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08/30/10 Rebate or Low Rate? Run the Numbers.
It is certainly an interesting time for new car buyers. The market is highly competitive and manufacturers are eager to move new cars. There are some powerful incentives with choices on selected models of either low-rate financing (many down to 0%) or attractive rebates.
Don't assume that low-rate financing is always the best deal. It depends on your specific circumstances. There are so many variables to consider, though, it is a challenge to run the numbers to determine just what is the best deal.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
08/30/10 Your Annual Credit Report Can Be a Valuable Tool
Every individual is entitled to receive an annual credit report at no cost from each of the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. These reports are a valuable tool to check for account accuracy and to spot potential identity theft fraud.
Consumers still aren't using the service to its full extent. First, you have to remember to do it, and then it takes a little time and you have to answer verifying questions taken from information on your report. But it sure is worth the time and effort. Make it a matter of routine.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
07/30/10 Smart Investing With a CD Ladder
With rates so low, savers are looking for every way they can to squeeze out a little more yield from their savings investments. The better rates available on longer-term CDs 
are enticing.
Investing in CDs with longer maturities can help with current returns, but may not look so good when rates start moving up, which they will at some point...one these days.
The best bet for smart savings in the current rate environment would seem to be a well-structured ladder of CDs.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
07/30/10 Long Distance Financing Made Quick & Easy
Our credit union is entirely geared to serving members at distant locations. It’s just what we do. It is quick, easy and loan funds are normally delivered the same day as loan application.
Can it really be that simple? In a word, yes. If you have thought about using Four Points loan services but wonder about the distance, don’t give it another thought.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
07/26/10 $250,000 Deposit Insurance Now Permanent
Major financial reform legislation was signed into law on July 21. Included in this sweeping legislation are provisions making permanent the current $250,000 maximum federal deposit insurance level. Most people expected this would be done at some point, and it’s good to have it finalized.
The deposit insurance limit was increased from $100,000 to
$250,000 in October 2008 as a temporary measure. It was first set to expire at the end 2009, which was later extended to the end of 2013. Now the higher limit is permanent. The deposit limit covers both banks and credit unions.
Total deposit insurance coverage can be expanded through the ownership structure of accounts. For more information put your cursor on the “Savings Rates & Info” menu tab. On the drop-down click “Deposit Insurance.”
07/02/10 Financing for Boats & Campers
Four Points has an excellent program for boat and camper financing, and we do a lot of it. That’s because our financing is designed very much like the programs available at dealers.
Boat and camper loans from Four Points offer terms based on the amount financed and it doesn’t matter if it is a new or used unit. Nor does the credit union have a minimum loan amount to qualify for financing or a limit on the age of boat or camper being financed. Terms can be for as long as 12 years on loans of $25,000 or more and even small boat and camper loans can be made for six years.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
07/02/10 A Time to Compare Credit Cards
Since the new Credit Card Act was passed last year there has been a lot of change in the credit card industry, and there will be more as other provisions of the law become effective.
With all of these changes, it may be a good time to look at your credit cards to see if they are still the best fit for your needs.
Comparing credit card offers is not an easy thing to do because there are so many cards on the market, each with its own array of terms, rates and fees. There are many online sources for comparing cards. One that look good to us is the “Credit Card Analyzer” at msn.com.
Click on the newsletter link above for the full story.
03/28/10 Personal Loans Make a Comeback
It used to be that the most common way consumers financed larger purchases, unexpected expenses and consolidation was with unsecured personal loans. A couple of decades ago that began to quickly give way to credit card balances. In fact, institutions and consumers shunned personal loans because they took too much effort.
Story Continued
03/26/10 Second Mortgage Special Through May
If you are thinking about a second mortgage loan or line of credit for any purpose, here’s an opportunity to save on the front-end cost. On second mortgage loan applications received or loans closed through May 2010, the credit union is absorbing most of the usual costs of loan origination.
For most borrowers there will be no out-of-pocket cost. The credit union is waiving its usual origination fee and covering the costs for title search, value verification, flood plain certification and lien filing.
Story Continued
03/26/10 Invest In America
Credit unions across America have teamed up to provide special discounts for members on GM and Chrysler vehicles, wireless phone service and more. Check it out at Invest in America.
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