May Anniversaries

Working at WCU is a privileged all of us take seriously. It’s great to come in and help out the community and make a difference – while still remembering to have fun. This month we’re recognizing our anniversary celebrants a little differently. Each person shared one question

What is something the credit union does that makes you proud to say you work here?

Debi Smiley – 32 Years

I heard a story today where we were able to assist with a single mom’s financial well-being by reviewing her current mortgage loan and found we could refinance it.  Doing such we were able to reduce the rate and the payment by $400 a month.  This is a big monthly savings.  It is the people helping people that fits my core beliefs.  That is the ‘purpose’ of credit unions.

I give back to the community whenever I can.  It is important to me.  If the community thrives, we all thrive which leads to a better quality of life. 

Loren Ames – 11 Years

They promote from within and invest in their people. I have held about five positions in my 11 years of working for Wauna. With each position I was given support and an opportunity to direct my own career path.

Devyn Osborne – 3 Years

What makes me proud to work at Wauna is that it’s one big family. Across the organization, everybody pitches in to help each other serve our member-owners, and help out our communities.

Kat McFarland – 1 Year

I am proud to work for a company that prides itself on being there for people, realizing that they are not just a number or dollar in our pocket, but real live individuals, such as ourselves who have faults and need help.

Enter Phase 1 – Now Phase 2

With our counties now entering Phase 2, we are relaxing some of the restrictions, most notably we request that everybody entering the branch wear masks, but if your personal situation means you cannot do that, it will not prevent you from entering the branch.

With Oregon Governor Kate Brown’s decision to allow parts of the state to enter Phase 1 of the COVID-19 recovery, effective Monday, May 18, we are happy to reopen all our lobbies and welcome back our favorite people, our member owners.

We’re excited to enter a new, new normal. We’re taking precautions to keep you and our employees safe, and there are still some limitations to follow the guidelines set by the state, but rest assured, we’re doing this the WCU way, which means the first thing you’ll notice is an employee at the door to greet you.

Branch Access

Members will no longer need to schedule an appointment to enter the lobby. The Governor’s order puts certain restrictions in place. During Phase 1, the number of members allowed in the branch is limited. In addition, everybody who enters the branch, including employees, will be required to wear an approved mask. Exceptions will be made for those medically unable or under the age of 2.

  • The number of members allowed in branch at one time follows:
    • Clatskanie: 4 members (maximum in lobby area is 3)
    • Scappoose: 4 members (maximum in lobby area is 3)
    • St. Helens: 5 members (maximum in lobby area is 4)
    • Warrenton: 5 members (maximum in lobby area is 4)
    • Astoria: 5 members (maximum in lobby area is 4)
    • Forest Grove: 5 members (maximum in lobby area is 4)
    • Safeway: 4 members (maximum in lobby area is 4)
    • Vernonia: 4 members (maximum in lobby area is 3)
  • Members and guests will social distance by following directional markings
    • Where to enter, exit and stand in lines
    • Where to stand while being helped on the teller line
  • Members and guests will wear masks while visiting our branches; masks will be provided to those who do not have one
    • Exceptions: medically unable or under age 2
  • Portable plexiglass barriers will be used when members or guests are visiting an employee in an office setting or at a desk
  • Public areas will regularly be wiped down with disinfectant wipes

Employee Percautions

To help prevent infection, all credit union employees will have their temperature taken prior to reporting for work each day. In addition, the credit union will prevent congregation, and stagger working hours to increase social distance.

Alert: Unemployment Fraud

The NW Credit Union Association has alerted us to a significant increase in unemployment fraud hitting or footprint. Please be aware if you, your friends, or family are asked for your account information and then see a deposit from a state unemployment division. Scammers are using this new method to conduct fake check scams https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-fake-check-scams

Washington state law enforcement has recently reported investigating a widespread fraud campaign in which victims’ identities are being used to file false unemployment claims. While similar reports have not be issued for Idaho and Oregon, other states across the country are reporting the latest in fraud trends. Victims, who have not filed unemployment claims, have received notification from their employer’s Human Resources department, or the State Employment Securities Department, indicating an unemployment claim has been filed on their behalf.

