Six Back-To-School Savings Tips

It’s that time of year… you know, right after they put the red, white, and blue  picnic décor away, but just before the Halloween candy comes out – yes, Back-to-School time!  Getting ready to send the kiddos back to school can be exciting, nostalgic, and a little stressful.  Don’t let the rising expense of supplies and list of needs bring you down, there are ways to save and keep you Financially Fit…

1. Sooner isn’t always Better

While it is exciting to see those shiny folders, vibrant crayons, and fresh bottles of glue line the shelf early on, it’s not always the best idea to buy your supplies right when they hit the floor.  According to an article from MSNMoney, holding off on the first ‘Back-to-School Sale’ and waiting for later sales will save you money.

2. Make a list of Needs, BEFORE going to the store

Before you embark on the trip to the store for Number 2 pencils, make a detailed list of what you need.  Take the list the school has given, add any other necessities, and stick to the list.  Remember that in some cases, different children in different grades will need different supplies – so it’s important to look at various necessities.  Remember to stick to the list! If it says 24 pack of crayons and 2 glue sticks, get the 24 pack (not 48) and 2 glue sticks (not 5).

3. Reduce, Reuse, Save Money

Once you've made your detailed list, shop around at home first.  Check the supplies the kids brought home from school at the end of the year and see which folders will hold up, which markers still work, and if there are notebooks with a decent amount of paper left in them.  Reusing school supplies that still have some life left in them will save you money, and create a whole lot less waste.

4. Keep an eye out for Give-Aways

Watch your local ads and flyers for any back to school giveaways!  You might find a deal for a free notebook with a purchase of folders, or a free ruler with a pack of pens, etc.  If you need the items, it never hurts to get a little something free along with it that you can also check off the list!

5. Buy in Bulk

After looking at the handy-dandy list you made, you know you’ll have to pick up a half dozen notebooks and fifteen folders, why not buy in bulk? Depending on the age of your child, a large pack of loose-leaf paper may be a less spendy alternative to notebooks, and splitting a large pack of colored pencils could be cheaper than buying two or three.  If you don’t have multiple kids to split the supplies between, consider going supply shopping with another parent or two and divvy up what you need.

6.  Keep it Basic

There are loads of supplies with sparkles, gems, sports teams, and TV stars on them, but are often more expensive than the generic supplies as well.  While it’s fun to splurge by letting the kiddos pick out 1 or 2 ‘fancy’ items, the ‘plain’ colored folders and yellow pencils will work just as well, and save you some money.

Don’t let the cost of back-to-school time take the excitement out of your school shopping, it doesn't have to break your budget.  Make a list, have some fun, and get the kids ready for a great school year ahead!

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

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Elizabeth Returns!

One of our Member Service Representatives, Elizabeth D., recently returned from a six-month trip to South Africa where she studied abroad and embarked on all sorts of new experiences.  We thoroughly enjoyed following her adventures via email updates and pictures, and now that she’s back we asked her to share some of the highlights from her trip…

The hardest part about leaving SCFCU was…
Leaving an amazing work environment that was a part of my life almost every day and saying goodbye to co-workers for a long period of time.  

My first impression of South Africa was…
How similar it was to the U.S.! I was very surprised at how developed and westernized the country is. I also noticed their slightly British accents, which I loved!

My favorite food/treat I ate while I was there was…
Milk tart! It is a dessert that has a milky thick custard filling poured onto pie crust and sprinkled with cinnamon. Another favorite is Horlicks milkshake. Horlicks is a powder that can be mixed with ice cream and milk to create a malt and tastes like a blend of vanilla and cake batter, it is absolutely delicious. I have the recipe for the milk tart but I am determined to find Horlicks on Amazon.  

The craziest/most adventurous thing I did while there was… 

Bungee jump off of the highest commercial bungee bridge, the Bloukrans Bridge, at 216M.  I went skydiving and jumped out of a plane from 10,000 feet. I also went scuba diving and swam right next to a couple of ragged tooth sharks. 

The prettiest animal I saw was…
A leopard! I saw one for the first time in my life in South Africa at Kruger National Park. We were able to drive around the largest game reserve in Africa and to our luck we spotted a leopard in a tree devouring its recent kill, an impala. It was such a sight and the leopards coat looked absolutely beautiful!

My favorite part about everyday life in South Africa was…
You never knew what was going to happen; every day was a new experience. The people are extremely friendly and I was able to immerse myself into the culture and learn new things every day. I also became very well acquainted with the lingo there by naturally saying things like; ‘shame’ or ‘I’ll be there just nownow’, or ‘that’s dodgy’.  

While I was gone, I really started to miss… 
My car! I had to walk almost everywhere otherwise I would take the cheapest transportation available which were called Kombi’s. These vans were a bit ‘dodgy’ (sketchy) because they crammed several people into one vehicle but were also very fun because they played very loud music. All I have to say is luckily I always arrived to my destination.   

One thing I learned while on the trip was…

To not take certain commodities for granted. Conveniences that I easily accessed at home were sometimes not available in South Africa. I also know that in rural areas the villages lack basic resources such as clean water, a sewage system, and electricity.  

I’m surprised how much I miss…  
Living in Annie’s with the community of international students, the beach, the rugby games, traveling in jam packed cars and driving for up to 36 hours straight, and the South Africans!

The most exciting part about coming home was..
Seeing my baby sister, Avery, again! Prior to my departure she would only roll around and smile, then during my stay she began crawling, growing teeth, and speaking the cutest gibberish! I was extremely happy to see her and happily surprised that she remembered me!   

My words of wisdom now that I’m back are…
A life lesson I learned in South Africa and from the trip itself is that you will never know what you are capable of doing unless you give it a try. I realize now how much the world has to offer and the abundance of opportunities there are that any single individual can accomplish. Always strive for more and never settle for less.  

