tailored to your needs. We'll explore the various investments and how different types stocks, bonds and cash investments - can work together to help achieve your goals. As I am sure you are aware, each asset class Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other bank insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. Refinance Your Old Loan. Bada Bing. Bada Boom. Refinance at Community Credit Union Today! Getting squeezed by your current loan? Let my associates at Community Credit Union take care of it. From now until May 1, 2003, you can refinance at lower rates – meaning you can keep more of your money in the family. Plus if you refinance $20,000 or more, they’ll throw in a little something extra: Cash back! Visit one of their convenient branch locations or communitycu.org today to take care of your old, high-rate loan – bada bing, bada boom! Look How Much You Could Save! CREDIT CARD HOME EQUITY Interest Rate Loan Amount Payments to Pay Off** Interest Paid Your Credit Card 14.99% APR $5,000.00 31 Payments $1,031.78 CCU’s Unsecured Refinance 6.99% APR $5,000.00 28 Payments $419.55 Interest Rate Loan Amount Average Mo. Payment Interest Paid Your Home Equity Loan 8.99% APR $20,000.00 $321.68 $7,021.13 CCU’s Home Equity Refinance* 5.99% APR $20,000.00 $292.08 $4,534.32 SAVINGS $2,486.81 SAVINGS $612.23 AUTO Interest Rate Loan Amount Average Mo. Payment Interest Paid Your Car Loan 5.99% APR $20,000.00 $608.39 $1,892.40 CCU’s Auto Refinance 3.99% APR $20,000.00 $590.42 $1,248.93 SAVINGS $643.47 What banking should be. www.communitycu.org • 972-578-5000 APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change. APR can vary based on creditworthiness and terms of the loan.Normal credit standards apply. All loans subject to normal credit standards. No other discounts apply. Promotional rates only valid on non-CCU refinanced loans. Promotional rates are not valid on Line of Credit or Mortgage loans. Some restrictions apply on cash-back incentive. Call 972-578-5000 for more details. *Home Equity loans can only be refinanced every 12 months. No fees apply on a Home Equity loan under $49,999.99. **Based on a $200 monthly payment. Offer valid until April 1, 2003. Volume 8 Number 2 April 2003 COMING SOON– SBA Loans! CCU will soon be an SBA Lender. With an SBA loan, your business can take advantage of • Long-term financing, with flexible terms • Up to 90% financing • Fast, convenient approval For more information contact our Business Lending department at 972-516-3633. MEMBipsER A Newsletter for Community Credit Union Members 200,000 members and growing! Get Everything with Beyond Free Checking™ • Free Debit Card • Overdraft to a Line of Credit or Savings Account • No Minimum Balance • No Per Check Charge • No Check Limit ith our “Beyond Free Spree” you could win one of four $1,000 shopping sprees just for opening a CCU checking account. Starting April 1, 2003, everyone that opens a CCU checking account will be automatically entered in our “Beyond Free Spree” contest – celebrating our new Beyond Free Checking™ account. W • Free Online Banking • Free Unlimited Offsite ATMs: Use your card at any ATM worldwide – and never pay a CCU service fee! • Free Qwik Pay: Pay bills quickly and safely online for free. Funds will automatically be withdrawn from your checking account and each transaction will appear on your monthly statement. • .25% Loan Discounts • Check Protect: Accidentally write a check you couldn’t cash? Not a problem. Check Protect will cover for you, up to your assigned overdraft limit, for the cost of an insufficient funds fee. Visit online at www.communitycu.org to open your Beyond Free Checking today. No dividends will be paid. $30 NSF Fee still applies. A minimum of $25 is required to open this account. No minimum balance is required after opening the account. Account requires a minimum direct deposit of $600 per month. †.25% loan discount not available on Mortgage, Line of Credit or some terms and balances of Home Equity and Home Improvement Loans. Normal Credit Standards Apply. *NSF fee and off-site, non-CCU ATM charges still apply. ††Only available on Beyond Free Checking and Ultimate Checking Accounts. Accounts must be in good standing for 90 days. Must bring your account back to a positive balance (not overdrawn) at least once every 30 days. What could you do with $1,000? You could look beyond good in a new summer wardrobe! Or walk away with beyond fantastic camping gear. Or even redecorate a room to beyond perfection. You name it because if you’re a winner, you