Fall 2018 CommonInterest Your Michigan Schools & Government Credit Union quarterly newsletter Thursday, October 18 is member Appreciation Day The friendliest day of the year is Thursday, October 18 all branches, all day. Being appreciated is a wonderful feeling we want every member to know. That s why we strive to ensure that caring service, exceptional rates, and unparalleled integrity define us in everything that we do, every day. It s also why we are excited to host this friendly celebration in honor of you. Plan to visit any MSGCU branch on Thursday, October 18, 2018, to experience what we like to call the friendliest day of the year. Enjoy free cider and donuts all day long and free appreciation gifts for members while supplies last. Back by popular demand, free paper shredding. The giant shredders are back! Collect all of your paper scraps and old documents (paper only, please) for shredding from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at these two locations: Madison Heights Branch 480 West 12 Mile Road St. Clair Shores Branch 24515 Little Mack Avenue Simply come ready to shred, no reservations are needed. After dropping off your shredding, please join us inside the branch to enjoy the festivities. We look forward to celebrating with you. What s Inside Classroom Cash is back MSGCU CD rates take the lead Introducing MSGCU Financial Helpful savings tips
Giving back is the greatest gift. Gifts are wonderful to receive and sharing them is even better. At Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, we are always looking for more ways to give back to members and the communities we serve. I am pleased to announce that as of October 1, rates have increased for MSGCU Silver, Gold, and IRA Savings accounts as well as the Money Market account, giving your dollar even more value. By giving back in this way, members will benefit from more than $1.6 million in increased interest on an annual basis. It is also time for our much anticipated Classroom Cash Grant program, one of the many ways we provide resources to Michigan educators. This year, the program will award up to $45,000 in grants to educators throughout Southeast Michigan. Educators can use the grants to make their innovative, yet otherwise unfunded classroom project idea a reality. Be sure to vote for your favorite project at classroomcash.org during the voting period that begins October 15. When educators and students benefit, so do our communities. Finally, plan to visit your MSGCU branch office on Thursday, October 18, for Member Appreciation Day. This is a day where we take extra care to show our members how much they are appreciated for choosing us as their financial partner and advocate. We look forward to seeing you, and appreciate serving you every day. As always, we thank you for being a valued member and hope you enjoy the upcoming holiday season with family and friends. Sincerely, Peter D. Gates President/CEO Help us help more teachers. Mark your calendars to help us award $45,000 in grants for very deserving local classrooms. Visit classroomcash.org from October 15 26 to vote for your favorite projects. You can vote up to five times per day. The teachers with the most votes will win up to $750 to fund their innovative classroom ideas. Visit classroomcash.org to vote beginning October 15.
Small steps can help you build more savings. What are you saving for? There are hundreds of little things you can do right now to save more money. A small investment in your time could make a big difference in your future goals. Here are some ideas: Inflate your tires. For every two PSI of air pressure under the recommended level in your tires, you lose 1% in gas mileage. Because most tires are 5-10 PSI below the normal level, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 5% just by inflating your tires. Adjust your thermostat. Lower the heat or turn down the air conditioning and it s estimated you can save 1 3% for every degree you adjust up or down. Eat in season. Buy local, in-season fruits and vegetables whenever you can, and you ll save 10 15% on average. Michigan s fall harvest includes apples, pears, squash, cabbage, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, cherries, potatoes and more. Installing new windows before winter can save up to $465 a year in heating bills. Talk to us about getting a home equity loan to fund your next project. And get $100 when you finance $5,000 or more.* Use a rewards credit card and pay it off monthly. For example, open an MSGCU Rewards Visa Card and use it for everyday purchases. You ll earn points for every dollar and can redeem them for cash back, travel or premium merchandise. Pay the card off in full at the end of your monthly billing cycle and you'll avoid interest charges. Plus, the MSGCU Rewards card has no annual fee and points never expire. Lower your water heater to 120 degrees. For every 10 degree reduction in temperature, you can save up to 5% on water heating costs. Working with MSGCU can make a big difference. Planning for something big? Whether you are looking to purchase something new or simply refinance what you already have, let us find the right solution while saving you money. Or, get the cash you need to make home improvements, consolidate high-interest loans, pay tuition and more. We make applying easy and we'll walk you through the entire loan process. Auto Purchase and Refinance Personal Loans Home Equity Loans Loan Consolidation Get $100 when you finance $5,000 or more through November 30.* Speak to one of our friendly Member Service Representatives at any of our branches, call us at 866.674.2848, or simply apply online at msgcu.org/apply. *Subject to credit approval. For details, go to msgcu.org/disclosures/promo, visit an MSGCU branch, or call 866.674.2848. Source: The U.S. Department of Energy.
