If you can name the offensive line for the Indianapolis Colts, been stuck in traffic during rush hour on I-465, or if you've ever been downtown for the Circle of Lights celebration, you can probably become a member of Financial Center.

If you live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Indianapolis or the Marion County area, you're eligible to join our credit union. There are three ways that you can join.

1. Complete our online membership application. This is the quickest way to get started with the credit union.

2. Visit one of our Center locations in the Indianapolis area.

3. Give us a call at 317.916.7700.

If you have any questions about becoming a member, leave a comment below.

With the Holiday shopping season quickly approaching, Financial Center has the solution to your shopping dilemmas - a VISA Gift Card. These convenient and practical gift cards can be loaded with whatever amount you wish.

In fact, Financial Center is removing all the hassle from your shopping frustrations by allowing you to call 317.916.7700 with your gift card request. No need to wait in line to pick up your requested gift cards - we will have them ready and waiting.

This Holiday season, try giving the gift that never has to be returned.

Call 317.916.7700 to order your VISA Gift Cards.

An article by Mindy Fetterman appeared in USA Today this morning about how Americans are changing their lives in order to save more money. Here are what some people are doing to make some extra cash: Selling unwanted items, eating meals at home instead of going to restaurants, trimming grocery costs, saving before buying, taking an extra job, buying fewer luxuries, renting more movies instead of going to the theatre, and traveling less.

My wife Katie and I are already doing some of these things. We make a lot more meals at home, and we've turned finding coupons in the Sunday newspaper into a competitive sport. We're also preparing for the arrival and our first child, and we've worked hard to find the best deals on all our baby essentials.

Leave a comment below and tell us what you're doing to save money.

We've lowered our home equity loan rates once again. Now, you can get a home equity loan from Financial Center for as low as 3.50% APR*. These loans come with the following features:

• No closing costs
• No annual, maintenance, or transaction fees
• Up to 90% of equity

Plus, once you close on your loan and you make an initial advance of at least $2,500, we'll give you a $250 Home Depot gift card.

Apply online today at www.fcfcu.com.

 *APR - Annual Percentage Rate. The interest is based on the National Prime Rate (as published in the Wall Street Journal) (currently 4.00% as of October 2008) minus 50 basis points (currently 3.50% as of October 2008) for loan-to-value (LTV) less than or equal to 90% and line of credit over $50,000. Offer may be withdrawn if you do not meet criteria, available equity and property type. Your minimum monthly payment will equal any accrued finance charges, late charges and fees during the billing period. Monthly payment will not be less than $50 of loan balance. Finance charge calculated by determining Average Daily Balance and multiplying by the Monthly Periodic Rate. Could borrow $10,000 and pay only $50 a month for the first 10 years. Minimum APR is 3.50%. Maximum APR is 18%. This offer is nontransferable. Property insurance required. Primary residence must secure credit lines (investment properties are not eligible for this product). Interest may be tax deductible, consult your tax advisor. Rates adjusted to equity position. Some applicants will not qualify. Closing cost ($250-$500) will be repaid if loan is paid off within 24 months. Must close loan and make an initial advance of $2,500 to qualify for Home Depot $250 gift card. Promotion expires 11/30/08.

This Sunday, November 16th, from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, our website and our online banking system will be unavailable due to a service upgrade. All of our ATMs will still be available across Indianapolis. We apologize for this inconvenience, and thank you for your patience.

Our last member education seminar of the year will take place this Saturday at our Main Center location from 9 AM to Noon. The subject of the seminar will be Financial Fitness.

Understanding where our money goes is the first step in establishing a successful money management routine. Focusing on the establishment of a budget, expense control, and the wise use of credit will provide just the right amount of support to anyone looking to improve their overall financial fitness.

To sign up, call the marketing department at 317.916.6250 or send us an e-mail at dept.busdev@fcfcu.com.

Last week, Financial Center was featured in an article in the Indianapolis Business Journal. The article focused on credit unions' ability to continue to lend money to consumers during this economic crisis.

CEO Roger Youngs offered this quote, "We can argue from now until the cows come home with the bankers about what the differences are between credit unions and banks. We focus on the member, who serves the dual role of being our owner and who uses the services. We don't have to answer to anyone out of state."

Are you searching for a loan in the Indianapolis area? Financial Center can help. Visit our website at www.fcfcu.com and apply online for a loan today.

This Saturday (11/15) Financial Center will be hosting its final Shred Day. The event will take place at our Main Center location at 7101 East 56th Street in Indianapolis. This event is free of charge. Don't miss out on your last chance of the year for this free shredding service.

Financial Center will be closed on Tuesday for Veterans Day.

To learn more information about Veterans Day, visit the Department of Veterans Affairs website. 
 

In October, Andre Arnold, a Business Development Officer with the credit union, was awarded the Mozel Sanders Foundation Individual Humanitarian Award during the foundation's annual tribute and banquet dinner. The Mozel Sanders Foundation continues the legacy of Reverend Doctor Mozel Sanders who worked diligently with the community to meet the needs of its citizens. He started the annual Mozel Sanders Thanksgiving Dinner which feeds thousands of Indianapolis residents every year.

Andre was elected treasurer for the Mozel Sanders Foundation this past summer and has helped the organization establish improved accounting techniques, increases in donations through merchant services, and he has introduced youth to the Center for Leadership Development.

