http://www.figfcu.com/blog News from the figfcu.com Blog http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=497&src=blogrss Your Credit Union is still lending to new and current homeowners. And for a limited time, members who finance a home purchase or refinance an existing home loan get a free appraisal, up to $400! Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=495&src=blogrss It's our mission to help you enhance your personal finances, so let's take a few examples of what happens when we become lazy about goals fulfillment, and see how they are relevant to current economic conditions. If you've ever thought it would be wise to... Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=493&src=blogrss When you deposit a check at any financial institution, the funds may not be available for immediate withdrawal. Banks and credit unions often place holds on certain checks to ensure the checks are collectable and ultimately, to protect against loss. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:15:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=489&src=blogrss If you're planning to take your family on vacation this summer, here are some helpful tips to make your trip stress-free. Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=488&src=blogrss Your FIGFCU deposits will continue to be insured up to at least $250,000 through December 31, 2013. Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=487&src=blogrss The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s reserves were depleted by more than $10 billion taking the fund to its lowest point since 1994. As a result, U.S. banks will pay an emergency fee based on their asset size to replenish the reserves. Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=479&src=blogrss The US government's recent stress tests determined that America's 19 biggest banks need to raise a collective $75 billion in additional capital to weather future losses as high as $600 billion by the end of 2010. Mon, 18 May 2009 13:15:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=475&src=blogrss If you've received a replacement credit card recently for an account that was closed and reopened by your financial institution because of a security breach, the good news is that it won't affect your credit score. Wed, 13 May 2009 07:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=470&src=blogrss When it comes to saving for retirement, you have a lot of decisions to make. And you need to look at your choices carefully to decide which option, or combination of options, fits your retirement needs best. Mon, 4 May 2009 07:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=468&src=blogrss The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to eliminate the sudden interest rate and late fee increases by credit card companies that have affected millions of consumers recently. Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:15:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=467&src=blogrss Kids and teens who opened an account or made a deposit last week were entered into a $50 iTunes gift card drawing as part of our celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week. The winners are: Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=464&src=blogrss Paying bills online, setting up Direct Deposit, and switching to eStatements are all ways you can celebrate Earth Day and show your support for the environment. Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=463&src=blogrss Despite the fact that Bank of America said it will suspend its previously announced overdraft fee increase from $35 to $39, the bank will begin charging customers a one-time $35 fee for accounts that are overdrawn for more than five days. Tue, 17 Apr 2009 07:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=455&src=blogrss Many Americans may have already seen a small increase in their paycheck as a result of the government's economic stimulus plan. If you're one of them, you may need to adjust your withholding so you don't owe more when 2009 taxes are due. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=454&src=blogrss Sign up for eNews and we'll send you relevant Credit Union news and other financial information every other week. Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:15:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=450&src=blogrss Banks and other credit card issuers are looking for new ways to reduce risk after suffering from excessive losses. And it's often the consumers with good credit who are penalized. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=427&src=blogrss As a part of the recent $787 billion economic stimulus bill, first-time homebuyers can get a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to $8,000. Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=425&src=blogrss Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union invited members to its corporate headquarters yesterday for its annual meeting. The focus at this year's meeting was on the Credit Union's strong financial position during these uncertain times and its commitment to member service. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=423&src=blogrss Overdraft protection fees have been called both a great service and a racket depending on your point of view. Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=418&src=blogrss The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the federal regulator which administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) and insures your deposits with us, placed under its conservatorship both U.S. Central Federal Credit Union and Western Corporate Federal Credit Union. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=417&src=blogrss As you know, the economy is in the throes of a deep recession which has caused financial institutions (banks and credit unions alike) to suffer from higher loan losses and investments value deterioration from mortgage-backed securities. Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:45:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=415&src=blogrss Last year, our members and employees raised over $27,000 for the March of Dimes. We're proud to join Farmers in raising money for this important cause once again in 2009. And this year we hope to raise even more. Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=409&src=blogrss We've made it easy for you to get your 2008 tax information with PC-TIED online banking. Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:30:00 -0700 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=403&src=blogrss A recent survey commissioned by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council indicated that Americans are still saving and paying down debt during trying economic times. Fri, 02 Mar 2009 10:40:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=395&src=blogrss GM and Chrysler are offering special discounts to credit union members who purchase a vehicle as part of the Invest in America program. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=393&src=blogrss Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine recently published an article titled "Where to stash your cash now" that lists credit unions as a member-owned, non-profit alternative to traditional banks. Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=389&src=blogrss You're entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit reporting agencies--Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Tue, 19 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=385&src=blogrss Fair Issac's FICO 08 credit scoring model will soon take affect and could impact your credit score. Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=384&src=blogrss CNBC.com columnist and nationally recognized credit expert John Ulzheimer predicts that consumers will rush to join credit unions in 2009. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=380&src=blogrss New federal rules announced Thursday will limit how much companies can increase credit card interest rates, among other changes. However, the changes won't take effect until July 2010 and many consumer advocates feel that the new rules don't do enough to protect cardholders. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:15:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=379&src=blogrss The Fed's move was unexpected and results in the 10th reduction in over the past 12 months. Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:30:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=377&src=blogrss Enterprise Car Sales has launched a new Web-based service that enables FIGFCU members to locate the most fuel efficient and "green" used vehicles available. Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=375&src=blogrss FIGFCU members with devices from Garmin or Tom Tom or other navigational systems can now easily download shared branch locations and CO-OP Network ATM locations to their devices. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:45:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=371&src=blogrss Many banks have not yet resumed lending to consumers. However, FIGFCU continues to lend to its members without receiving any bailout funds. Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=368&src=blogrss The short answer is yes, you can. But there are a couple of things you should consider. Wed, 13 Nov 2008 14:42:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=365&src=blogrss Gregory Karp, a writer for Tribune newspapers, says credit unions are a viable alternative to banks, Karp writes that, "As household budgets tighten, you may find better rates on loans and savings at credit unions." Why you may ask? Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:50:00 -0800 http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=363&src=blogrss According to a recent Bankrate.com survey, banks' ATM fees are at all time high. But FIGFCU members can avoid them if they use a CO-OP Network ATM. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 9:42:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=360&src=blogrss As big bank fees rise to an all-time high, Good Morning America encouraged consumers to consider credit unions as a cost-saving alternative on a recent segment titled "Bank Fees Out of Control." Fri, 29 Oct 2008 2:07:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=350&src=blogrss Five news organizations--including U.S. News & World Report and MarketWatch--published articles Tuesday and Wednesday pointing out that credit unions are doing well during the global financial crisis. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 9:00:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=344&src=blogrss Suze Orman recently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to explain how consumers can protect their assets in the midst of our current financial crisis. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:00:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=303&src=blogrss Your Credit Union deposits are now insured up to $250,000 per member on individual accounts and an additional $250,000 per joint owner on joint accounts. And, each named beneficiary on pay-on-death (POD) and trust accounts is insured up to $250,000 per account owner. Fri, 3 Oct 2008 12:00:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=301&src=blogrss The economy is much in the news lately. Some once solid financial institutions have either failed or been bailed out, and the bad news is probably not over. In times like these, we try to bring our members back to sound, fundamental investing and budgeting practices. Some of the more simple, yet invaluable, fundamentals would include saving regularly, paying bills on time, and not making impulsive spending decisions. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PDT http://www.figfcu.com/page.php?id=300&src=blogrss In light of the recent takeover of IndyMac Bank in southern California by the FDIC, we know some of our members, especially our larger shareholders (depositors) may be wondering about our overall financial condition. I am proud to say it's as good or better now than it was a year ago, and your deposits are very safe at FIGFCU. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:00:00 PDT