June 2012 First View Newsletter

4

ItemsofInterest

281.856.5300 FCCU.org

Branch Locations

Alief Office 3200 S. Dairy Ashford (at Richmond) Champions Office 10300 Louetta Rd., Ste. 100 (at Cutten Rd.) Cinco Ranch Office 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

Copperfield Office - (Corporate Location) 15260 FM 529 (east of Hwy 6) Spring Branch Office 9100 Westview (at Campbell) Sugar Land Office 3400 Hwy 6 South (south of Williams Trace) Tomball Office 28850 Tomball Pkwy (north of FM 2920) Barker Cypress Office (inside HEB) 24224 Northwest Fwy (at Barker Cypress) Fry Road Office (inside Kroger) 1705 Fry Rd. (at I-10) Grand Parkway Office (inside HEB) 6711 S. Fry Rd. (at Grand Parkway) Jones North Office (inside Kroger) 12222 Jones Rd. (at Cypress N Houston) Jones South Office (inside Kroger) 9330 Jones Rd. (at West Rd.) Katy Market Office (inside HEB) 25675 Nelson Way (at Pin Oak)

Chocolate for a Cause Our annual candy sale is underway with proceeds benefiting TCUL PAC, or the Texas Credit Union League Political Action Committee. Thanks to YOU, elected officials can continue to fight for Credit Unions. Indulge in some Chocolate Covered Almonds or Chocolate Almond Bar for $2 in any of our lobbies.

Enjoy your chocolate for a cause today!

Hey Red RangersFCCU wants to reward you for your perfect attendance and/ or good grades! If you had perfect attendance all year or received straight A’s, we’ll reward you by giving you a FREE movie ticket. Just stop by the tellers at any of our branches before July 31st to show us your report card or proof of perfect attendance. Congratulations on your educational achievements; FCCU is proud of you! (Limit 2 free movie tickets per member.)

Double your fun with double rewards With summer quickly approaching, now is the time to plan your family get-a-away. Whether you are able to go explore the country or you are just planning an adventure around the city of Houston, use your MasterCard with ScoreCard Reward and earn extra rewards as you travel.

Until August 31st, every time you use your MasterCard to purchase gas or for your lodging needs, you will earn double the rewards points. That’s right, double the points! So, no matter where your travel plans may take you, use your FCCU MasterCard to double your fun and double your rewards!

Sam Houston Office (inside Kroger) 9125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. (at West Rd.) Sienna Plantation Office (inside HEB) 8900 Hwy. 6 (at Sienna Parkway) Spring Market Office (inside HEB) 2121 FM 2920 (at Spring Cypress)

Look for this sign for over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs around the country.

Look for this sign for over 90 FREE ATM locations in and around Houston.

www.allpointnetwork.com

www.cufriendly.net

www.cuservicecenter.com

For a list of our hours and free ATM locations, visit our website at FCCU.org.

24-Hour Phone Services P.A.T. 281.856.4PAT • 800.234.PAT1 Phone-A-Loan Center 281.856.LOAN MasterCard®/Visa® Account Information Lost or Stolen Card Credit Card Fraud First Investment and Retirement Planning Center

281.856.5300 800.456.FCCU 800.600.5249 281.856.5625

CREDIT CORNER While consumer understanding of credit scores has improved, some serious consumer misunderstandings still remain. Keep in mind that a lower credit score will ultimately result in paying more for credit.

• A low credit score is costly because your interest rates will be higher.

• A credit score typically measures risk of not repaying loans rather than amount of debt, financial resources, or other factors.There are some easy ways that you can raise your credit score.

June

2012

FIRST VIEW FirstGlance

June is ATM Safety Awareness

2 Saying Farewell to Karen DeJarnett

2 TeX AN S

BULL PEN

3 Retirement, Insurance & Investments From A Trusted Partner

3

ItemsofInterest

4

Tips to help:

• Consistently pay bills on time every month.

• Don’t max out or come close to maxing out credit cards or other revolving credit.

• Pay down debt rather than just moving it around.

• Don’t open many new accounts rapidly.

• Regularly check your credit reports. You can access your reports for free through the website, at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Stay in touch!

A Publication of First Community Credit Union

Official Credit Union of the H OU S TON

Te X AN S

High School Class of 2012, Picture this: An FCCU Grad Pack Just for U – and just in time for college!

Your Grad Pack includes: 1. UFirst Savings Account: You will Earn

5% APY* on the first $1,000 on deposit!

