March 2015 Number 3 Volume 53 Get paid a day early with Direct Deposit Are you anxious around payday, worrying about having money in your account to pay bills on time? Sign up for SAFE Direct Deposit and you can rest easy, knowing your paycheck or Social Security payment will be automatically deposited into your account a day early.* With Direct Deposit, you ll save time and money by erasing those trips to the branch. Plus, you ll avoid having your paper check lost in the mail. The best part is you ll know exactly when the funds will be placed into your account. When you use Direct Deposit you can effortlessly increase your savings by having a portion of your paycheck or Social Security payment automatically deposited into your SAFE savings account. This account can serve as an emergency fund or fun money to pay for that once-in-a-lifetime vacation. To enroll in SAFE's Direct Deposit program through your employer, please download the form and return it to your payroll office. To sign up for recurring deposit of your Social Security payment, call the Social Security Administration at (800) SSA-1213. Click here to learn more, or visit godirect.org to sign up online for direct deposit of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA Compensation and Pension, and other federal benefit payments. For more information about SAFE Direct Deposit, visit any SAFE branch, use Live Help, or call (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. * Subject to receipt from originator and other terms and conditions. Sign up for free Online Banking training Sign up today to improve your SAFE Online Banking skills by visiting safecu.org or calling (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. These free, informative classes can help you manage your money online so you can save time, save money, and bank at your convenience. Learn more about the benefits of Online Banking today. Join us for the next Online Banking Skills Class session! Location: Citrus Heights Branch 7475 Madison Ave. Date: Thursday, March 26, 2015 Time: 2 5 p.m. Space is limited, so sign up soon!
Guaranteed Auto Protection coverage is better than ever If your vehicle is stolen or totaled in an accident, Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) can help. When your car is no longer drivable, your primary insurance company will usually only reimburse you for the current market value of your vehicle, less your deductible. That means you may be left to pay the difference between the amount you received from the insurance company and the amount you still owe on your auto loan. The gap could be thousands of dollars. Now enhanced, GAP also includes a free gift from SAFE, provided by AssurancePlus: Auto Deductible Reimbursement (ADR). With ADR, members who have an auto accident, in which their vehicle is not totaled, may be reimbursed for their insurance deductibles up to a maximum of $500 twice a year. This added benefit allows GAP members to request for the reimbursement of auto insurance deductibles twice a year for three years, with a maximum of $500 per reimbursement. 1 With GAP, you can rest easy knowing you re covered. GAP can help you: Eliminate out-of-pocket expenses for remaining loan balance after loss settlement. Receive $1,000 toward the replacement vehicle when financed with SAFE. Rest easy knowing your deductible may be covered. For more information, or to enroll in GAP with free ADR, click here for Live Help, or call (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. 1 ADR covers only non-commercial cars and trucks registered to and insured by GAP members. Members may call AssurancePlus directly at (800) 711-4280 to file an ADR claim. Is a vacation just what your family needs this year? Life can throw you curveballs, making it almost impossible to put aside money for a vacation. After a long, dreary winter, you and your family may need a break more than ever. SAFE offers a lifeline. Apply for an unsecured SAFE Vacation Loan now, just in time to book that fun summer vacation. A relaxing holiday on the beach or an action-packed visit to an amusement park will get everyone smiling again. For more information, please view our rates and disclosures, or call a helpful SAFE representative at (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. * APR ranges from 9.90% to 17.90% and is accurate as of 3/1/2015. Payment on a loan at 9.90% APR for 36 months is $32.22 per $1000 borrowed. All loans subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Rates and terms may vary and are based on credit history and amount financed. Rates, terms, and conditions subject to change. With great rates and flexible terms, a SAFE Vacation Loan is a solution you can afford. Enjoy a memorable trip and still manage your finances. No application fee No collateral needed Enjoy a low, fixed rate Borrow from $500 to $10,000 Take up to 36 months to repay vacation expenses *
