The Wonderful World Of Wauna – Page 17 – The Official Blog Of Wauna Credit Union

Warrenton ATM Skimmer

On Sunday 07/22 at 1:05 pm, a member of the public discovered a suspicious device on the outermost WCU ATM at our Warrenton Branch. Warrenton Police were notified and established the device to be a card reader (ATM skimmer). It is estimated the card reader was placed on the ATM at approximately 10:00 pm on Saturday 7/21.

Police are in possession of the reader. At this time, we believe the reader did not have the capability to transfer data wirelessly and was never retrieved by the culprit, and therefore no member information was compromised.

Members should closely monitor their accounts and statements for any suspicious activities and immediately call 1-800-773-3236 if there are unauthorized charges, withdrawals, or even deposits.

If it is determined that any member’s information has been compromised, we will immediately take action to ensure card/s are replaced and any other potential issues are secured.

It is our practice to audit all WCU ATMs multiple times daily for card readers. This is the first incident of an ATM skimmer found on a WCU ATM, but it does happen with regular frequency throughout the country.

For more information on skimmers and other fraudulent activity, we recently posted a blog about skimmers https://waunafcu.org/blog/fraudsters-and-skimmers-oh-my/.

A picture of the actual card reader is below.

Warrenton ATM Skimmer — A picture of the actual device

Saying “I Do” to Homeownership: How to Prepare for This Big Commitment

Buying a home is a major commitment. It’s a bit like, well, getting married. You’ve got to be ready and you have to find the right “one.” And, like a marriage, homeownership is a dynamic experience that requires a tremendous amount of care and attention. If you are ready to shift from renter to buyer, you’ve got some legwork to do.

Here’s how to prepare:

Credit matters
Quite simply, the past can either haunt or help you. If your debt-to-income ratio is too high, financial institutions will likely be wary of extending you another loan. If you have had problems repaying past obligations, a lender will have trouble trusting that you will pay your mortgage on time.

You can increase your FICO score (a credit scoring model that helps lenders assess risk) by reducing debt, making timely payments, not shopping aggressively for credit, having a variety of credit instruments, and keeping at least one credit card for a long period of time. Make significant improvements in as few as six months.

Understand what you can afford
Most lenders require that total housing costs not exceed 28% of gross monthly income, and total debt payments per month (including the mortgage) not surpass 36%. In real terms, this means that if you owe no consumer debt and have a household income of $75,000, then $1,750 in housing costs is within your range.

Accumulate cash
If you don’t have at least some cash in your coffer, start a savings plan now. How much you will need depends on many factors, including the home price and how much you will put as a down payment. Closing costs, points, moving expenses, and a post-purchase reserve fund of two to three months worth of housing payments can add up to many thousands of dollars.

Once you own your home, you may eventually want a bigger or better living space. Rather than purchase a new residence, first consider remodeling. You can add rooms and customize your home to meet your needs and desires without having to move. Yet while remodeling can be wise, it can also be stressful and expensive. Be careful when hiring someone to do the work for you. A contractor you hire should:

Have a licence
Carry general liability insurance
Carry workers’ compensation insurance
Provide you with a written waiver at the end of the job
Guarantee work for at least one year from date of completion
Provide you with references
Be financially sound, so won’t declare bankruptcy in the middle of your project
Can provide proof that he or she has completed similar projects
Ensure that the price includes removal of all job debris and full clean up

So how are you going to pay for those fabulous improvements? There are three basic options: cash, refinancing, and using home equity.

Cash: If the job is small or short term, paying with cash is often the best method. A nice advantage of using savings is that you won’t have to repay a loan for the work that is done. When using cash, be sure to pay in agreed-upon increments.
Refinancing: Swapping a higher interest mortgage for a lower interest one can free up money for the project. You can refinance your existing mortgage and take all or part of your current equity in cash. Keep in mind though, that it will only be cost effective if you plan on remaining in the home long enough to recoup the closing costs and other fees associated with refinancing.
Home equity: Using home equity can be a great way to make major improvements – and get a tax benefit of interest deduction at the same time. To tap into your home’s equity, you can get a conventional second mortgage, a home equity loan, or a home equity line of credit. Second mortgages and home equity loans are best for large, long-term projects that require lump sum payments. Home equity lines are good for short-term projects or those requiring incremental payments.