can choose where you want your $1,000 shopping spree. Now that’s beyond flexible. Whether your name is drawn or not, you’re still a winner. Because if you open a Beyond Free Checking - you get it all. Free ATMs. Free Bill-Pay. Free Home Banking and much more. By signing up for Beyond Free Checking, you get everything and you lose nothing. Even better, you might win something! It’s simple to play. Just stop by any Community Credit Union branch or visit us online to open a new CCU Checking account. Take your checking to the next level and get your chance to win $1,000 to spend wherever you like. But act fast because this promotion ends May 31, 2003! Entries will be taken until May 31, 2003. Four winners will be drawn and announced on June 10, 2003. Your name will be automatically entered in the contest when you open a new CCU consumer checking account or you can stop by any CCU location and fill out an entry form. No purchase necessary to win. Only one entry per person. Winners will be able to choose the Greater Dallas Area retailer from where they would like their $1,000 gift certificate. CCU Board of Directors, employees and their families are not eligible to win. See a CCU branch for all giveaway rules and restrictions. What banking should be. (972) 578-5000 www.communitycu.org G REAT D EALS Holiday Closings • Just started a career. While you’re in school, it is almost impossible to save money. So when you start your career and can afford to buy a home you may not have money for the down payment. This is when a 0% Down Mortgage can save you in the long run. Mon., May 26. . . Memorial Day Fri., July 4 . . . Independence Day You can still handle your banking needs through any of the following convenient 24-Hour Services: • Website: www.communitycu.org • TouchTone Teller: (972) 578-6000 • More than 75 ATMs • 24-Hour Convenience Centers • Prefer to invest the money. Regardless of whether you put 5% down, 20% down or 0% down, you always build equity at the same rate. The aspect of buying a home as a good investment holds true regardless of the down payment. So while mortgage rates are low and the cost of funds are cheap, you may prefer to invest your money in another savings vehicle. Employment Opportunities Looking for a change? Explore employment opportunities by visiting us at www.communitycu.org. We offer full benefits including health, life and long-term disability insurance, company paid contributions to 401(k) and tuition assistance. For more information, call our Job Line at (972) 509-2000. Upcoming Branch Openings May 2003 Stonebriar In-Store (Albertson’s) Legacy at Lebanon August 2003 Frisco In-Store (Albertson’s) FM 720 at FM 423 August 2003 Dallas In-Store (Albertson’s) Forest Ln. at Marsh es…it sounds like a dream but it’s true. CCU offers a mortgage loan that requires no down payment. The only money out of your pocket is for closing costs. Oh – and you don’t even need perfect credit. Our 0% Down Mortgage loan is available to all credit and income levels. So whether you make $30,000 or $300,000 per year, this loan might be just what you need. Y Here just a few reasons why you might want to take advantage of our 0% Down Mortgage. • Need to spend the money on moving, furnishing or remodeling expenses. There are all sorts of associated expenses with buying a home. You may have saved for the down payment but won’t have any money leftover for all the general expenses that occur the first few months of being in a new property. For more information on whether a 0% Down Mortgage is right for you, simply call our us at 972-578-5000 or visit us at www.communitycu.org and click on the MemberTips icon. COMING SOON: New Advantage Pack Membership Has Its Advantages It’s easy to stay in touch. Main Phone Number (972) 578-5000 Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Metro (972) 562-2020 Toll Free Number (800) 578-9009 Business Lending (972) 516-3633 Call Center (972) 578-5000 Community Investments (972) 578-5000 Community Title (972) 867-3445 LoanLine (972) 578-LOAN Mortgage Department (972) 578-5000 TouchTone Teller (972) 578-6000 TouchTone Teller Metro (214) 544-7753 TouchTone Teller Toll Free (866) 282-1601 Home Banking www.communitycu.org Branch & ATM Locations our Community Credit Union checking account gives you unparalleled financial freedom. Now Community Credit Union wants to offer you something to protect that freedom – not to mention give you a lot of perks! Y Introducing Advantage Pack, the valuable package of perks that can be added to any CCU checking