Is it time to open a credit union account for your children?

How financially savvy are your kids?

Only about five percent of adults received any kind of financial education in school. This is a very sobering statistic and may even somewhat explain why consumers’ credit card and student loan debt is so high.

If you want to equip your kids with the tools to be financially secure adults, a good place to start is with a savings and/or checking account at a credit union. Once they see money going in and coming out, it can drive home a lesson about money management.

Wondering if they can handle the responsibility? Read on…

Savings accounts

Most kids can typically grasp the concept of a savings account early in their development. Here’s how to know if your children are ready to use one:

They’re curious about money
If your child expresses a genuine interest in coins, shopping, or anything related to money, this can be a good segue into a savings lesson: financial institutions allow you to put money aside until you really need it.

Their piggy bank is overflowing
If your kids have a lot of change in their piggy bank or saved elsewhere, watch out. It may disappear before your eyes! Make this an opportunity to teach them that if they save some of their money in an account, it can earn interest over time.

They have a savings goal
If your children are saving up for something big, this is the perfect time to introduce a savings account. They can make a deposit into the account so that they will not be tempted to spend all of their cash.

Checking accounts

Checking accounts tend to be suited better to older kids who have had more exposure to money. Here are some signs that your kids could benefit from a checking account:

They’re responsible
No matter how responsible you are, it can be tempting to withdraw more cash than you should. You might wait to open an account with your children until they demonstrate responsibility in other areas such as getting a drivers license or maintaining a part-time job.

Their school doesn’t teach personal finance
Most schools fail to teach basic concepts of personal finance, which means that it is up to you as a parent. A checking account can be a great way to reinforce lessons about not spending more than you have, using a debit card, and more.

All their cash is stuffed into their wallet
The wallet-as-checking-account is dangerous for several reasons. Not only can cash easily get lost, it’s hard to track your purchases. By contrast, an account statement lets you view all of your spending and withdrawal activity, which can be a handy budgeting tool.

If you’re eager to introduce your children to the world of personal finance, a credit union account is a good place to start. Just watch for the signs, and start when your kids are ready. You can learn more and even earn prizes during this month’s Credit Union Youth Month celebration at Wauna Credit Union.

Identity Theft: A Survivor’s Guide

Identity theft is a crime with many faces: from the thief who your skims your card info at the ATM, to the hacker who assumes your persona and opens accounts in your name.

Today is Data Privacy Day. And though most if not all of us will experience identity theft, we are all able to survive it.

Unfortunately, rectifying identity theft damage can be like untangling a wet knot. You can do it but it will require patience and perseverance. There is hope!

Start by committing yourself to becoming and remaining organized. Keep copies of letters and emails. It doesn’t hurt to maintain a verbal correspondence and/or other logs. File paperwork immediately and store everything in a safe, accessible place.

Step One: Creditors and Financial Institutions

If accounts are abused or opened illegally, contact your creditors ASAP. Ask for fraudulent transaction documentation as you’ll likely need to file a police report. Add “non-guessable” passwords to replacement cards and all existing accounts.

If a collection agency attempts to collect on a fraudulent account, explain (in writing) that you are a victim of identity theft and not responsible for the debt. Ask they confirm in writing that you do not owe and that the account has been closed.

For checking account fraud, contact your financial institution to place stop payments on any outstanding checks that you did not write. Report the crime to check reporting agencies. If the fraud is extreme, consider canceling your checking and savings accounts. Obtain new account numbers and passwords. Monitor all future account statements carefully.

Step Two: Legal and Government Agencies

Report the crime. File a report with your local police or sheriff’s department (or wherever the identity theft took place). Request a copy of the report. Additionally, keep the phone number of your investigator handy.

Create an Identity Theft Report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This is the combination of the Identity Theft Affidavit. You’ll file this with the FTC, and the police report. For additional documentation you may pursue a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau investigation.

Notify your local postal inspector if someone else has used your address. The social security administration should be alerted if your social security number has been fraudulently used.

Step Three: Credit Reporting Bureaus

The most arduous task in this process may be ensuring that your credit report lists only factual information. Obtain your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (if you are married, your spouse should also check their report).

If the fraudulent information hasn’t yet appeared on your credit reports, be proactive. Report the crime now. Contact one of the bureau’s fraud departments to request an extended fraud alert be added to your file for seven years rather than the normal 90-180 days. Confirm that the bureau you’ve filed the fraud alert with will contact the other two bureaus and to place the fraud alerts.

Write a victim’s report. This is a brief statement describing the details of the crime. Send your report to the bureaus. The first credit reports with fraud alerts are free and are sent automatically. Next, check your credit report every three months to ensure accuracy.

