Protect yourself this holiday shopping season

As your credit union, we want to help you make the most of your time and money during the holidays while keeping your financial information safe and secure. Smart shopping strategies can also keep your finances from going “into the red” on Black Friday.

This, the busiest shopping day of the year, signals the start of the holiday shopping season — and it promises to be robust. With low unemployment and increased consumer confidence, the National Retail Federation reports that Americans are expected to increase spending by 4.5 percent over last year, shelling out an average of $1,007 this holiday season.

Even if you don’t plan to spend thousands of those hard-earned dollars, the following tips will help you find the best bang for your buck, encourage safe shopping habits, and keep your finances going from black to red when shopping for deals and holiday steals.

 

Preparation is key:

  • Use a budget—and stick to it. Decide ahead of time how much you want to spend on your Black Friday shopping spree and do your best to resist impulse buying — especially if you’re not sure how good a specific deal is. Black Friday sales, including door-buster specials, are designed to get you into a store so that the retailer can sell you something else.
  • Make a list. The holidays are an exciting time, and it can be easy to get carried away. Making a list might keep you from buying something that’s beyond your budget.
  • Start early. You can no longer count on checking the ads in the Sunday paper to get the best deals. To judge how good a sale may be, you’ll need to track the deals leading up to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, too.
  • Know before you go. Study the ads — in print and online — the weekend before Thanksgiving.
  • Check one of the Black Friday websites. You’ll find tons of leaked Black Friday ads like net and blackfriday.gottadeal.com.

 Gather your tools:

  • Use tech to comparison shop. You don’t have to go retailer-by-retailer to compare prices. Try Google Shopping and services like NexTag. Apps such as ShopSavvy and Shopkick let you scan bar codes or QR codes to compare prices, get discounts, and score coupons.
  • Check the retailers’ apps. Many Black Friday sites have their own apps but so do the big guys like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart. Amazon’s app, for example, lets you use a smartphone camera to scan products and price-shop online.
  • Use loyalty programs. Stores with loyalty programs may offer sales and promotions to their members first, then let them earn rewards on what they buy. Black Friday shopping alerts can get you first dibs on promotions, coupons, and discounts.
  • Get social. The Facebook pages and Twitter feeds of your favorite retailers are a great way to find out about deals and promotions. Retailers will often reward customers who like or follow them with special alerts to Black Friday discounts and incentives.
  • Check the store’s policies. Almost all of the major retailers have some form of price-match policy, but some stores might suspend their price-match guarantees during the Black Friday weekend on certain items, so read the fine print.

Other money-saving options:

  • Try an older model. When buying electronics, consider older versions that may have been the latest and greatest just a few months ago.
  • Track your spending. Review your account statements, pay bills regularly, and monitor your accounts through online banking.
  • Use your talents. Give a homemade gift of baked goods, mason jar mixes, or art. Homemade gifts can cost a fraction of a similar item from a store.
  • Use Credit Card Reward Programs. Consider a WCU VISA Rewards card and earn big, big points. You’re spending money regardless, so give yourself something in return and save $$ on a lower interest rate over the big banks.

Strategies to safeguard your credit and debit card purchases:

At the store…

  • At the cash register, protect your PIN by blocking the keypad from the view of cashiers or other customers.
  • Some non-metal keypads have heat sensors that are active for several minutes. Infrared cameras on smartphones can be used to obtain your PIN. We suggest resting your fingers on other keys as you enter your PIN. May seem silly, but better safe than sorry.

When shopping online…

  • Do not use public wireless networks for online purchases.
  • Shop on trusted sites with https:// in the URL. Be sure an icon with a lock appears to the left. The “s” stands for “secure” and indicates communication with a site that is encrypted.
  • Type the merchant’s address directly into your browser; avoid links.
  • Use complicated passwords with at least eight characters. Include numbers, special characters, and upper- and lower-case numbers.
  • Keep the operating system, antivirus, and security software updated on your computers and mobile devices.