account. Advantage Pack costs a little but offers a lot. Look at the benefits you get: • Concierge service from over 80,000 vendors worldwide • 10% cash bonus on scheduled airline travel, room accommodations and car rentals • 50% discount on standard room rates at participating premium hotels For a current listing of our ATM and branch locations, please visit our website at www.communitycu.org. • Premier Recreation Program: discounts on services for golf, recreational activities and ski packages Shared Branching • Home care and repair savings For a list of participating credit unions nationwide, visit www.creditunion.net. • Discount movie theater tickets • Get Up & Go: complimentary lodging services from participating providers • Prescription drug discounts • Cash rebates on everyday purchases • Coupons for groceries, clothing and more • Homeowner reference library with “how-to” guides Advantage Pack gives you advantages whether you’re out and about on the town or jet setting around the globe. It’s the perfect add-on for people who want to live life to the fullest. Plus it does some “double-checking”– protecting you in the event of a problem with features like a $100,000 accidental death insurance policy. It may sound cliché, but the package practically pays for itself. Anywhere from $2 to $7 a month, depending on your relationship, Advantage Pack is yours. It’s a small price to pay for so many benefits. Be on the look out in May 2003 for more information on how you can sign up for our new Advantage Pack. 2 G REAT D EALS JUST LOOK HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE WITH CCU’S REALTOR® CASH-BACK PROGRAM! BUYING OR SELLING A HOME Buying/Selling Price of Home $120,000 3% REALTOR® Commission $3,600 Total 20% Cash-Back After Close $720 t's simple. You contact a CCU mortgage specialist and they will put you in touch with a participating REALTOR® to help you buy or sell your house. After the close of the loan, you will receive a 20% rebate from your broker. Plus if you sell your home and buy another one all through our REALTOR® Cash-Back Program, you are eligible for both rebates. I How does it work? If you are buying a home, just call CCU's Mortgage department at 972-578-5000. They will put you in contact with a REALTOR® in the program and pre-qualify you for a mortgage loan. Once you have found a home, CCU will work with your REALTOR® to process the loan. If you are selling a home, again just call us at 972-578-5000. One of our Preferred REALTOR® will be able to help you sell your home fast without the hassle of listing it yourself. If you are already working with a REALTOR®, you are not eligible for this program. For more information, call our Mortgage department at 972-578-5000! Member must call CCU's Mortgage department prior to hiring a REALTOR® to help buy or sell their home. If you are already working with a Realtor®, you are not eligible for this program. If you are buying a home, you must finance your mortgage loan through CCU to be eligible for this offer. Rebate is paid after loan is closed. On rebates greater than $600, members will receive a 1099-MISC tax form. FREESeminars! Mortgage Seminar Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, ready to refinance or just want to learn how to research your mortgage options online – CCU’s mortgage lenders and title company representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. When: Wednesday, April 23 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Location: Community Credit Union—Plano 1309 W. 15th St., Fourth Floor RSVP: Jane Neidenfeuhr (972) 578-5000 ext. 4484 Pre-Retirement Seminar Ready to retire? Avoid common mistakes and make that life’s savings work for you. It’s never too early to get your plan in place. Community Investment representatives will be available to answer questions. Location: Shades of Green 8801 Coit Road, Frisco RSVP: When: Tuesday, April 29 6:30 p.m. Location: Richardson Civic Center Arapaho at Central Expressway RSVP: Melissa Brennan (972) 578-5000 ext. 6552 Texas Smartscape Save money, save water, save the environment by landscaping the smart way – tips from the experts. A light meal and door prizes will be provided. When: Thursday, May 8 6:00 p.m. 3 Melissa Brennan (972) 578-5000 ext. 6552 Long Term Care Insurance Do you need it? How do you select the best policy for your needs? When: Tuesday, June 10 6:30 p.m. Location: Richardson Civic Center Arapaho at Central Expressway RSVP: Sharla Jozefiak (972) 578-5000 ext. 7411 MEMBERS Only The Basics about our Free Financial