Hattiesburg Branch Coming Soon

InTouch
A quarterly publication of Keesler Federal Credit Union |
Winter 2015
Hattiesburg
Branch
Coming
Soon
Chairman’s
Message
James Hollingsworth
Chairman, Board of Directors
K
eesler Federal will soon be a household
name in Hattiesburg, MS. The Wesley
Health Systems Federal Credit Union
in Hattiesburg voted overwhelmingly to join the
Keesler Federal Credit Union family with a
merger effective February 28, 2015. Wesley
Health Systems Federal Credit Union was first
chartered in 1968 to serve employees of the
former Methodist Hospital. The field of
membership later grew to serve all of Forrest
County, and select employee groups in Forrest,
Lamar and Marion Counties.
These members will soon have access to the
many benefits of Keesler Federal Credit Union.
In addition to the existing office occupied by Wesley Health Systems Federal
Credit Union on Methodist Boulevard, plans are underway to open another
Keesler Federal branch on Highway 98 in Hattiesburg next to Academy Sports.
We look forward to providing Forrest County and Hattiesburg residents with the
same level of service we take pride in here on the MS Gulf Coast, in Jackson, in
Slidell and in the United Kingdom.
As a result of member suggestions, a new member benefit will be available in the
first quarter of 2015. Keesler Federal is adding Allpoint to our current network
of ATMs. Once this happens, members will be able to access over 43,000 free
ATMs nationwide using their Keesler Federal debit card. See more details about
this inside.
We’re excited about the expansion of Keesler Federal to Hattiesburg,
as well as our many other 2015 initiatives – all designed to exceed our
members’ expectations.
Yours in service,
James Hollingsworth
Vision Statement
Keesler Federal will be
THE choice for financial services.
Mission Statement
Keesler Federal will exceed
our members’ expectations by
committing to their financial success.
Organizational Values
Quality | Trust | Integrity | Respect
Teamwork | Communication | Loyalty
i m p o r ta n t t o y o u . i m p o r ta n t t o u s .
Keesler Federal Business Services
Welcomes Coast Motor News
Keesler Federal is proud to welcome Coast Motor News as the first member of our
Business Services family. Established in 198l by the Erhard family, Coast Motor News
is the Gulf South Region’s leading free automotive classifieds available at over
600 locations who, like Keesler Federal, put their customers first. John Erhard,
owner and general manager of Coast Motor News, shares why he chose
Keesler Federal for his company’s business banking.
IT: Were you a Keesler Federal member
before using their business services?
JE: “Yes, for nearly 30 years.”
IT: What factors impelled you to choose
Keesler Federal for your business
banking services over other choices
you had?
JE: “We have looked forward to
Keesler Federal offering business
banking in large part because we
have used Keesler Federal for
personal banking for many years
and have been very satisfied with
the level of customer service and
personal attention.”
IT: What business banking services do
you find most helpful?
JE: “The online banking convenience
and personalized customer service
are excellent.”
IT: Would you recommend Keesler Federal
business banking services?
JE: “We would highly recommend
Keesler Federal’s business banking
services to other businesses.”
Find out more about business banking
with Keesler Federal by visiting your
nearest branch or calling 1-888-KEESLER,
Extension 3900.
Make the Most
of Your Tax Refund
Thinking About a Mortgage?
Many of you will soon be filing your return for
the 2014 tax year. Have you thought about how
There Are a Lot of Options.
you will use your refund? Resolve to reduce
stress and begin your New Year by getting your
household budget on the right track.
If you need some help navigating the
mortgage world, talk to us at Keesler
Federal Credit Union. At Keesler
Federal, we have a wide variety of
mortgage products to suit just about
any member’s needs. It is important to
us to find the right mortgage for you
in the most professional, efficient, and
friendly way. Here’s a sampling of the
mortgage products we offer and a little
bit about each one:
The Home Free Mortgage is a
10-year mortgage designed to pay off
your loan sooner. You can borrow the
lower of 85% of the purchase price or
appraised value of the property.
The Keesler Adjustable Rate
Mortgage has low caps on rates and
only adjusts every five years. You
can borrow the lower of 95% of the
purchase price or appraised value of
the property.
An FHA Mortgage requires only a
small down payment from those who
qualify, with fixed interest rates and
terms up to 30 years.
For our military veterans and active
military members, a VA Mortgage
requires no down payment, offers a
fixed interest rate and up to 100%
of the value of the property can
be borrowed.
