Time Flies When You’re Having Fun: Thanks for 38 Years, Bill!

Our beloved CEO, Bill Winter was recently honored by the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation as a Credit Union Builder.  The Foundation created the Credit Union Builder Award in 2008 to allow credit unions and organizations to make contributions in honor of or in memory of a significant individual who has been instrumental in their success – of course Bill was a natural fit.

 

When Bill was hired in 1975, St. Cloud Federal Credit Union had only 1,600 Members, three Employees, and $1 million in assets.  By the time Bill retires as CEO later this year, after 38 years of service, SCFCU will have grown to almost 15,000 Members, 57 Employees, and over $100 million in assets.

His tireless efforts made significant and far-reaching contributions to the credit union movement.  Bill served on the boards of the Minnesota Item Processing Corporation, Minnesota League of Credit Unions, Minnesota Credit Union Network, Minnesota Corporate Federal Credit Union, and Network Service Corporation.  He was a long-standing member of MnCUN’s Political Involvement Committee, and he lobbied at both the state and federal levels for issues that affect the credit union industry.

In February of 2013, Bill was inducted into the Credit Union House Hall of Leaders in Washington, D.C., in recognition of his dedication and leadership.  Bill was also active in the St. Cloud community on the Rotary Club and as a board member, chair and government affairs committee contributor for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.  In addition, Bill led countless SCFCU staff and volunteers who will ensure that his passion for Members and his philosophy to “do the right thing” will be his legacy for many years to come.

We can’t thank Bill enough for all he’s done.  He is a great leader and a true inspiration to all of us at SCFCU.  38 years, wow – time flies when you’re having fun! Thanks, Bill.




Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

Deter, Detect, Defend: Enroll in Free Credit Monitoring!

There is no absolute 100% guaranteed way to prevent fraud, but we believe the best way to protect yourself and your assets is to monitor your credit activity.  We offer Credit Monitoring as a benefit with all personal checking accounts at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.

While this service is automatically included with all our personal checking accounts, you must enroll to activate your Credit Monitoring. 

 

Once enrolled, you will automatically receive alerts by email (or text if you choose) when changes are made to your credit. Our daily monitoring service will notify Members of any new inquires, certain derogatory information, accounts, public records, or change of address that have been added to their credit reports by any of the three major credit reporting agencies. 

Credit Monitoring is a service provided in the form of 3-Bureau Credit Alerts from Merchants Information Solutions.  Through this service, your credit history at all three credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian) is monitored 24/7 for any changes made to your personal records.

Monitoring your Credit is a great step toward becoming more Financially Fit, and we’re here to help in any way we can.  To learn more about our Credit Monitoring services or enroll, stop by or contact us as 320-252-2634.

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.


Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

Summer Fun - For Less {Part 2}

As you may have read, we have a compiled a list of 10 ways you can have fun this summer, without spending 'an arm and a leg' - and below is the second half of that list.  We always strive for Financial Fitness, so this Summer vacation, we encourage you to try some activities that will keep more money in your account and smiles on everyone’s face...

6. Keep Learning

Just because school is out doesn't mean learning needs to stop! Make a calendar with your youngsters and pick a different theme for what you want learn about that week.  Pick fun and interesting topics like stars and constellations, cloud formations, bugs and insects, the environment, animals, and more!

7. Go to the Library

Libraries are a jackpot for afternoons and days of fun, for free! Many local libraries not only offer an endless supply of summer reading, but you can also check out movies and audio tracks as well.  Ask at your local library for any summer activities for the kiddos or book clubs for adults.

8. Plan a game night

Gather a few neighborhood friends and families and host a game night!  Ask each family to bring a snack to share and a game of their choice and make an evening out of it!  You’ll get to know other families and maybe even learn a new game or two!

9. S’more fun

If it’s legal in your neighborhood, pick a night and have a bonfire and camp out!  Grab some hot dogs and s’more ingredients, maybe a game, and some music.  This can be a nice way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the summer evenings. 

10. Volunteer

There are many places that would love to have extra help during the summer months.  You can volunteer at all kinds of places – an animal shelter, a food shelf, or a recycling center – even an afternoon of picking up littered trash can be a huge help.  You’ll feel better too!

There are hundreds of other ways you can have fun this Summer without spending heaps of money.  Be creative, try new things, and think outside the box!  Whatever you do, make the most of it and have fun – Financial Fitness doesn't have to mean sacrificing a good time!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.


Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

Summer Fun - For Less! {Part 1}

Uh-oh, it’s the 3^rd day of Summer break and you've already heard the dreaded words: “I’m bored.” During Summer, it can be easy to slip into lazy habits, and redundant routines.  But don't worry- having fun and doing activities doesn't always have to cost money!  Because of our Financial Fitness goals, we've compiled a list of 10 things you can do this Summer without ruining your budget - below are the first 5...

1. Head to the Beach

There’s nothing like sand, sun, and waves to make for a great summer afternoon!  Find a nearby lake or pond, and go for a dip! Make a day of it and pack a picnic – the sun and water will be a refreshing way to enjoy the summer atmosphere.

