Terry Thompson - Centris Federal Credit Union
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FALL 2010
Member Spotlight:
Terry
Thompson
developing plans for 2011 that will
include additional remodel projects for
some of our other branch offices.
I am also proud to report that our
branch office in Grand Island, NE was
recently voted the Best Credit Union
in Grand Island. This is the second
consecutive year our branch was voted
#1. A sincere thank you to all of you
who voted for Centris!
Recently, the President signed, and
Congress passed a new bill intended
to promote job creation. This jobs bill
President’s included an additional $30 billion of
Message taxpayer money for community banks
to lend to small businesses. The credit
I am proud to share with you that Centris union industry had been lobbying
recently opened our first in-school hard for an amendment to increase
branch in partnership with the Omaha our business lending cap from 12.25%
Public School District and Conestoga of assets to 25%. Many credit unions
Elementary School. Conestoga is are at their business lending cap and
a magnet school that is focused on cannot make additional loans to small
economics and mathematics. Our in- businesses. This amendment would
school branch is for the education of the have allowed credit unions to lend in a
students and encourages them to learn responsible and safe manner an additional
to save. The branch is run by a group of $10 billion dollars to small businesses
students with guidance from a member without any taxpayer assistance. Our
of the faculty and with the support of amendment was strongly opposed by
several Centris employees. This program the community bankers associations.
is one way that Centris is providing Unfortunately, our amendment was
financial education to our community so defeated and was not part of the bill
that we can improve people’s lives. that was passed. This is disappointing
in that credit unions can and want to do
We are also continuing to work on more to help promote job creation and
improving our branch offices to better growth in the country, but is not allowed
serve our members. Our branch in to do so. Please consider writing to your
Bellevue is currently being remodeled. senators and representatives and ask
We are removing the video teller windows them to pass the Credit Union Member
inside the branch and installing a more Business Lending Proposal.
traditional teller counter. We previously
completed the same remodel in three You may have also heard that the
other branches that used the video teller National Credit Union Administration
windows. The Bellevue remodel will be (NCUA) finalized their plans for the
completed by the time you receive this restructure of the corporate credit
newsletter. Our intent is to make your union system. These plans included an
visit to all of our offices a more pleasant extension of time for natural person
and enjoyable experience. We are also credit unions, such as Centris, to pay
2 InTouch / Fall 2010
in and fund the corporate credit union a credit union in the state of Nebraska
stabilization costs. This extension to and a ribbon cutting ceremony was
2021 will reduce the amount of the held during a school assembly on
annual assessment we are paying to Tuesday, September 28th in order to
the insurance fund. This stabilization commemorate the milestone.
program does not require any taxpayer
assistance to complete as it is being The branch is designed to introduce
funded entirely by the credit union the economic concept of saving money
industry consistent with our cooperative at an early age as well as increase
structure. Centris’ assessment for 2010 parental involvement in children’s
will be approximately $850,000. Even lives through banking activity. It will
with the stabilization assessment, be open every Tuesday throughout the
Centris will report positive net earnings school year for savings deposits only.
for 2010 that are in line with our budget In order to participate, all students
for the year. must obtain parental permission and
incentives are provided as they reach
Thank you for your continued support various savings goals.
and membership. We look forward to the
opportunity to assisting you in achieving In addition to Centris executive staff,
your financial needs and goals in the special attendees to the ceremony
future. If you have any questions or included Ed Cochran, Executive
comments that you would like to share Director of the North Omaha
with me, please call me or send an e-mail Development Project and Centris’ own
to kparks@centrisfcu.org. Thank you for Rafferty T. Bear.
your membership and the opportunity to
serve you. Check Us Out
Kevin Parks On Facebook
President / CEO
See what Centris is up to in your
community! Not only do we post
pictures of fun events, but we also
announce exclusive contests, giveaways,
and more… “Like” us today!
Investments 4
Centris Opens Your Community 5
Student Branch
Centris recently celebrated the Member Spotlight 6
opening of its newest branch inside
Conestoga Magnet School located
at 21st and Burdette Street. This Your Money 8
elementary school branch is a first for
www.centrisfcu.org 3
Ask Plenty of Questions If you
don’t understand something, make sure
to ask. And keep asking until the answer
is clear to you.