Apply online today. We have your best interest in mind: https://kfcu.mortgagewebcenter.com/
Ask about our lender paid closing cost program for Home Free and ARM loans.
If you’ve got your eyes
on living in a rural
community, the USDA
Mortgage may be for
you. Qualifying properties
require no down payment,
offer fixed rates, and like all
of the above loans includes
purchases or refinances.
Plan ahead by creating an emergency fund to
A Land Loan, for
purchasing or refinancing
unimproved land, requires
no origination fee, and
no application or
processing fees.
You could also use some funds to start paying
maintain your household budget in the event of
a loss of income. This can include depositing
money into a yearly expense fund for those
large expenses you may or will encounter
during the year, such as: auto repairs, car tags,
school tuition, daycare, and school clothing.
off high interest credit card debt, which will
improve your monthly cash flow.
To get on the right track in 2015, call
and schedule your appointment today with
Tammy Scott, Keesler Federal’s financial
counselor. The number is 228-701-1423,
and the appointment is free!
Don’t Fall For These
Common Money Myths
Charles Schwab interviewed 998 people to discover their biggest financial
misconceptions. Those who described themselves as “savvy” actually
were more likely to believe these nine common money myths:
Myth No. 1: A will guarantees your
property and money will be distributed
the way you wish.
Sorry. Beneficiaries named on
financial accounts override any will.
Car Buying Tips That Pay Off
Budget. Shoot for a car payment
Timing tips:
that’s no more than 20% of your
disposable income. Ideally, this amount
will also cover your car payment,
insurance and gas.
`` Shop early in the week.
Bargains are more likely when
business is slow.
Decide. Stretching the loan out
reduces each monthly payment, but
you’ll pay more in total interest.
Run Scenarios. Use Keesler Federal’s
car loan calculator at www.kfcu.org to
play with various loan terms.
Cash is king. Arrange for a
preapproved Keesler Federal auto loan.
This means you will go to the
dealership and effectively bargain for
your new car like a cash buyer—the
ideal way to gain leverage.
`` Shop at the end of the month.
If your salesperson is two cars
shy of a monthly bonus, you may
be able to drive away with a
nice price.
`` Shop for a model at the end of
its design cycle. The last of the
models may go at a lower price.
To get pre-approved for your next car
loan, apply online at www.kfcu.org or
call 1-888-KEESLER in the US or
0-800-585-765 in the UK.
© 2014 Credit Union National Association Inc.
Myth No. 2: You shouldn’t have any
debt when you retire.
Get rid of credit card debt, but don’t
pay off a low-interest mortgage at the
expense of retirement savings.
Myth No. 3: You can always shore up
your income in retirement by getting
another job.
Only 4% of retirees end up getting
another job.
Myth No. 4: Everyone should
have life insurance.
That is, if you have disabled or
young children or a spouse depending
on your income, or if you own a
small business.
Myth No. 5: You should take
Social Security when you turn 62.
If you take Social Security at age 70,
your benefits will be 76% higher.
Myth No. 6: You should borrow from
your 401(k) if you need a loan.
Make this a last resort. Keesler Federal
offers other low-cost loan options that
won’t derail retirement savings.
Myth No. 7: Retirees should keep their
money out of the stock market.
Long term, the stock market can help
you keep pace with inflation.
Myth No. 8: Your 50s are too late to
make a difference in your financial future.
You could have almost two decades
left to save. Ask us about catch-up
contributions to an IRA.
© 2014 Credit Union National Association Inc.
Team Spotlight
Keesler Federal Financial Group
Getting Organized for Tax Time
William E. Morrison
Edward Barrett
Ron Weatherly
T
No matter who does your taxes, you or a pro, supporting documentation is key to
maximizing your return or minimizing what you owe. While many tax documents arrive
during the month of January, other important papers are accumulated year-round.
Whether you’re looking for guidance on just one financial need you want to
tackle today, or if you’re interested in putting together a comprehensive plan,
please call Keesler Financial Group at 228-385-4558 for an analysis. Advisors
are on hand at our Pass Road Biloxi, and Waveland branches. They are also
available, by appointment, to meet with members at any Keesler Federal branch.