FCFCU is a proud supporter of the Mozel Sanders Foundation. If you would like to learn more information and see how you can participate in this year's event, click here.

This Sunday, November 9th, from 7 AM to approximately 5 PM, Financial Center Online, our online banking system, will be unavailable due to a service upgrade. We apologize for this inconvenience. If you have any additional questions, please contact Member Services at 317.916.7700.

In response to this article from MSN Money...there has never been a better time to join a credit union!

If you live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in Indianapolis and the Marion County area, you're eligible to join Financial Center. Learn more on our website at www.fcfcu.com.

Here are some highlights from the article:

"Credit unions largely avoided offering risky mortgages, they are among the few success stories to emerge from the subprime mortgage mess."

"Because they have no stockholders to answer to, credit unions are not pressured to get involved in risky investments such as mortgage-backed securities."

"Credit unions can offer their members a better deal because any extra profits are returned to members in the form of dividends or lower fees after operating expenses and capital reserves are accounted for."

Finally, Election Day is here. By what method did you vote in this year's election? Leave a comment below and tell us about your voting experience.

Each time you pay your bills using Financial Center Online in November and December, you'll receive an automatic entry for a chance to win $5,000.*

If you haven't tried online BillPayer, now is the time to take advantage of this convenient service. Simply log in to Financial Center Online and select the BillPayer option. Set up your payees first, and then paying your bills will be as easy as clicking a button. A complete demonstration of how to use BillPayer is available on our website or via CD. To request a copy, give me a call at 317.916.6259.

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Click here for complete rules and additional important information.

Now you can experience security and convenience with your choice of a VISA Platinum or VISA Platinum Rewards credit card from Financial Center. Both cards have these great features:

• Fixed rate
• Credit line up to $30,000
• No annual fee
• No cash advance fee
• Low cost life, disability, and involuntary unemployment insurance
• 25 day grace period on purchases
• 24/7 toll free member service
• Low 2% minimum payment requirement

Plus, our VISA Platinum Rewards credit card gives you an opportunity to earn points towards valuable merchandise and travel opportunities with every purchase.

To learn more information about these new credit cards, click here.

To apply online for your new VISA Platinum Credit Card, click here.

The RCA Dome in Indianapolis provided great memories to all those lucky enough to attend an event in the stadium. I was lucky enough to go to the 1997 NCAA Final Four, several state high school basketball finals, and numerous Colts games. It's been a part of Indianapolis for over 20 years.

In the Indianapolis Star today, an article noted that the RCA Dome will be imploded on December 20th. The dome's roof, which was deflated last month, will be used by Indy Parks and Recreation for pool umbrellas and park shelters. I thought this was a very resourceful idea.

What does this have to do with credit unions and Financial Center? Using the roof from the dome to improve the Indianapolis community with other projects is much like how our credit union operates. We return the profit that we make to our members to improve our service to them.  

We are a cooperative financial institution that is focused on improving the financial well being of our members. The profit that our credit union makes is returned back to our members in the form of higher dividend rates, lower loan rates, and improved products and services. 

While banks are concerned with keeping their shareholders happy and chasing profits, credit unions are concerned about the members they serve.

Financial Center is here to serve Indianapolis and Marion County.  Become a member today by clicking the link on the right side of this page or visit www.fcfcu.com.

If you're unable to get loan from your current bank due to the current economic situtation, Financial Center can help.

We are prepared to help you get your next auto loan, home equity line of credit, mortgage or credit card.

If you live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Indianapolis or Marion County, you can join Financial Center. We are a local credit union that is committed to your community that you can trust to keep your money safe.

Apply online today for your next loan at www.fcfcu.com.

Financial Center offers a variety of e-mail alerts designed to keep your account and contact information current. Keep informed about your account activity by opting to use our e-Lerts. You decide when we send you an e-Lert, and you can set the notification criteria from a list of e-Lert topics and services.

For example, you can selct Checking/Savings Account Balance for an e-Lert when your account balance goes below a specific amount. Once you log in to Financial Center Online you can find all the e-mail service options within the Preferences menu.

Log on and try it out today at www.fcfcu.com. If you have any questions about this service, call Member Services at 317.916.7700.

REALTunes Checking, the latest product from Financial Center, will be introduced  next week to all of our credit union members. REALTunes Checking is a free checking account that awards you free downloads from the iTunes music store as well as up to $25 in refunds for ATM surcharges nationwide. To get these great rewards, you only have to do three things:

• Make at least 12 debit card transactions each month with your FCFCU debit card
• Receive your monthly statement electronically
• Access Financial Center Online (online banking) at least once per month

In anticipation of the launch of REALTunes Checking, I want to know what's on your playlist right now. What kind of music will you be downloading with the rewards from your REALTunes Checking account?

To get the ball rolling, here are some of my favorite artists:

• Ray Lamontagne
• Bob Dylan
• Dave Matthews Band
• Jack Johnson
• Ben Harper

Leave a comment below and let me know what you're listening to.

On Saturday, October 25th, we'll be hosting another Shred Day at our Park 100 Center from 9 AM to Noon. Come in and have your confidential documents shredded for free. The Park 100 Center is located at 5455 West 86th Street in Indianapolis.