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May 2017 - In This Issue:
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Sandra recently purchased her first home with a loan from JM Associates mortgage products partner, Capital Mortgage Funding. The process went so well, she wrote the following letter to John Teweles, Director, Institutional Lending at Capital Mortgage Funding:
John,
I want to express my gratitude to you for being so accessible, for your patience, flexibility and for ALL your assistance throughout the process of buying my first home!
Everyone had told me how stressful it is to buy a house, however this is not my opinion because of you! You have made everything so much easier and I appreciate that a lot!
You have done a tremendous job!! THANK YOU!
--- Sandra
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Did you know that you can access the JMAFCU website through your JMAFCU mobile app? Just click the floating tree at the bottom of your app to go directly to our website.
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5 iPhone Tips You Can't Do Without
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With more than 101 million users in the United States alone, the iPhone® is
one of the most popular
smartphones on the market. But for all these users, few people are really making the most of this powerful piece of pocket tech. We've compiled five of the best tips, tricks and hacks that can help you unlock your iPhone's true potential.
Shake to undo
Typing error? Just shake the phone to access the Undo menu. (Just make sure you hold your phone nice and tight.)
Use Night Shift
Burning the midnight oil? Access Night Shift from the Display and Brightness settings menu to automatically dim the white tones displayed by your screen, and take the strain off your weary eyes.
Listen to texts
Perfect for when you're on the go. Head to Settings > General > Accessibility > Speech > Speak Selection (it should be set to off, currently). Slide the toggle to on. You can also adjust the rate of speech (slower or faster). When you get a text, select tap/it and choose "speak."
Manage which apps use data
Head to Settings > Cellular to set which apps are allowed to use up your cellular data and which can only update over Wi-Fi.
Charge your phone faster
Need to get back in the action quick? Switch on airplane mode and your iPhone will charge a lot faster.
Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to making even better use of your iPhone.
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Are YOU a credit union member? You could get a $100 cash reward for FREE just for switching to Sprint
®. AND get another $50 for every line you transfer. Already a Sprint customer? Receive an annual $50 loyalty cash reward for every line. It's our best cash rewards EVER! And one more reason why it's great to be a credit union member.
Sign up for Sprint Credit Union Member Cash Rewards now:
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Credit Union Membership:
Great for You and Your Friends and Family Members Too!
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Credit unions are an important part of our community. The members of your credit union are your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. They care enough about where they live to invest their money locally by keeping savings accounts and their other banking matters "in the family." The strength and stability of a credit union comes from its members. The more members a credit union has, the more value it can provide to the membership as a whole - especially when the members do all or most of their banking with the cooperative that they collectively own. As a credit union grows, it can offer better services at more competitive rates and with fewer or lower fees. That's the power of community support.
To keep up in a crowded marketplace, credit unions need to grow. Corporate financial institutions do this by selling stock in their company. But they are less accountable to their customers and more accountable to investors and paid boards of directors who probably live far away from the institution's community. The constant drive to appease shareholders often propels the bank's leadership to make decisions that may be immediately advantageous, but highly detrimental for the long term. Contrast this with credit unions, which are wholly owned by their members, who receive their shares of the revenue that is generated through better rates, lower fees, investments in technology and more. But a credit union needs to attract new members to continue the growth that makes all that possible.
When the credit union grows, the whole community benefits from that growth as well. We're always looking to offer more and better services to our members. We want to continue to be the financial institution of choice for the associates and immediate family members of JM Family Enterprises, Inc.
As a member, you know the benefits of doing business with the credit union.
That's why we offer you $25 for every person you refer who sets up a checking account at the credit union. Our Refer-a-Member program couldn't be simpler. You send your fellow associate or immediate family member to the credit union in person or online. Your friends who open a free checking account will enjoy free online banking, low cost bill pay, a free debit card and all the other perks of our checking accounts with direct deposit or minimum deposit of $100. The first business day after they open that account, we'll deposit $25 in your account. Your fellow JMFE associates and family members will thank you every time they experience the exceptional service we're known for. You'll thank yourself when you receive your $25 refer-a-member reward.
Start spreading the word today!
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Top 10 Do's and Don'ts for Personal Loans
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1. Do use it to consolidate debt. Put all high-interest credit card debt and payday loans into one loan with a fixed rate, a fixed monthly payment and a closed-end term. You'll save money and make debt management a lot simpler. Be sure to close any credit cards you pay off so you don't rack up another large bill.