The Seattle Police Department’s cyber-crime investigators have recommended the following steps for anyone who knows, or believes, they are a victim of unemployment fraud. Credit unions may wish to share this information with their members who may be potential victims of this fraud.

Steps to Protect Your Financial Identity & Credit History

  • Step One – Contact Human Resources
    • Contact your organization’s HR staff to coordinate and report the incident to your employer.
  • Step Two – Contact Your State’s ESD
    • Call the State Employment Security Department (ESD) (Idaho: 877-540-8638 or Fraud@labor.idaho.gov; Oregon: 877-668-3204; Washington: 800-246-9763 to report the fraud or contact the ESD via an online form: https://fortress.wa.gov/esd/webform/ContactUS/)
    • You will need the following information for identity verification:
      • Last 4 of your SSN
      • Date of birth, address
      • Current phone number
      • Information on how you learned a claim was filed on your behalf
  • Step Three – Police Report
    • File an online or non-emergency report with the agency whose jurisdiction you live in.
    • Start keeping a file folder or journal with the information from this incident, including any case numbers. Some government services and accommodations are available to victims of identity theft that are not available to the general public, such as getting certain public records sealed.
  • Step Four – The Three Major Credit Bureaus
    • Obtain your free credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228
    • Report to the credit bureaus that the fraudulent claim was made using your identity and provide them with the case number from your police report. You can have a fraud alert put on your identity or freeze your credit. Doing either is free by law.
      • A fraud alert is free and will make it harder for someone to open new accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert, contact one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.
      • Experian: 1-888-397-3742
      • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
      • Equifax: 1-888-766-0008
    • Check your credit activity at least once a year. As a victim of identity-theft you have the right to check it monthly if you choose.
    • Credit Freeze – If you do not have upcoming large purchases, such as a home, you may want to freeze your credit for more protection. It is free and you can do it yourself. More information about freezing your credit can be found here.
  • Step Five – FTC & IRS
    • File a short report with the FTC and give them the case number for your local police report. The FTC offers more information here.
    • Consider setting up an IRS account. If you create an account with your social security number, it will prevent criminals from creating an account using your identity.
    • Another option is to lock your social security number, which can be done here. (The next wave of this cyber-attack may be IRS tax fraud.)
    • All of this reporting seems redundant, but we want to make sure you are recognized as a victim by the local, state, and federal government. Also, the more people who report it, the more support law enforcement agents will receive to pursue the perpetrators.
  • Step Six – Keep Your Notes
    • Hang on to any notes, copies of emails, etc regarding the issue. This is the paper trail that you can reference if you face any identity issues or locate inaccuracies on your credit history sometime in the future.

Protecting Your Data and Identity
You are done dealing with the fallout from this unemployment fraud incident, but may choose to further protect yourself from cyber-crime. Below are some steps and resources that the cyber-crime detectives recommend for anyone wanting additional protections for themselves and their families.

  • Control Your Own Information

April Statement Insert

The credit union philosophy is “People Helping People” – we live and breathe this philosophy, and are working
diligently to provide a full portfolio of products and services to assist during times of hardship or other interferences as
circumstances unfold. If you are worried about your finances or simply want to discuss possibilities, please contact us right away to review options. We have also made the decision to extend a variety of low-cost borrowing options, which may help contribute to your ability to cope and maintain the necessities of life for you and your families during times of need,
including our EZ$ Loan (up to $1,100), EZ$ Premium Loan (up to $2,600), and our Home Equity Line of Credit options. Above all, please contact us if you need help.
Robert Blumberg
CEO and President
Wauna Credit Union
24/7 Lending
waunafcu.org
800-773-3236
Federally insured by the NCUA
NMLS 421867

