Indianapolis Savings Account

Start saving now with a Money Market Account from Financial Center

Monday, March 8, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Have you always operated a savings account at your bank? Are you an avid saver, always trying to find the best deal for the greatest value and storing more in savings than the rest? Or maybe you struggle with saving money and want to limit your access to you money so you do make poor decisions. Either way, you may want to consider a Money Market Account from Finance Center Federal Credit Union.

Money Market Accounts from your local credit union operate much like a savings account you're used to. Some key differences include a higher APY and usually limited withdrawals and transfers made from that account. In a Money Market account you are essentially placing a given sum of cash in the hands of your bank, and they are, in turn, investing your money across many low risk options. You can learn more about Money Markets here.

A Money Market with Financial Center is a great alternative to your savings account as it yields a higher APY than most savings accounts and it protects you from impulse buying as you are limited to six withdrawals per month.

Financial Center offers three tiers of Money Market Account options, Standard Money Market, Premium Money Market, and Prestige Money Market, all based on amount of initial deposit and subsequent APY. You can manage all of your Money Market Accounts with your credit union banking online. Open a Money Market today and put your money to work for you.

If you are looking for advice on how to manage money, or simply learn more about money and the options provided to you, Financial Center can help you. With Anytime Adviser, an online explanation and advice tool, and scheduled free seminars, you can learn about how to better manage your money and improve your money literacy.

Help Haiti at Your Local Indianapolis Credit Union

Friday, March 5, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Are you not quite sure how you want to help the Haiti relief project? Haitian residents are still in need of adequate supplies and aid in this desperate time. It has been over a month since the earthquake rumbled the small country and the giving nationwide (and even globally) has been remarkable. But, please don't think this a quick fix problem. The infrastructure of the country was so frail pre-earthquake that the road to recovery will take years and the American Red Cross is still in need of your valuable donations.

Your local credit union, Financial Center of Indianapolis, has pledged to donate funds to the American Red Cross to help with the relief effort. The staff at Financial Center is trying to make a difference in this disaster and they are asking for your help, as well. Financial Center has set up a system to make donations to the American Red Cross directly from your member accounts. Not only that, but FCFCU will match overall total member donations up to $2,500.00. Members can make donations by phone, by visiting any Financial Center location, or through the secure messaging feature in online banking.

This is just one way your Indianapolis Credit Union is different from other banks. The staff at Financial Center are willing and able to put a face to an institution and rise to meet even global challenges that we face. Financial Center is a member-owned credit union with personality and a heart, dedicated to serving the community not just here in Indianapolis, but around the World.

If you're looking for more out of your bank, or maybe you've been looking to open a checking account in Indianapolis, or maybe a Health Savings Account Plan, or possibly looking for better loan rates, consider Financial Center of Indianapolis. And when you do, consider giving a little of yourself to help the relief effort going on in Haiti right now.

Just another way your local credit union is more than just a bank.

Finance Center Federal Credit Union offers virtually all the benefits that your current bank does but with lower and even less fees, no hidden agenda, and better all around rates. Virtually anyone can become a member and find convenience in online banking, checking, savings, credit cards, money literacy, and even HSAs with Financial Center.

Save today with an HSA from your Indianapolis Credit Union

Wednesday, March 3, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Now could not be a better time to find an alternative to rising health care costs. Ease the burden of out-of-pocket health costs, earn interest year after year, and enjoy tax free withdrawals on a Health Savings Account Plan from your Indianapolis Credit Union.

Curious about what an HSA is? According to the US. Department of the Treasury, “Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) were created by the Medicare bill signed by President Bush on December 8, 2003 and are designed to help individuals save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.” Read more on the US Dept of the Treasury website here.

Employers can save between 25 percent and 30 percent on health premiums by switching to an HSA. Those savings usually translate into lower premiums for employees – savings that employees can use to maximize their health savings accounts.

Financial Center offers the best Health Savings Account in the Indianapolis area. An HSA allows you to deposit funds to pay for current or future medical expenses. Funds used are tax free and remain in your account year after year. With numerous product options, zero fees, and the opportunity to earn dividends on your HSA, Financial Center is the right choice for your Health Savings Account. FCFCU has HSA options for Employers, Employees, and Insurance Brokers.