Finally, remember that at home is not only where the heart is—it is also where the money is. You can get the most from your relationship with real estate by giving it the time and attention it requires, just like a marriage.

Visit our Real Estate Loans and Mortgage page to learn more about how you can get started today.

Provided by Balance.

July Anniversaries

We also have one more special anniversary in July. CXO John Moore is celebrating 5 years at the credit union. Read all about him, and how Xs and Os don’t just mean kisses and hugs here.

Richard Bighill – 22 years
What is your current position?
Richard My current position is Lending Support Clerk. My job is to help support the Lending Support Specialists, Lending Support Manager, and VP of Consumer Loans. My duties ensure that the others do not have to complete them while underwriting, processing, and funding loans.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Something that working at WCU for 22 years has taught me is that it is very important to be part of the WCU family, and help support others.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’m a huge Seahawks fan, so any new hobby would have to involve them. Maybe I’d become a sports photographer.

Sue Whitton – 11 years
What is your current position?
I am the Member Service Manager for the Vernonia Branch. In my position I oversee the front line operations. I believe the MC position is the most important contact for our membership. We start the relationship and help grow the membership through developing trust.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Wauna has taught me how important it is to support the community. Wauna has a strong commitment to the community, and I am proud of being able to support Vernonia.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
My hobbies currently are adjusting to empty nesting and It is going very well. Thank you!

Heidi White – 6 years
What is your current position?
I’m a Member Consultant. in the Clatskanie Branch. I assist our members with their every-day banking needs, as well as help them prepare for the future, whether that’s figure out the best way to save for a life milestone, or get a loan to buy a new car.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Growing up in Clatskanie I felt like I knew everybody in the community, but working here has taught me how to figure out a way to build rapport with anybody. No matter if they’re from out of town, just out of school, or getting ready for retirement, people want to know that the person helping them is looking out for their best interest.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
Can I pick two hobbies? I want to travel all over the world and do fun crafty things. Maybe my new hobby would be to have an international craft store.

Kristen DeForrest – 2 years
What is your current position?
I currently work as the Member Service Manager at the Astoria Branch. Previously I managed the branch inside the Astoria Safeway. I am passionate about building dynamic team of member consultants who are passionate about Wauna Credit Union’s mission and vision. It is important to me that we help members at every stage of financial success, but I especially enjoy helping youth with our jump start program.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working here has taught me that no matter how much you prepare you still need to be ready for things to change. That is something I am constantly helping our members with. We are here to help people deal with all of life’s milestones, whether they are planned or not.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I just started a new hobby! I have recently committed to supporting the Mariners Baseball. I’ve watched almost all the games this season, and hope to attend one this year with my family, including my daughter Claire, who is 6-months old-and much more than a hobby.

Lisa Clark – 1 year
What is your current position?
I’m the St. Helens/Scappoose Area Manager. My job is to supervise the deposit and lending operations for those assigned branches. I’m to coach and lead the Member Service Managers in those branches and to ensure that my branches are providing the highest quality member service. I also get to do business development, commercial lending and some public relations in Columbia County. All in all, I’m to ensure that my assigned branches are reaching their goals and are profitable.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
WCU has taught me so much, but one of the great things is that being yourself is really important. We’re taught to have real conversations with our members, and really listen to them to make sure we are helping in every way we can. Sometimes I go to other places and it’s like a robot is helping me. By being myself, I’m not only having fun, but providing great member service.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
One new hobby would be to learn to play a music instrument. My whole family is musical and I’m the only one who can’t play an instrument. My kids say that the only thing I can play is the radio!