Regardless of what system you use, separate your documents into three categories:
Income, Expenses, and Taxes. Common documents in these categories include:
he Keesler Financial Group is a financial management service designed
to help you organize your financial affairs and prepare for the future at
no cost or obligation. Through the Keesler Financial Group Program,
a service of Keesler Federal, you have access to financial management services, and
a wide range of coverages, investments and transactions at one location. You have
convenient access to knowledgeable representatives, valuable information,
investment and insurance vehicles, and educational workshops—resources that
can help you identify objectives and make sound financial decisions.
Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC,
a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities
available to members.
Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee.
Not a deposit of any financial institution.
You Could Win a Free Mortgage Payment!
Beginning in February, members who have mortgage loans with Keesler Federal
Credit Union will automatically be entered into a monthly drawing from which one
lucky winner will get one month’s mortgage payment per year (up to $1,200) paid by
Keesler Federal. If you have multiple mortgages with us, you’ll have multiple chances
to win. It’s simple and easy, just like applying for a mortgage loan with Keesler
Federal Credit Union. Look for more information at www.kfcu.org soon.
Collecting and organizing documents for taxes doesn’t have to be difficult, just having
a system in place each year will help. Systems for keeping your documents organized
can be as simple as a few file folders to a more sophisticated solution like
commercially available tax document organizers from an office supply store.
Income
Expenses
`` Payroll stubs
`` Charitable giving receipts
`` W2s
`` Mortgage interest
statements
`` 1099’s
`` Annual statements
from your financial
institutions
`` School/tuition expenses
`` Dividend
distribution
statements
`` Alimony paid
`` Rental property
income statements
`` Medical savings account
contributions
`` Self-employed health
insurance payment records
Taxes
`` Copies of your
quarterly or
estimated tax
payments
`` Real estate tax
statements
`` Previous year
income tax returns
(state and federal)
smead.com
Each quarter, Keesler Federal team members have the opportunity to nominate their coworkers
for outstanding contributions to Keesler Federal’s values and commitment to member service.
Five categories are awarded each quarter: Outstanding Member Service, Innovation, Community
Service, People Helping People, and Leadership. Congratulations to the 3rd Quarter 2014 winners:
Innovation
Award
Blakney Jimerson
Financial Services
Representative
Outstanding
Member
Service Award
Tami Seidule
Head Teller
Blakney volunteered to serve on the Business
Service Committee to help test processes before
launch. She accepted every challenge within
the project scope with enthusiasm because
she knew the value business services would
mean for members. Blakney continues to
offer her knowledge and services for testing of
other processes. She always keeps in mind that
our primary objective is providing excellent
member service.
In ten years of service to Keesler Federal
members, Tami continually shows kindness to
members and lives by a standard of exceeding
members’ expectations. Tami’s performance
reflects that of one whose top priority is what
is best for Keesler Federal members. She is a
great team leader, and an excellent example of
Keesler Federal’s mission, which is to exceed
member’s expectations.
Community
Service Award
Linda Denton
Mortgage Loan
Receptionist
Leadership Award
Kelly Ross
Branch Manager
People Helping
People Award
Tiffany Talton
Director of
Project Management
Linda is a cheerleader for serving the
community. Linda has served as a team leader
for several events including Relay for Life and
Heartwalk where Keesler Federal raised over
$35,000 combined. Not only does she support
the credit union’s involvement in community
events, but she also digs deep in her own
pockets for the benefit of others.
Kelly is the epitome of patience and kindness.
She leads by example and is always willing to
do what she asks her team to do. According
to Kelly’s team at Lakeview, she “sets the
standard” of always going over and beyond for
their branch’s 4,500+ members. She believes
in the values of Keesler Federal and lives
them daily.
Tiffany always takes the time to make sure the
entire team understands the project at hand.
She makes herself available for questions long
after project meetings end. Tiffany often goes
well above and beyond her job duties to ensure
every project is successful for the credit union,
its members and team members.
Be Aware
of Scams
Targeting
Seniors
Financial scams targeting seniors are prevalent and
now considered “the crime of the 21st century.”
Construction scams
Beware of repair businesses soliciting
door-to-door or those offering
special deals using left over materials
from another job. Other clues
are unmarked vehicles or out of
state plates, a post office box as
the businesses address, and being
pressured to pay in advance of any
work done or materials purchased.
Health Care/Medicare/Health
Insurance Fraud
Perpetrators pose as a Medicare
representative to get older people
to give them their personal
information over the phone. Then,
use this personal information to bill
Medicare and pocket the money.
million, or bogus homeopathic
remedies that do absolutely nothing,
there is money in the anti-aging
business.