Counselor kind of services does the Financial Counselor offer? Q: What A : I help members with issues ranging from budgeting, credit repair, and credit card repayment to planning for college and retirement. I also help members evaluate their overall financial health from credit to insurance, taxation, and estate planning considerations to short and long-term savings. Q : Can you help me with investment products? A : I do not sell investment products, but can instead answer your questions about the features and benefits of different type securities in general, what to consider when investing, how to determine your risk tolerance, and how to read statistical information regarding securities. For specific investment recommendations and sales, I refer members to the appropriate Investment Representative at Community Investments. Q: How do I set up a meeting? A : You can call or e-mail for appointment times. Sometimes it is possible to meet that week, but most appointments need to be booked a week in advance. Most meetings last an hour to an hour and a half. Because my calendar books so quickly, I ask that cancellations and rescheduling be done as early as possible so that other members can be accommodated. Q : What kind of information will you need before we meet? A : When I meet with members I like to take a look at their overall financial picture. I usually ask that at least one day prior to our meeting that members fax me some or all of the following information: statements from other financial institutions, a list of monthly expenditures, copies of credit card statements, copies of auto and homeowners policies, and 401k/IRA statements. Q: Are there any fees for your services? A : I am a Community Credit Union employee, and my services are free of charge. Q: Where is your office? A : I can meet you in our Call Center conference room, located in Plano, or schedule an appointment at the branch closest to you - Monday through Friday during business hours. To contact our Free Financial Counselor, just call 972-578-5000 or visit our website at www.communitycu.org and click on the Member Tips icon. COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS Time Heals All Wounds Jamie Richardson Vice President, Community Investments/Registered Principal Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. I t was once said that patience - in its truest form - is a virtue. Patience in the stock market, however, is a rarity. When markets are volatile, many investors find themselves wanting to move out of sectors that have been vulnerable into ones that are thriving. Unfortunately, attempting to time the market is never a wise decision and can often backfire, as investors tend to get out of the slumping sectors once the damage has been done and into the "hot" ones after prices have already increased. That's why you need to concentrate on keeping your portfolio broadly diversified among a variety of asset classes. By doing so - and remaining patient through any volatility you may encounter - at least some portion of your portfolio may reap respectable returns even if other parts have seen better days. markets. In fact, studies have shown that how investments are allocated is of much greater significance in determining overall portfolio performance than what the individual investments are: More than 90% of investment performance can be attributed to asset allocation, while less than 10% is attributable to individual investment selection or luck. This process is called asset allocation. Not only does it give you both structure and discipline so you're better prepared for market turmoil and economic downturn, it also provides the right investment mix of stocks, bonds and cash for your circumstances. What's more, asset allocation is designed to help you better manage risk, match your investments with your goals and enhance the stability of returns in both good and bad markets. With these figures in mind, here are some general guidelines for you to follow when considering the allocation of assets in your own portfolio. First, determine your goals and time frame. Do you want to save for retirement? Do you want to buy a second home? Are you interested in traveling the world? Your asset allocation should reflect your objectives, while balancing risk and return potential accordingly. Taking these factors into consideration will help ensure you don't wind up with an allocation that's too conservative or aggressive. The value of asset allocation is obvious when equities markets are depressed and in