Meisha Boettcher – 1 year
What is your current position?
Member Consultant II. Which means I act as a teller doing transactions sometimes; I act as a loan officer other times. I can be a therapist or an auditor depending on the day. Every day has a new challenge and a new lesson. I really enjoy that aspect of my work.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Meisha Fishing That everyone has a story and each one is important. Whether it’s a loan or a simple transaction, our interaction with that member is part of their day and part of their life. I’ve found it to be very enjoyable to be involved with people like that and get to know them over time.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I’ve always been in awe of aerial silks, I attempted a little in high school but I never went anywhere with it, I wish I would have. If I had the time and setup to do that, you bet I’d be in amazing shape and I’d be having a good time doing it.

Others

Carli Lyon
Jan Durie
Amber Alexander
McKenzie Lewis
John Kurns

Certificate or Money Market?

Are you looking to generate income from your savings? Why not have your hard-earned money get out there and work for you? Well, we can certainly help by getting you started in either a Money Market or Certificate account.

But how do you decide which is best for you? Certainly, each investment has advantages and disadvantages. By figuring out market conditions alongside your own financial circumstances, you can work to make the best decision to fit your needs.

What is a Certificate?

A certificate is a special type of deposit that earns dividend income. When you invest in a certificate, you are depositing your money into the credit union for a pre-determined length of time (often 1 year and up). At the end of that time, your deposit “matures” and you are returned your money with the additional dividend payment. Generally, (and this can vary) the longer you keep your funds in a certificate, the higher the yield. What’s more is that many folks don’t know these funds are federally insured by the National Credit Union Association (NCUA).

The catch: Should you need access to your funds earlier than the term agreed upon, you’ll likely pay an early withdrawal fee. You may even lose some or all of the money accrued.

What is a Money Market Account?

Money Market accounts are like savings accounts but often pay you higher rates. Like a certificate, they too are federally insured and so have very little risk. Money Markets usually require a higher minimum balance and while you can make withdrawals, the number of withdrawals you are able to make over a given time is restricted. Thus, they are less liquid than a checking account but more liquid than many other investments, for example.

The catch: If you are not planning on using the funds in your Money Market account, you may be missing out on a higher yield.

What are some of the differences between the two?

When you invest in a certificate, everything is pretty clearly defined from the get-go. You can calculate the expected earnings. You also know your fixed rate and how long you plan to tie up your funds.
It may be harder to plan long-term with a Money Market account, as the rates vary over time and the funds aren’t locked up for any particular term length. This makes calculating your investment results less clear.
With a certificate, the longer the term, the more likely you will receive a higher yield. This can be advantageous, should rates decrease as you are tied to a better rate. Of course, you won’t have immediate access to your funds for a longer period of time.
Money Market accounts are easier to access than certificates. Although, keep in mind that there are limits on the number of withdrawals you can make.
Both Money Market accounts and certificates are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250k.
With Money Market accounts the dividend rate is directly proportional to your deposit amount and not to maturity (as is the case with a certificate). That being said, Money Market accounts might make more sense to a larger depositor.

So which is right for me?

Each of these products have their benefits. However, if you’ve a higher cash balance but need quick access to your funds, a Money Market account might make more sense for you. On the other hand, if you don’t mind locking up your savings for a bit, then you may want to look into a certificate.

Clearly, we all have our own, unique financial situation. If you are looking into investing, it’s never a bad idea to get in touch with a financial advisor, or learn more on our website investment page.

Wauna Specialty Accounts: Certificate, Money Market, and IRA Accounts

A Career for Life

Wauna Credit Union’s Vision Statement is to be the financial institution that members choose first, use the most, and grow with throughout their lives. That’s an extremely important part of who we are, and how we make decisions. Everything we do is with a long-term outlook, even if it means giving a short-term loan to prevent long-term financial troubles.

There’s another philosophy that goes hand-in-hand with that, we also want to be an employer that people can grow with throughout their lives. Not only does it mean we can continue to serve our members by keeping our great employees, but we also provide opportunities for professional and career growth for those employees. Visiting the WCU Career page at waunafcu.org/about/careers will give you an idea of the type of jobs we have to offer.