2. Don't use it to pay for your college tuition. Instead, take out an education loan with the help of JM Associates FCU.
3. Do use it to finance renovations on your home. Be smart about your renovations, though, and only choose those that will increase your home's value.
4. Do use it for moving expenses. Whether you're moving cross-country for a job opportunity or another reason, a personal loan can help pay to transport your car, to move your belongings and to buy furniture for your new residence.
5. Do use it to pay for large, unexpected expenses, like a funeral or adoption costs.
6. Do use it to foot medical bills, especially for things that are not covered by most insurances, such as fertility treatments, large dental treatments and cosmetic surgery.
7. Don't use it to pay for everyday expenses. If you find yourself doing this, you may be in financial trouble. Speak to a JMAFCU representative for help with debt management and general financial guidance.
8. Do use it to purchase a car, boat or RV.
9. Do use it to take a dream vacation. Don't do it twice a year, but a personal loan can help you finance your trip for a milestone anniversary or another special occasion that warrants an extravagant vacation.
10. Do use it to pay for a wedding. A personal loan will give you more flexibility than a wedding loan.
JMAFCU is here for you! If you have any questions concerning a personal loan, call us at
800-581-2256.
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Kick-start your fun in the sun with a loan from JMAFCU!* We offer great rates, flexible terms and affordable payments so you can heat up new summertime adventures--- all while keeping your cool when it comes to the budget. Just ask about our financing options for:
- RVs
- Motorcycles
- Jet Skis®
- Automobiles and More
You'll receive a FREE Beach Nik™ when you apply--- along with a Beach Nik Beach Buddy Kit when you're approved!**
So apply today at
www.jmafcu.org
--- and experience summer the way it was meant to be.
*Loans subject to approval.
**Offer good while supplies last.
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Secrets to Saving on Your Summer City Vacation
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By Nathaniel Sillin
Cities attract people for different reasons, which is partly why cities are such popular vacation destinations. Summer is one of the best times to visit, as the long days give you extra hours of sunlight for exploration and many cities host a variety of free activities. The busy season can mean rising prices,
but there are a few city-specific savings tactics that can take some of the strain off your
budget
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Look for insiders' knowledge about the city.
Many major cities are covered by bloggers who focus on how to enjoy the city on the cheap. You could start your planning by researching online with the keywords "free or cheap" and the city's name. Some of the well-organized websites will even let you filter events by date, cost and your interests. Also check the city's local newspaper sites for lists of free or cheap events. During the summer, many cities have free outdoor concerts and movie screenings; you can pack a picnic dinner and enjoy the warm weather and show.
Get around the city like a local.
It might make sense to take an occasional cab, but some cities have robust public transportation systems. Take a few minutes to study the city's layout before arriving and don't be afraid to ask locals for advice or directions. If you're in town for more than a few days, look into time-based public transportation passes. For example, you can get a seven-day Unlimited Ride MetroCard for subway and bus rides in New York City for $32. (There's a $1 new-card fee if you're not refilling an existing card.) You can even use it on the crosstown buses that can quickly get you from one side of Central Park to the other.
Explore new cuisine.
One of my favorite parts about visiting a city is trying the restaurants. Whether you save up and enjoy one of the city's finest eateries or find a hole-in-the-wall hidden gem, there's something for everyone. Luckily, many cities' must-try foods are on the inexpensive side. Chicago's hot dogs, Portland's doughnuts and Austin's tacos all often cost less than $5. You can also look for lists of cheap and delicious eats alongside the free-entertainment tips from frugal bloggers and local papers. High-end restaurants will inevitably be pricey, but if it's on your "must-do" list, there could be ways to save. Some restaurants offer less expensive brunches or early evening tasting menus, or you might be able to grab a small bite and a drink at the bar rather than a full meal.
Find the deals if you're going to shop.
Some people see shopping as an intrinsic part of a vacation, and cities are often home to chains' flagship stores, boutiques and specialty shops. The wide variety of options could tempt you to overspend, but it also means there are plenty of opportunities to save.
If you're in the luxury market, look for sample sales where high-end brands might be charging (relatively) less for products formerly on runways or showroom floors. Trying to stick to a tight budget? Look for large retailers' clearance sales, particularly if you're visiting when stores are clearing seasonal items off their shelves.
Think outside the box when it comes to lodging.
Most people know that hotels in the heart of tourist areas are often the most expensive, and many turn to home-sharing sites as cheaper alternatives. Another trick is to look for availability at hotels in the city's financial district. Holidays and weekends can bring vacancies at these properties, which may mean lower rates. Hotels right outside the main city, but accessible by public transportation, can also cost less.
