wwfcu_9ocxxop6 - Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union

We’ve Branched Out!

October 5, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

A huge misconception about credit unions is that you’re limited on where you can do your banking. Sure, many credit unions have only a couple of branches, but that doesn’t stop us from serving members wherever they are.

Shared Branching

Thanks to something we call shared branching, credit unions share facilities across the country. What this means for you is that you can go to more than 4,500 participating credit unions nationwide to make transactions.

Look for the CU Service Centers logo and you’ll be able to:

Deposit money
Withdraw cash
Make loan payments
Transfer money between accounts
Purchase money orders and travelers checks

Family Service Centers

There are hundreds of Credit Union Family Service Centers nationwide. Run by CO-OP Financial Services, Family Service Centers are owned by credit unions that have pooled their resources and allow you to:

Withdraw from and deposit to your savings and checking accounts
Obtain cash advances on Visa
Cash most payroll checks and U.S. Postal money orders
Cash personal checks and other money orders up to $100
Transfer funds from one account to another
Make loan payments
Apply for and/or close on most loans
Purchase traveler’s checks and money orders
Purchase theme park tickets
Have documents notarized
Obtain account balance inquiries

Branch Access – Everywhere you go.

Youth Accounts

Youth Member Promotions at Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union

September 24, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

At Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, we take pride in serving individuals, families, and businesses. Our financial services are tailored to the needs of members, and we try to offer something for everyone.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children about financial responsibility. People who learn how to save money and handle their finances at a young age will take these important skills into adulthood and benefit from them for the rest of their lives.

Some of the best ways for young people to learn about money is to have a savings account and to make regular deposits. It is a source of pride and satisfaction for a child to take on this “adult” responsibility. Young people can enjoy watching their account balance grow. In the process, they will learn about how money earns interest, how to set and work towards goals, how to budget, and other valuable financial lessons.

At WWFCU, we want to help young people learn about financial matters.

We know that a savings account of one’s own is a vital tool in a child’s financial education. That’s why we have a special youth savings account that is designed for members under the age of 18. Young people can earn excellent interest on their savings and enjoy other Credit Union benefits.

We also offer youth member promotions to make saving money even more fun and rewarding.

Children aged 7-13 years can take part in the “Raffle to Winnings.” It’s easy to participate. Every time they deposit money in a youth account, they can fill out a card to be entered in a drawing to win a $20, $10, or $5 gift certificate. These prizes will be awarded every quarter.

Youths aged 14-17 years have their own promotion, called “Save More to Win More.” They can receive money just for depositing money into their account. The special youth deposit card lets them keep track of the transactions. After making ten deposits of at least $10, they will be awarded $10 in free money. There’s an award limit of $40 annually.

These youth member promotions are intended to encourage young people to set aside money on a regular basis. The habit of saving money is one that will serve them well as adults.

Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union is a place for the entire family. Help your children learn about money and financial responsibility by opening a youth savings account.

Visit https://wwfcu.org/resources/youth-members.aspx or drop by the Credit Union to learn more about our youth member promotions.

Promotions

Members Can Save with Sprint

September 14, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

As you already know, members of Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union enjoy a wide range of benefits and perks. In addition to complete branch and online banking services, WWFCU offers low interest rates on car loans and low service fees.

We also offer better rates on savings accounts and certificates, free financial education services, savings on auto and homeowners insurance, and numerous other advantages. That’s on top of the personal attention that we strive to provide to our members each day.

Here’s another benefit that you may not know about: members can save with Sprint. That’s correct – now you can save money on Sprint wireless services, just for being a Credit Union member.

Wireless services and products, once considered a luxury, are now a necessity for most households. Even so, why pay more than you have to? If you’re spending more than you want to on wireless services, now may be the time to switch providers.

Sprint offers wireless services and products that everyone needs, such as phones, PDAs, mobile broadband devices, music downloads, and more.

As a Sprint customer, you’ll get value and features that beat out the competition, saving you hundreds of dollars a year.

In addition, because you’re a member of WWFCU, you are also eligible for Sprint’s Credit Union Member Discount. (If you’re not a member, this is one more good reason to join.)

This discount opportunity is available for individuals and for businesses, and it applies to both new and current Sprint customers.

Individuals may take advantage of a 10% discount on Sprint monthly service plans, and businesses can benefit from a 15% discount on recurring charges. You can save even more money with waived activation and upgrade fees.