Lidia Sanchez exemplifies the rewards of this philosophy. Lidia was a part-time Member Service Representative at the Safeway branch, and rejoined the credit union in 2016 as a Member Consultant in the Warrenton Branch after taking some time off when her son Asher was born. She quickly became part of the WCU community. When a position opened up in the Astoria Communication Center, Lidia took the leap and applied.

Lidia at desk — Helping our members always puts a smile on Lidia’s face

“It was hard to leave Warrenton,” said Lidia. “My coworkers and our regulars had become like family to me, but the position at the Communication Center was a great opportunity.”

“Lidia was always quick with a smile, and worked hard to deliver the service that our members expect at Wauna,” said her manager at Warrenton Loren, who herself has recently took on new responsibilities at the credit union. “We miss her, but we’re so glad to see her learn new skills and help even more of our members.”

Lidia quickly jumped in with both feet, learning the ropes and establishing herself as key member of the Communications Center team that helps members from all over the footprint. “In many ways working at the Communications Center is the same as working in a branch,” said Lidia. “We still have our regulars, but instead of seeing them face-to-face I get to talk to them on the phone. It’s fun to hear about the things that are going on in Clatskanie, St. Helens, Scappoose and Vernonia, in addition to the events going on out my front door in Astoria, Warrenton, and Long Beach.”

Lidia isn’t done moving up at the CU. We’re proud to announce that she is joining the Mortgage Team as a Real Estate Loan Processor, where she’ll assist members get a Strong Mortgage with WCU to buy their first home, build their dream home, or even help solidify their retirement by buying an investment property.

Asher getting a new account — Setting a good example for her son Asher helps Lidia stay focused.

Professional development isn’t important for Lidia just because of the increased job responsibilities, but the example it sets for Asher. “I want to show him what his mom can achieve by working hard,” said Lidia. “I look at the opportunities I can provide, and the example I can set for him, by showing him what he can achieve. Wauna has given me so many opportunities, and I look around and see so many more. I plan to be here a long time, and am so thankful I chose to apply two years ago.

If you’re interested in starting a career at Wauna there are many great openings right now.

July Statement Insert – Here and Now Certificate, Go Places With VISA, Summer is for Fun

JULY Statement Page 1

HERE and NOW CERTIFICATE
Our only mission is to provide opportunities for
our members to build their financial well-being.
July 2018 2.018%* APY
13-Month
$500 Min.
Enjoy “Here & Now” Rate! Reach your savings goals faster!
Now is the time to put your savings to work for you! Make the
most of what you have without the risk of stocks or other more volatile
investments. Enjoy our “Here & Now” Certificate Special, and turn up the
volume on that passive income.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. This special Certificate Account is for New Money only for a term of 13 months and offers an APY of 2.018%; the Dividend Rate is 2.00%. Deposits to this account may not originate from another Wauna Credit Union deposit account. Minimum deposit required to open this special
Certificate account and to obtain the published APY: $500.00. Deposits from other Wauna CU accounts may be accepted into the new Certificate Account once the New Money minimum deposit equals $10,000. Some fees could reduce earnings. This special 13-Month Certificate also available as an IRA. Early withdrawal penalty: We may impose a penalty if you withdraw any of the principle before the maturity date, or the renewal date if it is a renewal account. This special offer is available July 2, 2018, through July 31, 2018, and may be terminated
without notification. Membership with Wauna Credit Union required to be eligible for this special offer. Please contact Wauna Credit Union for membership eligibility details. All deposits up to $250,000 are insured by the National Credit Union Administration, and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

Wauna Credit Union
waunafcu.org l 800-773-3236
NMLS# 421867

JULY Statement Page 2

Summer Is For FUN & We Make Fun Affordable!

Wauna Credit Union offers affordable loans for RVs, boats, motorcycles and other fun & sun loving vehicles to make your days memorable.
Take that cross country RV trip with your family, motorcycle through the mountains, boat down the coast, or jet ski your local lake or river.
You can follow the fun, without breaking your budget. Stop delaying your adventure and apply today!
Apply 24/7 800-773-3236 waunafcu.org

60 Days No Payments on RVs, Boats, Motorcycles!

New/Used purchases qualify for 60-Days No Payments.
1% Cash Rebate AND 60-DaysNo Payments for Refinances
from elsewhere!
Promotional terms available July 9 – August 31, 2018.