Open your HSA with FCFCU on-line or learn more at Health Savings Account FAQ.

Learn more about why more people are switching to credit union banking from their current banks.

Better loan rates at your Indianapolis Credit Union

Tuesday, March 2, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

As we have reclaimed the fighting spirit within this recent economic slump many of you are seeking loans to help you recover or to begin a new prospect and a fresh slate. But where does one turn in such a state of bank distrust? Are your national and even local bank loans going to force you to keeping counting pennies in your piggy bank? Where can you find an institution you can trust?

How about a member-owned credit union? Our Indianapolis Credit Union has virtually all of the benefits, programs, and incentives that your current bank does, and, under a non-for-profit structure, is able to offer you Indianapolis loan rates that beat any Indianapolis bank. Finance Center Federal Credit Union of Indianapolis (FCFCU) offers competitive auto loans, home equity, personal loans and more.

In an article posted on MSN Money, Liz Weston (the web's most-read personal finance author) explains the benefits of Credit Unions. "The nation's credit unions count 90 million members, and their trade association estimates members save $8 billion a year thanks to better interest rates and reduced fees. Credit-union-issued credit cards, for example, tend not to have annual fees or to charge punitive interest rates for a single late payment."

Consider opening an account and begin your credit union banking experience with FCFCU.

Five Reasons to Switch to a Credit Union Credit Card

Thursday, February 25, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

David K. Randall of Forbes.com gave five reasons this week why consumers should consider switching their credit card to one from a local credit union. Here are his reasons:

Apply for a Financial Center VISA Platinum Credit Card

1. Interest rate caps.
2. Lower interest rates.
3. Lower fees.
4. Credit unions are member-owned.
5. Increased service.

Financial Center is an Indianapolis Credit Union committed to helping our members achieve their financial goals and save more money through our products and services.

If your credit card company recently raised your interest rate or is implementing additional fees, apply for a VISA Credit Card from Financial Center.

Tired of the BIG Bank?

Friday, February 12, 2010 by FCFCU Web Team

Losing confidence in the big banks? I am too. All it takes is an intelligent person and a search engine and you can find an abundance of articles informing regional banks are failing more these days than before (sample article one, two, three). The FDIC is closing banks left and right, click here for the latest data updated 5 Feb 10 by the FDIC.

More and more, we are finding trust in our local, member owned credit unions. Most people come across credit unions when seeking solid rates on loans or financing, but turns out local credit unions can provide much more than that. In a recent article posted at Money Talk by LA Times' Liz Weston, you can find exactly what I'm talking about. People are losing heart in big, greedy banks and want to find security in member owned credit unions.

Being from Indy, the Indianapolis credit union I've found is Finance Center Federal Credit Union. In general, banking with credit unions translates to cheaper fees (if any), better rates on loans, thousands of ATMs, and most offer convenient online banking. Credit union banking is simple and streamlined, and FCFCU provided the savings and money market options I was looking for. All this, with the piece of mind of supporting my local Indianapolis credit union.

Visit Financial Center for more products and services or contact your local Center.

Rising Health Insurance Costs? Open a Health Savings Account

Wednesday, January 27, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

With the rising costs of health insurance, many companies are encouraging employees to participate in a high deductible health plan and take advantage of a health savings account or HSA. An HSA is a different way to save for future health care expenses. HSAs enable you to pay for current health expenses and save for future qualified medical and retiree health expenses on a tax-free basis.

Members own and control the money in their health savings account plan. They can make decisions on how to spend money in their account without relying on a third party or a health insurer. Our Indianapolis Credit Union also offers multiple health savings account product options that enable you to earn interest on your health savings account.

Funds in your health savings account plan stay with you even if you switch employers. There is no "use it or lose it" provision. This is just one of the great HSA benefits our local credit union offers.

Our low-cost solution does not charge for setup, monthly account management, or PIN based debit card and ATM withdrawals.

If you have a high deductible health plan, consider opening a health savings account from our Indianapolis Credit Union.

Learning About Money at your Indianapolis Credit Union

Friday, January 22, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

One of the most important services that our local credit union provides to our members is our free member education seminars. We have finalized our schedule for 2010 and there are some exciting opportunities for you to learn how to manage money better this year.