Set yourself up for success:

  • Use our online account monitoring service through U-Banking and report any suspicious activity to us right away.
  • Keep a list of all card account numbers in a safe place, so you can report it immediately if they are lost or stolen.
  • We recommend that you don’t store your payment information on shopping sites or shopping apps.
  • Increase your account security by linking your debit card to a secondary account rather than your main account. Or, opt to use credit cards exclusively for purchases.

The gift of a brighter financial future

Give yourself the gift of a brighter financial future this holiday season. Take education classes or look for low interest loans to help you achieve your financial dreams in the coming year. Stop by a branch or visit us online for possibilities. With the safety and security of Wauna Credit Union at your back, this is sure to be a wonderful holiday season!

WaunaTalk With Jeannie

We continue our visit to Clatskanie, with a chat with another one of the great MCs that make the branch tick. Jeannie is a life-long Clatskanie resident and loves helping the people she grew up with better their financial situation.

This edition of WaunaTalk features a lot of conversation about credit, as well as what it takes to have a smile for every member.

WaunaTalk With Heidi

The team at the Clatskanie Financial Center always has a smile for everybody who walks in the door. Today Heidi, an MC in Clatskanie talks to us about the fun they have at the branch, and how that fun helps us serve our members.

Listen to the most recent edition of WaunaTalk, and learn more about managing your credit, and the things working at a credit union will teach you about your finances.

 

Beware of scams related to your military benefits

The Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection recently put out a guide for military veterans and souses to raise awareness on common tactics used to scam you out of pensions benefits. Read the guide below

Scammers are targeting the aid and attendance benefit, which is an increased monthly pension for veterans or their surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA pension and need help with activities of daily living, are bedridden, are patients in a nursing home, or have certain vision limitations.

Look out for:

  • Offers to file an application to get you benefits or increase your pension for a fee
  • Claims to get you benefits faster for a fee
  • Advice to move your money so you’ll qualify for benefits

How to apply safely:

It’s free to apply. Call (800) 827-1000 for information.
Report scams targeting your aid and attendance benefit to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
Bureau of ConsumerFinancial Protection

Guide to scams

October Anniversaries

While many people think of October as a scary month, we at Wauna couldn’t believe more differently. Why’s that you ask? It’s because of all the amazing people celebrating anniversaries this month. You might say it’s scary how good they all are. 

If you want to be one of the people celebrating next year, check out our careers page.  

Waunaversary Celebrants

Sharon Borgardt – 24 years
What is your current position?
I’m the Chief Human Resources Officer at the credit union. I oversee the HR Dept and all functions relating to hiring, employee promotions, benefits administration, employment law compliance and HR strategies to help us attract and retain outstanding employees. Also, I’m a member of the Executive Team, and work to carry out our credit union strategies. Our employees are very valuable assets here at Wauna. I am honored to have a role in ensuring that Wauna is an incredible place to work. I feel it is important to provide career opportunities and to celebrate our employees’ successes.

Sharon and her dog Mica
Those who know Sharon know that she has a soft spot for dogs and cats. Here she is with Great Pyrnees rescue Mica.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I cannot say that this was something I learned only at Wauna, but it is something I practice with passion. When faced with difficult interactions with others, it is imperative to have a high level of empathy, understanding and kindness toward everyone involved. I strive to practice this at work and in my personal life. And I am proud to say that I see this in the way our employees treat our members, too.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
Is becoming a world traveler a hobby? It sure would be exciting, especially if I had my own private jet! But on a more realistic note, one day when I have more free time I will take up painting again (if I am not too busy traveling!).

Kailynn Fischer – 6 years
What is your current position?

I am a training specialist II, my job is to help employees reach their career goals by training them in everything from delivering top-notch member service to opening accounts, lending and everything in between.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me the importance setting goals. I keep my immediate goals, and even my five and ten year goals written down and review them on a regular basis with my supervisor. Having them written down at my desk keeps them fresh in my mind and sharing them with someone helps to keep me accountable. It is something that is really encouraged here at Wauna and something that has been instrumental in my success.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
A hobby I would love to have is diving! I went scuba diving for the first time earlier this year on a trip to Thailand and now I’m hooked. I’ve always loved being in the water but being able to explore it from that depth is a totally different and surreal experience. I would love to explore so many of the breathtaking dive sites all over the world!