*Special Promotion Terms: New & used RV-Recreational Vehicle (includes: motor home, trailer, boat, motorcycle, ATV, side-by-sides, watercraft) loans qualify for 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to accrue during the 60-Day period). Maximum Loan: $50,000. Qualifying loans refinanced from elsewhere to Wauna CU receive: 1. An immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the approved loan value [Note: the full amount of the promotional cash rebate remitted to member may be forfeit if less than 50% of the total funded loan balance remains in the account 120 days after the loan funding date]; and, 2. 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to accrue during the 60-day period). Minimum loan amount to qualify for special terms: $2,000; Maximum Loan: $50,000; maximum rebate allowed is $500 per loan. These special financing terms end at close of business August 31, 2018. Rates & financing are offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of the loan. Membership with Wauna CU required to qualify for this special offer.

Our 2018 Scholarship Winners
Wauna Credit Union is thrilled to announce our 2018 Scholarship recipients. This year, we had so many amazing applicants, we actually added more money to our scholarship fund! We gave $11,500 in support to our member student this year!

Congratulations to the following:
Hannah Mather, Astoria
Jordan Kenney, Clatskanie
Madeline Moravec, Clatskanie
Maisy Horness, Clatskanie
Chloe Davidson, Clatskanie
Autumn Crawford, Clatskanie
Alaina Schwartz, Clatskanie
Sierra Bechdoldt, Clatskanie
Jaden Miethe, Knappa
Megan Clark, Rainier
Nada Jones, Rainier
Kaitlyn Bakkensen, Scappoose
Madelynn Hall, Scappoose
Payton Wolf, Vernonia
Bethany Stockwell, Vernonia
Odessa Roberts, Vernonia
Rebekah Barnes, Vernonia
Grace Travis, Warrenton

Go Places With VISA
Be sure to take a Wauna Credit Union VISA Credit Card on your travels – safer than cash or Debit Cards & very affordable! We also offer loans for that dream vacation you’ve been wanting to take – the kids keep getting older.

Fee Schedule Page 1

Wauna Credit Union Fee Changes
Effective August 15, 2018
Cards
Card payment by phone
$15.00
per
transaction
Non-CO-OP ATM withdrawals
$2.50
per
withdrawal
Safe Deposit Boxes
3” x 5” Box
$35.00
annually
3” x 10” Box
$50.00
annually
5” x 10” Box
$60.00
annually
10” x 10”
$85.00
annually
SDB Late Fee
(<30 days)
$20.00
per month
Services
Account research/Balancing
$45.00
per hour (min 1 hour)
Carfax
$20.00
per item
Dormant Account (12 mo. inactivity)
$10.00
monthly
Legal Process Fee (Garnishment/Levy)
$125.00
per item
Line Of Credit over limit fee
$35.00
per item
Skip-A-Payment
$40.00
per skip
Stop Payment
$30.00
per item
Unclaimed
Property Notices
$15.00
per item
Undeliverable Mail Fee
$10.00
per item
Wires
Intl. Wire Research or Tracking
$45.00
per item
Business Accounts
Money Services Business Checking
– Cash Handling
Fee >$150k
$35.00
monthly
$15.00
per $25k increment
Line of Credit Renewal
$250.00
per item
Questions? Contact us at
800-773-3236 or waunafcu.org.
Find a full rate sheet at
waunafcu.org or at any branch.