2. UFirst Checking Account* – Be the envy of your friends with these special perks: FREE Cash Rewards – online shopping discounts Discount Tracks & TixSM (coming soon!) – discounted digital music and entertainment tickets FREE Visa® Debit Card FREE eBanking with iPhone & Android Apps 3. Visa® Platinum Credit Card**: Start your credit off right with a low rate credit card

Get up to a $100 Target Gift Card!

Open your Grad Pack today @ FCCU.org or visit any of our convenient locations!

Federally insured by NCUA

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Must open savings, checking, and credit card to receive $100 Target gift card. Open savings and checking only, a $50 Target gift card will be issued. If already a member, see credit union representative for complete details. FCCU reserves the right to substitute a gift of similar value. **Certain credit criteria applies. Credit Card requires a parent co-signer unless acceptable financial responsibility can be shown by applicant. Grad Pack offer is available to 2012 high school graduates only.

Making a First-Rate financial difference in our members’ lives!

281.856.5300 • FCCU.org

2

Happy Retirement Karen DeJarnett Sr. Credit Analyst

June is ATM Safety Awareness ATMs are a great convenience, but they can compromise your safety. A robber looking for easy prey only has to stake out an ATM in a lowtraffic, dimly lit area and bide his time.

Here are some tips sure to protect your card and yourself when using ATMs. Observe ATM surroundings before conducting a transaction.

If anyone or anything appears suspicious, leave the area immediately.

Observe the entire area from the safety of your car prior to getting out for a walk-up ATM. If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another location. FCCU offers iPhone & Android apps to help locate free ATMs. Minimize time spent at the ATM. Have your card out and ready to use.

Do not allow a stranger to assist you in making a transaction, even if you have trouble or your card gets stuck. Once finished, leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash. When using a driveup ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the driveup line.

Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to an ATM. If the ATM appears to have any attachments or alterations to the card slot or keypad, do not use the terminal.

Keep your PIN and card separate.

It is best if the PIN is not written down.

DO NOT write the PIN on the card. If you do and you lose your card, anyone finding it will have complete access to your funds. Use your body to shield your PIN from onlookers.

If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY. Money can be replaced ; a life cannot.

Te X AN S

BULL PEN! The excitement begins!

First Community has been fortunate to have a GEM of an employee in Karen DeJarnett. Karen has been with First Community for the past 35 years and provided an unparalleled level of service to everyone she interacted with. Her current supervisor, Jill Vinson, says, “She is the most patience, kind and understanding person I know. Not everyone gets the value of the credit union. Karen not only gets it but lives the principle of ‘People Helping People’.”

Karen first came to FCCU in 1977 as one of seven employees at the only location we had in Spring Branch. She recalls that on her very first day she stuffed envelopes. She was part-time for 10 months, then Karen moved to full-time as the receptionist, held other positions along the way and landed in the Credit Analyst position in the early 80’s. Karen’s final position with FCCU was Sr. Credit Analyst.

After 35 years of service, Karen has decided to retire and enjoy some time with John, her husband of 44 years. She has plans to travel and we wish Karen the very best in her retirement. First Community extends our thanks and gratitude for the critical part Karen has played in underwriting loans and for assisting our members in so many ways.

Looking for a new car?

in FREE gas!

Hit the Jackpot!

Your car could use a drink!

Auto Loans as low as 1.99%APR* For details go to FCCU.org/jackpot *APR = Annual Percentage Rate.

New players have been drafted and signed for the Texans 2012 season. We are looking forward to an outstanding 2012 season!

Calling FCCU FANatics!

Are you the ultimate Texans FANatic? Then show it with a Texans Checking* account exclusively at FCCU! Be the newest player on our team and knock out big bank fees and hassles plus win exclusive trips, autographed merchandise, tickets, and more.

Opening your Texans Checking account is easy and you’ll immediately be entered to win! Who knows, you could go to the BIG Game in New Orleans in 2013 on us!

Click to texanschecking.com to open your account now! Exclusively at FCCU! Prefer another one of our easy tp use Checking account but want to carry the Texans debit cards.

YOU CAN! The Texans debit card is available at $10.00 per year. Stop by any traditional branch to pick one up or contact our Call Center at 281.856.5300. *Certain credit criteria applies. Minimum deposit to open checking account is $25. Account is free for first 90 days. Direct Deposit must begin within 90 days for account to remain free or fee of $4.95 will be assessed each month. Texans checking account holders will be automatically entered into weekly drawings to win home game tickets with a parking pass, autographed Texans merchandise or Texans trips. For all trips, no purchase is necessary. For complete rules, refer to texanschecking.com. Any prize won and accepted with a value of $600 or more will be subject to 1099-INT reporting.