Kailynn scuba
Kailynn’s lifetime love of water recently brought her below the surface

Marti Gwin – 2 years
What is your current position?
I’m the Compliance Manager. I have a great team that consists of our Compliance Specialist and two team members in the Cash Intensive Business Department which services our cannabis business members. My job is to ensure that we stay compliant with regulations and laws governing the services we offer. The primary way we do this is through our policies and procedures and through training. The Compliance Department works closely with all other departments in the credit union to keep them informed of compliance requirements and to help answer compliance questions.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me about how great the credit union movement is. People that work for credit unions love to give back to the communities they are in and genuinely love their members.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
Well I actually just started taking guitar lessons one evening a week after work. My fingers are still very sore! Another thing I’ve been thinking about is horseback riding lessons. I used to do take riding lessons for years but it has been over 25 years since my last riding lesson.

Marti and team
Marti and members of the team recently wore plaid to support the backpack program

Sarah Jones – 1 year
What is your current position?
I’m a Compliance Specialist. I get to serve our internal members and the credit union by providing guidance and making sure we are compliant with current rules and regulations. Our members trust the credit union to keep their money safe and secure, and compliance is an important part of that.

Sarah at the beach
Sarah and her husband Jason enjoy Maui

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
It’s all about teamwork! The Compliance Department is involved is all areas of the credit union, so we have to have good communication among all of the departments, including our own. We have an amazing team of employees who work great together!

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I lived on a warm, tropical island I would like to try surfing. But since I live here in the PNW, I would take up kayaking and paddle boarding.

Riley Woodall – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am a Member Consultant in the Vernonia branch! I am here to make sure our members are taken care of to the fullest of my abilities. I have never imagined myself pursuing a career like this but here I am and I am loving every second of it. I so look forward to furthering my career with Wauna!

Riley Beach
Riley just recently discovered her love of travel

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Since working at Wauna I have learned SO much! One of the big things is to believe in yourself, and have the confidence to step out of your comfort zone. I recently did that and traveled to Hawaii. I have never been a big traveler unless we could go by car, so needless to say it was out of my comfort zone! Before I started here I never would have believed I could do something like this , but now that I have, I will continue pushing myself to do and try more!

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’d like to pick up a rec sport! I loved sports in high school but stopped after graduation. I’m also interested in trying my hand at pottery or sculpting.

Others

  • Robert Blumberg
  • Sara Kulp
  • Samantha Wiser
  • Diana Phipps

 

 

Wauna Talk: Joe Talamantez

Joe Talamantez joins us on Wauna Talk today. After years of working in Mortgage in Clatsop County, Joe hopped across the river to lead our efforts in Pacific County.

Joe talks about his career history, and what working at WCU means to him. He also talks about the importance of Pacific County for the credit union’s future.

 

Today is International Credit Union Day

Wauna Credit Union was formed, and continues to act, to serve our communities of Clatsop, Columbia, and Western Washington Counties in Oregon, and Pacific County in Washington. The way we do that is by providing financial tools to allow our members achieve their dreams. A huge part of that is being a not-for-profit credit union instead of a for profit bank.

Many people, even some who are members, don’t realize there are some pretty big differences between banks and credit unions, even though they experience the differences every day. In many ways, that’s the way we want it to be. Our rural communities tend to be filled with show, don’t tell, type of people, and we view ourselves as a show, don’t tell, type of organization. Our members know we provide personal service, tend to have better rates, and help people who banks don’t want to bother with because they don’t fit in a nice box.

ICU Day

Today, we are talking about it though, because today is the 70th Annual International Credit Union Day. Today is the day we celebrate the collaboration between credit unions. It’s one of the things that gives us our edge. Credit Unions work together. It’s why you can go into credit unions all over the country and conduct business on your Wauna Credit Union Account.