SAFE offers free tax filing help at West Roseville branch SAFE Credit Union is offering free tax filing assistance for AARP members at its West Roseville branch. Seniors, 60 plus years of age, and low- to moderateincome filers of any age, are invited to take advantage of free tax help from AARP at the SAFE branch located at 9055 Woodcreek Oaks Blvd., Suite 150 in Roseville. Seniors will be given priority. SAFE is working with AARP to offer the service through trained and certified AARP tax-aide volunteers. Help will be available at the SAFE West Roseville branch every Friday from Feb. 6 through April 10, 2015, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by appointment. Filers with complex returns may be advised to seek a tax professional who specializes in their needs. Walk-ins will be seen on an as-available basis. For more information, or to make an appointment, call the Roseville Maidu Center at (916) 774-5950. Begin the journey to financial fitness March is National Credit Education month, so it s a great time to take a look at your finances. Remember, SAFE is always here to help you improve your financial well-being. Here are some tips to help you get financially fit: 1. Create a monthly budget and stick to it. The best way to create a budget is to begin tracking your daily spending for about a month. If you have SAFE Online Banking, you can use FinanceWorks TM, a comprehensive money management tool powered by Quicken, to track your spending. Then, determine your total monthly income and all your expenses, including periodical costs such as vehicle registration fees and auto maintenance. You can total those expenses and divide them by 12. To start creating a budget, visit safecu.org and use FinanceWorks to create a plan that s tailored specifically to your needs. 3. Research before you shop. Shop around for big ticket items such as furniture and appliances. Prices vary greatly between retailers. Compare prices online, look for sales, and be sure to take advantage of discounts and offers through SAFE Cash Rewards. You can enroll in SAFE Cash Rewards with any of our checking accounts to earn rewards when using your SAFE Visa Debit Card. For smaller items, check out discount stores or thrift shops before going to major department stores. Plus, make a list and stick to it when you go to the grocery store. 4. Make saving a habit by paying yourself first. Enroll in SAFE Direct Deposit and designate a portion of your paycheck to be automatically deposited into your savings account. Growing your savings will build your financial well-being and allow you to have an emergency fund to pay for unexpected expenses. Click here to learn more or to enroll in Direct Deposit. 2. Find ways to decrease your spending. Review your spending and your budget in FinanceWorks, free in SAFE Online Banking, to see where you might cut expenses. You might make your lunch each day rather than eating out, or look for ways to reduce your cell phone or cable bill. Slicing a little spending from a few categories can add up to big savings! 5. Pay your bills on time. Every month, check due dates and pay your bills on time to avoid late fees. If possible, pay off credit card balances each month to sidestep interest charges. For more tips on how to grow your financial fitness, read our Top 10 Steps to Financial Well-Being at safecu.org.
Make a low down payment on your new home or refinance the one you own Think buying a new house or refinancing your current home is out of the question? With a SAFE97 Home Loan, you can lock in a better rate and monthly payment on the home you love. Sacramento home values have increased 8.6% over the past year, according to Zillow.com. Get in a new home now to get the best rate. local SAFE Mortgage Officer or call (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. SAFE is an Equal Housing Opportunity lender. * Terms and conditions subject to change. Income restrictions and additional conditions apply. See SAFE for details. SAFE97 Home Loans offer these benefits: A low, fixed rate Flexible qualifying designed to help first-time buyers or current homeowners A low down payment of only 3% or refinance up to 97% of your home s value* Funds for down payment can come from a wide range of sources For single-family units, eligible condos, or a planned unit development For more information on SAFE Home Loans, or to schedule a free consultation, click here to contact your IRA basics for beginners Did you know there are two main types of Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)? Both are great retirement savings options, but understanding the distinctive features of each can help you choose the IRA that s best for you. Traditional IRAs are common and very beneficial retirement savings options. Contributions may be tax-deductible.* Any earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawn. So, you won t pay taxes until you make withdrawals. You can even consolidate your employersponsored qualified retirement plans by rolling them over to SAFE. You can make contributions to a Traditional IRA until you reach age 70-1/2. Roth IRAs have no age restriction and contributions (excluding conversions) can be withdrawn tax-free and penalty-free at any time. Roth IRAs feature taxfree withdrawals of earnings after a five-year period when withdrawn for a qualified reason. You may still contribute to a Roth IRA even after age 70-1/2. For 2015, the maximum annual contribution you can make to an IRA is $5,500. If you re age 50 or older, you may contribute an additional $1,000, for a total of $6,500. The total Traditional and Roth IRA regular contributions per year cannot exceed the lesser of the annual contribution limit or 100% of earned income. SAFE offers a variety of Traditional and Roth IRA products to meet your personal financial goals. Click here to see SAFE s IRA products and specials. For more information about IRAs, or to open an account, visit your local SAFE branch or speak to a helpful SAFE representative at (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. *Information not intended as tax advice. Consult your tax advisor regarding eligibility requirements, tax deductibility, and to determine which IRA plan is best for you.
