The Guide - Fall_Winter '19

FALL/WINTER '19

THE GUIDE A SEASONAL MAGAZINE from Elements Financial

EDITORIAL STAFF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lisa Schlehuber EVP, LENDING & SALES Ron Senci AVP, BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS Michelle Payne AVP, CREATIVE & DIGITAL EXPERIENCE Ross Graham MARKETING STRATEGIST Chris Miller BRAND STRATEGIST Jake Engel COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST Karmen Johnson

PROUDLY PRINTED BY FINELINE PRINTING GROUP FEDERALLY INSURED BY NCUA

LETTER from a

LEADER Hello!

Welcome to our new magazine! We’re excited to provide you with this resource, highlighting practical financial wellness insights — the main focus of our credit union. Here are some of my favorite things from our introductory edition:

FEATURED FAN MAIL

James, an employee of Butler University, is one of our biggest fans. So it makes perfect sense that we are showcasing his story in our first-ever “Fan Mail” article. Read all about his refinanced mortgage from Elements and how it has led him to cost savings and home improvements.

ELEMENTS FINANCIAL CLUB

The Indianapolis Indians and Elements Financial recently announced a multi-year partnership that positions our credit union as the naming rights partner for the Tribe’s new Elements Financial Club. We are so excited to expand our partnership and can’t wait to welcome you to the luxury club during the 2020 season.

BACKPACK BONANZA

In our Community Spotlight, we’re proud to share about our special relationship with Little Red Door Cancer Agency. Be sure to learn about our recent project that led to 100 backpacks for young summer campers facing cancer.

NEW PARTNERS:

While I’m here, I’d also like to give a warm welcome to our new partner organizations. Since January, we have added seven companies to our credit union eligibility: - Central Indiana Corporate Partnership - Elanco Animal Health - Indiana Biosciences Research Institute - Meyer Najem Construction - Republic Airways - Roche Diagnostics - Zylo, Inc. It is this kind of growth that makes Elements like a bank, only better! Be sure to watch for future editions of “The Guide” on elements.org, at our branches and at our workshops.

Many thanks for your business,

Lisa A. Schlehuber CEO, Elements Financial

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INTRODUCTION

we’re your credit union We have a rich history and a focus on the future

89

years serving our members since we were founded by Eli Lilly and Company in 1930

140 1,000

organizations partner with us to offer credit union membership as an employee benefit

We’re like a bank, only better. we are not-for-profit.

Credit unions are not-for-profit businesses while banks are for-profit businesses.

we are MEMBER-OWNED.

Credit unions have member-owners.

Banks have customers and shareholders.

we are EXCLUSIVE.

Credit unions typically serve either a specific geographic area or specific companies no matter where the employees live. Banks serve consumers without geographic restrictions.

we are VALUE-DRIVEN.

Credit unions are known for paying higher deposit rates, offering lower loan rates, and charging fewer fees than banks.

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onsite financial wellness events at our partner organizations each calendar year

NEWS FROM ELEMENTS Introducing the

ELEMENTS FINANCIAL CLUB

“

Our partnership WITH THE INDIANS has grown since day one thanks to our shared corporate values, including a longtime heritage in Central Indiana and a focus on family.

“

The Indianapolis Indians and Elements Financial recently announced a multi-year partnership that positions our credit union as the naming rights partner for the Tribe’s new Elements Financial Club. The social premium space will be constructed in Victory Field’s upper level behind home plate during the offseason and will be ready by Opening Day 2020.

It is the most significant upgrade in Victory Field’s 23-year history. The new Elements Financial Club will offer Indians fans a broader mix of premium ticket options that includes ten private four-person loge boxes and open-table club seats for season ticket and group opportunities.

RON SENCI

EVP, LENDING & SALES

LILLY CORPORATE CENTER

LAFAYETTE WEALTH OFFICE

We recently opened our new branch in Lilly Corporate Center. With this launch, we introduced two new Teller Infinity Machines that feature state-of-the-art technology, allowing members to complete transactions that would have been traditionally handled by a teller.

Our Elements Wealth Management location in Lafayette is now open! Our team of financial advisors is prepared to assist you with your investment needs. Visit us at: 1527 Kossuth Street in Lafayette or make an appointment at 765-447-0000.

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FAN MAIL

MORE THAN A

MORTGAGE James Cramer, Indianapolis Elements member since 2016

Everyone has a story.