Learn tips to help save money on your tax return. Learn how the new rules surrounding credit cards will affect you. Learn how to save and invest your money in the new economy. Learn how to use QuickBooks more effectively in your small business.

Take advantage of these opportunities this year. It's just one benefit of being a member of our Indianapolis Credit Union.

Have a suggestion for a new seminar? Send us an eMail at marketing@fcfcu.com.

Make a Donation to the American Red Cross Directly from your Credit Union Account

Wednesday, January 20, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

Financial Center is joining in the efforts of people all around the world in helping to raise money for the earthquake victims in Haiti. Credit Union members are now able to make a donation directly from their accounts to the American Red Cross.

Members may make donations by visiting any Financial Center location, by phone, or through the secure messaging feature in online banking.

The secure messaging feature can be found on the left hand side of your online banking screen. In your message please include the account (savings, checking, etc.) that you would like to make the donation from, the amount of your donation, and when you would like us to withdraw the money from your account. Please include the word "HAITI" in the subject line of your message.

Financial Center will be donating $5,000 to the American Red Cross. In addition, we will be matching our total member contributions up to $2,500.

If you have any additional questions, please contact our Indianapolis Credit Union at 317.916.7700 or visit any of our Indianapolis locations.

Check Out a Local Credit Union for Hidden Savings

Thursday, January 7, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

Suze Orman recently published her easy money to-do list for 2010. Orman has three steps for readers to get their "financial house in order."

1. Get a grip.

2. Find hidden savings.

3. Build security.

Under step 2 Orman suggests that readers check out a local credit union. She wrote, "Credit unions are often a better deal than banks and tend to pay higher yields on deposits."

Financial Center can help you get a grip on your finances in 2010 and have products that can help you meet your goals. Looking to purchase a new home or vehicle? Searching for a new credit card to avoid increasing interest rates and higher fees? Want to earn more interest on your checking account? Our Indianapolis credit union can help.

Savings and Snowfall: It's All About Preparation

Wednesday, January 6, 2010 by Michael Hostetler

People across Indianapolis are anxiously awaiting the looming winter storm that is set to begin at some point later tonight and continue until Friday. This inevitably causes a rush at the local grocery store to buy milk, bread, and eggs (also known as "The French Toast Rush"). Salt trucks and snow plows hit the area roads to keep them in the best possible driving condition. Everyone does what they need to do to prepare for the snow before the storm hits.

The same thinking is true when it comes to achieving your savings goals. If you want to take a vacation in July, then you should start preparing for your trip now by saving money. Our Indianapolis Credit Union has many products that can help you save. For example, our Members' Choice Club Accounts allow you to select your own maturity date so that you can save money and withdraw it when you need it. Our local credit union also offers numerous share certificates and checking options.

Whether you're preparing for a blizzard or a trip to the beach, it's best to prepare. Learn more about our Indianapolis credit Union at www.fcfcu.com.

Write It Down

Monday, November 16, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

I've decided to start on my New Year's resolution early this year. One of the goals I've set is to eat a more healthy diet.

One of the ways that I've been keeping track of what I'm eating is by writing it in a journal. This is helping me stay on track and avoid junk food and other unhealthy items. It's working so far. When deciding what to have for breakfast, the thought of having to write down "Cocoa Puffs" instead of "Oatmeal" has kept me from selecting the less nutritious choice.

This method is a great way to help you reach your savings goal each month and show you how to manage money better. Write down the expenses you have each month that are unnecessary and extraneous. This might help you avoid making impulse purchases or spending money on items that you don't really need. Cut out these expenses, and you can reach your savings goal each month!

To help reach all of your financial goals, move your bank accounts to an Indianapolis credit union. At Financial Center, we're here to help. Visit us today!

Can You Save $100 at an Indianapolis Credit Union?

Monday, November 2, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

Everyone is searching for ways to stretch their budgets further and find more effective ways on how to manage money. One way to save money is to evaluate your debt and find areas where you can save money.

At our Indianapolis credit union, we're offering members the chance to bring their outstanding mortgages, home equity loans, auto loans, and credit cards to their local credit union to save money. Our goal is to save each member at least $100 a year in interest payments. If we can't save you a $100 in a year, we'll give you $100.