Meet or Speak Regularly To keep
your financial plan moving in the right
direction, your advisor needs to know when
important changes take place in your life.
Anthony Bumgarner Keep your financial advisor in the loop.
Financial Advisor
Centris Investment Services Listen Professional advisors can draw
(402) 697-6726 from years of experience and help you
Anthony.bumgarner@cunamutual.com maintain a long-term perspective on your
investment plan. Take the time to listen to
Working With A what your financial advisor has the say.
Financial Advisor Working with a financial professional
can be one of the smartest things you
Would you trust your medical diagnosis can do to ensure you reach your personal
to a casual acquaintance? How about and financial goals. Following these
cutting your own hair? For many things fundamental guidelines can go a long way
it makes sense to pay a professional in helping you get the most out the working
who has the expertise to deliver the best relationship with your financial advisor.
results. A professional financial advisor
can make all the difference when you Anthony Bumgarner is a Financial
are looking to outline a sound, and Advisor with Centris Investment Services
achievable, financial plan. Follow these located at Centris Federal Credit Union.
six steps to establish a good relationship If you have any questions, or would
with a professional financial advisor. like to provide feedback, regarding the
information presented in this article, you
Choosing Your Financial Advisor may contact him at (402) 697-6726 or
One of the best ways to find a financial Anthony.bumgarner@cunamutual.com.
advisor is through a referral. Begin with
a trusted source - inquire at your credit Representative is not a tax advisor or
union/personal banking center about legal expert. For information regarding
specific tax situations, please contact
Centris Investment Services
financial advisors who are located at, or
near, your local branch. a tax professional. For legal advice,
consult an attorney.
Set Up A Consultation Ask a great Representatives are registered, securities are sold,
variety of questions to evaluate if your and investment advisory services offered through
financial objectives are well matched to CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member
the financial advisor’s areas of expertise. FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and
investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly,
Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit
Discuss Your Goals and investment and insurance products are not
Obligations Your financial advisor federally insured, involve investment risk,
will need information about you and your may lose value and are not obligations of or
financial situation, philosophy and risk guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is
under contract with the financial institution, through
tolerance. Be candid about your income, the financial services program, to make securities
debts, future obligations, and current assets. available to members. FR040818-78DA
4 InTouch / Fall 2010
Flippin’ Flapjacks
For Furry Friends
On September 26th hundreds of people,
along with their four-legged friends,
Centris gathered on the Nebraska Humane
Cares Society grounds in support of the 2010
Margre Durham Walk for the Animals
event. Centris, as this year’s sponsor of
the Pancake Man, also had employees in
attendance helping the now nationally
famous flapjack flipper!
Thanksgiving: According to the Humane Society, the
A Time To Help event raised just under $95,000 to help
ensure that pets throughout Nebraska
Feed Families receive the love and care they so deserve.
This is one of our favorite times of year For more information about the
at Centris. One of the highlights is when Nebraska Humane Society, visit:
we can gather with family and friends to www.nehumanesociety.org.
share a traditional Thanksgiving meal.
Due to challenging economic conditions,
many families in our community will
Inspired To Save
have difficulty affording it this year; Lives, One Step
Centris is asking for your help.
At A Time
From now until November 15, you
have the opportunity to fill the holiday Once again this year, Centris supported
season with hope by providing a the fight against breast cancer through our
Thanksgiving meal for local families participation in and sponsorship of the
in need. Centris has teamed up with 2010 Komen Nebraska Race for the Cure
Together Inc., an Omaha metro-area which took place on Sunday, October 3rd
agency working to meet the needs of at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.
Your Community
hundreds of families struggling with
the basic necessities of life. A total of 63 Centris staff, members and
their families signed up to walk with
For every $15 raised, each family the Centris team helping the Nebraska
will receive all the basic food items affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®
to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving break an attendance record in Omaha.
holiday meal. Centris in turn, will Nearly 20,000 people participated in the
donate $10 for the purchase of a turkey event and according to komennebraska.
to complete the meal. org just over $231,000 was raised for
the cause!