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We recently had the pleasure of sitting down with James Cramer. His home is located in Indianapolis, just a bike ride away from the Butler University campus where he works and where his Elements story begins.

shops on campus, he formed a great relationship with her. “Having a dedicated relationship manager is amazing! Kara is generous with her time. She’s the go-to for whatever I need,” he said.

As you may know, Elements provides credit union products and services as a benefit of employment to companies across the state. Cramer met his dedicated Relationship Manager Kara Fischer more than three years ago at the Butler Arts Center, where he is the Community Relations Manager. After meeting Fischer and attending many financial wellness work-

Relationship Managers, including Fischer, are Elements representatives dedicated to serving the employees of our partner organizations.

They conduct workshops, offer budget and credit reviews, and provide employees with their direct contact information for all their banking questions or needs.

NMLS: 410639

In his first interaction with Fischer, Cramer told her about the challenge of paying his bank mortgage every month. His high rate was getting in the way of other financial goals he had.

Kara wanted to help and recommended that we run some numbers for him. Elements came back with a much better rate, so Cramer chose to refinance his mortgage.

“Being able to lower that mortgage rate, freed up funds to do other things, like fix the place up,” Cramer explained. He added, “I put fixing up my home on hold because I had to choose between making my mortgage payments or paying for repairs. Now, I can do it all.”

Cramer appreciates having a dedicated contact person, rather than going to a bank and not knowing who or what to expect. “Having those relationships with people who know you and know your situation makes it great because they can make suggestions specific to you,” he explained.

At Elements, we understand that your home is often the largest purchase you will make in your lifetime. But it should never turn into a financial burden for you. Our mortgage experts are here for you every step of the way to ensure you find the right loan for the right home.

WATCH THE FULL STORY

Scan the QR code or visit elements.org/fanmail to watch a video of James and see our visit to his home!

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OPENING NEW DOORS

Elements Presents The Backpack Bonanza For little red door cancer agency

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Many kids daydream about attending their favorite summer camp all year long.

From water sports to bonfires to hanging out in their cabins, they look forward to this special week for months. But for one group of kids at Camp Little Red Door, this opportunity is even more special.

Little Red Door Cancer Agency, a nonprofit partner of Elements for more than 12 years, hosts an annual camp that is specifically designed for children facing cancer. This year, Elements was able to raise $1,650 in staff donations and a corporate match to purchase every camper a backpack full of toys, activities, art supplies, and personal hygiene items. Then, our team visited the Little Red Door headquarters to help assemble them.

At Elements, we believe in the strategy that only giving funds to our charitable partners is not enough, we must also give them year-round attention and volunteer support. We host internal events and fundraisers to benefit our partners, and we provide every Elements employee with eight hours of Volunteer Paid Time Off to serve at nonprofits of their choice.

“A relationship with Elements goes beyond just transactions,” explained Taylor Willy, Corporate Relations Specialist for Little Red Door, they “are continually seeking creative ways to give back.”

Beyond volunteering and donating, Elements provides Little Red Door employees with financial education services, including workshops and personalized credit and budget reviews. Willy explains that this education “provides clarity on items that tend to be intimidating.”

Purpose Day, held each year on Columbus Day, is our signature community involvement event where all 180 Elements employees spend an active day working on projects for our preferred nonprofit partners. This year, Little Red Door will again serve as one of Purpose Day organizations.

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CHECKS & BALANCES BEAT THE FRAUDSTERS AT THEIR OWN GAME

Prajakta Paradkar Senior Compliance & Risk Management Analyst

AS TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES, SO DOES THE RISK FOR FRAUD. It’s becoming far too easy for criminals to steal money from innocent people. Robbing a bank is no longer necessary, because criminals can now score higher amounts of money directly using their home computers and a high-quality color printer. One of the newest and easiest types of theft is check fraud. Annual losses due to check fraud are now estimated at billions of

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dollars, and that continues to grow with smarter technology. For the consumer, the inconveniences and stressors caused by problems with their accounts are troubling and time-consuming, which is exactly why we want to train our members in this area so you won’t fall victim to these attacks.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

For questions related to check fraud, contact Prajakta at pparadkar@elements.org

DETAILS & DEFINITIONS Check fraud is typically committed through these criminal methods:

Forgery

Signing a check without authorization or endorsing a check not payable to the endorser

Theft

Stealing checks to use for fraudulent purposes

Paper hanging

Writing checks on closed accounts, or ordering and writing checks on closed accounts

How does it work?

