O K L A H O M A E M P L O Y E E S C R E D I T U N I O N N E W S L E T T E R

FALL 2012P.O. Box 24027 • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73124

Presorted StandardU.S. Postage

PAIDOklahoma City, OK

Permit No. 1541

We want to save you money this fall. Find out how in this issue.

Meet Kari Gow-land, Branch Man-ager at the South OKC Branch. She and the staff like to get out of the office. They are headed out and getting involved with the commu-nity they serve.

“We love help-ing people save money on their au-tos but we also find

it very rewarding to contribute our time and resources to the neighborhoods and organiza-tions in our local area.” says, Kari.

In the past few months we have have had the chance to be involved with several daycares and schools in South OKC and Moore. We were able to bring the Oklahoma City Zoo’s

Zoomobile to the kids, so they could experi-ence and learn about animals. We also had a lot of fun bringing snowcones to the schools this summer.

We developed a great partnership with the Orr Family Farm offering discounts to their Trick Orr Treat event. In December we will partici-pate in their Breakfast with Santa by providing a free photobooth.

“I am excited to continue our outreach next year. We hope to maintain the great relation-ships we have built and make new connec-tions with the community. That truly is the best part of my job.”

As you can see the South OKC Branch stays busy serving their members and their com-munity. Be sure to say hi to Kari and the OECU staff if you see them out and about. If you have any financial questions or are looking for ways to save money, stop by the South OKC Branch at 530 SW 119th or call at 405.703.4628.

End of year is fast approaching and that is an excellent time to do financial planning for next year.

Written plans are always the best way to help monitor your budget. That way at the end of next year you can review and make proper adjustments to your spending and savings.

Now is a perfect time to take advantage of refinancing debts you might have. With rates at all-time lows, take a look at your loan rates. If your auto loan or home loan is over 5% you could save money by refinancing them with lower offered rates here at Oklahoma Employees Credit Union.

Also make a savings goal for 2013. Have the monies automatically withdrawn from your account each month. This will make it easier for you to save and accomplish your savings goals.

If you have any financial questions, we are here for you. Call us anytime at 405.606.6328 or visit us at www.oecu.org.

On behalf of our volunteers and our outstanding staff we wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.

MARKMYWORD

BRANCHSPOTLIGHT

2

The South OKC Branch is out of the office.

Mark W. KellyOECU President

Kari Gowland

Does prepaid car maintenance save money?• Prepaid car maintenance isn’t the same as an extended warranty.• Peace of mind that scheduled maintenance costs already are paid is a plus.

A prepaid car maintenance (PPM) might save you money, but it might not. One of the dealer extrasalong with GAP, extended warranties and credit insurance, you may be offered PPM.

Prepaid car maintenance isn’t the same as an ex-tended warranty that covers certain unexpected repairs once the factory warranty expires. PPM covers the costs of specific, scheduled preventive maintenance listed in the vehicle’s owner’s manual such as tire rotation and oil changes that aren’t covered by the factory warranty.

Several manufacturers, such as Jaguar, Toyota, BMW, Volvo, Mini, and Land Rover already include a degree of free scheduled car maintenance in the purchase price. Some of these plans also include wear-and-tear items, such as windshield wiper blades and brake pads, and some don’t.As with extended warranties, plans and prices vary by provider and dealership.

Do the mathWith PPMs, the required math is to determine if the price of prepaid car maintenance is more, less or about the same as the estimated scheduled-main-tenance, out-of-pocket costs during the coverage period.

Often the services covered, such as oil changes, are fairly low-cost, and consumers should be realis-tic about what the PPM covers and costs.If the estimated cost for scheduled maintenance of your new car for its first 30,000 miles is $400 and you’ve paid $800 for a PPM, why buy it? If you paid $250, it’s a savings.

There is no simple answer on whether to purchase a prepaid car maintenance plan. Its value de-pends on the vehicle, the plan and the cost. In the end, you need to ask yourself, “Does it really save me money?