Bottom line:
Cities can be expensive, particularly during the busy summer, but there's a reason they're such popular vacation destinations. Whether you're interested in museums, shows, food, historic sites or all of the above, there are ways to save and make the most out of your summer in the city.
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Mobile Banking---
4 Ways to Stay on Top of Your Finances While on the Go
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Most people have a checklist they go through before they leave the house. Is the stove turned off? Are the doors locked? Do I have my wallet, my keys and my cell phone? The only thing that has changed about that process in the last few years has been the addition of that last item on the list.
Today, 92% of Americans have cell phones and 68% of them have smartphones. This is a remarkable change from just a few years ago. More than half of the people you see every day are carrying a computer that dwarfs the most powerful computing technology that was available a decade ago. It's also connected to all of the world's information, literally at our fingertips. What do we use it for? Drawing mustaches on our selfies and tossing wingless birds at shoddily made pig housing.
If you'd like to use your smartphone for more sophisticated purposes, plus add a ton of convenience and peace of mind to your life, consider mobile banking. With a couple of taps, you can access a whole suite of financial information. Let's look at four scenarios where mobile banking can save you some time ... and even some money.
1.
Say goodbye to security woes.
Despite all of the data breaches that have been in the public eye over the past few years, no one has figured out how to compromise mobile devices as a platform. Security leaks have affected PCs, Macs and point-of-sale terminals, but no widespread security vulnerability has compromised mobile banking. Despite the fear, mobile banking is actually a fundamentally secure platform.
The first reason for this is the plurality of platforms. You and your neighbor may not be able to share cell phone chargers, much less apps or other experiences. This diversity makes it difficult for a single vulnerability to affect many users. Since there's less possibility of large-scale attacks, hackers have very little incentive to dedicate time
toward trying to compromise mobile platforms.
The second reason for this is the tight control placed on mobile devices. Because these devices have to send regular usage information back to your mobile provider, they tend to be far less prone to modification. There's just not as much you can do to an iPhone® or an Android™ as you can to a PC. While some users might override those protections, such modifications are not widespread enough to justify attempted infiltration.
Mobile banking is secure and safe. Data transmitted from your cell phone to your provider is heavily encrypted. If you lose your phone, it can be remotely deactivated, and passwords usually aren't stored on the device.
2.
You can check your balance anytime.
Rather than waiting for your statement every month or booting up that slow PC for checking your account balances online, you can view transactions while waiting for a bus or in line at a restaurant. You can stay vigilant against illegal account access anytime you've got your phone and a spare few seconds.
The convenience of mobile banking can also keep you from making costly mistakes. If you know funds may be running tight, check your account balance while in the checkout line to make sure you can cover the cost of your purchases. You can see if your monthly rent check has been withdrawn from your account to avoid the costly fees associated with overdrafting. It's easier than ever to keep track of your finances.
You can also help to prevent errors with mobile banking. Accidental overpayment, duplicate payments and other errors are a regrettable reality of the modern high-speed economy. By regularly checking your account statement, you can catch these pesky problems before they turn into big issues.
3.
It's where you'll find the next big thing.
Mobile payments and mobile check depositing are becoming more widely available and are already being used in many places. As technology gets better, these functions will become cheaper, faster and even more widespread. Getting involved in mobile banking on the ground floor will help you stay up to speed with this rapidly evolving world.
Imagine getting turn-by-turn walking directions to your nearest ATM. You could get alerts when new houses are listed for sale along your daily commute. You might pay for your breakfast by signing a receipt on your phone.
These and other changes are coming and they are only the beginning. If mobile banking doesn't do something you need, wait six months. Someone will probably find an app for that.
4.
Enjoy 24 hour instant access.
Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night in a panic because you can't remember if you paid your electric bill? Ever have a tiny freak-out on the bus because you suspect someone may have accessed your account? Are money worries preventing you from enjoying your vacation? If you have these concerns and are nowhere near your computer, you could just suffer through them.
As an alternative, though, you could use a mobile app to check your balance and transaction history. See if your monthly bills have cleared. Make sure your balance is safe. You can do all of this any time you've got your phone, day or night.
Mobile banking won't replace traditional, face-to-face interaction. There will always be a place in the credit union service standards for the human interaction. What mobile banking apps offer is a wonderful supplement to those high-quality services. Space-age convenience, top-level security and blissful peace of mind are all available from your pocket, anywhere in the world.
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