periods of broad economic recession, as we have seen during the past two years. For example, just two years ago, many investors were inappropriately over-weighted in stocks - or, to be more specific, in technology stocks. Had these investors employed an asset allocation strategy and diversified their investments based on their goals, time horizon and risk tolerance, they might have fared better during the recent bear market. Clearly, this has been a valuable lesson for many. (continued on back page) However, as markets rebound - as they appear to be doing to some degree now - this lesson may quickly be forgotten. More than just a few investors may once again be tempted to chase the next "hot" stock . . . whatever it might be. Yet asset allocation is also critical in rising Securities are offered exclusively through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by FDIC, NCUA or any other bank insurance, are not deposits or obligations of the bank, are not guaranteed by the bank, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. 4 M EMBER O NLINE ™ eStatus 24-hour access to your mortgage loan! N ow, you can enjoy 24-hour access to your mortgage loan information through CCU's new eStatusTM. What does eStatusTM offer? • Access your current mortgage loan payments and payment history • Check out convenient payment options • Request current payoff information • and so much more! How do you get started? It's simple. Just visit CCU’s website at www.communitycu.org and click on the Online Services tab. There you will find a link to eStatusTM. You can register online from the eStatusTM page. All you need is your loan number (which can be found on your loan coupons or at the bottom of your loan documents) and your social security number. Once in you will be asked to create a user name and password. That is all it takes. Really! Should you have questions about CCU’s new eStatusTM service just give us a call at 972-578-5000. CCU SPONSORS — WILDFLOWER! ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL Credit vs. Debit? W e’ve all done it. You’re out shopping, ready to use your debit card, and the sales clerk asks “debit or credit”? You really don’t know what the difference is. It is a debit card, so you say “debit,” right? Well… not really. Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival is set for May 9-11, 2003, at Galatyn Park in Richardson. The festival is located just minutes north of Dallas at US 75 and Galatyn Parkway. By choosing “debit” and entering your PIN (personal identification number), your transaction is treated as an ATM transaction. “Credit” transactions require a signature, which helps protect you against fraud. By signing the receipt the clerk can check to make sure it is really you. This will keep your PIN protected. The less you use your PIN, the less chance there is for someone to acquire it. Here are just a few of the musical acts for 2003 Taylor Dayne Peter Frampton Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night The Old 97's The Marshall Tucker Band The Domino Kings Steve Azar Smashmouth Another benefit to choosing “credit” can be found on your monthly statement. When you choose “debit”, all that appears on your statement is the street address of the retailer. If you choose “credit”, the actual name of the retailer will be listed on your statement. This makes it much easier to reconcile your checking account. For entertainment schedules, ticket prices and general information visit the festival’s website at www.wildflowerfestival.com. So save your PIN for ATM use and choose “credit” when making purchases, it has its advantages. 5 2002 annual It is no secret that 2002 was a difficult year for many institutions. We are humbled that so many people have made us their choice as a financial partner. We wish to thank all our members for our continued growth and success. You are the reason we exist. You have made us what banking should be. of Condition TOTAL INCOME (in millions) 20 5 10 0 ’01 ’02 0 400 ’01 ’02 0 ’01 ’02 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ‘02 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ASSETS as of December 31, 2002 (in millions) 2002 863.3 200 Net Loans Mortgage Servicing Rights Cash & Investments Accrued Interest Receivable Build, Land, Furniture & Equipment Federal Share Insurance Fund Deposit Other Assets Total Assets INCOME DISTRIBUTION 786.7 600 10 30 666.7 800 531.6 15 40 424.2 50 1000 20 60 LOANS (in millions) 1,161.3 70 TOTAL ASSETS (in millions) DEPOSITS (in millions) 2000 Other Income 1,061.5 