Letter from Robert

WaunaCU Now
Video Chat with A Member Consultant Live
Available Regular Business Hours Mon – Sat
WaunaCU Now lets you video chat with a local branch Member
Consultant directly from waunafcu.org/waunacu-now.shtml, or from the WaunaCU Now apps available from the Apple or Android app stores.
Because we want to keep the friendly face-to-face experience our members have come to expect, WaunaCU Now is staffed by our in-branch Member Consultants and Mortgage Team members. Don’t be surprised to see a familiar face on the screen.
WaunCU Now is available during regular business hours.
Mon-Thur 9 am – 5:30 pm
Fri 9 am – 6 pm
Sat 9 am -3 pm

Individual Needs Welcome

Cascade Crest Insurance
We’re here for you
Yes We’re Open
And ready to help you in any way we can. We’re working remotely, but it’s business as usual.
www.cascadecrestinsurance.com
503-728-4391

Protecting Your Credit During COVID-19

As the coronavirus outbreak continues to evolve, your credit might be the last thing on your mind. During emergencies, however, you should know the state of your finances and keep credit on your radar.

Normally, your credit report is available every 12 months from all three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. Given the vast number of consumers’ financial health being impacted by the current economic conditions, online access to your report is now available on a weekly basis. Visit annualcreditreport.com and follow the prompts.

There are four main ways you can acquire your score, including checking your credit card or other loan statements, talking to a non-profit certified credit counselor, using a credit score service (be sure you know what you are signing up for and how much it really costs!), or buying a score directly from one of the three credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax.

There are additional ways you can be proactive with your credit. Follow these steps to help keep your credit on solid footing.

  1. Pay your bills on time, if you can.
    Even if it gets difficult, try to make at least the minimum payment by their due date. Late payments negatively affect your credit score.
  2. Contact your creditors and service providers.
    If you get to a point where you can’t pay all your bills, contact your creditors and any service providers such as utilities, phone company, etc.
  3. Check your credit regularly.
    Now is a critical time to make sure your credit reports are accurate. If you identify potential fraud, you can respond before it damages your credit.
  4. Be extra protective of your identity.
    Unfortunately, during times of crisis, scams and identity theft are at an all-time high. Protecting your personal information is essential. You can place a free security freeze on your credit files which prevents people from accessing your personal information and using your name to apply for credit.
  5. Get financial assistance, if needed.
    Certified credit counselors can offer advice on how to repay your debts in a manageable way.
  6. Dispute inaccurate information.
    If you find inaccurate information when reviewing your credit report, you can file a dispute with each credit bureau. Each bureau has an online dispute center, which is the quickest way to file a dispute.

How to Order Your Credit Report
Don’t contact the credit reporting agencies individually. The free reports are available only through annualcreditreport.com and 1-877-322-8228.

You’ll need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth. If you’ve moved in the last two years, you may need to provide your previous address. For security purposes and to verify your identity, you may be asked for information only you would know, like your monthly mortgage payment.

Beware of “Imposter” Websites
The only website authorized to fill orders for the free annual credit report you are legally entitled to is annualcreditreport.com. Other sites that claim to offer “free credit report” or “free credit monitoring” aren’t part of the legally mandated free annual credit report program and in some cases have strings attached to the “free” product being advertised.

Report Scams
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) works for you–the consumer–to prevent fraud and unfair business practices in the marketplace. If you think you’ve been the victim of a scam, you can file a complaint with the FTC (ftc.gov/complaint) and/or the Attorney General of your state.

