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Joining Hands To Touch Lives .. . . . . Fraternalism for the Family and Our Nation
Official Publication of the SPJST, originally chartered as the Slovanksa Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas, in 1897
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Postmaster: Please Send Form 3579 to: SPJST Home Office, P. 0. Box 100, Temple, Texas 76503
VOLUME 89 NUMBER 41
ISSN-07458800
October 24, 2001
SPJST remains strong in light of world events Meeting at the SPJST Home Office in Temple last week, the Supreme Lodge voted to retain its highly competitive rates on its annuities and Universal Life certificates. "We're optimistic about the future of the SPJST and the future of America," says District Seven Director and Supreme Lodge Chairman Bob Bayer. "We are actively working to maintain our members support and confidence." "Recent world
events stemming
uncertain times," says Supreme Lodge Vice President Gene McBride. In terms of building new membership in the SPJST, Brother McBride is already projecting that 2001 will be a "banner year" for the SPJST. "When A.M. Best rates the SPJST, they make reference to our 'loyal membership base'," says McBride. `The kind of loyalty that we enjoy as a fraternal society doesn't just happen. SPJST earned it one day at a time and by sticking with its members when times are tough."
"The Supreme Lodge stands in solidarity with its members during these uncertain times."
from the tragic events of September 11 put a lot people on edge," says Supreme Lodge Secretary-Treasurer Lanita Anglin, echoing Chairman Bayer's sentiments. In that kind of environment, she explains, it's tempting for financial institutions to hedge their investment portfolios by trimming the rate of return they offer their customers. "We didn't do that," she says. "It isn't necessary. Because of our members and our conservative investment strategy, the SPJST remains a strong financial institution. We will continue to offer our members a highly competitive rate of return on their money." The interest rate on SPJST Annuity II certificates will remain at 6.5 percent, at least through January 31, 2002, at which time they will again come under the scrutiny of the Supreme Lodge. The rate of return on SPJST Universal Life certificates also remains steady at 7.25 percent. "The Supreme Lodge stands in solidarity with its members during these
SPJST Mortgage Interest Rates Rates subject to change without notice
Guaranteed
Issue Program In recent weeks, the SPJST Insurance Department, under Brother McBride's direction, has been inviting current members to take advantage of "guaranteed life insurance." The program enables members between the ages of 16 and 80 with $5,000 or less in coverage to purchase additional coverage regardless of past or current health. "Response has been very good," says Brother McBride of the guaranteed issue program. For information on the guaranteed issue program and how it could increase your coverage, please call the Home Office at (800) 727-7578 and ask for a customer service representative in the Insurance Department.
More Good News On a related note, it was reported in the October 3 Vestnik that SPJST mortgage lending rates had dropped to
Universal Life 7.25% for Annualized*
Roth IRA
Home or Farm Mortgages:
6.50% for Annualized*
6.25% for 1 to 7 years 6.25% for 8 to 15 years 6.50% for 16 to 20 years 6.75% for 21 to 30 years
Annuity II
Qualified Business Real Estate Mortgages
Annuity I
7.50% for 10 years 7.75% for 11 to 15 years
6.50% for Annualized* Certificates issued 4-1-93 and after 5.50% for Annualized* Certificates issued prior to 4-1-93 *Rates effective 11-1-2001 through 1-31-2002
their lowest levels in more than 40 years. Well, if you are looking to buy land, build a home or refinance, there's more good news: The rates just got lower. The SPJST is currently offering home and farm mortgages with interest ranges ranging from 6.125 percent on a one- to 15-year note to 6.625 percent on a 21 - 30 year note. All interest rates, including business loan rates, are posted at the bottom of page one. For complete information on terms and conditions of SPJST's underwriting guidelines and details on how to apply for an SPJST mortgage loan, please call the Home Office at (800) 727-7578 and ask for Ann Paruzinski.
Consider Refinancing If you currently have an SPJST loan and would like to take advantage of the new, lower rates, here's another good thing that came out of the October Supreme Lodge meeting. It's called the "Mortgage Modification Agreement" and for a $400 flat fee, it will allow you to convert your existing SPJST loan to the new rates, plus one-quarter percentage point. Your payments will stay the same; however, with the lower interest rates, thee term will be shortened.
Entering the Home Stretch With less that three months to go in the SPJST's Mission 2100 Membership Drive, Supreme Lodge members are optimistic that the Society will achieve its goal of 2100 new member applications in the year 2001.
"The numbers look good," says Chairman Bayer. "At the current pace, we will reach 2100 members in December. That's a feather in the cap of every active sales rep and every member who has been assisting in the process by making referrals. "We encourage everyone to keep up the good work." —SPJST-
Youth Program
joins President in supporting Afghan children In President Bush's news conference on October 11, he asked for all youth organizations across America to join together and support Afghanistan's children by donating $1. The SPJST is proud to join this effort and appreciates your support. All SPJST youth members are encouraged to donate $1 to this project. Please mail your $1 to: SPJST c/o State Youth Director Melanie Zavodny PO Box 100 Temple, TX 76503 Please note that all dollars received will be matched by the SPJST and forwarded to America's Fund for Afghan Children in Washington, DC. —SPJST-