Spring clean your finances March 20 is the first day of spring, so it s time to do a little cleaning, not only around the house, but also in your personal finances. Take a close look at your checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and loans to make sure you re enjoying fewer fees and lower payments. Spring cleaning your finances can save you time, money, and stress. Does your checking account fit your personal needs? SAFE offers Freedom Checking for those who want an account free of monthly service fees and minimum balance requirements. If you want to maximize dividends, check out SAFE Prestige Checking, and be sure to meet the minimum balance requirements to waive the small monthly service fee. 1 In addition, you can skip ATM fees by using one of 30,000 CO-OP ATM locations nationwide that are free for SAFE Visa Debit Card users. Click here to compare SAFE checking accounts. Does your auto loan bust your monthly budget? Refinance your loan from another lender to SAFE with a rate as low as 2.00% APR and more favorable terms. SAFE offers terms up to 84 months to reduce your monthly payments for a vehicle refinance. 2 Plus, you ll make no payments for the first 90 days. 3 Click here to see today s specials. Is your credit card working for you? If you tend to carry a balance on your credit card, it s important to get the best possible rate. By consolidating your higher-rate cards to a low-rate SAFE Platinum Visa Credit Card with no annual fee and no balance transfer fees, you ll reduce interest, lower your monthly payments, and be able to pay off the balance more quickly. 4 If you pay your balances in full each month SAFE s Platinum Rewards Visa Credit Card and SAFE Platinum Cash Rewards Credit Card offer rewards programs so you can earn travel, merchandise, or even cash simply by shopping with your card. Click here to see SAFE s Platinum Visa Credit Card options. Is your mortgage loan aligned with your long-term financial goals? With today s low rates, owners have the opportunity to improve their financial position, even with low equity. Consult with a SAFE Mortgage Officer to determine if your current loan is lined up with your unique financial goals. Whether you would like to refinance your loan from another lender to a lower rate, or reduce the term of your loan to reap savings while securing your home for retirement sooner, SAFE can help you weigh your options. Lock in a better rate and monthly payment on the home you love with as little as 3% down, or refinance up to 97% of your home s value. 5 Click here to explore home loan options, or contact your local SAFE Mortgage Officer. Could home loan payments be less than your current monthly rent? First-time homebuyers can take advantage of low rates, flexible terms, and down payments as low as 3%. 5 Now is a great time to evolve from renter to owner. Click here to request a free pre-qualification or schedule a free consultation with a local SAFE Mortgage Officer. Keep more of what you earn! To learn more about our affordable solutions, visit safecu.org or speak to a helpful SAFE representative by calling (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. 1 $14 monthly fee waived on Prestige Checking with a minimum daily balance of $2,000 more, or a combined deposit balance of $10,000 or more, and for Capital Club members. 2 APR accurate as of 3/1/2015 and available to well-qualified members. Requires minimum loan balance of $10,000 ($15,000 for 84-month term). All loans subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Payment on a $20,000 loan at 2.00% APR for 84 months is $255.37. Up to 120% financing. Rates and terms may vary and are based on credit history, term, loan-to-value (LTV), and amount financed. Rates, terms, and conditions subject to change. 3 Finance charges begin accruing upon loan disbursal. See SAFE for terms and conditions. 4 APR is variable, ranges from 7.90% to 15.90%, and is accurate as of 3/1/15. Your APR is determined by program selected and your credit history. Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. Late Payment Fee: $15 or current minimum payment amount, whichever is less. Returned Payment Fee: At cost, not to exceed $10. Foreign Transaction Fee: 1% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. Rates, terms, and conditions subject to change. 5 Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Terms and conditions subject to change. Income restrictions and additional conditions apply.
Take Note! Please note that SAFE s branches, Corporate Office, and Call Center will be closed in observance of the following holiday: Memorial Day is Monday, May 25, 2015 While our offices will be closed, you may access your accounts at your convenience through Online Banking, Mobile Banking, Text Banking, or SAFE s smartphone apps. You may also access CALL-24 Phone Banking by calling (916) 488-5744 or (800) 3CALL-24. SAFE Member Guide SAFE Member Service: Call Center, CALL-24, SAFE Financial Services:...(916) 979-7233 Toll Free:...(800) SEE-SAFE Call Center Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. (M-F) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Sat.) SAFE Online: www.safecu.org SAFE Branch/ATM Locations: To find a SAFE Branch or ATM near you, go to safecu.org and click on Locate a Branch/ATM in the middle of the page, or call (916) 979-7233 or (800) SEE-SAFE. Branch Business Hours: ATM Networks: CO-OP, Visa, PLUS Point-of-Sale Networks: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (M-F) 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Sat.) Visa, Interlink, and NYCE SAFE Products and Services: SAFE wants you to keep more of what you earn! That s why we offer a variety of affordable products and services to meet all your financial needs. Checking Free Checking Early Paydays with Direct Deposit * SAFE Visa Debit Card Overdraft Protection Savings Savings Money Market Certificates IRAs Account Access Online Banking Text Message Banking Mobile Banking SAFE iphone, ipad, and Android Apps CALL-24 Phone Banking 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATM locations Online Services Online Account Opening Free Bill Pay for active users Free estatements Free online images of cleared checks Free FinanceWorks Business Services Savings & Checking Commercial Real Estate Equipment Financing Lines of Credit Visa Credit Cards Merchant Card Servies Loans 1 st Mortgages Home Equity Loans Home Equity Lines of Credit Auto Loans Visa Credit Cards To learn more about any of the above SAFE products or services, call SAFE or visit SAFE online. Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency..Your IRA funds are insured separately up to $250,000 by the NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity NMLS#466072 *Subject to receipt from originator and other terms and conditions. Note: This newsletter is designed to provide informative material to members with the understanding that the contents do not constitute legal, accounting, tax, or other professional advice. If expert information is needed in these areas, assistance should be sought from the professionals in those fields. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change. All loan requests are subject to credit approval.