Healing the wounds of identity theft will take time and work. The sooner and more aggressively you deal with the problem, the faster you will see results. Remember, Wauna Credit Union is also a fantastic resource and we are here for you!

The Erlene Darby Learning Center is a Special Place

Erlene

It was an adventurous spirit, as her children like to recall, that inspired Erlene Darby to do many of the things she did throughout her 79 years of life. In 1970, it was that spirit that led Erlene and her kids on an impromptu, 3-month road-trip across the United States.

Erlene clearly loved traveling and experiencing life. But she was also was well-known for her sympathetic ear and kind heart, and she was always ready to support family, friends, and her credit union.

“I had thought of a number of words to describe her and came up with committed, caring, leadership, supportive. She mentored me both professionally and personally. And she did it from the heart. That meant a lot to me.” — Debi Smiley, Chief Marketing Officer at Wauna Credit Union.

Erlene Darby volunteered at Wauna Credit Union for over 30 years. She served in almost every capacity. From Board Chair to Board Treasurer, she did it all. Erlene watched the credit union grow and change — her adventurous spirit, a beacon, guided the credit union through ups and downs.

So, in recognition of this steadfast commitment to Wauna Credit Union, to her adventurous spirit, and to the inspiration and wonder she shared throughout her three decades with us, we are proud to announce the dedication of our Westport Learning Center to Erlene Darby.

“I think dedicating this building – the learning center for all of the future and current employees and volunteers that we’re going to have here at Wauna – to come through and to see her name and her image says a lot about what she stood for,” said George Dunkel, WCU’s Board Chair.

Erlene’s Family at the Dedication Ceremony

As a special way of celebrating Erlene, we hosted a small ceremony dedicating the “Erlene Darby Learning Center.” There, joined by Erlene’s family and friends, we shared laughs and tears.

While the mood was light, the memories and feelings were strong. The affair became a proud moment forever marked in time for not only Wauna Credit Union, but for Erlene’s family.

“What a wonderful honor it was to be included in the dedication ceremony,” said Erlene’s daughter, Melinda Puzey. “My family and I were both impressed and humbled by the dedication, and for Wauna’s regard and appreciation for my mother’s service and commitment. It made me very proud to be her daughter, and I know it would have meant so much to her.”

Erlene’s Plaque

Her plaque, proudly displayed on the front of her learning center, reads:

Dedicated to the loving memory of Erlene Darby with appreciation of her dedication and passion for lifelong learning. She inspired us with 35 years of steadfast volunteer service.

 

Do You Need a New Car? It’s Time to Spring Into Action!

Wauna Credit Union is Offering an amazing way to save on a new/used car purchase this week.

Spring Fling ad

Spring Fling Coastal Auto Sale:

This weekend (May 11-13) is the 4th Annual SPRING FLING Auto Sale at four coastal auto dealers – Astoria Ford, Lum’s Auto Center, Ocean Crest Motors, & Warrenton KIA.

Wauna Credit Union will have lending officers on site to make your financing happen immediately. Plus, we are offering 60 Days No Payments and giving people a chance to win a great new barbecue! All of the auto dealers will be offering special low prices during the days of the sale, May 11, 12 and 13th. Come out and take some test drives and find yourself a great new car!

Get Pre-Approved!

No matter where you are in our service area – from Scappoose to Vernonia to Warrenton – All of our branches offer great low rates and can answer any question you have about the process.

Plus, if you get pre-approved at one of our branches or with online/mobile application, we offer much lower rates on Mechanical Breakdown Protection (MBP) & Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP), and we also have competitive rates on Auto Insurance!

Celebrating Credit Union Youth Week

Wauna Credit Union’s Mission is to provide opportunities for our members to build their financial well-being. One of the most important places we demonstrate this core belief is through financial education and helping our members either improving, or starting, their financial setting. Nowhere is this more evident than our commitment to providing our youngest members with the financial start to lead them to a positive lifetime relationship with money. One of the ways we’re doing this is partnering with thousands of credit unions across the country for Credit Union Youth Week, April 24-29.

Youth week 17 - poster 1

This week in order to encourage parents to begin their child’s savings, and start that financial conversation with their family we’re doing a few extra things to help our members out.