No matter what, alongside your physical health, the state of your financial health and wellness should be a top priority. Of course, you can always visit waunafcu.org for more information or to meet directly with a member of our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Easing Children’s Anxiety During COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every corner of the globe and all areas of our lives. It has changed the way we do things in ways most of us never would have imagined. Schools, businesses, sports events, concerts, and movie theaters are closed or operating remotely. It’s not surprising that most of us are feeling stressed and anxious, and our kids, too, are feeling the effects–especially children with an existing anxiety disorder.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help kids cope during this stressful time. Children take their cues from the adults who care for them. If you are displaying outward signs of stress and anxiety, it will be hard to calm your kids and soothe their fears. Experts say that dealing with your own anxiety can be the most powerful way to make sure your kids feel secure.

Here are a few steps you can take to ease the anxiety of COVID-19 for you and your family.

Establish a routine.
Kids need routine. As much as they like to push against it, they actually thrive when a regular schedule is in place. Whatever your new “normal” looks like, structure their day so it involves exercise, regular meals, and a healthy amount of sleep–especially for the teens in your household. It will help regulate your family’s moods and worries.

Stay connected.
To keep kids from feeling alone, use technology to help them stay connected with friends and family. Let them talk with their friends on the phone. Schedule virtual playdates with their school mates and friends. Let them play a game or eat together.

This holds true for the adults in the home as well. Coordinate virtual meetups and dinner parties with business groups, friends, or family regularly. Social distancing is meant to keep us healthy. Don’t let it keep you away from your social support networks.

Get the facts.
Be smart about what you are reading. It’s easy to get pulled into looking at or clicking on every update as it is reported, so consider limiting the number of articles you read or for how long you read about the coronavirus each day. If consuming content about the pandemic causes you to become anxious, take a break. Staying informed is one thing but being overexposed is another.

Stay calm by focusing on mindfulness.
Remind yourself that your family is doing its part to minimize the spread of the virus by practicing social distancing and keeping your hands and your home clean. While it’s sensible to prepare for the future, it’s even more important to make sure you’re dealing with things in the present moment.

If you find yourself getting carried away with the “what ifs,” try practicing mindfulness, which is a tool that will help your family stay grounded and calm in the present moment. Take time to focus on the present. Be intentional and thoughtful about where you are and how you are feeling. Sounds simple, but it takes work, especially now when concerns about what the future holds feel so heavy.

Some mindfulness activities you can do with your kids include:

●Belly Breathing: Put one hand on your stomach and one hand on
your chest. Slowly breathe in from your stomach (expand like a balloon) and slowly breathe out, letting your belly deflate.
●Mindful Meal: Pay attention to the smell, taste, and look of your food. Don’t work or watch television while you eat. Focus on chewing your food and think about all of the effort it took to get that meal on your plate. Consider where food comes from vs. thinking food is an end product.
●Squeeze Muscles: Start with your toes and pick one muscle group to squeeze. Count to five and release. Notice how your body changes. Repeat this exercise moving up your body.
●Meditation: Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders (and it will wander!), bring your attention back to your breath.
●Blowing Bubbles: Notice their shapes, textures and colors.
●Coloring: Find something to color and focus on the colors & designs.
●Listening to Music: Focus on the lyrics of a song or listen specifically to the voice or an instrument.

What to do if you need help

The health and safety impact of the COVID-19 outbreak can not be understated, but neither can the economic impact. Last week Oregon and Washington reported record new unemployment claims, and our footprint has been affected. If you run into trouble paying bills or loans, or paying on time, there may be a number of options to help, especially if you reach out to us, as well as your other creditors. Even though our branch lobbies have temporary restricted lobbies, you can still talk to us face-to-face through our video teller units and WaunaCU Now. More information about how to reach us can be found on our COVID-19 resource page.

Reach out!

This is the most important step at all. We’re always here to help, and right now companies are doing everything they can to lessen the impact of the financial hardships many people are facing. Being behind on your payments can have a lasting impact on your credit but making your lender aware of your situation may not only provide peace of mind, it can also help you create a plan.

WCU, Credit card companies, and other lenders may be able to offer you a number of options to help you. This could include waiving certain fees like Overdraft, ATM, and late fees, as well as allowing you to delay, adjust, or skip some payments.