Stop in one of our Indianapolis credit union locations and take the $100 challenge. Find out how much your local credit union can save you.

Take Advantage of Bank on Indy at Indianapolis Bank Locations

Thursday, October 29, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

Our Indianapolis Credit Union is proud to be part of the Bank on Indy. This partnership between Indianapolis banks and credit unions aims to bring financial services to the 79,800 unbanked citizens in Marion County.

If you need tips on how to manage money better or if you need help learning about money, this program is right for you. The overall goal of Bank on Indy is to promote financial education in Indianapolis. If you've never had a savings or checking account, or if you've had trouble in the past and need a second chance, Bank on Indy is right for you. Indianapolis residents can take advantage of this program at any Financial Center location.

Here's what you will need to open your account.

1. A photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID card, or passport.

2. A second form of ID. A utility bill with your current address can be used.

3. Your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

Get started with using financial services in Indianapolis. Open your Bank on Indy account today at our Indianapolis Credit Union.

Health Savings Accounts and High Deductible Health Plans

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

Health Savings Accounts from Financial Center can help you earn dividends on your savings for medical expenses. Learn more at www.abetterhsa.com

It's the time of year when new insurance plans for 2010 are up for discussion and presented for consideration by employees in Indianapolis. If your new insurance plan is a High Deductible Health Plan, a Health Savings Account may be a good option for you to save money towards medical expenses.

Financial Center provides a free health savings account Indianapolis residents can utilize as part of their insurance plan. Our Indianapolis credit union provides an HSA that has zero setup, transaction, and maintenance fees. We also offer a variety of product options to help you earn dividends on your savings.

Get started and open your account today by visiting www.abetterhsa.com, or give our local credit union a call at 317.916.7700.

International Credit Union Day is October 15th

Friday, October 9, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

While Financial Center will be celebrating with all of our Indianapolis credit union members, thousands of other credit unions across the world will also be celebrating International Credit Union Day next week.

This day celebrates the origin of credit unions and our purpose to provide a safe, convenient place for you to save money and get loans at reasonable rates.

Who do you know what could benefit from the savings and earnings available at Financial Center? Visit one of our Indianapolis credit union locations on October 15th for a scratch off ticket to win great prizes while supplies last. Bring your family and friends with you to open an account and your referral could earn you both up to $100.

We'll see you on October 15th!

Making the Most of your Next Vacation

Tuesday, October 6, 2009 by Michael Hostetler

As fall arrives in the Indianapolis area and temperatures begin to cool, it's a reminder that winter is just around the corner. If you're planning a vacation to a sunny locale to escape the frigid conditions, it's important to make the most of your time off.

Financial Center can help you get there. Learn more at www.fcfcu.com.

Tyler Cowen, a professor of economics at George Mason University, recently wrote about how to have a great vacation experience. He contends that a great vacation is not dependent on how much money you spend, but the experiences you encounter. Here's the mistakes to avoid in your next vacation.

Valuing things over experiences.
Keeping to the familiar.
Expecting every vacation to be nonstop fun.

If you're looking to save money for your next trip, our Indianapolis credit union can help. A Members' Choice Club account can help you save money and set your own account maturity date. A Reward Checking account can help you earn a great dividend on the checking account that you use every day. A share certificate can also help you save for a trip in the future with terms ranging from 91 days to 60 months.

Our Indianapolis credit union is here to help you achieve your financial goals so that you can enjoy some great life experiences. To find out more and to join your local credit union, visit www.fcfcu.com.

THE DAVE RAMSEY LIVE EVENT

Friday, October 2, 2009 by Eric Vermilion

Last night I attended the sold out Dave Ramsey live event. Ramsey has had a nationally televised radio show on 95.9 in Indianapolis for the past several years. Dave introduced his financial life history to the audience by telling about his personal bankruptcy when he was in his late 20’s. He spoke of creative financing that allowed him to build a house of cards with real estate. He explained, like all house of cards, the house folded and that he swore he would never get in that position again. Dave spoke of teaching our children the correct way to view personal finance and how to make proper college decisions. His daughter had wanted to go to the out of state Auburn University instead of the University of Tennessee. His conversation was a simple one…UT is $5,300 per year…and Auburn is $14,000 per year…What are you getting for your extra $9,000 per year? She went to UT.

