Traveling?Protect Your Finances

Don’t ever use public Wi-Fi networks to access your �nancial accounts; they are not secure.

No Public Wi-Fi

Streamline your wallet and take only what you need: a credit and debit card and just enough cash for planned spending.

A Light Wallet

Set up eAlerts to keep track of account charges.

eAlerts

Set up a travel notice informing your �nancial institution where you are going and for how long. If you don’t, your account may be frozen due to “unusual account activity.”

Travel Notice

Use safer ATMs, typically found in shops, banks and hotel lobbies that have surveillance cameras in place.

Use Safe ATMs

Report fraud or theft immediately.

Report Fraud

SPRING 2016

How to Choose the Right Credit Card for You

Spring into Home Buying

ASK THE ADVISOR: Disaster-Proof Your Insurance Coverage

Traveling? Protect Your Finances

RETA & TIM C. | MEMBERS SINCE 2010

YOUR CREDIT SCORE MATTERSYour credit score determines

what cards you may qualify for as well as interest rates. Keep it healthy by paying your bills on time, not maxing out your credit lines, or applying too frequently for new credit. Late payments and carrying a high balance are two of the quickest ways to drop your score. If you don’t know where you stand credit-wise, annualcreditreport.com provides a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each credit reporting company. However, keep in mind that credit scores aren’t included with the free reports; you must purchase them separately.

CHALLENGED OR NO CREDITIf you have a low score, or a

thin credit history, you’ll have to seek out options that can help you build or rebuild your credit profile. You may qualify for either a secured or unsecured card. With a secured card, you put up a cash deposit that you borrow against. For instance, SchoolsFirst FCU offers a secured credit card that allows you to deposit an amount equal to the credit limit you seek, up to $5,000. Then, by making modest charges and paying the balance off each month, you’ll build a credit history which will be reported to the credit bureaus. In time, you’ll see your score rise. If you’re a college student, you may qualify for a student credit card. NerdWallet.com’s

“Best College Student Credit Cards of 2016” research allows you to compare features and interest rates from a variety of cards. There are many benefits, such as cash back and travel perks that can help you or your student build a credit history and be rewarded for managing credit wisely.

CARRYING A BALANCEIf you carry a balance on your card, an important feature to

consider is finding one with a low interest rate so you are reducing what it costs to finance your debt. Your local credit union may offer the most competitive interest

rates, because data provided by the Credit Union National Association to Informa Research Services shows that credit union platinum credit cards had an average annual percentage rate (APR) of 8.87% in 2015, as compared to bank platinum cards with APRs of 10.36%. SchoolsFirst FCU offers credit card APRs as low as 8.75%.¹

BALANCE TRANSFERSIf you have a game plan to pay off credit card debt and keep

it paid off, then you may want to consider a balance transfer card, which allows you to transfer a card’s balance with a higher interest rate to one with a low- or no-interest rate. Keep in mind that balance transfer offers are usually for a set period of time, so you’ll need to factor in whether or not you can reach your goal in the time period offered. And—when that time ends, make sure the card’s new interest rate is competitive and not higher than it should be. Avoid cards with balance transfer fees, which typically hover around 3% APR.

REWARDS, CASH BACK AND MOREDiligent about paying off your

card each month? Then, you probably don’t need to worry as much about interest rates and can shop around for cards that fit your lifestyle. For instance, if you travel a lot, a card that offers travel rewards and no foreign transaction fees can really make a difference in your bottom line. Do your homework on research sites such as Bankrate.com, NerdWallet.com, and Credit.com. Be careful with store retail cards, which may come with plenty of perks, but interest rates tend to be higher, so you’ll need to use them with care.

How to Find the Right Credit Card for You If you’re shopping around for a credit card, you’ve probably noticed that there are plenty of options on the market today. Low-interest, balance transfer, rewards, cash back, airline- and hotel-specific cards, retail cards, student cards, business cards…the list is endless. So how do you find the credit card that’s right for you?

Real Estate WorkshopsGet expert advice about buying, selling, or using the equity in your home to your advantage.