When contacting your lenders, be prepared to explain:

  • Your situation
  • How much you can afford to pay
  • When you’re likely to be able to restart regular payments
  • In the case of mortgages, be prepared to discuss your income, expenses and assets


Also, if you have student loans, you may qualify for a delayed or reduced payment program. Just remember, even though you don’t need to make payments now, interest will continue to accrue, and you will have to make up these amounts eventually. Contact your student loan servicer to find out more about your options.

Help is on the way

The federal government just passed its emergency stimulus package that provides a wealth of resources for almost every American. The $1,200 payment to each tax payer (or at least those who make under $75,000), and $500 credit for each dependent child are getting the headlines, but there are many more benefits to individuals and small businesses.

The Oregon Health Authority and benefitscheckup.org are amazing resources, that not only are a repository of COVID-19 stimulus items, but provide links to regular government programs as well.

March Statement Insert

A note from Wauna Credit Union. This statement insert was sent to printers in early March, before the current COVID-19 pandemic, and resulting economic impact. The images, and copy in this month’s statement reflect a very different world than we are in today. Our programs, offerings, and incentives mentioned below, are still there to help you, our member owners.

Page 1 insert text below

Rebates for Every Individual
1%* cash back 60  days no payments
When you move your vehicle, watercraft, off-road, or unsecured loans to us.
*Special Promotional Terms: Upon loan approval, current and new Wauna CU members who refinance a qualifying loan currently financed elsewhere to Wauna Credit Union become eligible to receive: 1. Immediate Cash Rebate equal to 1% of the  approved loan value;  2. 60-Days No Payments (interest will continue to  accrue during the 60-day period); and, 3. Wauna CU will pay the vehicle title transfer fee up to $100 (member is responsible to pay any additional amount) . Qualifying Loans: Auto, Truck, SUV, Van, Motor home, trailer, boat, watercraft, motorcycles, side-by-sides, quads, and unsecured loans such as home furnishings, tuition, personal loans, etc. Minimum loan amount to qualify for special terms:  $2,000; Maximum rebate allowed is $500 per qualifying loan. These special, promotional financing terms end at close  of business April 30, 2020. Rates & financing are offered based on applicant’s credit worthiness and term of the loan. Note : the promotional cash rebate paid to a member may be forfeit if the loan balance is paid in full within 180-days of the loan funding date. Membership with Wauna CU required to be eligible for this special offer.

WE SAY YES
HOME EQUITY LINES OF CREDIT
1.99% APR* INTRO RATE FOR 6 MONTHS THEN EQUAL TO PRIME CURRENTLY 3.25% **PLUS 0 – 8%
BORROW UP TO 100% OF YOUR HOME’S VALUE
NO LOAN ORIGINATION COSTS

  • APR: Variable Annual Percentage Rate. This Promotional financing applies to new HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) accounts opened between February 1 and July 31, 2020. No closing costs except appraisal if required. Estimated appraisal cost: $745. Your interest rate and credit limit will be determined based on individual credit worthiness. An early closure fee (Title, Recording, Flood Determination; Total is approximately $250) is applied if the loan is closed within the first 36 months. A $35 annual fee will be waived if the Total Finance Charges paid during the previous 12 months is equal to or exceeds $35. The APR includes interest only and no other costs, and could change at any time. Variable Rate is equal to the Prime Rate index (currently 4.25°l APRas of March 5, 2020) as published in the Wall Street Journal and is subject to change. To determine the APR which will apply to your account, an interest rate margin (currently 0% APR – 8% APR) will be added to the current Prime Rate Index. In no event will the regular APR be less than the Prime Rate Index or more than18% APR or applicable state law. The 1.99% Promotional APR is available for 6 months after the loan is funded. At the beginning of the 7th month, your regular rate will be applied. Minimum monthly payment may change as a result of interest rate changes. Home Equity loans may qualify for tax deductible interest. Consult with your tax advisor for details. This promotional Home Equity Line of Credit enables qualified borrowers to finance up to 100% of their home value. There are no Loan Origination Costs. Some restrictions apply. Membership with Wauna Credit Union is required for a HELOC to be funded. Visit waunafcu.org for member eligibility details. This special offer ends July 31, 2020.
Page 2 insert text below