To make your monetary donation to
this worthwhile cause, simply visit any For more information about the Nebraska
Centris branch or call (402) 334-7000 / Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®
(800) 334-2328. visit www.komennebraska.org.
www.centrisfcu.org 5
Once the renovation of their habitat
rebuild home was underway, Terry
and her husband went to work putting
in their required 350 hours of sweat
equity. Additionally, they also attended a
number of home ownership workshops
where they gained the knowledge
and education necessary in becoming
responsible homeowners. They were
finally given the keys to their first Habitat
Omaha home in 1995.
Terry has always been grateful to
Member Spotlight Habitat Omaha for the organization’s
assistance and support. So, when she
Terry was asked to become a member of the
Family Selection Committee in 2004,
she jumped at the chance to give back to
Thompson other families looking for hope.
Building Homes. Building Hope. That’s The Family Selection Committee’s role
what Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is within the organization is to assess each
all about and nobody knows that better applicant’s situation and decide if they
than former Habitat homeowner and fit all the criteria necessary to qualify for
current Habitat Omaha board member, a Habitat Omaha Home. An income and
Terry Thompson. credit verification, as well as a home visit
to document the substandard conditions
Terry first became involved with Habitat the applicants currently occupy, are the
Omaha in 1991 when she and her criteria the committee focuses on. Once
husband at the time were just starting out a decision is made by the committee it is
as a young family trying to make ends taken to the Habitat for Humanity board
meet. They had heard about Habitat for for a final approval and selection.
Humanity but weren’t convinced that
it was the right decision for them. It Terry remained dedicated to the Family
wasn’t until they had attended a Habitat Selection Committee, even while going
Omaha home dedication that they through a divorce and the decision to sell
Member Spotlight
decided to submit an application. her Habitat Omaha home on the open
market. She made such an impact with
During the review process a number of the committee that she was approached
criteria had to be considered before a final by the organization to become a board
decision could be made. Terry and her member in 2007. Terry replaced current
husband had to meet the need for housing, Douglas County Treasurer, John Ewing,
have the ability to repay a no-interest 25- and will serve her term until 2012.
30 year loan through some kind of steady
income and be willing to partner with the Terry feels it is not only her passion for
organization. Once the application process giving back that continues to help her as
was complete a number of months later, a member of the Habitat Omaha board,
they were approved to receive a Habitat but also her experience in the financial
Omaha rebuild home. services industry, especially as an
6 InTouch / Fall 2010
employee of Centris. She has been able
to use skills she developed during her rise
from bank teller to credit union branch
manager. She has also been able to draw
upon the culture of the credit union as
a member-focused, not-for-profit and
community-oriented organization.
Just like Centris looks out for its
members, Habitat Omaha won’t set any
Helping Habitat
applicants up for failure. Even if a family For Humanity
is turned down for a home with Habitat
the organization lends a hand to offer Build Dreams
assistance in preparing that family for
home ownership the following year or Habitat for Humanity of Omaha builds
further down the road. houses in partnership with families whose
income is 30 to 50 percent of median for
“Habitat Omaha is a hand-up, not a hand the Omaha area and need safe, affordable
out,” explains Terry. “They help put places to raise their children.
families in a better financial position”.
Habitat Omaha relies on the generous
Putting families in a better financial support of members of the community in
position is a goal that Habitat Omaha order to help cover the costs associated
shares with Centris which is why Terry’s with the construction of the homes as
work with both organizations can well as offering affordable mortgage
sometimes feel quite interconnected. loans to the families they serve. Centris
Terry admits that while she has not directly Federal Credit Union recently donated
helped any individual Centris member $250,000 worth of interest-free mortgage
get involved with Habitat Omaha, she loans so that not just one family but
has mentioned the organization as a rather multiple families may realize
possibility for some members she’s met their dreams of owning a home. Other
with over the years. financial institutions have also assisted
Habitat Omaha in this way however,
Not only does Terry help others realize
Centris is the first credit union in the
dreams on a daily basis, but she has also
Omaha area to do so.