HOME BUYINGApril 6, April 14, April 27, June 9 6:30 – 8 p.m. | PasadenaApril 6, April 27 3:30 – 5 p.m. | Orange County Department of EducationApril 21, June 28 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Riverside-RiverwalkApril 28, May 26, June 30 6:30 – 8 p.m. | TustinMay 10 6:30 – 8 p.m. | RedlandsMay 12 6:30 – 8 p.m. | TorranceMay 19 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Riverside-UniversityJune 2 6:30 – 8 p.m. | West Covina

HOME SELLINGMay 5 6:30 – 8 p.m. | Tustin

REGISTER TODAY AT schoolsfirstfcu.org/workshops

FOR SALE

SchoolsFirst FCU is switching to MasterCard®

Some exciting changes are happening to our credit cards this year. We’re switching from Visa® to MasterCard to offer you even greater convenience, security and benefits—like chip-enabled technology and complimentary identity theft protection services—to make your SchoolsFirst FCU credit card the only one you’ll want to take out of your wallet. New credit cards will be reissued throughout 2016. Please go to mastercard.schoolsfirstfcu.org for more details. And log into Online Banking to confirm or update your contact information to ensure you receive your new card.

Unlock the Door to Your New HomeOur Home Advantage program and partnership with First Team Real Estate can be the key to your home-buying success. Members enrolled in Home Advantage receive a 20% rebate from the commission of the participating agent who represents them in their home purchase—or 25% rebates when both a home sale and purchase are completed.2

FOR SALEFOR SALE

REGISTER TODAY AT schoolsfirstfcu.org/workshopsFinancial Workshops

Learn more about planning for your financial future by attending one of our complimentary workshops:

BUILDING A BETTER BUDGET April 264 – 5:30 p.m. | Santa Ana

TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING5 May 196:30 – 8 p.m. | Tustin

RETIREMENT PLANNING FOR SCHOOL EMPLOYEES5

April 144 – 5 p.m. | Riverside-University

April 20, April 273:30 – 5 p.m. | Orange County Department of Education

Spring into Home BuyingRates are still low, making it a great time to buy. If you’re on the fence about whether to buy or not, here are some things to consider.

BUY FOR THE LONG HAULIf you plan on living in your home for more than five years, then buying a home makes sense. If you’re unsure whether or not you’ll be staying put, renting is probably the way to go, because it usually takes at least five years to build enough equity in your home to come out ahead when you go to sell it.

CONSIDER YOUR MORTGAGE OPTIONSLike your home, a mortgage loan is going to be something you’ll have to live with, so make sure you shop around for lenders who have an excellent reputation for closing loans on time and offer competitive interest rates. Most loans contain a variety of fees including loan origination, escrow, recording, appraisals, credit report, and title insurance, so if you do decide on a lender, make sure you get a loan estimate, so you know all the costs involved ahead of time. You’ll also need to decide on a fixed rate or an adjustable rate loan. If you’re planning on staying in your home for a longer period of time, then a fixed rate is a good choice, particularly with interest rates under 4% APR. For instance, SchoolsFirst FCU offers 30-year fixed rate loans with down payments as low as 3%.3

GET PRE-APPROVED BEFORE SHOPPINGBefore you start your home search, you’ll need to figure out how much you can afford, and what type of loan is right for you. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage allows reality to set in; your credit, assets and income are reviewed by the lender and you’ll find out just how much money you can borrow. Keep in mind that to qualify, you’ll need a solid credit score, have a steady job history, and carry a manageable debt load. The lender will require a picture of your financial information which includes your income, employment history, savings, debt, and two years of W-2s and possibly tax returns.

FIND THE RIGHT REALTORYou’ll want to make sure your agent has a solid track record and is knowledgeable about the areas you are interested in. Getting a referral from friends or family is a great way to go,

because they have experienced firsthand the agent in action. Programs like SchoolsFirst FCU’s Home Advantage are a good resource because you are paired with a loan consultant and local realtor who will guide you through every step of the process.

DON’T LET EMOTIONS DRIVE YOUR DECISIONA home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make, so make sure you have your feet firmly on the ground when you decide to buy. First, understand all the costs involved in your purchase beyond the monthly payment, including property taxes, insurance, home repairs and maintenance, and homeowners association fees. Next, evaluate the pros and cons. For instance, does the house fit your family’s needs? If the house has unique qualities that you find appealing, will they appeal to others when you go to sell it? And if it’s an older home with lots of character, will it involve repairs or energy costs that can bust your monthly budget? Finally, location is all-important. Is the street in a good neighborhood, with good schools? Is the property located in a flood zone or an area prone to wildfires? There are plenty of questions to ask and your realtor can help you find the answers. Finally, drive by the home at different times of day to really get a feel for what it will be like living there. You’ll need a critical eye to determine if it’s really the right home for you.

WHEN STAYING PUT MAKES FINANCIAL SENSEIf you’re already a homeowner, sometimes a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can help make not moving more attractive. With the money, you can make home improvements such as remodeling your kitchen or bathrooms, installing energy efficient windows or getting a new roof.