This year, we’re celebrating International Credit Union Day’s platinum anniversary, a chance to look back after 70 years and be thankful for the lives and communities that have been improved by the unique principles and actions of our movement. It’s no wonder that this year’s slogan is #PlatinumLiningFound.

Celebrate International Credit Union Day! from CUNA on Vimeo.

 

Emotional Intelligence and Your Money

Wauna Credit Union isn’t just a name. It actually says a whole lot about who we are as an organization. The first part is Wauna, because we were founded by members of the Wauna Mill 51-years-ago. While, we’ve expanded some over the years, it’s only to neighboring communities. We’re local, and proud that our name represents that. The second part, credit union, means something too. A lot of people don’t realize that credit unions are different than banks. In reality, we’re actually quite different. We call that the Credit Union Difference, and it’s why here at WCU we want you to join a credit union. It would be great if it was us, but if you’re putting your money and getting your loans from a credit union, we know you’re being looked out for.

Wauna Charter
Our Original Charter

At Wauna Credit Union, we serve our members by listening. If you read our anniversary blog post — we like to call them Waunaversaries — you’ll hear people talking about The Member Advantage (TMA). Every single employee at WCU spends a weekend in training and multiple phone calls to learn the best process to ensure that we are asking the right questions, and listening, to help our members.

Asking and listening are a big part of it, but how do we know we are listening in a way that we actually hear what our members are saying. Last week, six members of the WCU family attended the Emotional Intelligence workshop hosted by LCHRMA at Tongue Point Job Corps in Astoria, where they learned more about how to consider their own emotions, as well as the emotions of the people they are speaking with to ensure true communication.

Team at Emotional Intelligence Workshop
The team after the workshop

The workshop taught them the importance of first identifying their own emotions and preconceived opinions to understand their strengths and limits, and the importance of recognizing and regulating those emotions to get a clear mind to guide decisions.

In addition, the workshop focused on the importance of empathy, and identifying the impact other’s state of mind has on their interactions.

“It’s important for us to understand ourselves, and to work to understand others in all of our conversations,” said Anna Bennet of WCU. “TMA teaches us to listen and interview, before offering a solution, but we also need to work to understand what our members and colleagues are really trying to tell us. The Emotional Intelligence Workshop helped reinforce that idea that you only get valuable information from people if you are willing to put in the time and effort to hear what they are saying.”

The workshop not only provided value to the attendees, but will provide future value across the credit union, as those who attended share what they learned about emotional intelligence with their colleagues through formal training, and informal discussions.

September Anniversaries

Wauna Credit Union has been serving members of the towns and cities surrounding the Columbia River for 51 years. We’re continuing to grow (if you want to join us check out our careers page).  Employees celebrating September Anniversaries school us on what it means to serve members and practice TMA.

Sadly, instead of wishing Rich Parker a happy 10-year Waunaversary, we’re saying goodbye. Hear Richard’s retirement announcement, and his thanks to all his clients, here. 

 

Danea Passmore – 13 years
What is your current position?
My current position is Chief Operations Officer.  That means I head WCU’s IT, Operations, Strategic Implementations and Card Services teams.  Fortunately, I am blessed to have my office in Clatskanie, where I grew up and see my family often.  My main focus is to coach and develop teams that embrace the Wauna Way – Integrity Coaching, TMA, LSCI, Core Values, Mission, Vision, and people helping people.  I used to be in the Training Department, so you know that’s something I love doing. I also love to collaborate with all departments in the organization to implement products and services to exceed our members expectations. Wauna is my family.

Danea
Danea’s sunny disposition matches the weather on this day

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
I have learned a great deal at Wauna, but the most important thing I have learned is to be more financially fit.  Prior to working at Wauna, I was one of those people who sometimes experienced when bad things happen to good people.  Our daughter was pushed into a swimming pool, spiral fractured her neck, and drowned.  They were able to resuscitate her; however, my world for a over a year was revolved around hospitals, doctors, and taking care of her.  My finances were a wreck, my payments were late, and frankly, I didn’t care at the time because I knew I had to do something else.