Fee Schedule Page 2

WAUNA CREDIT UNION
MEMBERSHIP &
ACCOUNT AGREEMENT
Summary of Changes to Account
Agreement and Disclosures 2018
Revised Aug. 1, 2018
Funds Availability Policy
Section 1- General Policy
Added to end of section: Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs): When
the ITM is staffed, deposits are being made at a staffed facility. When
the ITM is not staffed, deposits are being made at an ATM. The funds
will be made available according to the General Policy.
Membership & Account Agreement
Section 8a. Endorsements
Added to end of paragraph: For mobile deposits, we may refuse
checks lacking a restrictive endorsement, such as “for mobile deposit
only”.
Section 26. Inactive Accounts
Deleted from first sentence: “your account falls below any minimum
balance”. Minimum balance is not needed along with inactivity for
specified period for account to be classified as inactive or dormant.
4th sentence was deleted: You authorize us to transfer funds from
another account of yours to cover any service fees, if applicable. To
the extent allowed by law, we reserve the right to transfer the account
funds to an account payable and to suspend any further account
statements.
Section 29. Termination of membership
Added to end of paragraph: A member who fails to complete
payment of one share within 3 months of admission to membership,
or within 3 months from the increase in the par value of shares or
a member who reduces the share balance below the par value of
one share, either through voluntary withdrawal of funds or through
involuntary assessment of fees and charges, and does not increase the
balance to at least the par value of one share within 3 months of the
reduction will be terminated from membership.
Electronic Funds Transfer
Section 1. EFT Services, b. Debit Card
Added to end of section: Card Information Updates and
Authorizations. If you have authorized a merchant to bill charges to
your card on a recurring basis, it is your responsibility to notify the
merchant in the event your card is replaced, your card information
(such as card number and expiration date) changes, or the account
associated with your card is closed. However, if your card is replaced
or card information changes, you authorize us, without obligation on
our part, to provide the updated card information to the merchant in
order to permit the merchant to bill recurring charges to the card. You
authorize us to apply such recurring charges to the card until you notify
us that you have revoked authorization for the charges to your card.
Your card is automatically enrolled in an information updating service.
Through this service, your updated card information (such as card
number and expiration date) may be shared with participating
merchants to facilitate continued recurring charges. Updates are not
guaranteed before your next payment to a merchant is due. You are
responsible for making direct payment until recurring charges resume.
To revoke your authorization allowing us to provide updated card
information to a merchant, please contact us.

Introducing Our New Podcast Wauna Talk

At Wauna Credit Union our mission is to provide opportunities for our members to build their financial well-being. That doesn’t just mean offering the best products with great rates, or offering the latest in technological innovations for our members. It also means educating people on how to manage, and grow, their finances, as well as providing tips on financial best practices.

That’s why we’re so excited to introduce the first episode of our podcast, Wauna Talk. Wauna Talk aims to provide a quick look at financial matters that affect members.

In the first edition Josh Rein (hey that’s me!) and Michael Murdoch discuss the new U-Banking platform. Take a listen, and don’t worry we’ll keep improving that audio quality.

June 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). Those who are into astrology say that people born in June are friendly, conscientious, full of great ideas, and always trying to do their best. We’re not sure if that is supposed to hold true for the people who celebrate Anniversaries in June as well, but we think so.

Jeannie Byrum – 2 years
What is your current position?
I’m an MC in the Clatskanie Branch. I grew up here, so it’s really rewarding to help my friends and neighbors, whether it’s something small like cashing a check, or something big like helping them get started buying a car, house, or starting a business. Jeannie being fancy and her fiance

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
Well right now I’m planning a wedding, so maybe being a wedding planner like J. Lo! Really though, I love doing things like floating down the Deschutes, hiking and camping. I’d make a great explorer.

Hugo Potts – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am a Lending Support Specialist, I assist our internal members with any questions they may have about vehicle, Personal, or Lifestyle loans. I also, help our mortgage department.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
At Wauna we participate in a program called The Member Advantage. It’s our approach to service that ensures we are listening to our members to learn what financial products will help them realize their financial dreams. These guidelines to listening well are tactics I use not only at work, but in my personal life too.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I would travel more and see the world! The first place I would visit is Japan.