Investment Income Interest on Loans 851.1 Service – Innovation was important to our growth in 2002 but equally important was our commitment to service. Unlike many organizations, however, we don't limit our view of service to just those that walk in our doors. After all, we define community as all the lives we might touch where we live and work. In 2002, we raised over $28,000 for the March of Dimes. We donated to over 200 organizations. Our employees volunteered over 4,000 hours in community service and we awarded over $30,000 in scholarships. As a result of this giving of money, time and talent, this year, for the third year in a row, we were voted the best financial institution in Collin County in the DFW Suburban Newspaper Readers' Choice Awards. STATEMENT 706.3 We even had some fun with our 50th anniversary and thanked our members for their loyalty by having an online trivia contest that awarded over $5,000 in prizes. Beyond Free Checking is just one of our new products in 2003. We also have 654.1 In 2002, we added state-of-the-art technology products to our financial capabilities. We opened an Online IRA Service Center, began offering Account Aggregation and initiated Online Statements. We also enhanced our line of business services, adding an upgraded business checking account and new merchant services to our corporate products. We also beefed up the convenience of Mortgage Services by offering Online Instant Mortgage Approval. Finally, there is the advantage of membership. We serve member/owners, not customers, and we have a personal stake in their satisfaction. Our members are our owners, not some faceless out-of-state corporation. That keeps us on our toes providing excellent products, convenient locations and great deals on rates with exceptional service. Hey, we heard you...that's why CCU is what banking should be. 1,032.6 Innovation – Providing innovative services through convenient delivery systems has been part of our vision for many years now. In 2002, we continued to expand our grocery store locations, adding Albertsons In-Store branches in Wylie, Grand Prairie, Spring Valley Crossing, as well as a Tom Thumb In-Store facility in Garland. The list of services goes on and on... aggressive savings options, investment services, SBA loans... but sleek financial services are just a part of the picture. We have over 32 locations across north Texas and will be adding three new locations in 2003. 944.5 We believe this remarkable growth is attributable to two factors: 1. Our innovation, 2. Our relentless focus on service. You get free off-site ATM usage on this account at any ATM worldwide and we won't charge a dime. You get free online bill-paying service, a free VISA check card and free online banking. You also enjoy loan discounts of .25% with automatic debit and overdraft access to a line of credit or savings account. With Beyond Free Checking, you get just about everything you want in a checking account. Now some places might say they do something similar, but check the fine print. Usually you have to keep large minimum balances or are limited in the number of checks you can write. You lose flexibility. But not at CCU. Our Beyond Free Checking has no minimum balance, no per check charge and no limit on the number of checks you can write. So you get everything and lose nothing. 744.1 Our Mortgage Services continued to post strong numbers as well. By year-end, we closed over 1,176 mortgage loans for over $141 million dollars. And our mortgage loans outshine them all. Rates are really aggressive everywhere right now, but as a credit union, we've had 50 years experience in bringing not just a good rate but the best rate to our members. We have over 100 loan options to choose from. We service our own loans so you deal with us - someone you know - for the life of the loan. We even pay interest on your escrow! 625.8 We expanded our presence not only in the business sector, but also in the number of families we serve. Last year, 26,000 people in our 57 communities became new members, raising our membership to 206,000. We have the best financial products around. Really. The best. Take our new checking account. Naturally it's free, but it's so much better than other free accounts we're calling it Beyond Free Checking™. 