Michael Hostetler is the E-Commerce and Market Research Manager for the credit union. He has been with Financial Center since June 2005. Michael's main responsibilities with the credit union involve database research, blogging, social media marketing, and e-commerce.
Michael is a graduate of Indiana University where he earned his Bachelors degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
He is a proud member of the Indiana University and Kelley School of Business Alumni Associations. He volunteers as an alumni student recruiter for IU. He is a member of Ignite - Innovation for Indiana's Credit Unions, an organization that promotes and develops new products and ideas for the credit union industry in Indiana. In 2009, Michael was awarded the Emerging Leadership Award from the Indiana Credit Union League.
Michael resides in Fishers, Indiana with his wife Katie and his infant son Landon.
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.
Finance professors from the University of Chicago and Northwestern University released their latest version of the Financial Trust Index this week. This report gauges Americans' trust and approval of our nation's financial system.
Here's what the report found:
Credit unions had a 58% approval rating.
Local banks had a 53% rating.
National banks had a 31% rating.
More consumers are moving their accounts from big banks to a smaller, local credit union. If you're searching for an Indianapolis Credit Union to help you manage your personal finances, consider joining Financial Center.
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.
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.
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.
Your Indianapolis credit union will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, January 18th. We will resume business on Tuesday, January 19th.
Members may still access their credit union accounts via online banking, our bank by phone system, mobile banking, and our ATMs.
Recently ABC News reported on consumers moving their banking accounts to smaller community banks and their local credit union.
If your Indianapolis bank is raising its fees and treating you unfairly as a consumer, consider moving your accounts to an Indianapolis credit union. Financial Center has many of the same products and services you would find at your current bank, but we provide a superior customer experience which keeps your financial goals and needs at the top of our list of priorities.
If you're ready to switch banks, it's time to switch to an Indianapolis credit union.
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.
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.
Financial Center, an Indianapolis credit union, welcomes J. Kevin Ryan as its new CEO. With over 28 years experience in the financial services industry, Mr. Ryan brings an abundance of knowledge to the local Credit Union. He has been involved in the credit union movement for the past 23 years with experience in finance, budgeting, investments, regulatory compliance, business development, and marketing.
Mr. Ryan has been a Board Member for Financial Center and its CUSO for the past two years. His previous Credit Union experience includes employment at the Indiana Credit Union League and CUNA Mutual Group. He has also earned numerous credit union executive certifications. Mr. Ryan has also received a Bachelors of Science in Management and a Master of Arts in Executive Development from Ball State University. He is a volunteer for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. He is also active in youth sports for his local community.
In his new position as Credit Union CEO, Mr. Ryan aims to lead Financial Center’s employees in providing Credit Union members with quality products and services while fulfilling the company’s mission to provide the highest level of personal service excellence attainable in the marketplace.
Your Indianapolis credit union is celebrating the Christmas holiday this week. Our offices will be closed at 2 PM on Christmas Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day. We will resume business on Saturday, December 26th. Members may still access their credit union accounts via online banking, our bank by phone system, mobile banking, and our ATMs.
Receive a free picture with Santa this holiday season. Members of all ages are invited to visit Santa at Financial Center this month. Santa will be parking his sleigh at the Castleton Center, Emerson Center, Fox Road Center, Main Center, Park 100 Center and Southside Center on Saturday, December 12 and Saturday, December 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Celebrate this magical season by telling Santa what's on your wish list.
Financial Center, your Indianapolis Credit Union, has launched mobile banking for its 41,000 Credit Union members at https://mobile.fcfcu.com.
Members may perform the following functions with their mobile credit union banking:
- Check account balances. - Perform account to account transfers. - Change your password. - Change your eMail address.
It is important to note that you must enroll in the Credit Union's online banking service at www.fcfcu.com prior to using mobile banking. Login information is the same whether you utilize it through the credit union's website or through your mobile device. We also advise members to log out of online banking when you are finished completing your transactions for security purposes.
We'd love to hear what you think of this new service from our Indianapolis Credit Union. Leave a comment below or send an eMail to marketing@fcfcu.com.
It's almost time for Thanksgiving. This holiday brings about two events - mashed potato and gravy induced napping and great shopping deals.
Has the economic turmoil and all its related events affected how much you plan to spend on Christmas gifts this year? Answer the poll below and let our Indianapolis Credit Union know what your plans are this year?
I recently read a great article on green.indy.com about people who are locavores in the Indianapolis area. A locavore is someone who eats locally produced food as much as possible. According to the article, foods that are grown locally and travel fewer miles can be safer, fresher, and healthier for you.
Apply this thinking to who you're choosing as your banking services provider. A local credit union has employees and members just like you who work cooperatively to deliver financial services with preferable rates and less fees than bigger banks. Decisions regarding your money are made locally, and your institution is committed to serving the community in which you live.
An article in today's USA Today noted that customers may be using more cash and debit cards for their Holiday shopping this season instead of using credit cards. With the current economic turmoil, consumers are more conscious of the money they are able to spend and this is affecting what method they use to pay.
Whichever way you decide to pay, our Indianapolis credit union has you covered. We offer a debit card and a new VISA credit card product.
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!
The pending FAIR Overdraft Coverage Act of 2009 legislation in Congress has the potential to dramatically restrict the current overdraft protection on your account. Changes include allowing you to only overdraft your account once per month and no more than six times per year.
When you have used the overdraft protection from Financial Center, it has allowed us to help cover your unexpected expenses or bookkeeping errors. Overdraft protection may have enabled you to pay for something at the grocery store, fill up your gas tank, or purchase a prescription for a sick family member.
The current system allows your Credit Union to offer a reputable service that prohibits you from the embarrassing circumstances of a failed debit card transaction, ATM withdrawal, or check with insufficient funds.
Join us in alerting your Congressional representatives that you oppose the FAIR Overdraft Coverage Act of 2009 and its effect on your current overdraft protection program. Take action now!
Michael Hostetler is the E-Commerce and Market Research Manager for the credit union. He has been with Financial Center since June 2005. Michael's main responsibilities with the credit union involve database research, blogging, social media marketing, and e-commerce. 
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.
Suze Orman recently published her 
in the credit union movement for the past 23 years with experience in finance, budgeting, investments, regulatory compliance, business development, and marketing.
safer, fresher, and healthier for you.
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