begun to take steps towards reaching her
own goals. Terry was recently accepted
into the Creighton University accelerated
program and is currently working Editor’s Note
towards finishing her Bachelor’s degree Are you a Centris member making
in Communications at the school. a unique contribution to the
community? Know someone who
Terry certainly takes on many roles and is? Tell us your story for a chance
finding time for everything may not to be featured in the Member
always come easy but she says she feels Spotlight of the Centris
balanced and she attributes that feeling Newsletter. Simply contact us at
to the support she receives from those marketing@centrisfcu.org or by
closest to her. “I feel very blessed to phone at (402) 758-6523.
have the life I do”, Terry admits.
www.centrisfcu.org 7
If you’re a homeowner set aside at least
Ways To Cope 2% of your property’s value for repairs
With Infrequent and maintenance each year. You also
should budget for personal expenses that
Expenses aren’t always covered by insurance, such
as dental cleanings or eye check-ups.
Many people live in a state of denial
about the cost of infrequent expenses. Break It Down
To figure out how much to save each
For example, it’s reasonable to expect month, create a grid. List infrequent
that a car eventually will need new expenses on the left side and make
tires, a tooth will require a filling, or a columns for annual and monthly budget
household appliance will need to be amounts across the top. Figure out the
repaired or replaced. total cost for each infrequent expense,
and then break it down by years and
A Savings Plan months as needed. Tally your columns
All these expenses can be budget busters to get an annual or monthly total.
unless you save in advance.
Your Money
Over time, higher-than-expected
To create a savings plan for infrequent expenses for one item on the list are
expenses, take a tour of your home. Figure likely to be balanced by below-budget
out when you probably will need to replace expenses in another. Keep that in mind
appliances and mechanical systems by to avoid the temptation to pull money
visiting www.thisoldhouse.com and out of savings to spend on unrelated
searching for “How Long Stuff Lasts.” items. That way, you’ll be prepared
whenever an infrequent expense
If you own a car, save for repairs based on
becomes an immediate necessity.
vehicle mileage, budgeting $25 a month
for a new car; $50 a month for a vehicle If you need help budgeting for infrequent
with 30,000 to 60,000 miles; $75 a month expenses, Centris can help. Stop by or
for 60,000 to 100,000 miles; and $100 a contact us today at (402) 334-7000.
month if the odometer tops 100,000.
8 InTouch / Fall 2010
Teach Teens Card
Management
If your kids are beyond the excitement of
putting coins into their piggy banks, how
about moving on to some plastic? That’s
right; your teenagers might be ready for
a debit card.
Debit cards are similar to credit cards in
how they look and how you use them.
But when you use a debit card, the money
comes out of your checkbook instead of
becoming a loan, such as when you use a
credit card. By showing your teens how
to be responsible with plastic now, you
could be saving them from some poor
money choices in the future.
Social Security
Kids need to learn that they’re
responsible for their debit card, and And Government
that there’s a limit to that money. If you
think your teen is ready for a debit card,
Payments To
contact your trusted financial partners at
Centris and talk to someone at one of our
Go Electronic
convenient branches today. Changes are coming to the way
you receive your Social Security,
Changes Coming Supplemental Security Income, Veterans,
and Railroad Retirement payments from
To Your Centris the U.S. government. Instead of paper
checks, all recipients will be required
Visa® Credit Card to receive their payments electronically
through direct deposit or with a Direct
Effective November 1, 2010, Centris Express debit card from the Treasury.
Federal Credit Union has made several
changes to the terms of its Visa Credit
®
The new rule takes effect on March 1,
Card Agreement. If you currently have 2011 for new enrollees while those that
a Centris Visa Credit Card, notification
®
already receive their payments via paper
about the changes should have been check have until March 1, 2013 to make
mailed to you in letter form. All changes the switch.
were made in order to comply with new
government regulations as well as the If you have any questions about the
Credit Card Act of 2009. changes, feel free to stop into any
Centris branch or call any one of our
If you have any questions regarding friendly and helpful representatives.
the change to your Agreement, please Additionally, look for more information
contact a Centris representative at to be released about the changes in the
(402) 758-6500 or (800) 334-2328. coming months.
www.centrisfcu.org 9Tips To Protect
Your Plastic
Plastic card fraud statistics are up, and
much of the fraud comes from criminal
activities you can’t control. But you can
help yourself by being responsible and
aware of actions that will minimize risk.