586.9 The Partnership Program, our alliance with local businesses, grew aggressively with 49 new companies. Now, 628 organizations with more than 150,000 employees offer the special benefit of CCU membership to their associates. Check Protect, a safety net for overdrafts. We’re introducing our Advantage Pack, a great way for you to get discounts on travel and so much more. We are even upgrading our Qwik Pay, online billpaying service. Then welcome to Community Credit Union. We're what banking should be. 17.9 19.6 Growth – Our total assets continued their dramatic climb, ending the year at $1.2 billion. Our loans were up 9.82% and deposits increased 9.33% over 2001 figures. Great financial products? Convenient locations? Competitive rates? Smart, helpful service? 5.0 Community Credit Union began its 51st year in 2002 and as in past years, it was defined by growth, innovation and service. banking should be? 4.8 Members WHAT DO YOU THINK 60.4 LETTER TO GARY BASE President/CEO 58.0 JAMES MCCARLEY Chairman of the Board report 863,336,821 1,240,705 226,739,700 4,168,314 43,393,887 8,947,915 13,476,670 1,161,304,012 ’98 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 LIABILITIES & MEMBERS INCOME Deposits Interest & Accounts Payable Reserve Fund Other Liabilities Total Liabilities 1,032,627,732 16,330,774 86,431,562 25,913,944 1,161,304,012 Operating Expenses Interest Expenses Reserves TOTAL $41,664,421 $23,097,416 $19,987,125 $84,748,962 6 E ASY L IVIN ’ Drive Down Your Fuel Costs T he cost of filling up keeps going up. Unfortunately, you can’t control gas prices – but you can control how often you get gas. You may think you use the same amount of fuel every week. In reality, how you drive has as much to do with your car’s fuel economy as how much you drive. Here are a few ways to make your next tank last longer. Cruise When Possible: Stay away from congested areas and use cruise control to maintain a constant speed. Driving an automatic? Then use an overdrive gear at cruising speeds. Driving Fast=Burning Gas: Consider this. If you drive at 70 mph instead of 55 mph, your fuel economy will drop 17 percent. Similarly, if you go 65 mph, you will lower your fuel economy by 10 percent. Mustard or Grey Poupon: Don’t buy into the hype. Many cars run better on plain old low-octane fuel. Before you overindulge, check your owner’s manual to find out your car’s fuel requirements. Premium, high-octane fuels do not necessarily help your car and cannot improve fuel efficiency. Easy on the Pedal: Do your passengers give you nasty looks for hitting the gas or slamming on the brake? Then step gingerly, my friend, because doing either one not only wastes gas but also pollutes the atmosphere with the same amount of carbon monoxide emissions as 30 minutes of steady driving. Lose Some Cool Points: The harder you run your A/C, the more it will drag on your engine’s efficiency. Instead of cranking the A/C the minute you start your car, roll down your windows and drive a ways to let some of the heat out first. Give Your Tires an Air Full: Properly inflated tires help you get the most out of every tank. Fuel economy will drop 1 percent for every 3 pounds your tires fall below their recommended pressure. Pack Light: Your fuel economy drops 1 percent for every 100 pounds of excess weight in your trunk. The bottom line? If you’ve got junk in your trunk, get rid of it. Why Rush: Improve your gas mileage and your mood by avoiding the morning and evening rush hours. Take a Vacation from Your Car: The most obvious way to lower fuel expenses? Avoid driving. Granted, it’s easier said than done, but consider public transportation alternatives, as well living in a pedestrian-friendly area. Maintain Yourself: If your car works hard, your gas tank – and you – will pay the price. You can avoid this by getting regular maintenance, paying particular attention to your oil, transmission and spark plugs. Soup Up Your Savings with CCU’s Certificate Sale! TERMS dd extra punch to your savings without tying up your funds in a long-term certificate with CCU’s Certificate Sale. We’ve increased our certificate rates to offer you a higher rate of return while providing a safe, short-term way to save. A You’ll want to hurry because these rates are only available April 1 through May 31, 2003. Visit a CCU location or call us at 972-578-5000 for more information. Rates quoted as of April 1, 2003. APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Promotional rates available on only terms specified above. Rates valid on new CCU certificates and IRAs and renewing CCU certificates and IRAs. Standard terms and conditions still apply. Contact CCU for further information regarding applicable penalties and terms. 7 RATES WAS NOW 91 Day 1.31% 1.50% APY 6-Month 1.50% 1.75% APY 12-Month 1.75% 2.50% APY