Check fraud occurs when a criminal takes your printed checks or reproduces them with computer software. Then, they’re able to cash those checks, pulling money directly from your checking account. This is becoming increasingly common and can happen in a variety of ways.

Check kiting

Intentionally gaining access to funds deposited in one account before the bank collects them from another

Washing

Using chemicals to remove information from a check

Counterfeiting

Illegally printing checks using information from the victim’s account 11

CHECKS & BALANCES

CONTINUED

Take these steps TO AVOID CHECK FRAUD: Protect your checks. Store your checks, deposit slips, bank statements and canceled checks in a secure and locked location.

Destroy what you don’t need. Unless needed for tax purposes, destroy old checks, statements, deposit tickets, and ATM receipts.

Monitor your accounts. Look through your account statements on a regular basis to ensure all transactions were completed by you. You could also set up text alerts to catch fraudulent activity right as it occurs.

Don’t leave checks in your car. Never leave your checkbook in public places, but especially not in your car. It’s too easy for fraud artists to break into your vehicle!

Avoid sending checks from your home. Thieves often steal right from your mailbox. Always choose to mail checks from your post office.

Avoid giving information on the phone. Be wary of giving your account number over the phone. Fraudsters often trick victims through unsolicited phone sales.

Check for your checks. If your home is burglarized, look for your checks to determine if they’ve been stolen. Look closely, because thieves will sometimes take only one or two checks from the middle or back of the book. The longer it takes to detect if checks have been taken, the more time the criminal has to use them successfully.

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IMPORTANT TIP

SHIELD YOURSELF Elements Financial cares about protecting you and your family.

This is why we partner with EZShield Identity Crime Protection to offer you best-in-class identity restoration services at no cost.

At an additional cost, EZShield offers a full range of identity and fraud services, including credit monitoring, dark web protections, checking account protection, consumer identity and business security solutions, are offered on a flexible platform and backed by best-in-class service.

For more information, please visit elements.org/ezshield.

3.00% APY

ยน

with an Elements

High Interest Checking Account on balances up to $20,000 with 15 qualifying transactions per statement cycle

Get started at elements.org/BetterRates Federally Insured By NCUA 1) Rate accurate as of 7/1/2019. High Interest Checking Account Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and may change after account is opened. The APY is 3.00% on balances up to $20,000, 0.10% on balances greater than $20,000. Dividends will be paid per statement cycle requirement. At least one account holder must be at least 18 years old. Accounts not meeting the qualifying threshold will earn 0.05% APY. Fees may reduce earnings. The following are qualifying transactions: Debit card purchases, checks, bill payments, ATM withdrawals and ACH withdrawals. No other transactions qualify. 2) Based on rankings of nationally available High Yield Reward Checking Accounts with a minimum balance of $20K, according to DepositAccounts.com as of13 7/2/19.

Side Side by

CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR Matt Snively Sr. Vice President, Wealth Management

Comparing things like cell phone providers is easy. We look for the fastest connections, cheapest prices and best customer service. But comparing financial advisors can be a bit more difficult. When you put your choices side by side, each advisor has their own qualifications, experience and personality. Each of these things can be important to consider when selecting who to trust managing your money. Here are some things to consider when looking for a financial advisor, or even someone to provide you with a second opinion:

QUALIFICATIONS While the credentials after some advisors’ names might look a little like alphabet soup, it’s important to do your research on what the acronyms mean. As a client, you should understand what qualifies the person advising you to give such advice, and how much work it took to allow them the ability to do so.

EXPERIENCE Depending on your specific situation, it’s important to inquire about previous experience to find someone who can advise you on the specific products and services that are most important in your situation. While most financial advisors specialize in a few specific areas of financial knowledge, many of our advisors work as teams to provide you access to peer advisors who might be more versed in certain areas.

PERSONALITY It’s difficult to trust someone with your hard-earned money if you don’t know him or her well. It’s important that your advisor has a personality and manner that makes you comfortable, as well as the patience to answer questions until you feel confident.

At Elements Wealth Management, we have 10 LPL Financial Advisors who are knowledgeable and equipped to assist you with your investment needs.

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE AT ELEMENTSWEALTH.ORG TO FIND AN ADVISOR WHO’S RIGHT FOR YOU! 14

For questions related to wealth management, contact Matt at msnively@elements.org

Earn a cash bonus for investing in your future.