Take note of these protective measures
to fight plastic card fraud:
• If your Centris debit/ATM or credit
card is ever stolen, immediately call
(402) 334-7000 or (800) 535-8440
if it is after normal business hours.
As long as your account is in good the sooner we can help prevent
standing and you haven’t been someone else from stealing your
careless with your card, you won’t account information.
pay for any transactions you didn’t
personally authorize. • Never click on pop-up computer
advertisements. Phishers can put a key
• If you’ve lost or misplaced your logger on your computer when you do
card, call Centris at one of the and from there they record key strokes.
numbers mentioned above and our
representatives can suspend the • Be suspicious of any phone calls,
card for you while you look for emails or text messages you receive
it. Suspending the card prevents a asking for account or credit card
stranger or thief from finding the card information. Centris will never initiate
before you do and trying to use it. contact to a member asking them to
verify account information.
• Always read the fine print and terms
and conditions with online purchases. • Never disclose account information to
someone not listed on your account.
• If you are planning a vacation, Almost 10 million Americans were
notify Centris before you leave. victims of identity theft in 2008,
Your Money
Our representatives can flag your according to the Javelin Strategy
account so that we are notified if any and Research 2009 Identity Fraud
suspicious activity appears while you Survey Report. Even more shocking
are away. Notify the post office as is the number of thefts by relatives.
well so it can hold your mail until you Of the victims who knew how their
return. This way thieves will not clue information was accessed, 13%
in to an overly full mailbox - alerting said a family member, friend, or
them to an empty house. acquaintance was responsible.
• If you happen to use an ATM that eats When in doubt, never hesitate to contact
your card or does not dispense money, Centris. As your trusted financial partner,
contact Centris immediately. The we are here to make sure your account
sooner we know about the incident, information stays protected.
10 InTouch / Fall 2010Refresh Your
Wallet, Quench
Your Thirst!
Apply for a new Centris Visa Credit Card
®
for a change that’s easy to swallow! Not
only will you get rates as low as 9.9% The Housing
APR* but you’ll also walk out with
a FREE Centris aluminum sports
Market Is Up;
bottle** to quench your thirst for some Rates Are Down
extra change in your pocket.
If the uncertain economy has you worried,
Plus, after a year of use and prompt today’s low interest rates may be one
payments, we’ll change things up again thing that puts your mind at ease. Now is
and reward you with an even better rate! a great time to apply for a mortgage, or
As low as 8.9% APR!*** to refinance the one you have.
*Non-variable annual percentage rate for
purchases & balance transfers. Rates start as low
The housing market’s finally improving.
as 9.9% APR and are based on credit worthiness. With many houses for sale, and many
15% APR for Cash Advances. Transaction fee for of those at rock-bottom prices, we can
cash advances is 3% of the advance or a minimum help make you comfortable in a new
of $5.00. Certain restrictions apply. Rates and
terms subject to change. **While supplies last.
home - with a comfortable interest rate
Centris reserves the right to substitute item for and term.
another item of similar value. Must not already
have a Centris Visa® Credit Card in your name. Stop by or call (402) 334-7000 ext.
***After one year of prompt payments, APR for 6160 and visit with your neighborhood
purchases and balance transfers may be reduced
by 1.00%. Active accounts only.
mortgage expert at Centris! We’re here
Complete terms and conditions will be to help make your dreams of owning a
provided upon application. home a reality.
www.centrisfcu.org 11Follow Us On Holiday Schedule Offices are closed in observance of: Veterans Day Thur., November 11 Thanksgiving Day Thur., November 25 Christmas Day Sat., December 25 New Year’s Day Sat., January 1 Martin Luther King Day Mon., January 17 Offices will close at 1:00 p.m. in observance of: Christmas Eve Fri., December 24
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