Teachers you deserve a

2012

Teacher Appreciation Loan

3

A Message from First Investment and Retirement Planning Center

Retirement, Insurance & Investments from a Trusted Partner

Sergio Garza Financial Advisor

Trust is everything – especially when it comes to your insurance and investments. That’s why we are honored to have been chosen by First Community Credit Union as the financial services partner to serve the needs of members like you.

Designed exclusively for credit union members, and located right here at the credit union, the First Investment and Retirement Planning Center is a full-service financial advisory program. We provide retirement, insurance and investment services to members like you. We’re here to help you and your family through a lifetime of financial planning needs – from those just starting a savings plan, to those with sizable assets looking for more sophisticated management tools.

Some of the products and services available include: • Retirement Planning • Wealth Management • Education Funding • Mutual Funds • 401(k) / Pension Rollovers • Life Insurance • Long-Term Care Insurance • Tax-managed Investing* The First Investment and Retirement Planning Center is staffed by Sergio Garza, a knowledgeable and experienced financial advisor devoted to serving all your retirement, insurance and investment needs. Sergio has over 15 years in the financial industry, and understands the importance of a trusted partner. Be assured Sergio will serve you with the same personalized attention you’ve come to expect from your credit union. Call 281.856.5625 today for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment. *Representatives are not tax advisors. For more information regarding your specific tax situation, please consult a tax professional. Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. B2MM-0906-C110

Teachers we appreciate what you do for education and want to reward you with our annual Teacher Appreciation Loan (TAL)!

• Rates as low as 8.49% APR+ • Our special gift: 1% off our regular loan rates!

For more details and to apply now, visit FCCU.org!

Pennie Lowther

Lila Vu

Registered Representative

Registered Representative

281.856.5625 Copperfield Office

281.856.5522 Barker Cypress @ HEB

+ APR = Annual Percentage Rate and includes all applicable discounts. Rates subject to change without notice. Certain credit criteria and employment qualifications apply. 90 days no payments based on credit criteria. Maximum discount 1.10% . Payment example: $2,500 @ 8.49% APR for 48 months = monthly payment of $64.61.

Planning • Investing • Insurance

2

Happy Retirement Karen DeJarnett Sr. Credit Analyst

June is ATM Safety Awareness ATMs are a great convenience, but they can compromise your safety. A robber looking for easy prey only has to stake out an ATM in a lowtraffic, dimly lit area and bide his time.

Here are some tips sure to protect your card and yourself when using ATMs. Observe ATM surroundings before conducting a transaction.

If anyone or anything appears suspicious, leave the area immediately.

Observe the entire area from the safety of your car prior to getting out for a walk-up ATM. If an ATM is obstructed from view or poorly lit, go to another location. FCCU offers iPhone & Android apps to help locate free ATMs. Minimize time spent at the ATM. Have your card out and ready to use.

Do not allow a stranger to assist you in making a transaction, even if you have trouble or your card gets stuck. Once finished, leave immediately. Avoid counting or otherwise displaying large amounts of cash. When using a driveup ATM, keep your engine running, your doors locked and leave enough room to maneuver between your car and the one ahead of you in the driveup line.

Look for possible fraudulent devices attached to an ATM. If the ATM appears to have any attachments or alterations to the card slot or keypad, do not use the terminal.

Keep your PIN and card separate.

It is best if the PIN is not written down.

DO NOT write the PIN on the card. If you do and you lose your card, anyone finding it will have complete access to your funds. Use your body to shield your PIN from onlookers.

If you are involved in a confrontation with an assailant who demands your money, COMPLY. Money can be replaced ; a life cannot.

Te X AN S

BULL PEN! The excitement begins!

First Community has been fortunate to have a GEM of an employee in Karen DeJarnett. Karen has been with First Community for the past 35 years and provided an unparalleled level of service to everyone she interacted with. Her current supervisor, Jill Vinson, says, “She is the most patience, kind and understanding person I know. Not everyone gets the value of the credit union. Karen not only gets it but lives the principle of ‘People Helping People’.”

Karen first came to FCCU in 1977 as one of seven employees at the only location we had in Spring Branch. She recalls that on her very first day she stuffed envelopes. She was part-time for 10 months, then Karen moved to full-time as the receptionist, held other positions along the way and landed in the Credit Analyst position in the early 80’s. Karen’s final position with FCCU was Sr. Credit Analyst.

After 35 years of service, Karen has decided to retire and enjoy some time with John, her husband of 44 years. She has plans to travel and we wish Karen the very best in her retirement. First Community extends our thanks and gratitude for the critical part Karen has played in underwriting loans and for assisting our members in so many ways.