Get up to $750 when you become an Elements Wealth Management Client. elementswealth.org

CASH BONUS*

NET INVESTMENT

$250

$100,000 - $249,999

$500

$250,000 - $499,999

$750

$500,000+

*Must keep funds invested for six months to receive bonus payout; bonus paid at that time. Bonus will be paid by Elements Financial to a separate non-investment account. Moving funds from another investment firm may be subject to a fee that neither Elements Financial nor Elements Wealth Management will reimburse. Elements Financial reserves the right to amend or discontinue offer at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Bonus may be subject to taxes; please contact your tax advisor.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Elements Financial and Elements Wealth Management are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.

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TECH TIPS ENHANCE YOUR DIGITAL EXPERIENCE

Mobile Banking & Card Control

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The Elements Mobile Banking and Card Control apps give you all the conveniences of online banking right from your smartphone or tablet. They use the same login credentials as Online Banking. Our apps from the Apple and Google Play stores make it easy for you to enjoy these conveniences.

“

“

USING our mobile banking and card control apps is one of the best ways to stay engaged with your finances, wherever you may go.

AMANDA ARTHUR AVP, DIGITAL OPERATIONS

Maximize Your experience with Mobile Banking

Keep Tabs on Your Debit Card with Card Control

Download the app to enjoy:

AFTER DownloadING MOBILE BANKING, THEN GET CARD CONTROL TO enjoy:

- Finding ATMs and shared branches - Using Touch or Face ID on many devices

- Turning your card off within seconds if you lose track of it

- Depositing checks, simply by snapping a picture

- Receiving alerts and getting notified of any debit card activity

- Using Bill Pay to manage all of your upcoming payments in one place

- Reviewing and categorizing usage of your debit card

Get started by downloading the apps.

Questions about the apps? Contact customerservice@elements.org

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THE RISKS & REWARDS OF CREDIT CARDS

SUSIE GOLDEN-BISHOP Senior Card Services Analyst

It’s no secret that credit cards can be financially dangerous. We’ve all heard the horror stories of debt by credit card use. While they come with risks, they also come with many rewards. If you use them responsibly, credit cards can help you reach your financial dreams.

Elements is here to educate you on how to swipe and tap responsibly.

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When you make timely payments to your credit card, you can quickly build a credit history that proves you are accountable.

The way to do this is to simply keep track of your spending, try to treat credit like cash, stay organized so you don’t miss a payment, and make a budget so you don’t go overboard with your spending.

If you need help getting on track, talk to one of our credit experts. We are here to support you!

For questions related to credit cards, contact Susie at sgolden-bishop@elements.org

BE AWARE OF

MAXIMIZE YOUR

SPENDING TOO MUCH

PURCHASING ANYWHERE

RISKS Credit cards make it easy to spend money— maybe too easy. Limit your purchases to what you can afford to pay off in a month or two. It’s important to avoid going into debt for items you don’t really need.

Acquiring late fees

If you miss a payment, you’ll be charged a late fee.

These can add up quickly!

Destroying your credit

Your credit score will take a hit if you miss payments, carry a high balance, or have too many open credit card accounts.

Paying interest

One of the most obvious drawbacks of using a credit card is paying interest. A high APR (Annual Percentage Rate) can drag you deeper into debt if you don’t pay off your balance quickly. To avoid building up debt, select a credit card with a low APR and try to pay off the full balance each month.

REWARDS Credit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, both locally and overseas, and are often more convenient to use than carrying cash.

PAYING IT LATER

While this is also a risk, the ability to pay for a purchase later can be helpful. If you have an emergency expense, it may be more responsible to charge it to your card and gradually pay it back - so you can still afford the necessities.

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Credit cards provide protection with Visa® Zero Liability. You won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions as long as they are reported promptly.

EARNING REWARDS

When you use a credit card, you are often rewarded.

Not only because you are building credit, but because many cards have rewards programs. At Elements, we offer Pure Perks with our Signature Rewards Visa.

This program rewards you with points redeemable for travel, gift cards and cash back.

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THE RISKS & REWARDS OF CREDIT CARDS

CONTINUED

THE PERKS CREDIT CARD O F U SI N G OUR S I G NATURE REWA RD S

HELLO, REWARDS!

EARN 1.50 Points for every $1 spent¹

Our Signature Rewards Visa® Credit Card includes Pure Perks.

Earn points while using your card for your everyday purchases.

on your visa signature rewards card from elements

You can redeem the points for travel, gift cards or cash back.