Investment schemes
From pyramid schemes like Bernie
Madoff’s to fables of a Nigerian
prince looking for a partner to claim
inheritance money, investment
schemes have long been a successful
way to take advantage of older people.
Have you or someone you
know been a victim?
Fraudulent anti-aging products
For Adult Protective Services in
your area, call the Eldercare Locator,
a government sponsored national
resource line, at: 1-800-677-1116,
or visit their website at:
www.eldercare.gov.
Whether it’s a fake Botox scam like
the one in Arizona that netted $1.5
http://www.ncoa.org
coming Soon!
55,000 Surcharge-Free
ATMs In the
Palm of
Your Hand
Keesler Federal Credit Union has
become an Allpoint Network member
financial institution. Which means
you, our members, will have access
to America’s largest surcharge-free
ATM network, with some 55,000
ATMs worldwide with your Keesler
Federal debit card, including Canada,
the UK, Puerto Rico, Australia and
Mexico by mid-February.
In addition to Keesler Federal Credit Union’s
branch locations and ATMs, with Allpoint Network, you
will never be far away from surcharge-free ATM access to your
cash, especially in the United States where Allpoint offers 43,000
cash machines in places you’re already visiting. Conveniently located
in retail outlets including major discount retailers, convenience,
grocery and pharmacy stores, Allpoint Network ATMs will save
you time as well as ATM fees.
Coming Soon! Find the nearest surcharge-free
Allpoint ATM with our ATM locater search feature
available on Keesler Online and Keesler Mobile.
Allpoint Network ATMs are surcharge free when used with a Keesler Federal Debit Card.
Is this the year you
stop procrastinating about
your Financial Plan?
Some things to think about as you get started
A Message from the Keesler Financial Group
William E. Morrison ,
Edward Barrett, and
Ron Weatherly are Financial
Advisors with Keesler Financial
Group located at Keesler Federal CU.
If you have any questions or would
like to provide feedback regarding
the information presented in this
article, contact Bill , Edward ,
or Ron at (228) 385-4558.
Look at your expenses and your debt. Take a look
at your core living expenses (such as a mortgage
payment, car payment, etc.). Can any core expenses be
reduced? Investing aside, you position yourself to gain
ground financially when income rises, debt diminishes
and expenses decrease or stay (relatively) the same.
Request professional guidance
for the wealth you are (or could
Maybe you should pay your debt first, maybe not.
be) growing. One of the financial
Some debt is “good” debt. A debt is “good” if it brings advisors at Keesler Financial
you income. Credit cards are generally considered
Group are here to help educate
“bad” debts.
you about the principles of wealth
building. You can draw on that
If you’ll be carrying a debt for a while, put it to a test. professional knowledge and
Weigh the interest rate on that specific debt against
guidance this year – and for years
your potential income growth rate and your potential
to come. Make an appointment
investment returns over the term of the debt.
today with Keesler Financial
Group today at (228) 385-4558.
Of course, paying off debts, paying down balances
and restricting new debt all works toward improving
Representatives are registered, securities
your FICO score, another tool you can use in pursuit of are sold, and investment advisory services
financial freedom (we’re talking “good” debts).
offered through CUNA Brokerage Services,
Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a
Implement or refine an investment strategy. You’re
registered broker/dealer and investment
not going to retire solely on the elective deferrals from advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa
your paycheck; you’re going to retire (hopefully) on the 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Nondeposit
interest that those accumulated assets earn over time, investment and insurance products are not
plus the power of compounding.
federally insured, involve investment risk,
may lose value and are not obligations of or
Manage the money you make. If you simply
guaranteed by the financial institution.
accumulate unmanaged assets, you have money just
CBSI is under contract with the financial
sitting there may be exposed to risk – inflation risk,
institution, through the financial services
market risk, even legal risks. Don’t forget taxes. The
program, to make securities available
greater your wealth, the more long-range potential you to members.
have to accomplish some profound things – provided
your wealth is directed.
01282013-WR-697
If you want to build more wealth this year or in the
near future, don’t neglect the risk management strategy
that could be instrumental in helping you retain it.
Your after-tax return matters. Risk management
should be part of your overall financial picture.