Two opportunities to save big are ending soon. MSGCU Checking: $175 account bonus. If you have an average bank checking account, you may be paying too many fees that add up to hundreds of dollars wasted over time. An MSGCU checking account offers no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and 30,000 fee-free ATMs. Plus, get a $175 bonus* when you switch! MSGCU Mortgage: Up to $825 off closing costs. Planning to buy a home? MSGCU Mortgage Consultants can help you like no banker or broker ever could. That s because we are not-for-profit and all for members. From pre-approval to closing, and all of the steps in between, we ensure you re getting the loan, service and terms that are best for you, always! Apply right now to get up to $825 in savings** on our already low closing costs. Don't wait. These offers end October 31. Nothing satisfies us more than saving you money with a smarter solution. Let us help with setting up your checking account, or guiding you into a home loan perfect for your situation. Visit a branch, call us at 866.674.2848 or visit msgcu.org. * Available for regular checking accounts opened between 5/1/2018 and 10/31/2018; limited to one incentive per member. The $175 incentive will be paid when the member completes all of the following: qualify for and open a regular checking account and ATM/Debit card; within 7 days of opening, make an initial deposit of $100 or more in the account; within 60 days, enroll in and receive one direct deposit (minimum $100) to the new account, sign up for estatements and Online Banking, and use the account s issued Debit card for 20 purchases. Members must not currently have a checking account or have closed a regular checking account as of 4/1/2018 or later. Account must remain open for 6 months. **The up to $825 incentive includes: 1) waiver of $450 underwriting fee for all mortgages applied for between 6/1/2018 and 10/31/2018, and 2) coupon toward a free appraisal (up to $375) when attending a free Homebuyers Workshop prior to closing. Appraisal coupon credit will be applied at the time of closing. To register for an upcoming Homebuyers Workshop, visit msgcu.org/homebuyers. Convenience with Mobile Deposit. Mobile Deposit is a fast, easy, and secure option for depositing checks. All you need is a smartphone with a camera and the MSGCU Mobile App, downloadable at msgcu.org. Also important for current and new Mobile Deposit users: the back of your checks must include both your signature and the words: For MSGCU Mobile Deposit Only." For a step-by-step guide to Mobile Deposit visit msgcu.org/mobile-check-deposit. Your account balance no waiting. We recently implemented an automated system that allows you to quickly hear your balance and other valuable information about your savings and checking accounts when you call our Call Center. Using the system is easy and requires just your account number, date of birth and last four digits of your Social Security Number. To hear your balance, simply call 866.674.2848, press 3 followed by 1 and follow the prompts.
More members are enjoying the rewarding experience of the MSGCU Rewards Visa Card. In just a few short months, the new MSGCU Rewards Visa Card has helped members earn more than 2 million reward points to fuel their passion from travel to brand-name merchandise to cash back. All with valuable features that reflect our commitment to members, with no expiration on points and no annual fee. The response has been outstanding. More than 650 members now have the new MSGCU Rewards Visa Card and are enjoying earning reward points with every purchase. Phil Cooper, MSGCU Chief Lending Officer Start earning rewards today. With daily use, points add up fast. Commit to paying your balance monthly and you'll be using credit wisely. Haven't applied yet? We make it easy. Call us at 866.674.2848, go to msgcu.org/rewards or visit your local MSGCU branch today. Plan for an extra rewarding holiday. This holiday season use your MSGCU Rewards Visa Card for all your gift-giving needs. The possibilities are endless with some very merry rewards for you! Earn 270. % APY * *APY = Annual percentage yield. $500 minimum average daily balance required. With as little as $500, you can begin to enjoy great returns on a new 23-MONTH CD Go green. Get cash. Enjoy a more secure, paperless way to view statements. Complete the estatements enrollment process before the end of the year and we'll deposit $5 into your account the following month. Signing up is easy. Log into Online Banking, select Statements & Alerts in the menu options at the top of the screen, and click on the estatements link. Then follow the prompts to complete the process. Not valid with other estatement-related incentives, including the $175 checking account bonus.
Introducing MSGCU Financial. When it comes to helping you manage your financial goals, we work hard to develop products and find solutions that work toward your needs. For investment services, that s MSGCU Financial. This partnership between MSGCU and LPL Financial opens the door to comprehensive investment resources and experienced financial advisors for all of our members. Investing for the future is a critical component of financial wellbeing, says Debbie Fahrney, MSGCU Chief Retail Officer. We are so pleased to offer investment services of this caliber. MSGCU Financial is a true extension of our dedication and service to our members. Currently, the MSGCU Financial team of Bruce Seibold, Kody Seibold and George Johnson are already helping many MSGCU members pursue their long-term financial goals. Together, our team of advisors have years of experience, advanced degrees, and national accreditations and are available to you, at your convenience, right within MSGCU branches. MSGCU Financial advisors are happy to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation meeting to assist you in planning for your financial future. For more information, please visit msgcu.org/investment-planning or simply call 866.674.2848 to request an appointment. Securities & Advisory Services Offered Through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. MSGCU Financial and Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial. Not NCUA Insured Not Credit Union Guaranteed May Lose Value Board of Directors Election Notice Any MSGCU member interested in running for the Board of Directors for the term beginning in 2019 must submit a letter of interest to the Nominating Committee by November 2, 2018 to receive a nomination package. Please send letters to: MSGCU, c/o President/CEO s Office, 40400 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038 It s a good sign! We take great care in keeping our branches fresh, welcoming and consistent for members. You may have noticed some of our outdoor signs being refreshed from white to blue at our Chesterfield, Hall Road, Hayes, Madison Heights, Sterling Heights and Warren branches. Holiday Closings Columbus Day Monday, Oct. 8 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, Nov. 22 Christmas Monday & Tuesday, Dec. 24-25 New Year's Monday, Dec. 31 & Tuesday, Jan. 1 Visit a branch Find your nearest branch at msgcu.org/locations Mon Wed: 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Thu Fri: 9 a.m. 6 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Find us online It's easy to keep in touch. Visit msgcu.org/contact-us Live Chat: msgcu.org/chat Mon Fri: 8 a.m. 8 p.m. Sat: 9 a.m. 1 p.m. Give us a call Phone: 586.263.8800 Toll Free: 866.674.2848 Mon Wed: 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Thu: 8 a.m. 6 p.m. Fri: 8 a.m. 7 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m. 1 p.m. Insured by NCUA