3

^Annual Percentage Rate. Max term 36 months for 1.90% APR; estimated payment $28.60 per $1,000 borrowed. Max term 60 months for 2.49% APR; estimated payment $17.74 per $1,000 borrowed. 680+ credit score. Min amount $10,000. Existing OECU loan min advance $2,500. Requires automatic payments and eStatements. Limited time offer. Normal lending policies apply.

DOESPREPAIDCARMAINTNANCESAVEMONEY

REFIYOURRIDE

Just how much could you save? With auto rates as low as 1.90%APR^ your monthly payment could be...

$572 $439 $355$429 $329 $267$286 $220 $178

36 months at 1.90%APR^ 48 months at 2.49%APR^ 60 months at 2.49%APR^

OECU strives to help people reach their financial goals. Did you know we also work with businesses and organizations?

COMMUNITYSPOTLIGHT

4

*Annual Percentage rate is variable. This offer is good through your May 2013 Billing cycle on credit purchases and cash advances made between No-vember 1, 2012 and December 31, 2012. Promotion rate subject to qualification. Card must be opened by October 31, 2012. After your May 2013 billing cycle, the rate will return to the current rate indicated in your statement.

Shop ‘Til You Drop During the Holidays!

Don’t have a credit card with OECU? Save money with low rates, no annual fee, no balance transfer fee & no inactivity fee. Save time & apply at oecu.org or 877.677.6328 to get your card in time for the holidays.

Are you ready for the holiday shopping season? You are if you have a MasterCard from OECU. From November 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 your credit card purchases and cash advances are only.

OK Foster Wishes is a nonprofit organiza-tion based in Okla-homa City that aims to meet the needs of foster children and their families as well as raise awareness of the need for families to agree to foster.

“We believe that everyone has a

responsibility to Oklahoma’s underprivileged children. We are an organization that helps create opportunities for our community to connect with and support foster children through giving, serving and mentoring. It is a way to bring care and dignity into the lives of these children, to provide a sense of hope for their future,” said Lisa Feist, Executive Director of OK Foster Wishes.

“OECU has been a great partner. Christmas is a difficult time for children in the foster care system. Displacement, loneliness and separation from biological families can affect children in the happiest of foster homes. It’s important to find an organization with a com-mon interest in supporting local causes,” Lisa remarks.

OK Foster Wishes rely on organizations like OECU and OKDHS to help us make the holi-days a bit brighter by filling the wish lists of foster children. OECU has helped sponsor an annual Toy Drive and we appreciate the continued support. You can drop off your un-wrapped toys at our South OKC. Quail Springs, Northwest Expressway or Capitol Branch loca-tions until December 7th.

For more information on OK Foster Wishes visit www.okfosterwishes.com

on all purchases and cash advanceswith your existing credit card from OECU

eBranch now has a new look and is easier to use. Enjoy the convenience of accessing your OECU accounts antime, anywhere for FREE. With eBranch, you can securely and conveniently:

• Check account balances • Transfer money • Pay bills with ePay feature• Review account history• Make OECU loan payments• View a copy of cleared checks

eBRANCHMAKEOVER

5

Make your holiday shopping easy. Give the gift everyone will love, an OECU Visa Gift Card.

• The perfect gift - one size fits all• Available from $5 to $750t

• Can be used anywhere Visa® is accepted• Conveniently available at any OECU Branch

ONESIZEFITSALL

tA service charge of $3.00 will be applied to each card purchased.

Visit www.oecu.org to enroll in eBranch.

WEMEANBUSINESSOECU now offers Business Services including Commerical Loans. Here are some of highlights of our Commerical Loans:

•Commercialrealestatepurchaseorrefinance•Owner-occupied and investor•Up to 80% of appraised value•Up to 30 years amortization•Quickdecisionswithflexibleguidelines•Local underwriting

Should you have any questions about how OECU can help with your business needs please contact Jason Wilkens at 405.595.3559.

The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry grows over 3 million pine seedlings each year at the Forest Regeneration Center near Goldsby. Many of the tiny trees are sold to Christmas tree farmers across the state who carefully tend and shape them until the trees are ready to be harvested.

