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!
Financial Center will be closed tomorrow, November 11th, to observe Veterans' Day. Online banking, MoneyLine (bank by phone), and our ATMs will still be accessible.
A recent article on ConsumerLoanWire.com referenced a new study by the Pew Charitable Trust which found that credit unions offer consumers the best credit cards in the market, and that bank offers were less attractive.
Here's what ConsumerLoanWire.com had to say:
"In comparing offers between large banks and credit unions the report found that credit cards issued by credit unions have fewer 'unfair or deceptive' practices. While the banking industry is undergoing many changes resulting in changing interest and fee structures, consumers should consider the safest option, which appears to come from a credit union."
It's time to move your credit card to our Indianapolis Credit Union. Learn more and apply.
Each time you use your debit or credit card, a merchant is paid immediately and the Credit Union that issues your card receives an interchange payment. This interchange reflects a merchant's fair share of the costs of this convenient system.
The current interchange arrangement helps keep the rates and fees lower that you pay on debit and credit card programs provided to you by your local Credit Union.
Merchants are lobbying Congress to reduce their interchange payment, which would be detrimental to our Indianapolis Credit Union's cardholders, so we are asking you to take a few minutes to tell Congress that interchange should be left alone.
Here are some important things to consider regarding interchange fees:
1. Interchange fees are not directly paid by the consumer. They are paid by merchants to support the card payment system.
2. Interchange fees help us offer our local Credit Union members debit and credit cards that include quality service and attractive rates and fees.
3. Your local Credit Union is not a merchant and is responsible for absorbing losses from fraud and unpaid balances associated with card programs. Interchange fees support activities such as reissuing cards compromised by merchant data breaches and providing a call center to contact if your card is lost or stolen.
If interchange were reduced and could no longer contribute adequate support for card programs, consumers would end up paying more for their debit and credit cards.
It's time to protect the debit or credit card from your local Credit Union. Take action now!
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.
Powered by Compendium Blogware