SCCU News
October 2016 
Retirement Fair - November 5th at LSSU

Join us for a Retirement Fair on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at the War Memorial Hospital "Fall into Health" Fair located at the LSSU Cisler Center. This interactive workshop is free to the community, credit union membership is not required. 

Get on the right track with your Retirement! Regardless of your age, our interactive workshop will help you create a solid financial plan to achieve your retirement goals. 
  • See what your retirement lifestyle could look like
  • Assess how much money you should save to enjoy that lifestyle
  • Take home tips for creating your own Retirement saving plan
  • Discover why saving early is so beneficial for your future
  • Find out how to get on track regardless of your age

Click here to learn more about the Retirement Fair!


SCCU Shares the Love for Hospice of the EUP
We've entered a video into the second annual Love My Credit Union® Campaign and we need your votes to win money for Hospice of the EUP.
 
The Love My Credit Union® Campaign is a nationwide video contest that highlights local community involvement by the credit union industry nationwide. The videos that receive the most votes will win a donation to their charity of choice.
 
If we win, Hospice of the EUP will be awarded a donation of up to $21,000. Plus, you could win $1,000 - $500 for yourself and $500 for your charity of choice - just for voting. Everyone wins!

You can vote once each day, so the more times you vote, the greater chance to win! Voting is open NOW through December 16, 2016.

Vote Daily at VoteLoveMyCU.org/SCCU

Visa Checkout 
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Pay online the easier way with Visa Checkout and your Soo Co-op Credit union Visa card.
Say hello to a simple, speedy and safe new way to get through online checkout.
Planning for the Holidays
The holidays always seem to be just around the corner. It won't be long before families are exchanging presents. Holidays and gifts can take a big bite out of your budget so planning ahead will help keep your budget under control.

It is important not to get caught up in the last minute emotion of the season and spend more than you planned. Holiday overspending ruins many festive occasions and can result in long repayment schedules.

Don't have a holiday credit hangover! Remember, credit obligations (excluding home mortgages and utilities) should not exceed 15-20 percent of your take-home pay each month.

The following are suggestions to help relieve holiday stress:
  • Shop early for gifts. This allows you to take advantage of sales, specials and bargains. Don't over buy or forget you have already shopped for someone.
  • Make your own gifts. Use skills you have to sew, bake, paint or make crafts.
  • Don't be a "One gift for you...one gift for me" shopper! And don't be tempted to give your gifts early lest you buy more!
  • Use layaway plans if possible. Most allow you to pay at a rate you can afford either weekly or monthly.
  • If you have a large family, consider drawing names to exchange gifts.
  • Shop your local craft fairs and shows for specialty items - you'll find some great ideas. Sometimes you can bargain with the vendor.
  • Family members would appreciate an IOU to mow the lawn or wash the car in the spring.
  • If you plan to fill stockings or bags for the children, try putting a few pieces of fruit (apples & oranges) in the bottom first. Also, coloring books and scratch pads make great inexpensive fillers.
  • Know your merchants' return policies before buying.

Don't forget to plan ahead for expenses such as holiday decorations, special candies, baking supplies (especially if baking for gifts), increased utility bills, food consumption and wrapping paper. These expenses are rarely considered and can really add up fast.

 

Shopping Safety
Keep your eye out for theft and fraud at this time of year. Follow these simple rules.
  • Keep a list of all credit and charge card account numbers, with company phone numbers, in a safe place, not with you.
  • After a purchase, destroy all credit card slips carbons (or incorrect receipts you have corrected).
  • Never sign a blank receipt.
  • Keep your charge/credit card in view at all times when using it for a purchase.
  • Always notify the creditor immediately if there is an error on your billing statement.
  • Know the mail order company before ordering and giving your credit card number over the telephone.

Need help with a holiday budget? As a member of Soo Co-op Credit Union, you can take advantage of the GreenPath Financial Wellness program, a free financial education and counseling program. GreenPath counselors are available Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (EST), Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To use this new service, simply call 1-877-337-3399 or visit them on the web at www.greenpathref.com.

Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members.  Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.
10004209-1013  © 2013 CUNA Mutual Group
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536 Bingham Ave.
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783