TEXAS BAY INSIDER
Best of the Best
Texas Bay likes to think of ourselves as a trusted financial partner to our members. We are here to help our members reach their financial goals, and they recognized us in 2022 by voting us Houston’s Best of the Best Credit Union hosted by the Houston Chronicle. This year, we made the top three in Credit Union and took the prize in three other important categories:
• Best of the Best Mortgage Lender
• Best of the Best Insurance Agency
• Best of the Best Financial Planner
We are so proud of our team! They work hard, day in and day out, to assist our members with the utmost respect, empathy, and knowledge of which products and services are best for each member’s situation. Thank you to our members for their support in the Best of the Best contest and for letting us be YOUR financial partner!
See the full list of the Best of the Best in Houston.
Activate Your Perks
Have you yet activated the sweet REWARDS offered with your Perks or Premium Perks Checking account? Save money with nationwide and local deals, including, fuel discounts at Shell stations, identity theft aid, health savings, roadside assistance, and many more perks. With your Perks checking, you also get paid 2 days early with direct deposit. It’s easy to enroll!
Download the FREE Texas Bay CU Perks App on your phone or tablet, then follow the instructions on our website to get it set up. Then start SAVING money!
Trivia Corner
1. How much money did the average family spend on school supplies in 2022
A. $635
B. $729
C. $864
D. $923
2. When did yellow become the official American school bus color?
A. 1925
B. 1939
C. 1952
D. 1965
3. Worldwide, what is the most liked subject in elementary school?
A. Math
B. History
C. Reading
D. English
4. What is the average public school teacher’s salary?
A. $55,000
B. $47,800
C. $65,090
D. $75,300
Are you a trivia genius?
Check your answers on the back cover!
Back to School Savings
It’s about that time of year again and shopping for school supplies can get really expensive, really quickly. Luckily, Texas Bay is always looking out for you. Here are some tips to help you save money this Back-To-School season.
1. Mark your Calendar. August 1113th is Texas’ Tax-Free Weekend! Take advantage of the prime opportunity to go back-to-school shopping. Don’t go too crazy, though. Keep reading for our best tips to save.
2. Shop Solo. While it might be tempting to take your kids back to school shopping so they can look at all the pretty markers and folders, it is not the wisest idea. Similar to grocery shopping, kids can often influence the shopping list. This is often not in the best interest of your budget either! So, take some time for yourself and grab all the necessary school supplies without the guilt of saying “no.”
3. Invest in Quality. While things like pencils and notebooks may need to be bought annually, many school supplies do not have to be. Invest in a highquality backpack and lunchbox that will last for several years. While it may be more expensive initially, it will pay off in the long run. Not having to buy a new backpack every year is worth every penny.
4. Get Cash Back. With your Texas Bay Platinum Rewards Mastercard, you will get double the points when you shop from August 4th - 20th! Use this cashback reward to help you pay for future expenses that the school year is sure to throw at you. Texas Bay also offers personal loans that can help you with back-to-school expenses. Whatever it is this year, we’ve got your back.
5. Shop Simply. Utilize the generic brands. They are often of similar quality to their competitors and are a fraction of the cost! Saving a few cents and dollars here and there may not seem like a lot, but the savings add up with time! Be sure to shop smart this school year.
6. Price Match. Before you go shopping, it is wise to do some research and compare prices around several stores. Find out which stores price match and shop at those places. The big ones are Target, Staples, and Office Depot. On top of that, be sure to utilize Amazon as well. Scan the item in the app. If it’s cheaper, you can always order it then and there or bring the price up to the register.
7. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Shop around for used textbooks or even see if you can rent one and return it at the end of the school year. You can even find some textbooks as digital PDFs. You just have to look. Additionally, looking at and purchasing refurbished tech is never a bad idea. It is almost always cheaper for the same quality as it would be brand new. Don’t waste your money on some pretty packaging and a title.
8. Buy in Bulk. This is definitely the way to go if you have a big family. Buy supplies such as folders, pencils, notebooks, and pens in bulk as it is a much cheaper cost per item. Even if you don’t have a big family, utilize wholesale stores. Consider going back-
to-school shopping with another family and splitting the cost of supplies, saving you money in the long run.
9. Have a Finance Lesson. If your kid wants the fanciest locker decor or the prettiest but unnecessary gel pens, it might be time for a small lesson on the value of money. Tell your child they can get the pretty, shiny item, but they will have to pay for it with their own money. Often, we bet their attitude will change fairly quickly when it is their own money involved!
10. One Dollar Holla! Shop for the remainder of your school supplies at the dollar store. Items like scientific calculators, notebooks, and paper are ideal things to purchase at the dollar store. Not everything needs to be fancy and shiny.
As always, Texas Bay is here to help you reach your financial goals. If you need a little extra help covering backto-school expenses, consider applying for a Texas Bay Platinum Rewards Mastercard or a Personal Loan. Apply online now or schedule an appointment with one of our experienced Financial Services Representatives to discuss your options.
Auto Shopping Tips
Shopping for a car? This can be a timely and expensive proposition. Not to mention dealing with dealership salespeople. Ugh. Texas Bay is here to help with our Tips for Auto Shopping.
1. Get preapproved. Don’t go shopping without the advantage –knowing that you have a good rate and how much you can afford. This helps relieve the pressure you might feel when dealing with a car salesperson. Of course, Texas Bay offers lower rates than you’ll find at the dealership, with great benefits such as flexible terms, no payments for 90 days, twice-ayear Skip-a-Payment opportunities, local auto exam inspections, and so much more! Visit our website for more information and apply today!
2. Do your homework. Before walking
into a dealership, know what you want in a car, if not the actual car. This is easy with Texas Bay’s Find a Car online search system. You can search based on a variety of factors, take a Virtual Test Drive, use the Price Curve tool to see if the listing is fairly priced, use the Find Better Price tool to search for a better deal on similar vehicles, get FREE CARFAX and AutoCheck reports, and so much more! All from the comfort of your home.
3. Keep your cards close to your chest. Remember, working with a dealership is a game. Focus on one thing at a time. Don’t allow the salesperson to know too much too early in the game. Always start with the price of the vehicle. Don’t answer the question about a tradein or if you need a loan through the dealership until the price is settled.
4. Be prepared to walk away. This is the best advantage you will have.
If you don’t feel like you’re getting the deal you want, walk away. Quite often, they will try again or, at the least, follow up with you.
5. Don’t buy the add-ons. You think you’re done, you’re in the back office to finalize the deal, and here comes the push to add-on things like extended warranties, tire protection plans, paint protection plans, and other items. Be strong! We know you’re tired at this point, but keep your wits about you and say “no.” Most of these items can be purchased through another avenue at a much lower cost. For example, Texas Bay offers low-cost asset protection options (GAP insurance and Mechanical Breakdown protection) and healthCAR protection (similar to a warranty).
Employee of the Quarter
Congratulations to Casey Cox, Business Development Specialist, on being named the Texas Bay Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of 2023. On behalf of the Texas Bay team, thank you for all your hard work, professionalism, and consistent can-do attitude, but most importantly, your dedication to helping Texas Bay and our members succeed! We couldn’t do it without team members like you! As your work ethic will only bring future success!
Are you looking for a great place to work? Somewhere you will feel appreciated and treated like family? Check out our current openings.