After Ramsey’s bankruptcy he sought out the advice of “older rich people”. They told him that getting rich over a long period of time is the only way to get rich and stay rich and saving is the only way to get rich…you can’t spend your way rich. That is the basis for his business and how he teaches people to become wealthy…over a long period of time. He says that he offers the same financial advice as your grandmother, only he keeps his teeth in.

Working at the Credit Union gives us all a chance to help improve the financial well being of our members. One of the sites that Dave Ramsey recommends is www.checkingfinder.com. If you go to the site and put in an Indianapolis zip code, then you will get Finance Center Federal Credit Union as the number one result. Several of my new members have mentioned this site as the reason for coming to open a new account. They were looking for a financial institution that cared about them and would take care of all of their financial needs. We strive to help people build wealth and increase the financial well being of our members on a daily basis. Come see us!

Health Savings Accounts in Indianapolis

Wednesday, September 2, 2009 by Debby Blake

Have you ever tried to reach customer service at some companies only to find you have to listen to all of the options to figure out how to get to a person? At the Finance Center, your local credit union, we continue to look for ways to make it easy to do business with us. So this year, we have established a quick and easy way for our business partners and new HSA members to get in touch with a representative to discuss our NO FEE Health Savings Account.

Call us at 317.916.7700 (800.47.FCFCU), press 0 and then option 2 and your call will go directly to the HSA representative.

ISAAC GAIDOO THE TIGER GANDHI OF PARK 100

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 by Eric Vermilion

This series will take a look at the many faces of our award winning credit union and let you in on what makes these people incredibly special. First up in the series is Isaac Gaidoo.

Isaac Gaidoo, Park 100 center manager

Isaac thanks for joining us and for your 4.5 years of service to the members.

If we saw you on a Saturday at the Home Depot what would you be wearing? Blue shorts-a Miami Dolphins t-shirt-and sandals- no hat. You wouldn’t recognize me.
Do you have any phobias? Yes…Dishwater! I don’t do dishes, the floating food grosses me out! Man that is gross! Isaac, they have dishwashing machines now.
Where were you born? Cape Coast, Ghana. I moved to Canada when I was 3 and then 7 other US States before settling in IN.
What is your earliest memory? Flying into Canada and seeing the lights on the ground…it was amazing to see all of the lights of Western Civilization.
Role Model? Gandhi.
If you were an animal what kind would you be? Definitely a Tiger. Why? Huge and Strong and you wouldn’t want to mess with a Tiger. What will people think of that? Hmm
Do you have any hidden talents? I used to be a rock solid tennis player…used to be that is.
Where did you go to school? Several places but I graduated from Indiana Wesleyan and Kelley School of Business. Currently I’m working on my MBA at Kelley. Physics was my favorite subject in school.
Have you ever won a trophy? Many trophies…but my last one was in high school and I won 2^nd place in an indoor shot putt competition.
What was your favorite band while you were in middle school? RUN DMC Favorite DMC song? It’s Tricky…tricky tricky tricky tricky huhhh!
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Dr. Gaidoo
If you could have a super power what would you choose? I’d fly! I think about that often. Is it strange that I think about that a lot… Yes it is Isaac..
Can you eat hot foods! Love it hot! In Ghana people eat with a wet towel on their shoulders so they can wipe the hot spices off of their hands so they don’t get it in their eyes. The hotter the better!
What do you like best about our members? The kinship with members and how they are so friendly to me and the staff.
What is your favorite story about helping a member? Recently I had a member who was looking to buy a car. All of the prices he was getting on the market were too high for his budget. He was in my office talking to me when I realized that the CU just had a repo for the same kind of car he wanted. We were able to sell him the car and save the member about $10K. It was great for the CU and for the Member.
What is your favorite credit union activity? Helping out with the member education classes. It is fun to help members learn.

Thank you Isaac. So what we have learned here is that you are a RUN DMC loving Gandhi mixed with a flying Tiger that is afraid of dishwater…that explains everything and absolutely nothing. You are an interesting fellow. Thank you for being a good sport.