  • During Credit Union Youth Week, we will match all new member $5 deposits when they open a Jump Start Club savings account for youth from age 0 to 17Kids dressed as superheros
  • All new and existing members who make a minimum $5 deposit into their account during the week will be entered to win a $250 prize. Also, each branch will award an additional $50 prize.
  • In addition to matching the first $5 deposited, Wauna Credit Union will donate $1 for every new account opened during Credit Union Youth Week to the local Backpack Program that helps feed hungry children
  • We are also launching two new additions to our Balance education program aimed for children to give them a fun way to learn about money
    • M3 Money Club® for kidsThe M3 Money Club for kids. An immersive kid-friendly adventure featuring superheroes, fun and valuable money lessons
    • Elements of Money for teensThe Elements of Money for teenagers. A financial education, site that gives teens more than 100 podcast episodes, educational articles, eLearning modules and videos

WCU passbook photoEvery person is unique, but most people who save regularly developed the habit early on in life. Learning to understand money and save for long-term goals is a crucial life skill, and one Wauna Credit Union is committed to helping our youngest members achieve. Credit Union Youth Week is just one way we do that.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held at Mortgage Origination Office

LONG BEACH, WA – Wauna Credit Union (WCU) officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Mortgage Origination Office (MOO) at 910 Pacific Avenue in Long Beach, Washington on January 18, 2017. The office opened on November 15th, 2016 and has one employee, Jeff Parker, who serves as the Real Estate Relationship Officer.

Long Beach and Wauna CU dignitaries celebrate the opening of the MOO.  (from L to R) Debi Smiley, WCU Chief Marketing Officer, Monica Lauber WCU VP Mortgage, Steven Linhart, Long Beach City Councilor and Mayor Pro-tem, Jeff Parker, WCU Real Estate Relationship Officer, Robert Blumberg, WCU CEO and President, Natalie Hanson, Long Beach City Councilor, McKenzie Wilson, WCU Real Estate Loan Officer, Paige Tischer, WCU Real Estate Loan Officer
Long Beach and Wauna CU dignitaries celebrate the opening of the MOO.
(from L to R) Debi Smiley, WCU Chief Marketing Officer, Monica Lauber WCU VP Mortgage, Steven Linhart, Long Beach City Councilor and Mayor Pro-tem, Jeff Parker, WCU Real Estate Relationship Officer, Robert Blumberg, WCU CEO and President, Natalie Hanson, Long Beach City Councilor, McKenzie Wilson, WCU Real Estate Loan Officer, Paige Tischer, WCU Real Estate Loan Officer

The new office provides local, affordable Real Estate services to the Credit Union’s growing membership in Pacific County. All residents, businesses, and organizations throughout Pacific County are eligible for membership with Wauna Credit Union.

A new ATM machine was installed in December, 2016 at the MOO and is now fully operational. It is a CO-OP network ATM, which offers surcharge-free ATM access nationwide to participating credit union members.

The ATM machine is slated to become an Interactive Teller Machine (ITM) in mid, June of 2017. ITM’s are interactive, with a screen that connects to a Virtual Member Service Specialist person in the WCU Communications Center. The Communication Center Specialists can answer questions and assist members with their transactions.

WCU CEO and President Robert Blumberg talked about the new ITM at the Ribbon Cutting and explained, “This branch office is the branch of the future using a smaller footprint with more technology.” WCU embraces technology, offering online and mobile banking to all its members.

 

Wauna Credit Union Exhibiting at the Shore Style Wedding Faire

This Saturday, January 28, Wauna Credit Union will be attending the annual Shore Style Wedding Faire in Astoria. The event hosts vendors from all over the North Coast, from DJs to caterers, all helping couples decide how their wedding will look and feel. We will be there to let people know about our Lifestyle Loans, affordable loans to support specific or unexpected needs that require financial support. The loans cover many different things, including medical bills, household improvement or auto repairs. The Lifestyle Loan is a great option for somebody looking for a little extra money for a wedding ceremony, reception, rings, honeymoon, or even the little miscellaneous costs that always seem to pop up.

In addition to Lifestyle Loans, we offer other solutions for people looking to pay for an upcoming wedding (or other event). For example, a parent with home can use the equity in their home to take out a home equity line of credit, which provides a revolving credit line to use on any life expenses. For those looking for a way to have access to funds instantly a HELOC is a great way to go. You pay interest only on funds used, and they can be used for anything at all.

Another great option is a credit card. Wauna offers both VISA Rewards and VISA Platinum credit cards for our members with established credit, and we also have a First Time VISA to help younger members establish credit.

Stop by the Wauna Credit Union table to get more information. We’ll have somebody there taking applications, and also answering questions on how we can help you finance your reception, honeymoon, or any other expense surrounding your wedding. We’ll also be hosting a raffle in which three lucky entrants will win $50.

We look forward to seeing you there.

CONGRATULATIONS! Wauna CU Staff Receive Awards At Annual Winter Celebration!

Every year in December Wauna Credit Union employees get together to celebrate accomplishments and enjoy some social time, we call it our “Winter Celebration”. This year, several employees and departments were recognized with awards for their outstanding efforts to meet and surpass established criterion that assist Wauna Credit Union in achieving operational objectives, production goals, strategic goals and high performance standards.