Visa Signature Rewards

ELEMENTS FINANCIAL MEMBER

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Our Signature Card features: > no balance transfer fee2 > no annual fee > NO INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTION FEES Learn more about our Signature Rewards Visa Credit Card and Pure Perks at

SIGNATURE SIGN NATU URE

elements.org/SignatureCard

1) You earn 1.50 points for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases. 2) Signature Rewards Visa Credit Card Transaction Fees — Credit Card Balance Transfer: None. Credit Card Cash Advance: Up to 3% for each Cash Advance or a minimum of $5.00.

EARN A

$200

CASH BONUS*

when you

OPEN AN ELEMENTS

CREDIT CARD

Apply now at elements.org or call (800) 621-2105 No Promo Code Needed

* Credit Card Related $200 Cash Back Value Offer — requiring at least 10 card purchase transactions totaling at least $1,000 within 90 days of card approval — will be fulfilled as a $200 statement credit. Secured Card excluded.

Statement credit will not reduce your monthly payment. Existing Elements cardholders not eligible. / Offer subject to credit approval and may be taxable. Elements reserves the right to amend or discontinue offer at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please allow 4-6 weeks after qualifications are met for receipt of statement credits. If the account is closed within six months, we reserve the right to add the amount of the statement credit back to your account balance. One product offer of each type per household. Product offers cannot be combined with other promotional offers for the same product. Signature Rewards Visa Credit Card Transaction Fees — Credit Card Balance Transfer: None. Credit Card Cash Advance: Up to 3% for each Cash Advance or a minimum of $5.00.

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MONEY MAP Our members have complimentary access to ATMs around the world.

Whether you’re vacationing or traveling on business, explore these locations where our members access their money around the globe.

HELLENIC GREEK CLUB SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

22 hour flight from Indianapolis

LOWER EAST TATTOO STUDIO TORONTO, CANADA 8 hour drive from Indianapolis

Hinkle fieldhouse at BUTLER INDIANAPOLIS, IN 15 minute drive from Downtown Indy

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA

4.5 hour flight from Indianapolis

7-ELEVEN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

23 hour drive from Indianapolis 22

ACCESS YOUR MONEY 78,000+

5,000+

surcharge-free ATMs globally, including 2,000 in Indiana

SHARED BRANCHES NATIONWIDE, Including 250 in Indiana

MOVING MONEY

CONTACT US

Want to move money from another institution?

You can make an External Transfer into your Elements account via online banking or by visiting a shared branch.

Snap a photo of a check within Elements Online Banking. You’ll have quick access to your funds and there’s no cost to you!

Elements Headquarters: 225 South East Street, Suite 300 Indianapolis, IN 46202

Contact Center: 800-621-2105 customerservice@elements.org Routing Number: 274073834

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SPECIAL OFFERS

3.00

%

APY1

with Elements

High Interest Checking

$200

CASH BONUS2

when you open an

Elements Credit Card

on balances up to $20,000 with 15 qualifying transactions per statement cycle

elements.org/BetterRates

elements.org/CreditCards

1) Rate accurate as of 7/1/2019. High Interest Checking Account Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and may change after account is opened. The APY is 3.00% on balances up to $20,000, 0.10% on balances greater than $20,000. Dividends will be paid per statement cycle requirement. At least one account holder must be at least 18 years old. Accounts not meeting the qualifying threshold will earn 0.05% APY. Fees may reduce earnings. The following are qualifying transactions: Debit card purchases, checks, bill payments, ATM withdrawals and ACH withdrawals. No other transactions qualify. 2) Credit Card Related $200 Cash Back Value Offer — requiring at least 10 card purchase transactions totaling at least $1,000 within 90 days of card approval — will be fulfilled as a $200 statement credit. Secured Card excluded. Statement credit will not reduce your monthly payment. Existing Elements cardholders not eligible. / Offer subject to credit approval and may be taxable. Elements reserves the right to amend or discontinue offer at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Please allow 4-6 weeks after qualifications are met for receipt of statement credits. If the account is closed within six months, we reserve the right to add the amount of the statement credit back to your account balance. One product offer of each type per household. Product offers cannot be combined with other promotional offers for the same product. Signature Rewards Visa Credit Card Transaction Fees — Credit Card Balance Transfer: None.

Credit Card Cash Advance: Up to 3% for each Cash Advance or a minimum of $5.00. Federally Insured By NCUA

THE ART OF CONNECTING THROUGH PRINT Whether it’s keeping personal information secure, eCommerce, or direct mail – Fineline improves business through print.

Learn more at www.FinelinePrintingGroup.com.

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8081 Zionsville Road | Indianapolis, IN 46268 | 317.872.4490