Looking for a new car?

in FREE gas!

Hit the Jackpot!

Your car could use a drink!

Auto Loans as low as 1.99%APR* For details go to FCCU.org/jackpot *APR = Annual Percentage Rate.

New players have been drafted and signed for the Texans 2012 season. We are looking forward to an outstanding 2012 season!

Calling FCCU FANatics!

Are you the ultimate Texans FANatic? Then show it with a Texans Checking* account exclusively at FCCU! Be the newest player on our team and knock out big bank fees and hassles plus win exclusive trips, autographed merchandise, tickets, and more.

Opening your Texans Checking account is easy and you’ll immediately be entered to win! Who knows, you could go to the BIG Game in New Orleans in 2013 on us!

Click to texanschecking.com to open your account now! Exclusively at FCCU! Prefer another one of our easy tp use Checking account but want to carry the Texans debit cards.

YOU CAN! The Texans debit card is available at $10.00 per year. Stop by any traditional branch to pick one up or contact our Call Center at 281.856.5300. *Certain credit criteria applies. Minimum deposit to open checking account is $25. Account is free for first 90 days. Direct Deposit must begin within 90 days for account to remain free or fee of $4.95 will be assessed each month. Texans checking account holders will be automatically entered into weekly drawings to win home game tickets with a parking pass, autographed Texans merchandise or Texans trips. For all trips, no purchase is necessary. For complete rules, refer to texanschecking.com. Any prize won and accepted with a value of $600 or more will be subject to 1099-INT reporting.

Teachers you deserve a

2012

Teacher Appreciation Loan

3

A Message from First Investment and Retirement Planning Center

Retirement, Insurance & Investments from a Trusted Partner

Sergio Garza Financial Advisor

Trust is everything – especially when it comes to your insurance and investments. That’s why we are honored to have been chosen by First Community Credit Union as the financial services partner to serve the needs of members like you.

Designed exclusively for credit union members, and located right here at the credit union, the First Investment and Retirement Planning Center is a full-service financial advisory program. We provide retirement, insurance and investment services to members like you. We’re here to help you and your family through a lifetime of financial planning needs – from those just starting a savings plan, to those with sizable assets looking for more sophisticated management tools.

Some of the products and services available include: • Retirement Planning • Wealth Management • Education Funding • Mutual Funds • 401(k) / Pension Rollovers • Life Insurance • Long-Term Care Insurance • Tax-managed Investing* The First Investment and Retirement Planning Center is staffed by Sergio Garza, a knowledgeable and experienced financial advisor devoted to serving all your retirement, insurance and investment needs. Sergio has over 15 years in the financial industry, and understands the importance of a trusted partner. Be assured Sergio will serve you with the same personalized attention you’ve come to expect from your credit union. Call 281.856.5625 today for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment. *Representatives are not tax advisors. For more information regarding your specific tax situation, please consult a tax professional. Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members. B2MM-0906-C110

Teachers we appreciate what you do for education and want to reward you with our annual Teacher Appreciation Loan (TAL)!

• Rates as low as 8.49% APR+ • Our special gift: 1% off our regular loan rates!

For more details and to apply now, visit FCCU.org!

Pennie Lowther

Lila Vu

Registered Representative

Registered Representative

281.856.5625 Copperfield Office

281.856.5522 Barker Cypress @ HEB

+ APR = Annual Percentage Rate and includes all applicable discounts. Rates subject to change without notice. Certain credit criteria and employment qualifications apply. 90 days no payments based on credit criteria. Maximum discount 1.10% . Payment example: $2,500 @ 8.49% APR for 48 months = monthly payment of $64.61.

Planning • Investing • Insurance

4

ItemsofInterest

281.856.5300 FCCU.org

Branch Locations

Alief Office 3200 S. Dairy Ashford (at Richmond) Champions Office 10300 Louetta Rd., Ste. 100 (at Cutten Rd.) Cinco Ranch Office 23120 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

Copperfield Office - (Corporate Location) 15260 FM 529 (east of Hwy 6) Spring Branch Office 9100 Westview (at Campbell) Sugar Land Office 3400 Hwy 6 South (south of Williams Trace) Tomball Office 28850 Tomball Pkwy (north of FM 2920) Barker Cypress Office (inside HEB) 24224 Northwest Fwy (at Barker Cypress) Fry Road Office (inside Kroger) 1705 Fry Rd. (at I-10) Grand Parkway Office (inside HEB) 6711 S. Fry Rd. (at Grand Parkway) Jones North Office (inside Kroger) 12222 Jones Rd. (at Cypress N Houston) Jones South Office (inside Kroger) 9330 Jones Rd. (at West Rd.) Katy Market Office (inside HEB) 25675 Nelson Way (at Pin Oak)

Chocolate for a Cause Our annual candy sale is underway with proceeds benefiting TCUL PAC, or the Texas Credit Union League Political Action Committee. Thanks to YOU, elected officials can continue to fight for Credit Unions. Indulge in some Chocolate Covered Almonds or Chocolate Almond Bar for $2 in any of our lobbies.