2. Wash the Car

Unwind the hose, grab some sponges, and have fun!  Washing the car is another way for kids to cool off on a sunny day and still help out with chores – plus, your car will look great!

3. Check out Neighborhood Parks

The great thing about summer is being able to spend time outside.  You can play, relax, and maybe even get in on some fun events held at parks near you. Check  your local calendar for details!

4. Have a Lemonade Stand

When you come across a good deal on lemonade at the grocery store (or maybe the nearby dollar store), pick some up and make a lemonade stand! A lemonade stand can be a great way for kids to spend the afternoon, and learn about money too!

5. Visit Town Festivals

During the summer months, many small town communities host their own home-town festivals and offer local (and often live) music, food, art, and festivities!  Put on your walking shoes and see what all the excitement is about.

As you can see, having a good time doesn't always mean spending a lot of money!  Having fun and seeing new things can be low-cost, and even free.  Stay tuned for 5 more Summer activities that will keep you Financially Fit in Part 2!



Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.


Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

Credit Reports: Get Yours FOR FREE!

Part of working toward Financial Fitness is keeping your Credit Score on your radar.  When was the last time you've seen your Credit Report? ......Still thinking? Then it’s probably been too long.

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act enables you to obtain a free copy of your Credit Report once a year from each of the three major Credit Bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).  Obtaining this free copy of your Credit Report is easy, and can help you work toward Financial Fitness!

You can access your free Credit Report by logging on to www.annualcreditreport.com, or by calling (877) 322-8228.  If you’d like assistance looking up your Credit Report, stop in – we’d be happy to help you out.

Remember, there is no single Credit Report.  Each of the three major Credit Bureaus (listed above) operate nationwide and have a report on you.  The information may be slightly different in each report, which is why we advise you to get your report from each Bureau.  Keep in mind, you can get one free copy from each Bureau every year… if you look up one report every four months you'll be able to track your Credit throughout the entire year!

If you ever have any questions or concerns about the items on your Credit Report, please feel free to give our Loan Department a call at 320-258-2190, or stop by! 

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.



Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

Fund Your Future!

It’s the time of year we find many High School seniors filled with excitement and enthusiasm (OK, nerves too) as college is on the horizon, closer than ever before.  While many are filled enthusiasm for the ‘next step’ in their life, they may also find they are weighed down with worry of the financial burdens that can come with college.  Have no fear; St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is here!

At SCFCU, we offer a Private Student Loan Program.  Our Student Loan program is affordable, easy to apply for, and has fast approval.  The program has a plethora of benefits, including:
-- Zero Origination Fees for all qualified student borrowers
-- Competitive Interest Rates (and with good grades, you’ll get even lower rates!)
-- 1% Interest Rate Reduction once 10% of the loan principal is repaid during the full repayment period
-- 30-day No-Fee Return Policy – allows you to cancel the loan if you find a better option
-- Cosigner Release available after 24 consecutive on-time principal + interest payments

You can borrow as little as $2,000 or up to the entire cost of attendance per year.  There is a maximum of $120,000 in Undergrad loans and $160,000 in graduate loans.  You can use your Student Loan for a variety of payments including tuition, cost of room and board, books or computer expenses, and even past due tuition bills!

You do not have to be a current Member of our Credit Union to apply, although to receive the loan you must become a Member for final loan approval.  The good news is, anyone who lives, works, or worships in the Tri-County (Stearns, Benton, or Sherburne) county area, or has an immediate family member that does can be a Member of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union!  For more information about our Student Loan program and it's requirements, visit https://stcloudfcu.coop/Student.php.  Or, CLICK HERE to apply now!

Congrats to all graduates, we’re proud of you and excited for what your future has to offer! 


 We are People Helping People.

Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read

 

Meet Karen!

Have you ever been chased around by a wild donkey in the middle of South Dakota? We didn't think so.  However, one of our very own employees has!

Karen O'Hara has been with us as St. Cloud Federal Credit Union for over 7 years and is one of our prized Member Service Representatives.  Karen’s smiling face is recognizable by many of our Members when they visit us at the Credit Union.  Karen says her favorite part about being an SCFCU employee is ‘all the fun people’ she gets to work alongside; we couldn't be happier to have her.

When Karen isn't assisting our Members, you can often find her diving into a romance novel, watching a new movie, or surfing all that Pinterest has to offer.  If Karen flips on the TV, it’s usually to watch Smash, Vampire Diaries, and How I Met Your Mother.  Karen’s favorite subject in school was English and her favorite color is pink.  If she could travel anywhere in the world, Karen would choose to go to Ireland; her last name would be recognizable there, no doubt!

With her contagious laugh and positive attitude, Karen brightens everyone’s day.  She is always willing to help with projects and we know we’re very lucky to call her one of our own.  Thank you for all you do, Karen – we’re so happy you’re part of our SCFCU Family!


 We are People Helping People.

Like - Follow - Pin - Connect - Link - Watch - Read