Highlighted Share & Loan Rates
Shares
Checking Accounts
Share Savings (with Compounding)
Anticipated Dividend Annual Percentage
Rate (APR)
Yield (APY)
Balance less than $5,000
Balance $5,000 or more
Christmas Savings
.25%
.30%
.30%
.25%
.30%
.30%
Anticipated Dividend Annual Percentage
Rate (APR)
Yield (APY)
eAdvantage Checking (qualifying accounts)
Balances up to $25,000
1.39%
1.40%
Non qualifying eAdvantage accounts and amount of balance over $25,000
earn rates listed below
Ultimate & Essential Checking depending on balance
Balances less than $2,500
.15%
.15%
Balances $2,500 or more
.20%
.20%
High Interest Money Market Account (HIMMA)
Anticipated Dividend Annual Percentage
Rate (APR)
Yield (APY)
Balance $2,500—$9,999.99
Balance $10,000—$49,999.99
Balance $50,000—$99,999.99
Balance $100,000 and over
.40%
.40%
.45%
.50%
.40%
.40%
.45%
.50%
Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
Anticipated Dividend Annual Percentage
Rate (APR)
Yield (APY)
Traditional
Roth
.75%
.75%
.75%.75%
IRAs are federally insured separately up
to $250,000
$2,500 minimum to open account and to earn dividends
Please check with any office or visit www.kfcu.org for the current rates
or specials on share certificates.
Federally
insured by
NCUA
Share rates listed above are effective as of Jan. 1, 2015 and subject to change without notice.
See your December statement for the dividend rate paid for the period ending Dec. 31, 2014.
Loans
New Auto Loans
Credit Cards
Up to 24 months 25-36 months
37-48 months 49-60 months 61-72 months Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
as low as 1.39% APR
as low as 1.39% APR
as low as 1.59% APR
as low as 1.69% APR
as low as 1.89% APR
MasterCard®
Visa Platinum Rewards Student Credit Card
Share Secured MasterCard®
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
as low as 8.9% APR
as low as 9.9% APR
as low as 8.9% APR
12.9% APR
Example: Monthly payments are approx., $42.27 per month
per $1000 borrowed at 1.39 for 24 months.
Signature Loans
New Boat Loans
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Up to 36 months
as low as 2.99% APR
37-48 months ($10,000 & over) as low as 3.45% APR
49-60 months ($15,000 & over) as low as 3.75% APR
61-72 months ($20,000 & over) as low as 4.75% APR
73-84 months ($25,000 & over) as low as 5.75% APR
Example: Monthly payments are approx. $29.08 per month
per $1000 borrowed at 2.99 for 36 months.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Up to 36 months
as low as 7.99% APR
37-48 months
as low as 8.49% APR
49-60 months ($10,000 & over)as low as 8.99% APR
Example: Monthly payments are approx. $31.79 per month
per $1000 borrowed at 7.99 for 36 months.
Share Secured Loans Boat loans available in the continental U.S. only
2.00% above prior quarter share dividend rate
(Up to amount of available balance –
up to 120 months financing)
Rates marked “as low as” vary based on credit history. Certain restrictions may apply.
Rates are effective as of Dec. 31, 2014 and subject to change without notice.
Apply for your loan by phone, 1-888-KEESLER (533-7537), online at www.kfcu.org, or visit any branch location.
i m p o r ta n t t o y o u . i m p o r ta n t t o u s .
*
Apply today!
Save on your next car with
our car buying service at
www.kfcu.org
*Annual percentage rate. Membership and credit eligibility required. Actual rates vary based on credit
history and term. For new vehicle loans only. Example: Monthly payments are approximately $17.39 per
$1,000 borrowed at 1.69% APR for a 60-month term.
60 MONTHS
.69
% APR
1
AS LOW AS
New Auto Loans
(And the car - at an interest rate
you can handle like the curves.)
Own the
road.
For the household of:
P.O. Box 7001, Biloxi, MS 39534-7001
JACKSON COUNTY
Gautier
Ocean Springs
Pascagoula
PEARL RIVER COUNTY
Picayune
STONE COUNTY
Wiggins
Hinds COUNTY
Jackson
LOUISIANA
Slidell
Keesler Federal Credit Union Branch Locations
HARRISON COUNTY
Pass Road-Biloxi
D’Iberville
Lakeview Village (D’Iberville)
Seaway Road (Gulfport)
Keesler AFB (Larcher)
Long Beach
Orange Grove
HANCOCK COUNTY
Bay-Waveland
Diamondhead
Stennis Space Center
1-888-KEESLER (533-7537)
www.kfcu.org
Anyone who lives, works,
worships or attends school in
Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River
and parts of Jackson County
Tell your friends
and neighbors!