I am blessed that Wauna hired me even though my credit was an “E”. That stands for eeeek to some; but to Wauna, I was more than a number.  Yep, went from A to “E”eeek.  I learned how to get back on track, clean up my credit, and come back to the top.  I use that each day when I talk with members or employees, and want them to know that bad things happen to good people so get the story before you judge.  Thankfully too, Wauna asks the story and takes great care of its members.  I will forever be grateful to Wauna.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I love this question! If I could choose a brand new hobby, I would love to become a pilot and fly.  But since I should probably be more realistic, I would love to be hiking.  The outdoors is so energizing, fun, freeing, and a good brisk walk is exhilarating.  I recently watched a show where there is a large hike from the North Kaibab Trail on the North Rim to Bright Angel Trail at the South Rim.  It is a hike of over 23 miles and just sounds incredible, especially in a majestic place like the Grand Canyon. Actually, forget that. I always shoot for the stars, so pilot it is, or maybe even astronaut.

Audrey McTague – 5 years
What is your current position?
My current position is Training Specialist and I train Member Consultants in consumer loans.  I lead training classes at the Erlene Darby Learning Center in Westport, as well as go to the branches for one-on-one training.  My main goal is to make sure everyone understands our lending philosophy using LSI principles as well as training them how to process loans from start to finish.  Training has always been one of my passions.

Audrey
Audrey knows a thing or two about helping members get loans

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me The Member Advantage, which emphasizes listening to people to find out what they need, or are looking to accomplish. TMA is something I can use inside and outside of work in my everyday life

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My hobby this summer was making my own spices by dehydrating them, grinding them and bottling them up.  I did garlic and onions.  I also made tomato powder which I can make tomato paste or sauce with.  Next year, I plan on doing jalapenos, thyme, rosemary and chives.

Laura Lovegren – 3 years
What is your current position?

I am the Financial Center Manager in the Clatskanie Branch. My job is to work with our Members and my team to create relationships to grow with our members throughout their lives.

Laura
Laura loves getting out in the community

This role is new to me in the last year and I have been enjoying building our community relationships and working to educate our youth.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at WCU has taught me that my limits are self-created.  I have been encouraged to grow and dream during my career here. I have worked in the Branch and in the Back office operations department as well. My goal is to learn more everyday and am grateful that I have the opportunity to learn many different aspects and to work with so many driven and wonderful people. It has not only grown my career but who I am as a Human being.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
It would most likely be to  travel more. I recently traveled to Croatia, and there is much of Europe waiting for me to visit.

Hannah Coffey – 2 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Member Consultant at the Astoria Branch. Member Consultants deal with the community face-to-face, and assist them with their daily financial needs, as well as provide part-time counseling (ha-ha). Being the face of Wauna is a great opportunity to connect with members and build lasting relationships between them and Wauna.

Hannah
Hannah always travels in style and with a sidekick

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me a lot about patience. It’s easy to go day-to-day thinking you know how everything in the financial industry works and rush through it all, but it’s very humbling to help people who maybe aren’t so familiar with finances, as well as other things that may seem simple to us that work here such as online banking; especially since we just launched our new U-Banking platform back in May!

 

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had to choose a new hobby, I would choose something musical. I played piano when I was little, but it never really stuck. It’s something that I would enjoy picking back up.

Michael Murdoch – 1 year
What is your current position?
I’m the Communications Specialist. My office is in Clatskanie, but my job is to go all over our footprint to talk to members and our staff. I spend most of my time communicating to Wauna staff how-to communicate while communicating communications to members and our communities. It’s a communications thing.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna Credit Union has taught me to take greater ownership with my mistakes, but more importantly, with my accomplishments. As a communications person, I’m often more comfortable in the background, but rewarding good work is a big part of the culture here.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’ve always wanted to take up sailing. But, I’d need a sail and a boat. And common sense.

Michael Murdoch
Michael hangs out with colleagues, and a duck that supports CUs

Others

  • Ian Wiggins
  • Brittany Warren
  • Lidia Sanchez
  • Ericka Barnett