May 710 – 11 a.m. | Riverside-University

June 153:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Riverside-University

April 16, May 2110 – 11:30 a.m. | Santa Ana

Laura Holmes is a Licensed Insurance Agent with SchoolsFirst Insurance Services, specializing in personal lines policy. With more than 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, Laura has developed an understanding of the importance of insurance and managing risk. She is dedicated to educating our Members about how to properly protect themselves and their family. Laura is based in our Santa Ana Branch.

Most people don’t worry much about their insurance coverage until they need it. So if you haven’t read your policy’s fine print—believe me, you’re not alone. That’s why I recommend getting a complimentary insurance review to help you figure out if you have what you need. Overdue for that review?

Here are some questions to help you decide.

HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS INSURANCEIf your home is damaged because of an earthquake or flood, would your insurance pay to have it fixed? Hint: Most policies don’t include coverage for these perils. You’ll most likely have to add earthquake on to your existing policy and purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Another question: Does your homeowners or renters insurance include actual cash value (ACV) or replacement cost coverage? The first fixes home damages and replaces your belongings, minus depreciation—which means it won’t cover your losses at full value. Unlike ACV, replacement cost coverage pays for all the damage, no depreciation at all. This translates into big savings if you have to file a claim.

CAR INSURANCE If you live in fire, flood or earthquake country, your car can take a beating should catastrophe strike. Does your insurance include both comprehensive and liability coverage? Don’t know? If your car is damaged due to a natural disaster, comprehensive coverage will fix it, liability will not.

MINDING THE EXTRASYou may be thinking: What extras? If you don’t know, a review can help you find out if you need the following:

Umbrella Insurance: Extra liability insurance that protects you and your assets against major claims and lawsuits.

Valuable Personal Property Insurance: Covers valuables including things like jewelry, coins, collectables and family heirlooms.4

VISIT OUR NEW SchoolsFirst FCU Location

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by and visit our new SchoolsFirst FCU branch located at 3430 Marron Road, Suite 200, Oceanside.

Ask the Advisor: Disaster-Proof Your Insurance Coverage Ask the Advisor is an advice blog featured in the Highlights section on the schoolsfirstfcu.org home page. Each month, we answer your top questions.

FOR SALE

BUILDING A BETTER BUDGET April 264 – 5:30 p.m. | Santa Ana

TRUSTS AND ESTATE PLANNING5 May 196:30 – 8 p.m. | Tustin

Traveling?Protect Your Finances

Don’t ever use public Wi-Fi networks to access your �nancial accounts; they are not secure.

No Public Wi-Fi

Streamline your wallet and take only what you need: a credit and debit card and just enough cash for planned spending.

A Light Wallet

Set up eAlerts to keep track of account charges.

eAlerts

Set up a travel notice informing your �nancial institution where you are going and for how long. If you don’t, your account may be frozen due to “unusual account activity.”

Travel Notice

Use safer ATMs, typically found in shops, banks and hotel lobbies that have surveillance cameras in place.

Use Safe ATMs

Report fraud or theft immediately.

Report Fraud

Member SpotlightReta and Tim C. joined the Credit Union in 2010, on the recommendation of Reta’s mother who is a school employee and Member. When the couple found a vacation home near their family in Colorado, they looked to their Credit Union to help them navigate the process, as they planned on buying it using a home equity line of credit (HELOC). They were beyond pleased when the loan processed in record time. “We went from a closing date of Jan. 25 to Dec. 29 on our new second home. SchoolsFirst FCU did it in only 20 days. It rocked and rolled so fast…the process was perfect.” With an auto loan, share certificates, and a money market account, Reta loves the ease of online banking and the mobile app. And she likes being able to walk to her local branch. “When I go in, everyone is so helpful. I can’t imagine going anywhere else for anything we need.”

“We went from a closing date of Jan. 25 to Dec. 29 on our new second home. SchoolsFirst FCU did it in only 20 days.”

Reta and Tim C. | Members Since 2010

President’s Message

Dear Members,

With the change of season, you may have some spring cleaning or other home improvement projects on your mind. If you’ve started a to-do list, now may be the perfect time to spruce up your financial house, as well.

Clearing out old paperwork, spot-checking saving and spending habits, or ensuring you have the right mix of products in your toolkit,

are just a few ways to boost your financial well-being. Of course, you can’t accomplish everything at once, but nothing feels better than crossing one or two tasks off your list. And we’re here to help you do just that.