We are so happy that Elizabeth had a wonderful time in South Africa, but we sure are glad she’s back!  It is nice to have her warm smile and friendly personality in our Sartell office again, welcome home Elizabeth!

Summer Safety

Summer is here and in full swing! Safety and care for our Members and Community are always a priority for us at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.  Below is a list of 7 Summer Safety tips ...

1. Monitor Swimming Time

An adult should actively watch children swimming at all times.  Even if you’re in a shallow area, accidents can happen and it’s always better to be safe rather than sorry.  For toddlers and smaller youngsters, it’s a good idea for an adult to be in the water within arms reach.  Keep track of how long children have been in the water so that you know when they might be getting tired, or if they need a break.

2. Keep Campfires to a Manageable Size

A fire is a fun way to spend a nice summer evening, but make sure you take necessary safety precautions.  Clear the area of any dry grass or branches so nothing will accidentally become ignited.  It’s also a good idea to check the weather before you begin your fire, so you’ll know if any wind is expected.  To be clear about where the campfire is, set a perimeter around the fire – blocks, bricks, or rocks work.  Make sure to keep your fire to a size that is manageable by an adult; bigger isn’t always better!

3. Apply Sunscreen and Reapply Often

We know there is a lot of praise for that summertime glow, but your skin is worth protecting.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF 15-30 minutes before you step outside.  Remember, it is also important to apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day!

4. Store food and snacks at proper temperatures

With rising temperatures, it can be hard to keep snacks, picnics, and camp food at proper temperatures.  Plan out treats and meals wisely so that you don’t have to question whether or not what you’ve packed is safe to eat.  Make sure you’ve packed any raw meat separate from ready-to-eat food and snacks so nothing is cross-contaminated.  A good tip is to use an adequate sized cooler for your food; a fuller cooler stays cold longer than a half-full cooler.  Oh, and remember to bring a meat thermometer for grilling!

5. Use Seat Belts, Helmets, and Life Jackets

We know this seems like a ‘no-brainer’, but it is always a good reminder.  Especially with children, always encourage and demonstrate safety.  Wear your seat belts in any vehicle where they’re present, have a helmet handy when you bike or skate, and always put a life jacket on when you’re out on open water.  They may seem uncomfortable or a nuisance, but if something happens (which we hope never does!) you’ll be glad to have them.

6. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses and can keep you properly hydrated. Keep water or sports drinks (for the electrolytes) handy, and remember to take a break for a drink. If you’re starting to feel thirsty, that’s an early sign of mild dehydration!  A helpful rule of thumb when you and the kids are active is to stop for a drink break every 20-30 minutes.

7. Know Your Surroundings

Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just playing in the backyard or nearby park, make sure you know your surroundings.  Summer is prime weather for ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and dangerous plants like poison ivy.  If you’re familiar with the environment you and your kiddos are in, you can dress appropriately and use proper preventative measures with sprays, as well as clean up when you’re finished.

Have a fun, happy, safe Summer, from all of us at SCFCU!



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


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We're in Your Corner!

Have you ever lost your checkbook, debit or credit card, or your purse or wallet? Has anyone ever charged something in your name?  We sure hope not!  We work hard to protect our Member’s identity and assets, which is why we offer Fraud and I.D. Theft Recovery as a benefit to our Reward Checking accounts.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union has partnered with an experienced and trusted company – Merchants Information Solutions to offer this protective service.  With this  benefit, you have a professional Identity Theft Recovery Advocate who is assigned to you, and will work on your behalf to take all the necessary steps to recover your good name – no matter how long it takes.  

You can use this service for any situation where you think your personal information may be at risk or has been compromised – even if something happens to an account you have at another financial institution. 

While some companies offer a service (that you can purchase) which provides you with a packet of forms and phone assistance, you still do all the work.  There is no necessary registration for our Fraud and ID Theft Recovery service – it is automatically in place with your checking account at SCFCU.

To learn more about how to protect your identity, click here!  We’re in your corner and truly care about your well-being.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here for you!

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


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Taxing Us Could = Taxing YOU

You may have heard that Congress is considering an overhaul of the federal tax code. That would possibly include the elimination of the tax exempt status for credit unions .

What would that mean to you?

• That action could possibly eliminate credit unions as they now exist. And a tax on credit unions is really just additional taxes on you .
• Without credit unions, banks would have no competition. And that would most likely drive up the cost of financial services for all consumers.

St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is owned and directed by you, through our volunteer board of directors. Unlike banks that maximize profits for a small group of investors, credit unions exist to serve their members, including working families, local small businesses and your community. Since 1937, federal credit unions have been chartered by the federal government as non-for-profit financial cooperatives. Not-for-profit means the members are the owners, and no one is making a personal profit.

Bankers and some politicians in Washington say the federal budget can be balanced by taxing credit unions. But credit unions hold only 6 percent of all financial assets nationwide. Banks hold 94%!

Taxing credit unions won’t make a dent in our federal budget deficit. For every $1 in new taxes on credit unions, the government would take away $10 that credit unions put back in your pockets in the form of better rates and lower fees.

If the tax exemption is ended, it will result in higher taxes for 1.5 million consumers in Minnesota  who are credit union members, as well as 96 million consumers across the country.

Join us, and TAKE ACTION and tell Congress: “Don’t Tax My Credit Union!”  Please visit www.DontTaxMyCreditUnion.org to learn more, and to send a message to your legislators.

If you have any questions, please contact me at 320-252-2634.

Sincerely,
Bill Winter
CEO
St. Cloud Federal Credit Union

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.

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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.


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