If your family likes to talk, text, and surf, you’ll really appreciate Sprint’s unlimited data plan with no throttling, no metering, and no overage charges.

Sprint’s competitive data plans and products will keep you reliably connected, whether you’re at home, in the office, or on the move. Sprint also makes things easy for you with one-on-one personalized setup at select Sprint stores.

Note that this is an exclusive discount for Credit Union members. It’s one more way that we help you save money and manage your finances – and one more reason to feel great about being a member of Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union.

Why not take the next step towards saving money on your phones and wireless services?

Visit http://www.lovemycreditunion.org/Sprint-169.html to find out more about how members can save with Sprint.

Home Banking

Discover the Benefits of Online Bill Pay

September 4, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

The typical household pays 10-15 bills every month. But paying bills is a task that few people truly enjoy.

Here’s how some folks do it. First, there’s the frantic hunt for the bills, which have been stashed away in a drawer or on top of the fridge.

Then there’s the frenzied search for the checkbook, which has mysteriously disappeared from the desk. Next, the futile quest to find a pen that works. Also stamps – let’s hope someone remembered to buy them after last month’s bill-paying marathon.

Sorting through the bills, writing the checks, and addressing the envelopes take up more precious time. Finally, there’s the trip to the nearest mailbox or post office, in hopes of catching the day’s mail pickup.

Does any of that sound familiar? Fortunately, there is an easier way.

When you sign up for online banking with WWFCU, you can use the online bill payment system to send money to almost any company or individual.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of online bill pay.

It’s Fast

The process of online bill payment is designed to be quick and easy. Making a payment is as simple as logging into the WWFCU website, typing in a few numbers, and clicking the mouse.

Once you have set up the bills to be paid, it will take you literally seconds to make a payment.

It’s Convenient

All you need is your computer and an Internet connection.

You have great flexibility in the way you pay your bills, too. For example, pay bills manually by going online and selecting the ones you want to pay right now.

Or schedule payments in advance, and set up automatic payments for recurring bills. This reduces the chance of late or overlooked payments.

It’s Organized

Have you ever mislaid a bill or forgotten to make a payment? Paying all or most of your bills online can help you stay organized and keep track of your finances.

With online bill pay, your account and billing information is stored in one location. You have an electronic record of every payment, showing the date and the amount. You can easily refer back to it at any time and print out the information.

It’s Secure

Online bill pay is safe and secure. In fact, online banking is considered safer than paying by check through the mail. It’s also a good way to guard against identity theft.

Fraudsters can use the information from discarded bills and lost checkbooks to steal your identity. When you switch to online bill pay and receive your bills electronically, you eliminate those documents and reduce your vulnerability.

Take the Stress Out of Paying Bills

Paying bills may never be one of your favorite pastimes, but switching to online payment can make the process a little more enjoyable.

We know that once you discover the benefits of online bill pay at WWFCU, you’ll never want go back to the old way of doing things.

Home Banking

The Benefits of Online Banking

August 30, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

According to the Pew Research Center, 63 million Americans conduct all or some portion of their banking online.

In addition, a survey by the American Bankers Association reveals that 62% of American adults polled preferred online banking over other types of banking, such as visiting a branch or using an ATM.

If you’ve enrolled for home banking services through Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, you already know from personal experience how much time and effort you can save with online banking. If you haven’t enrolled yet, here are a few online banking benefits that you’re currently missing out on.

Convenience

Convenience is the primary reason why our members sign up for online banking. You can do just about all of your banking from the comfort and privacy of your own home, at a time that is convenient for you.

Pay bills, check account balances, transfer funds, view account statements, and much more, all from your home computer (or from any computer with an Internet connection).

Once you’ve signed up for online banking, you can forget about spending your lunch hour waiting in line, or rushing to get to the Credit Union before it closes, or searching for the nearest ATM with a crying baby in the car.

Online banking brings the Credit Union to you.

Real-Time Account information

Online banking is a superb tool for managing your finances. It provides you with up-to-date information about your accounts, making it easy for you to keep a close watch on your money.

You can view current balances and see banking transactions as they happen. You can also review transactions for previous months and verify payments to specific creditors. This access to real-time account information helps you to avoid any unpleasant surprises, such as overdrafts, bounced checks, or missed bill payments.

