#Superbowl Sunday is on its way! Get ready for game day with these easy, inexpensive recipes and ideas. Follow us on Pinterest for other budget-friendly pins and ways to save: www.pinterest.com/westconsincu
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Friday, January 30, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Six Slam-Dunk Ways to Trash Your Credit Score
Six Slam-Dunk Ways to Trash Your Credit Score
by Susan Tiffany, CCUFC
It's a fact of financial life that if you want to borrow money, your lender will look at information about your credit habits before deciding how to price the loan.
If you're a good risk, you won't have to pay as much interest for the privilege of borrowing. If you've been a credit screw-up, expect a lender to charge you more. That's only fair, not only to the lender but to other borrowers the lender serves. It wouldn't be right to expect responsible borrowers to subsidize careless borrowers.
This is where your credit score comes in. It's a three-digit grade for your credit behavior to date. It changes all the time, based on your improving or deteriorating credit habits.
Some of the ways you can damage your credit score are pretty clear, while others might surprise you.
by Susan Tiffany, CCUFC
It's a fact of financial life that if you want to borrow money, your lender will look at information about your credit habits before deciding how to price the loan.
If you're a good risk, you won't have to pay as much interest for the privilege of borrowing. If you've been a credit screw-up, expect a lender to charge you more. That's only fair, not only to the lender but to other borrowers the lender serves. It wouldn't be right to expect responsible borrowers to subsidize careless borrowers.
This is where your credit score comes in. It's a three-digit grade for your credit behavior to date. It changes all the time, based on your improving or deteriorating credit habits.
Some of the ways you can damage your credit score are pretty clear, while others might surprise you.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Two Ways Tax Scammers Might Target You
Two Ways Tax Scammers Might Target You
It’s that time of year — tax time. It’s also a great time to get up to speed on tax-related scams. Here are two ways tax scammers might target you:
Tax identity theft
This kind of identity theft happens when someone files a fake tax return using your personal information — like your Social Security number — to get a tax refund or a job. You find out about it when you get a letter from the IRS saying:
- more than one tax return was filed in your name, or
- IRS records show wages from an employer you don’t know
If you get a letter like this, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490. You can find more about tax identity theft at ftc.gov/taxidtheft and irs.gov/identitytheft.
IRS imposter scams
This time scammers aren’t pretending to be you — they’re posing as the IRS. They call you up saying you owe taxes, and threaten to arrest you if you don’t pay right away. They might know all or part of your Social Security number, and they can rig caller ID to make it look like the call is coming from Washington, DC – when it could be coming from anywhere. Leaving you no time to think, they tell you to put the money on a prepaid debit card and tell them the card number right away.
The real IRS won’t ask you to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire transfers, and won’t ask for a credit card number over the phone. When the IRS contacts people about unpaid taxes, they usually do it by mail.
If you have a question about your taxes, call the IRS at 800-829-1040 or go to irs.gov. You can report IRS imposter scams to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) online or at 800-366-4484, and to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Flurry of Snowflakes for Kids Fundraiser to benefit Children’s Miracle Network
WESTERN, WI— WESTconsin Credit Union will again be raising funds in support of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) in February. The annual fundraiser is organized by the credit union with this year’s campaign theme being Flurry of Snowflakes for Kids. Businesses and individuals are invited to show their support of CMN by purchasing varying sizes of snowflakes for $1, $3 or $25 from their local WESTconsin office, where the snowflakes will be proudly displayed. This particular campaign typically generates approximately $10,000 and all money raised is donated to CMN.
Funds are used for research, expansions projects and providing assistance to families who may be struggling while their child is being treated at Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare in St. Paul, MN, the region’s CMN hospital. In 2014, nearly 1,000 children from western Wisconsin received treatment from Gillette.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Know Your Numbers!
When setting up Direct Deposit, automatic payments or electronic tax refunds, you’ll need to know certain numbers pertinent to your checking account. Click here for more information.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Free Tax Preparation Services Offered Locally by AARP
MENOMONIE, WI—WESTconsin Credit Union will again host volunteers for the Menomonie area’s AARP free tax preparation program. Assistance will begin February 4 and end April 9.
Services will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level Community Room of the credit union’s Menomonie – East office located at 3333 Schneider Avenue SE. Tax guests are asked to park in the west side lot and look for directional signs guiding them into the building. Appointment requests must be made through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dunn County at (715) 232-4006.
The program is managed by AARP as a free community service targeted at helping specified individuals including the elderly and disabled, and those with low incomes or limited English proficiency. Accommodations and technical support are provided by WESTconsin Credit Union.
Services will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lower level Community Room of the credit union’s Menomonie – East office located at 3333 Schneider Avenue SE. Tax guests are asked to park in the west side lot and look for directional signs guiding them into the building. Appointment requests must be made through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Dunn County at (715) 232-4006.
The program is managed by AARP as a free community service targeted at helping specified individuals including the elderly and disabled, and those with low incomes or limited English proficiency. Accommodations and technical support are provided by WESTconsin Credit Union.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
We're hiring!
