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Need retirement planning help?

Build your retirement income plan with professional help!

Contact Costas Grekis, the MEMBERS Financial Services Representative at:

1-724-222-8064

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Income Tax Refund?—Use it Wisely

As you prepare to file your 2009 income tax return, you may be dreaming about a new computer or TV or a trip to someplace “fun”, but think twice before you’re tempted to treat yourself too quickly.

Accel, our free financial counseling and planning service, recommends you consider the following options for tax refund money:

            -Payoff and late utility or housing expenses

            -Pay down your credit card balance(s)

            -Pay extra on your mortgage or equity loan

            -Set up an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses

            -Make repairs or improvements to your home

            -Start or add to your children’s college fund

If you really wanted to spend your refund on “fun stuff”, consider a compromise. Spend 20% of your total refund on fun and put the rest to a good use from the list above.

Getting a big refund is nice, but it really means that you have overpaid the government through excess taxes taken from your paycheck.  You may want to consider changing the number of exemptions you’re claiming by completing a W-4 form and giving it to your payroll office. 

For more smart money ideas, go to www.accelservices.org or call them at 1-877-33-ACCEL.

Car Loans On Sale!

Beginning February 1^st, your credit union is having a “sale” on both new and used auto financing.  Rates have been slashed across the board, with extra deep discounts for members who purchase a vehicle through Enterprise Car Sales!

If you’ve been thinking about a new vehicle lately, now is the time to take action.  Get pre-approved by the credit union and then go shopping, knowing you’ve got the financing already in place.  Pre-approval is easy.  Just complete an application, and submit it along with verification of your income.  We’ll get back to you with an answer in 24 hours or less.  Applications are available here, or by calling the credit union office at 724-222-8064.

If a brand new car is out of your price range, you’re still in luck!  A “new to you” vehicle may be the way to go.  WATFCU has been partnered with Enterprise Car Sales for many years.  Enterprise offers a full spectrum of vehicles from sub-compacts to full-sized trucks, and all of them come with a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty, a 109 point inspection by an ASE-certified technician, and a free CARFAX vehicle history report! They even take your old car in trade, saving you the hassle of trying to sell it on your own.  To view Enterprise’s current inventory, log onto www.cuautodeals.com and start the search for your new ride today!

Spring is a time of new beginnings.  Why not begin YOUR Spring in a new car?  Let the low rates and generous repayment terms from your credit union make it all possible.

Tax Time!

Prepare, Print and E-file FREE with TurboTax Federal Free Edition and Get Your Maximum Refund Guaranteed! TurboTax provides special guidance for first time users and answers all your questions. Get your tax refund in as few as 8 days when you e-file and use direct deposit. Start today for FREE!

2010 Holiday Schedule

Your Credit Union will be closed on the following dates:

• Friday, January 1st for New Year’s Day
• Monday, January 18th for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Monday, February 15th for Presidents’ Day
• Monday, May 31st for Memorial Day
• Monday, July 5th for Independence Day
• Monday, September 6th for Labor Day
• Monday, October 11th for Columbus Day
• Thursday, November 11th for Veterans’ Day
• Thursday, November 25th for Thanksgiving Day
• Friday, December 24th for Christmas Day
• Friday, December 31st at 3:00 for New Year’s Day

Special Sprint Discounts!

Washington Area Teachers FCU is excited to let you know that our members qualify for great savings from Sprint Nextel, including:

• 10% off most regularly priced Sprint Nextel service plans
• 15% off most corporate liable wireless plans
• Waived activation fee on all new lines
• Waived upgrade fee
• Nationwide coast-to-coast coverage
• National rates with no roaming and long distance charges
• Existing Sprint Nextel customers can also save
• Plus, current Sprint Nextel promotions 

BudgetSmart

Washington Area Teachers FCU is pleased to announce a new product called BudgetSmart.

BudgetSmart is a new and exciting software program exclusive to (Credit Union).  This easy-to-use software tool uses simple graphics, “pop-up” boxes and bar charts to help you manage money more effectively.  You can use the program to:

·          establish a budget

·          track spending

·          view tips for improving areas of overspending (or inadequate saving)

·          experiment with “what if” scenarios to determine how a major purchase or change in income would impact your budget

“This software is so easy to use, my 14 year-old son put together his own personal budget”

If you’ve been looking for a quick and easy way to get started on your budget – then BudgetSmart is for you!