In fact, you don’t even need to log in to the WWFCU home banking website to monitor your accounts. Thanks to our “E-Alert” feature, you can set up email alerts that inform you immediately about balance changes, withdrawals, deposits, and other types of activity on your account.

Less Paper and Clutter

If you’re tired of dealing with stacks of bills, account statements, and other mail related to your financial activities, online banking can help reduce the clutter.

Many people are opting out of receiving paper bills and account statements. Instead, they choose to get statements by email or by logging into their account online. If you need a paper copy of something, you can simply print it out at home.

You can feel good about making a small contribution to the environment, as well. The use of electronic statements and payments saves on paper and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Get Started with WWFCU Home Banking

Online banking at WWFCU is free, easy, and secure. You may rest assured that your account information and personal data are protected by state-of-the-art encryption technology. Enroll now and start enjoying the many online banking benefits today.

Home Banking

Mobile Banking Services

August 16, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

You’ve probably heard by now that Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union offers mobile banking services to its members. You can check account balances, pay bills, review transactions, transfer funds, and perform other account management activities through your mobile phone.

You won’t pay extra for these essential services, either. Mobile banking through WWFCU is free. (Your mobile carrier may charge you for Internet access – be sure to contact them for details.)

All you need for mobile banking is a web-enabled mobile phone or device. Use the web browser on your device, or download and install the WWFCU mobile banking app, whichever you prefer. Either way, your personal data and transactions are always secure.

Every day, more WWFCU members are discovering the mobile banking advantages, such as convenience, control, and peace of mind.

Convenience

Mobile banking is supremely convenient. Once you’ve set it up, you can access your account from anywhere, at any time.

There’s no need to visit a Credit Union branch to perform everyday banking tasks. You can do most of your banking whenever you have a few spare moments. Pay some bills or move money between accounts while you’re waiting in line at the supermarket, watching your child’s softball game, or taking the dog for a walk.

Even when you’re traveling or on vacation, mobile banking provides you with instant access to your Credit Union account.

In addition, if you need to withdraw cash from an ATM, you can find the nearest one through your mobile phone.

Control

Mobile banking has another important advantage. It gives you an extra degree of control over your money. Because mobile banking makes it fast and easy to view your account balances and transactions, you can keep a closer eye on your financial situation.

You won’t ever have to wonder whether a check has cleared or a pre-authorized withdrawal has been made. Take out your mobile phone, wherever you are, and you’ll have the answer within a few moments.

Mobile banking can help you avoid late payments and service charges, too. If you suddenly realize you forgot to pay a bill, you can take care of the problem immediately.

Peace of Mind

Convenience and control are undeniable mobile banking advantages, but here’s one more benefit that sometimes gets overlooked. Mobile banking can offer you peace of mind.

Some people sign up for mobile banking specifically to reduce the risk of fraud and identity theft. Many cases of fraud are caught by the account holder, not by the financial institution. You are the one most likely to notice suspicious withdrawals or transactions, but only if you are paying attention.

Mobile banking allows you to monitor your accounts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can even set up e-alerts that send you an e-mail whenever there is activity on your account.

Get Ready to Enjoy the Advantages of Mobile Banking

You will need to be enrolled in WWFCU home banking before you can sign up for mobile banking services. Why not get started today? Be sure to check out our website for more information.

Auto Loan Credit Unions Financial Wellness Loans

Finding Low Rates on Car Loans

August 7, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

Buying a new car is exciting. Searching for an affordable car loan is not. As a member of Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, you have an advantage when it comes to finding low rates on car loans.

WWFCU is a not-for-profit institution. This means that we can “give back” to our members by offering you lower interest rates on loans.

Did you know that Credit Union loan rates are, on average, 1% lower than the rates that banks offer? In fact, you could save hundreds of dollars on your new or used vehicle when you finance the purchase through WWFCU.

For many people, a car is the second most expensive purchase they will ever make. Here are some points to consider before making this important financial decision.

How Much Can You Afford to Spend?

Financial experts say that you shouldn’t spend more than 20% of your monthly take-home pay on car loan payments. This figure includes all the vehicles you own, not just your newest acquisition.

The 20% is just a guideline, however. You may have other ongoing expenses that will affect how much you can budget for a new vehicle.

Therefore, you should think about how much you can comfortably afford. The key word is “comfortably.” If you have to juggle your bills to be able to make your car payment each month, you could wind up in trouble.