Full Time Teller | Menomonie North
Part Time Teller (25-37.5 hrs/wk) | Spring Valley
Part-Time Teller (25-37.5 hrs/wk) | Menomonie North
View application instructions and more details about these positions at http://careers.westconsincu.org. #WESTconsinCareers
Saturday, January 17, 2015
WESTconsin Credit Union Welcomes Mark Willer as Chief Lending Officer
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Kindness Counts: Year in Review
At WESTconsin, we wholeheartedly believe in People Helping People, a principle of The Credit Union Difference. Our goal is to serve all of our members well, including those of modest means - every member counts. It is this people-first philosophy that leads us to become involved in our communities, community charitable activities and worthwhile causes. In 2014, we launched our Kindness Counts―Pass It On! campaign. Employees and members of WESTconsin, as well as members of the community, reached out to others with a random act of kindness and a note indicating they had been tagged. Should they choose, they could reuse the tag, tag another and keep the spirit going. This campaign was such a success that we are continuing the efforts into 2015.
Kindness Counts. Will you pass it on?
Caution: Kindness may be contagious!
#WESTconsinKindnessCounts
Kindness Counts. Will you pass it on?
Caution: Kindness may be contagious!
#WESTconsinKindnessCounts
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
WESTconsin Realty Welcomes Brent Wiebe
Free Home Buying Seminar - Hudson
HUDSON, WI— An educational home buying seminar is being offered to the public on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m. at the WESTconsin Credit Union Hudson Office, 1601 Maxwell Drive. Presenters include Vinny Cognetta, Mortgage Loan Originator, WESTconsin Credit Union; Mary Behling, Mortgage Loan Originator, WESTconsin Credit Union; Casey Mensing, Vice President, WESTconsin Title Services; Todd Peterson, REALTOR®, WESTconsin Realty; and Pennie Peterson, REALTOR®, WESTconsin Realty.
The presenters will provide information about the home buying process from pre-approval to closing.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Seating is limited—register early! There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to be a WESTconsin Credit Union member. Those interested in reserving a seat can do so by visiting the Events Calendar at westconsincu.org, or calling (715) 235-3403 ext. 7846. Reservations accepted through January 26.
WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000.
WESTconsin Realty, an affiliate of WESTconsin Credit Union, offers a 4.8 percent seller’s commission rate on qualifying properties, cash back at closing to buyers, and no administrative fees. Full-time, full-service real estate agents are located in each WESTconsin office area throughout western Wisconsin.
The presenters will provide information about the home buying process from pre-approval to closing.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Seating is limited—register early! There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to be a WESTconsin Credit Union member. Those interested in reserving a seat can do so by visiting the Events Calendar at westconsincu.org, or calling (715) 235-3403 ext. 7846. Reservations accepted through January 26.
WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000.
WESTconsin Realty, an affiliate of WESTconsin Credit Union, offers a 4.8 percent seller’s commission rate on qualifying properties, cash back at closing to buyers, and no administrative fees. Full-time, full-service real estate agents are located in each WESTconsin office area throughout western Wisconsin.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Get in shape for 2015 by saving more
A good money goal for 2015? Save more
Source: http://www.cuna.org/Stay-Informed/News-Now/Consumer/A-good-money-goal-for-2015--Save-more/
NEW YORK (1/13/15) --With 2015 stretched out before you, now is a good time to set money goals so your finances are in better shape come 2016.
If you're one of the 62% of Americans a new survey found to have no emergency savings, a good first goal is to start an emergency savings account ( MarketWatch Jan. 7). Open a supplemental retirement account like a Roth IRA (individual retirement account), which allows you to withdraw the money you deposit at any time penalty free. That way you're saving money for retirement, but it's also there for unplanned expenses such as car trouble, an emergency home repair, or health problems.
Here are some other good financial goals to strive for this year ( The New York Times Jan. 2):
Monday, January 12, 2015
New Year's Resolutions
There’s something about the new year that brings out the child in all of us. There’s the excitement of being on the threshold of something new, a fresh beginning, another chance to get it right. This is going to be the year. The year I give up smoking. The year I get myself organized. The year to put an end to all those bad habits and start some new good ones. The year I’m going to get my finances in order.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Get Financially Fit! with WESTconsin
On Monday, January 12 the Chippewa Valley Challenge begins! As a proud sponsor of this event, we will kick off our Get Financially Fit! blog page. Follow our blog throughout the Challenge for great tips on how to get and keep your finances in great shape!
Free Home Construction Seminar - Amery
AMERY, WI—An educational home construction seminar is being offered to the public on Thursday, January 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the WESTconsin Credit Union – Amery Office, 1060 Cornwall Avenue. Presenters include Scott Prindle, Mortgage Loan Originator, WESTconsin Credit Union; Casey Mensing, Vice President, WESTconsin Title Services; and Dave Andersen, Owner, Lake Country Builders.
The presenters will explain all steps of the construction process from applying for a loan to final draw. This seminar includes a question and answers session.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Reservations are appreciated, but not required. There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to be a WESTconsin Credit Union member. Those interested in reserving a seat can do so by visiting the Events Calendar at westconsincu.org, or calling (715) 268-8127 ext. 7425. Reservations accepted through January 20.
WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000.
The presenters will explain all steps of the construction process from applying for a loan to final draw. This seminar includes a question and answers session.
Refreshments will be served and door prizes will be given away. Reservations are appreciated, but not required. There is no cost to attend, and you do not need to be a WESTconsin Credit Union member. Those interested in reserving a seat can do so by visiting the Events Calendar at westconsincu.org, or calling (715) 268-8127 ext. 7425. Reservations accepted through January 20.
WESTconsin Credit Union has been serving members since 1939, and membership is open to anyone who lives or works in the Wisconsin counties of Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Sawyer, Taylor, Trempealeau, and Washburn, or the Minnesota counties of Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington, with a $5 minimum deposit in a Membership Savings Account. Credit unions are financial institutions owned by their accountholders, and member funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) up to at least $250,000.
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