Choosing a tree from a local farm supports private growers and boosts the state’s rural economy. While the trees are growing, they produce oxygen, create wildlife habitat and control erosion. After the holidays, a real tree can be recycled as a bird feeder and shelter. Many cities mulch discarded trees and offer the mulch for spring gardens. And, of course, a new crop of seedlings for future holidays quickly takes the place of the harvested trees on the state’s Christmas tree farms.

There’s no need to worry about whether or not the tree is fresh when you choose and cut your own tree. Just remember to check the water level in the tree stand. You may have to add as much as a gallon of water each day.

Locating a Christmas tree farm is easy on the agritourism web site agritourism.travelok.com. Farms are pinpointed on a map with travel directions included.

Santa’s Forest, near Ponca City, offers wreaths and crafts in addition to live trees to choose and cut. Complimentary hot cocoa, cider and coffee keep guests warm and in good spirits.

At Owasso’s Christmas Tree and Berry Farm you can cut a fresh tree or take home a Leyland cypress grown in a 15 gallon container. A hay ride, hot cider and candy canes make it a perfect family outing.

A wide variety of tree species are available at Sorghum Mill Christmas Tree Farm north of Oklahoma City. Additional garlands and boughs are perfect for holiday decorating. And hot chocolate, served with cookies, is sure to bring a smile.

An outing to a local Christmas tree farm is a perfect way to add magic to the holiday season.

OHCHRISTMASTREE

6

A real Christmas tree has a magic all its own. Fragrant evergreen branches bring a fresh, spicy aroma into our homes for the holidays.

Holiday adventures await at agritourism destinations. In addition to Christmas tree farms, check online for bed and breakfast stays and special events near you. Caring for your real tree is simple with help from Oklahoma Forestry Services. Tips for cut trees and trees you’ll plant outdoors later are available at:

www.forestry.ok.gov/christmas-trees

Call the Real Estate Department for more information at 405.606.1055.

As if you didn’t have enough to worry about, what with making travel arrangements and packing, if you’re going away for the holidays, don’t an-nounce it on facebook, twitter, or any other social networking site.

Scanning the newspaper for funerals and wed-dings for opportunities to break into home while people are otherwise occupied is an old trick for thieves. Social networking sites are just a new spin on that. And while most sites allow you to restrict who gets your info, there are no restrictions on who your friends share it with.

So warn your kids not to discuss upcoming travel plans with friends or share any personal informa-tion online. Use the feature that allows you to re-strict who gets your information. Watch what you and your children post, ensuring that you don’t give away too much information that could cause a break into your home, or to your identity.

As with all forms of identity theft, or just plain old theft; it’s better to be safe than sorry.

REMINDER: OECU helps protect your money by monitoring your account for fraudulent activity. If you call OECU at 405.606.6328 or 877.677.6328 and give us a “travel notice” we can flag your debit card so there is no interuption in service. This lets us know that you are traveling and that the out of state transactions are legitimate.

SAFETRAVELSGoing away for the holidays? Don’t announce it online. . . until you’re back.

Normal lending policies apply. 7

8*Normal lending policies apply. $1,000 to be applied towards closing costs. Limited time offer. FHA purchase money only.

toward closing costs on FHA home purchase loan• Lower Down Payment• Low Fixed Rate• Not Just for 1st Time Homebuyers

Got questions? We’ve got people! We service your home loan from application to final payment. You’ll never hassle with finding help.

Call the Real Estate Dept. for more information at 405.606.1055.

DATESTOREMEMBERCORE Holiday EventThursday, December 6 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.McMurrain Center10730 N. May, Oklahoma City

06Christmas DayTuesday, December 25All branches closed.

26

New Year’s DayTuesday, January 1, 2013All branches closed.

02

Credit Union Service Centers are open.

For account information access eBranch at oecu.org or call our 24-hour phone teller at 405.606.6338 or 800.526.6663.

Christmas EveMonday, December 24All branches open until 1 pm

24

*