Keep in mind that when you buy a car, your total expenditure is much more than the sticker price. Taxes and registration fees can increase the upfront cost by as much as 10% or more. If you’re financing the vehicle, interest charges could add thousands of dollars to the total amount you pay.

Obviously, the lower the interest rate on your car loan, the less you will pay in interest charges. Even a difference of 1% can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings.

How to Pay Less for Your Car

Save your money to make a large down payment (20% or more). This reduces the amount of cash you need to borrow. Consequently, your monthly payments and total interest costs will be less, and you’ll save money on the total cost of the car.

Try to obtain a loan for the shortest term possible. You will receive a lower interest rate and pay less interest overall. A 36-month loan is more economical than a 48-month loan. Avoid loans that run for 72 months or longer.

Having a good credit record will ensure that you get the most favorable interest rate on your loan. If you don’t have a good credit rating, you may want to take steps to improve it before buying a car.

Consider Related Expenses

Finding a low rate on a car loan can save you money on your next vehicle purchase. But don’t forget about the cost of operating a vehicle. Insurance, maintenance, and fuel costs can add up to hundreds of dollars per month, on top of the loan payment itself. Make sure to leave some money in your budget for these expenses.

Get Ready to Buy a Car

If you’re ready to buy a new or used vehicle, be sure to inquire about a low rate on a car loan from Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union before you head to the dealership.

Financial Wellness Savings

A Safer and More Flexible Way To Grow Your Money

July 30, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

Unless you’ve been hiding out in the mountains with no access to the Internet, TV or radio, you are aware of what’s been going on with Wall Street. Namely, the stock market has been up and down like a drunken yo-yo. Such volatility is nothing new, but it’s definitely not for the faint-of-heart – and unless you are quick and willing to be ruthless, chances are you are going to lose a lot more than you’ll make.

There are other, more stable investment vehicles available, of course, such as municipal and government bonds. These are essentially “loans” that you make to a governmental body, which is paid back to you when the bond “matures” – usually many years later (those who are old enough may remember that the U.S. financed World War II in part by issuing bonds). While these are extremely safe investments, they lack liquidity. This means, if you need access to quick cash, you won’t be able to draw on these instruments.

Other, similar safe investment vehicles such as IRAs can be drawn on – but only with substantial penalties.

What you need is an investment vehicle that offers both stability and flexibility – such as a Money Market Account from Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union. Unlike bonds and other types of investment accounts, there are no maturity terms on money market accounts. This means that if you need quick access to emergency cash, you can get it without having to worry about having to pay penalties.

Like a savings account, you earn dividends on your money market account based on a percentage of the balance. Best of all, your account is insured by the NCUA for up to $250,000 – just like your other accounts.

It’s easy to get started with a money market account – and you can open one for as little as $2500. To learn more, log on to http://www.wwfcu.org or call one of the knowledgeable Member Service Representatives at Wayne Westland FCU at 734.721.5700 today.

Home Banking

Staying On Top Of It With e-Alerts

July 9, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

Chances are you’re like the increasing number of people who are moving their hard-earned money out of large banks and into Credit Unions. You understand the advantages. However, Wayne Westland Federal CU is pleased to offer yet another benefit: the ability to get virtually instantaneous alerts in your email when there is activity in your account.

They’re called e-Alerts. Once you have registered for this service, you can configure it to suit your individual needs. You are in control of what notifications you receive and when you receive them. You can choose to receive alerts when there is a change in your account balance, when checks and/or automatic withdrawals are made, deposits, and more. Because you are not required to actually visit the WWFCU website and to log in, this can be a real time saver.

With e-Alerts, you can define a range of parameters that will trigger a message when your account drops below a specified balance or when a withdrawal or deposit exceeds a defined amount. You’ll know immediately when a paper check clears your account.

Moreover, e-Alerts are excellent ways to protect yourself from the dangers of fraud and the endless number of schemes that multiply on the Web these days.

Activating your e-Alerts is easy to do if you are signed up for home banking at WWFCU. If not, simply log on to www.wwfcu.org, or call 734.721.5700 today!

Auto Loan Financial Wellness

Is Zero Percent Financing Really Your Best Deal?

June 24, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

Undoubtedly you’ve heard about the “zero percent financing” offers that many auto manufacturers have been promoting lately. Although they seem to be incredible deals and are certainly enticing, you should read the fine print and know the facts before you head to your local dealer.