Enjoy your chocolate for a cause today!

Hey Red RangersFCCU wants to reward you for your perfect attendance and/ or good grades! If you had perfect attendance all year or received straight A’s, we’ll reward you by giving you a FREE movie ticket. Just stop by the tellers at any of our branches before July 31st to show us your report card or proof of perfect attendance. Congratulations on your educational achievements; FCCU is proud of you! (Limit 2 free movie tickets per member.)

Double your fun with double rewards With summer quickly approaching, now is the time to plan your family get-a-away. Whether you are able to go explore the country or you are just planning an adventure around the city of Houston, use your MasterCard with ScoreCard Reward and earn extra rewards as you travel.

Until August 31st, every time you use your MasterCard to purchase gas or for your lodging needs, you will earn double the rewards points. That’s right, double the points! So, no matter where your travel plans may take you, use your FCCU MasterCard to double your fun and double your rewards!

Sam Houston Office (inside Kroger) 9125 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. (at West Rd.) Sienna Plantation Office (inside HEB) 8900 Hwy. 6 (at Sienna Parkway) Spring Market Office (inside HEB) 2121 FM 2920 (at Spring Cypress)

Look for this sign for over 43,000 surcharge-free ATMs around the country.

Look for this sign for over 90 FREE ATM locations in and around Houston.

www.allpointnetwork.com

www.cufriendly.net

www.cuservicecenter.com

For a list of our hours and free ATM locations, visit our website at FCCU.org.

24-Hour Phone Services P.A.T. 281.856.4PAT • 800.234.PAT1 Phone-A-Loan Center 281.856.LOAN MasterCard®/Visa® Account Information Lost or Stolen Card Credit Card Fraud First Investment and Retirement Planning Center

281.856.5300 800.456.FCCU 800.600.5249 281.856.5625

CREDIT CORNER While consumer understanding of credit scores has improved, some serious consumer misunderstandings still remain. Keep in mind that a lower credit score will ultimately result in paying more for credit.

• A low credit score is costly because your interest rates will be higher.

• A credit score typically measures risk of not repaying loans rather than amount of debt, financial resources, or other factors.There are some easy ways that you can raise your credit score.

June

2012

FIRST VIEW FirstGlance

June is ATM Safety Awareness

2 Saying Farewell to Karen DeJarnett

2 TeX AN S

BULL PEN

3 Retirement, Insurance & Investments From A Trusted Partner

3

ItemsofInterest

4

Tips to help:

• Consistently pay bills on time every month.

• Don’t max out or come close to maxing out credit cards or other revolving credit.

• Pay down debt rather than just moving it around.

• Don’t open many new accounts rapidly.

• Regularly check your credit reports. You can access your reports for free through the website, at www.annualcreditreport.com.

Stay in touch!

A Publication of First Community Credit Union

Official Credit Union of the H OU S TON

Te X AN S

High School Class of 2012, Picture this: An FCCU Grad Pack Just for U – and just in time for college!

Your Grad Pack includes: 1. UFirst Savings Account: You will Earn

5% APY* on the first $1,000 on deposit!

2. UFirst Checking Account* – Be the envy of your friends with these special perks: FREE Cash Rewards – online shopping discounts Discount Tracks & TixSM (coming soon!) – discounted digital music and entertainment tickets FREE Visa® Debit Card FREE eBanking with iPhone & Android Apps 3. Visa® Platinum Credit Card**: Start your credit off right with a low rate credit card

Get up to a $100 Target Gift Card!

Open your Grad Pack today @ FCCU.org or visit any of our convenient locations!

Federally insured by NCUA

*APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rates and terms subject to change without notice. Must open savings, checking, and credit card to receive $100 Target gift card. Open savings and checking only, a $50 Target gift card will be issued. If already a member, see credit union representative for complete details. FCCU reserves the right to substitute a gift of similar value. **Certain credit criteria applies. Credit Card requires a parent co-signer unless acceptable financial responsibility can be shown by applicant. Grad Pack offer is available to 2012 high school graduates only.

Making a First-Rate financial difference in our members’ lives!

281.856.5300 • FCCU.org