Autumn Crawford – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am the intern for the operations team, I make sure that the mail gets done and help people in operations with whatever they need. I have been able to meet with all of the different areas(IT, accounting, HR, Lending, MC’s) in the company over the past year and I have learned so much about what each area of the bank does.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
This is my first job and I also did my senior project here, so what haven’t I learned. I think the biggest thing that I learned is teamwork. Everybody works together to get things done, nobody is ever too busy to answer a question you have or help someone else out.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
This isn’t really a “new hobby” because I took lessons as a kid but if I had the time I would love to start playing piano again. To me music is really relaxing and I feel that out of the many instruments that I used to play piano is my favorite.

Others

Monica Lauber – 14 Years
Jacob Humphries – 4 Years
kerbie Belknap – 2 Years
Caleb Yankus– 1 Year

May Anniversaries

And if you haven’t had a chance to read about Debi Smiley, who has been with the credit union for 30 years. Read that post here.

Laura Wells – 6 years
What is your current position?
I’m an Accountant.. Much of my job is to review and balance the activity that our members and employees did the day before. I also monitor Wauna’s own corporate account daily to ensure we always have sufficient cash on hand. The credit union recently acquired a couple of ITMs (Interactive Teller Machines) that were installed in our Long Beach and Clatskanie branches. This new technology is innovative and exciting, but the balancing side of them is quite different from our normal ATMs, so figuring out all their quirks and the best ways to balance their GLs was one of the big projects I spent time working on over the past year.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me a lot about teamwork. The credit union isn’t just comprised of a bunch of different departments and branches who never talk to each other, and in order for things to run smoothly and efficiently, everybody works together to make that happen! Laura Up high

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I had all the time in the world I can think of a lot of things I’d like to get into or pick back up, but with the weather turning beautiful again one thing I would love to get into gardening…without killing everything I touch!

Elizabeth Ziegler – 1 year
What is your current position?
I am a Member Consultant in the Scappoose Branch. My job is to assist members in every aspect of their banking like applying for loans, completing every day account transactions, setting up their online banking, and in general making sure everybody is have a great time being a WCU member! Elizabeth helping a member

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working at Wauna has taught me to be diligent and a good communicator. Good communication is so important to how we relate to one another.

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
If I could choose one new hobby I would be a professional traveler. I’d love to explore the world. My goal would be to visit a new country every month. I’ve been to over 15 different countries so far.

Others

Loren Ames – 9 Years
Jennifer Clark – 2 Years
Devyn Osborne – 1 Year
Ashlee Gilbertson – 1 Year

Free Financial Education Webinars

Whether it’s helping you save for a house, make sure you have money for retirement, or just assisting in helping you meet your daily needs, Wauna Credit Union is here to serve our members, and ensure your financial well-being. One of the ways we do this is through financial education.

We have teamed with BALANCE Financial Education to offer our members six free webinars on a variety of topics to help you realize your dreams. Even if you can’t attend one of the free webinars, we have many financial education resources on our website, including;

BALANCE Education for adults

Elements of Money for teenagers

M3 Money Club for younger kids

JUNE — BASICS OF PERSONAL FINANCE
From managing daily expenses to investing for retirement, this webinar helps participants set personal finance goals, learn the basics of smart money management, and build a solid financial foundation for the future

Session 1: Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/730424653146013955

Session 2: Thursday, June 14, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/730424653146013955

JULY — USING CREDIT CARDS WISELY
A credit card can be a valuable financial tool. However, before racking up big charges on multiple cards, participants should learn smart ways to handle their credit cards and take a disciplined approach.

Session 1: Tuesday, July 10, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/9063245048060404227

Session 2: Thursday, July 19, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/9063245048060404227

AUGUST — DRIVE AWAY HAPPY: CAR-BUYING DECISIONS
Getting a car can be overwhelming and stressful with all the decisions to make: new or used; buy or lease; zero percent financing or rebate (not to mention what color to pick). Participants will learn tips and tricks to have the best car shopping experience possible, while also making wise financing decisions.

Session 1: Tuesday, August 7, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3263578497262937603

Session 2: Thursday, August 16, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (PST)
Sign Up: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/3263578497262937603