As your Credit Union, we remain committed to not only providing highly competitive products and services, but sound financial guidance as well. We encourage you to take advantage of our advice and educational offerings, including free financial and real estate workshops, and our online educational learning modules, articles and videos. So whether you want to improve your money management skills, learn more about how much insurance you need to protect your family, purchase a home, or save for retirement and college—we have solutions and expert advisors to help you gain the knowledge you need to make smart financial decisions.5

And when it comes to more personalized advice, one of the most valuable resources we provide is a team of professional advisors. They are here to focus on you, your dreams, and your personal financial goals. When you schedule a complimentary consultation, your advisor will listen to what you hope to achieve and together you will come up with a plan that fits your life. It’s a great way to get a jump-start on your financial improvement goals, and a wonderful benefit of your Membership.

It’s an honor and privilege to serve you,

Bill | PRESIDENT/CEO

Appreciation Weeks Every May, we honor teachers and classified school employees for the difference they make in students’ lives each day. We are grateful for your commitment to making the future brighter for the next generation.

May 2–7, 2016 | Teacher Appreciation Week May 15–21, 2016 | Classified School Employee Week

Please join us at any branch during these weeks as we celebrate your contributions.

School Employee Appreciation Nights

ANGELS VS. RAYS Friday, May 6 @ 7:05 p.m.

DODGERS VS. CARDINALS Friday, May 13 @ 7:10 p.m.

School employees, family members and friends are invited to join us at Angel or Dodger Stadiums for a night to honor the contributions of those who help build the future. Go to schoolsfirstfcu.org/appreciation to learn more about how to purchase discounted tickets and our school supply drive.

Traveling?Protect Your Finances

Don’t ever use public Wi-Fi networks to access your �nancial accounts; they are not secure.

No Public Wi-Fi

Streamline your wallet and take only what you need: a credit and debit card and just enough cash for planned spending.

A Light Wallet

Set up eAlerts to keep track of account charges.

eAlerts

Set up a travel notice informing your �nancial institution where you are going and for how long. If you don’t, your account may be frozen due to “unusual account activity.”

Travel Notice

Use safer ATMs, typically found in shops, banks and hotel lobbies that have surveillance cameras in place.

Use Safe ATMs

Report fraud or theft immediately.

Report Fraud

1. SchoolsFirst FCU’s credit card program features a range of rates based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s credit rating. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. As of 03/23/2016, Gold and Platinum credit card rates range from 8.75%-17.90% APR; Rewards credit card rates range from 11.75%-17.90% APR, and School Employee credit card rates range from 7.75%-17.90% APR. Rates are subject to change, are variable and subject to change after account opening. Foreign transaction fee: 2% of the transaction in U.S. dollars. 2. Rebate payment is made by First Team Real Estate and is credited to your benefit at the close of transaction. Purchase price must be greater than $150,000. Rebate for home purchase only is 20%. Rebate for home sale and purchase is 25% for each transaction. In order to receive the 25% rebates, the home sale and purchase transactions must take place within six months of each other. First Team Real Estate is not affiliated with SchoolsFirst FCU. 3. For a $200,000 mortgage loan for a term of 30 years with a 4.5% APR, the monthly payment will be $1,013.37. Payment examples do not include the cost of property taxes or insurance, so the actual payment obligation will be greater. The annual percentage rate, or APR shown, includes an estimate of 30 days of prepaid interest. All programs, loan rates, APR, points, and terms listed are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to approval. Annual percentage rate may be increased if loan is refinanced. 4. CA Insurance License 0I19344 5. Securities sold, advisory services are offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with SchoolsFirst FCU 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. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America. Federally Insured by NCUA

Holiday NoticeIn observance of this holiday, our Branches, In-Store Branches, Service Centers, and Member Contact Center will be closed.July 4 Independence Day Federally Insured by NCUA

ATM Locations Visit our website or mobile app for a complete listing of more than 28,000 fee-free ATMs.

Find Us Visit schoolsfirstfcu.org/branches or use our mobile app to find a branch or ATM near you.

We’re Here For YouGo Onlineschoolsfirstfcu.org

Call Us 800.462.8328

Emergency After-Hours Support Available 365 days a year from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Correction: In the Winter issue of Report Card we reported that the tax filing deadline was April 15. The actual deadline this year is April 18.

TellerPhone 800.540.4546

Mobile m.schoolsfirstfcu.org

Get social with us!

Join our communities and be among the first to learn about new products, services, video workshops and special promotions. Plus, share your story with us; we would love to hear from you!

Member Discounts with SprintMembers can receive 10% off most regularly priced plans, whether you are a current or new Sprint customer.

CALL 877.SAVE.4.CU and mention ID “NACUC_ZZM” to take advantage of this special offer.