Credit Union Youth Month
Individuals Welcome
Awesome Prizes! Magical Fun!
Open or deposit money into a youth account.
Youth members could win up to $200* or an Amazon Fire Tablet!*
Adopt-A-Teacher: Visit our website to nominate your favorite teacher. The teacher with the most votes wins $500!
*This promotion is limited to youth age 17 or younger who establish a new, personal membership Jump Start Club account during April 1-30, 2020. Wauna Credit  Union will deposit the initial $5 to qualifying members’ new account. Visit waunafcu.org for  membership eligibility  and promotional  prize details. To become eligible for the prize drawings, a minimum $5 deposit must be made to qualifying new youth member’s account before close of business Friday, April 30, 2020.  Winning entries will be determined by random drawing Monday, May 11th. Odds to win a prize: Approximately 1 in 150. No purchase is required. Prize values: 1 (one) Kid’s Fire Tablet @ $59 .99 (age eligibility : 0-10) ; 1 (one) Fire Tablet @ $ 59 .99 (age eligibility: 10-17) ; and, 1 (one) $100 deposited to recipient’s account (age eligibility: 0-17). Recipients will be contacted by the Credit Union. Scavenger Hunt prize value: $20; No entry required. Limited to any current member age 17 or younger. Available at all branches except Astoria Safeway and Long Beach. Wauna Credit Union, 101 Truehaak Street SE, Clatskanie OR 97016 .

You’re taking it easy
We’re making it easy. Our agency will personally tailor affordable coverage solutions for you and your family. Service that’s totally personal, so you can sit back and take it easy.
www.cascadecrestinsurance.com (503) 728-4291

INDIVIDUAL GRADUATES WELCOME!
Apply for our Student Scholarships! Deadline is April 15th
Apply at: waunafcu.org

Stay Safe Against Financial Fraud

An unfortunate reality of the world is that even though most of us are pulling together and helping each-other in this time of need, there are a few bad actors out there who see the current pandemic as an opportunity to make money.

Scammers have always followed the news. Now more than ever is the time to safeguard your information.

  • Be extra vigilant when clicking on links, or going to websites, about the Cononavirus.
  • Wauna Credit Union will only contact you via email from an address that ends with @waunafcu.org
  • If you get a call, text or email from us and you aren’t sure, simply call back a number you know is the credit union
    • That will usually be our 800-773-3236 number, but we currently have enabled direct branch calling as well
    • All information can be found at https://waunafcu.org/covid-19.shtml
    • Fraudsters can trick you into thinking the number is from our 800 number, so never give out any identifying information about your account including transaction details with anything more than a yes or no answer
  • We will never ask you over the phone for your PIN, CV2 codes or Expiration Dates.

March Anniversaries

With everything going on right now, it’s even more important to acknowledge our employees. Today we give thanks to our March Anniversary celebrants.

Michael Swanson – 2 Years

What is your current position?
I am a Lending Support Specialist. I work behind the scenes to do whatever is needed to support our loan officers so that they can serve you. I help manage our lending computer systems, work on projects to roll out new loan products, and I am always working to make borrowing from Wauna a simpler, smoother process.

What is something that working at WCU has taught you?
Working in this role, I have learned the value of being persistent when I have an idea or solution that I am passionate about. Similarly, I have learned to trust my colleagues when they have an idea that they feel passionately about. Passion for our members is what the job is all about, after all!

If you could choose one new hobby what would it be?
I recently took up photography as a hobby, but haven’t had much opportunity to get out and take pictures yet, since we are just coming out of the winter. So I would choose to put more time into that, for sure!