Beware of Those Teaser Rates

Teaser rates have always been offered to drive more business to the dealerships but, all too often, these offers are not beneficial to the buyer. Knowing what to look for, and what questions to ask the dealer, will help you decide if zero percent is the best deal for you. Here are a few of the facts and restrictions that may apply:

Almost perfect credit may be needed to qualify for these offers
You may be required to give up a manufacturer’s rebate
It could mean shorter terms and larger monthly payments
It is usually offered on a limited number of models
You may be limited to dealer stock and not be able to choose the exact vehicle you are interested in

Research Your Options

By using Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union’s low percentage rate you are qualified to use any rebates offered by the manufacturers— which means, this could be your best deal! With the rebate, you are reducing the amount that you are financing even further. Therefore, in combination with the Credit Union’s low rate, your overall costs are lower than if you opted for the special factory financing.

Credit Union Financing at the Dealership!

Members of Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union can take advantage of our low rates and great service right at the dealership! Through our partnership with CUDL (Credit Union Direct Lending) and local auto dealerships, members can now access financing decisions instantly—even when we’re closed. To research pricing information, review auto buying tips, locate a dealer, receive price quotes, or simply configure the vehicle you would like to purchase, simply visit our website by clicking on the following link WWFCU CUDL AutoSMART Website.

Checking Account Financial Wellness

BALANCING YOUR CHECKBOOK

June 14, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

A NEW SYSTEM THAT IS FAST AND EASY

Here’s the 21st century method for balancing a checkbook.

What you will need:
1. Monthly statement
2. Checkbook register
3. A pocket calculator

What you need to do:
1. Go down the checkbook REGISTER and — one by one — puts a checkmark by each entry not yet accounted for — no matter if it’s a debit or credit. Each time, you will put a similar checkmark on the STATEMENT for the same entry.

2. When that process is completed, enter on the pocket calculator the balance as shown on the STATEMENT.

3. Go down the checkbook REGISTER and subtract on the CALCULATOR any debit entry that is not checked off — or add any deposit that is not checked off.

That’s it. The amount on the calculator should match the balance in the check register.
No forms. No listing of all checks not cleared. No adding columns of numbers. No copying down all deposits not on the statement.

It’s fast. It’s easy. If there is any discrepancy between the total on the calculator and the balance in the register, you can then look for the missed entry — just as you would do with the old system.

Auto Loan Loans

Now Get Credit Union Auto Financing Right at the Dealership!

June 4, 2012 wwfcu_9ocxxop6

Remember when purchasing a vehicle used to be an all day excursion? It probably meant driving to your local auto dealer, finding a car in your favorite color with just the right options, haggling over the price, filling out a lot of paperwork, and going back and forth between dealer and Credit Union with payment in hand. Well now there’s a better way! Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union and CUDL (Credit Union Direct Lending) have teamed up to bring you CUDL AutoSMART: the best possible way to make your auto buying experience virtually painless.

Get Your Loan Approved On-the Spot

From 7 a.m. until midnight, seven days a week, including holidays, Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union can approve your new or used auto loan while you are at the dealership, and without visiting your Credit Union branch. It’s almost like having a loan officer right at the dealership with you! Through the CUDL program, Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union has partnered with dealerships in your community to offer you a convenient way to purchase a vehicle and get your credit union financing. This program utilizes Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union’s current low auto loan rates and terms when financing your vehicle. Best of all, the CUDL program is simple for both members and dealers to use!

It’s as Easy as 1-2-3!

Decide on the make and model of the vehicle you want through the CUDL AutoSMART Website
Visit any participating dealership
Apply for Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union low-rate auto financing through the CUDL system. Within minutes, you’ll have a financing decision.

Once the financing is approved, the dealer receives the Credit Union’s terms and conditions, completes the sales contract, and you drive the vehicle off the lot. Don’t worry about the paperwork—through CUDL, Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union, and the dealer, it is all taken care of electronically. We are making this convenient service available to alleviate some of the stress that accompanies the auto buying experience and therefore allows you more time to enjoy your new or used vehicle.

Find the CUDL Dealer Nearest You

Be sure to look for the CUDL logo when shopping at the dealerships. This logo signifies that the dealer can offer Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union financing. Make sure to identify yourself as a Wayne Westland Federal Credit Union member and ask for your financing through the CUDL system. To find a local participating dealership, simply visit our website by clicking on the following link WWFCU CUDL AutoSMART Website.

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