At our annual Winter Celebration held on December 10, 2016 at the Clatskanie Cultural Center, Wauna Credit Union CEO Robert Blumberg handed out 10 awards to the following employees:

Top Underwriter: Serena Schlosser

Branch Producer: Samantha Wiser

Top Referrer: Rachel Milligan

Exceeded Production Goal: Norm Dufton

Exceeded Production Goal: Tonya Dick

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Brianna Malcolm

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Carli Lyon

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Rachel Milligan

Top Branch: Virtual Branch: Ashleigh Sibley

Top Overall Producer: McKenzie Wilson

 

Congratulations to these well deserving employees!

Clatskanie Grand Re-Opening is December 7th! See YOU There!

new-wauna-signOur Clatskanie “Financial Center” is nearly complete and we are ready to show it off!

The remodel of our 1980s Clatskanie branch is a big change, not just with the added space and modern design, but with the way our branch works. Our service style in Clatskanie is now on the cutting edge of financial service, with what is called “hip-to-hip” transactions.

To celebrate Wauna Credit Union is hosting a Grand Re-Opening Celebration. The big event happens on Wednesday, December 7th starting with an early ribbon cutting ceremony at 8:15 am with the local Chamber of Commerce, and then an open house from 10 am – 4 pm, with guided tours of our entire facility (even the secret spots) from 11 am – 2 pm.

Gina Dines 2-16The Wonderful World Of Wauna caught up with Gina Dines, the manager of our new Financial Service Center, to get some information on the changes.

“I am so excited to have the new building open for business and to be able to share it with all of our members. I love the names of the offices – Tigers and Eagles… nothing is more Clatskanie!” Gina says.

The new name “Financial Center” instead of simply a “branch” is more than just a name change, as Gina explains, it completely changes the way we do transactions. “A Financial Center is a place where when you walk in, and any of the ‘Member Consultants’ can help you with all of your financial needs.  You no longer need to make an appointment to visit with a ‘loan officer’, we are all ‘loan officers’, same with ‘new account people’. We are financial helpers and all around consultants that are able to help you understand your complete financial picture and future.”

eagles-room tigers-roomInside the new Financial Center, Wauna Credit Union has launched our new way of helping members, it’s called “hip-to-hip”. The new “hip-to-hip” service changes the way the branch works. The traditional “teller lines” are gone, replaced by a variety of pods for simple transactions, or smaller semi-private offices for new accounts and loans, but no matter which, the same person that deposits your check can also assist with account opening or other transactions that would have previously gone to a loan or Member Service Officer. Now everyone in the branch is a “Member Consultant” and all have been given vast additional training.

What exactly is “hip-to-hip”?

“Hip-to-hip concept is where the member sits next to us instead of having a desk or barrier between us.  All staff is trained in all aspects of member service from doing deposits to processing loans to setting up transfers to pay loans as well as payroll splits to pay loans directly from your direct deposit and most definitely opening up new memberships”, says Gina.

Clatskanie is a place not known for being on the cutting edge (unless we are talking about lumber), so how are members dealing with the new system and space?

Most members have commented that they love the new look, but not everyone likes change. Gina admits, one member voiced to her that they did not like the new “hip-to-hip”, she said it made them “uncomfortable”. She adds, “I feel once the members see how the open concept will allow them to be more involved, they will appreciate the changes and realize we are moving into the 21st century and becoming a flagship institution.”

outside-CFCCome and see for yourself just what is happening at Wauna Credit Union’s improved Clatskanie location, enjoy a cupcake, some cookies, take the tour, and you might even win a cash prize!

EVENT: FREE Webinar for College Finance options in September

Mother with Son on Graduation Day
Mother with Son on Graduation Day

Is it time to learn about financing college? Wauna CU is partnering with BALANCE to share this FREE webinar for students and parents:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/rt/5797103962286581506

  • Attend on September 8th or 20th and learn the best ways to save and borrow for higher education.
  • Just fill in your name, email address, and that Wauna Credit Union is your provider, pick a day and you’re done!

About the webinar: 

As the cost of college tuition continues to rise, parents wonder how they can afford to pay for higher education for children or themselves. Participants will learn about long-term savings strategies, financial aid opportunities, and other ways they can make college education a reality.
About BALANCE:
At Wauna FCU, we care about your financial wellness. That’s why we’ve partnered with industry-leading BALANCE to provide you with free access to expertly-crafted financial education and resources to help with your fiscal matters. And should you need, BALANCE can assist with confidential, no-cost financial counseling services to help you develop a sensible budget managing spending and debt. For all your financial life stage changes and more, we—in partnership with BALANCE—are here to help.