Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Canned Food Drive
We have partnered with the Norwalk Rotary Club to collect cans and household goods to support the Norwalk Social Services Center. Collection containers will be available in all L.A. County branches now through December 20th. Thank you for your support.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
International Credit Union - October 21
Join us in celebrating International Credit Union Day - October 21
Given the resiliancy that credit unions have shown throughout this economic recession, this year's international credit union day theme "Local. Tructed. Serving You." focuses on credit union's community-focused approach to member service.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Gran' Scam of Things
LA Financial is the Executive Producer of the new film, "The Gran' Scam of Things." The film, written and directed by Leor Baum, follows Gladys Weiss an elderly woman who goes on an unusual journey as she receives her first e-mail. The film draws attention to elder financial abuse, internet scams and check fraud. The film is currently in post-production but here is a teaser.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Volunteer in L.A. County
I always wondered why somebody didn't do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.--Lily Tomlin
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -- Booker T. Washington
In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it. -- Marianne Williamson
“It’s better to give than to receive,” is a wise old adage that really applies to the American spirit of Volunteerism. Some of the benefits of volunteering are:
Helping to solve a problem you care deeply about;
Improving your environment;
Learning new skills;
Meeting new people who share your interests;
And getting a warm feeling of knowing you are making a difference!
My first experience with being a volunteer occurred during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and because it was so positive, I continue to volunteer. I served as a Hospitality Volunteer where I was able to mingle with foreign and domestic dignitaries, athletes, and judges. I learned the art of diplomacy, and had an amazing experience while helping people from all over the world.
I love to volunteer because I know I am improving my community and I am able to see the direct result of my efforts. I have been reflecting on the amazing spirit of Volunteerism in America as I remember the responses to need that occurred after the September 11th attacks nine years ago, and Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005). People came together to help each other in a dramatic way that really sped the healing and recovery of the people involved in those events.
A few years ago, I had the honor of helping to restore City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1,300 acre park, which had always been a place for recreation and relaxation had been horribly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. This was very sad because the people of New Orleans needed their park as a place of respite to escape the daily stress of recovering in the city. It was a great feeling to know I was taking part in returning this beautiful area to a useful place of refuge.
If you have an urge to make a difference, there is good news for you right here in L.A. County! The need for your talent is great - All it takes is a passion, and some time and effort. First, consider what you are concerned about (the homeless, the environment, animals, a cure for a disease, etc.), then inquire about existing organizations who might need your help. There are some amazing online resources that will help to connect you to those organizations such as:
Volunteer Los Angeles http://www.volunteerlosangeles.com/
Volunteer Center of Los Angeles http://www.vcla.net/
L.A. Works http://www.laworks.com/
211 L.A. County http://www.211lacounty.org/disaster/updates/VOLUNTEER%
20OPPORTUNITIES.pdf
American Towns http://www.americantowns.com/ca/losangeles-make-a-difference
You can also do an internet search on a particular non-profit organization or cause. If you can’t find the right organization, think about starting your own!Think about how you would like to contribute and how much time you have to devote to your cause. Make a time commitment that is realistic (one hour a week if you are really busy, full time if you don’t have any other commitments or anything in between); then schedule it. Every kind of skill is needed, and sometimes, the most important “skill” is the ability to just show up and be there! So get going. Before you know it, you will start to make a difference in the quality of life right in your own backyard!
If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. -- Booker T. Washington
In every community there is work to be done. In every nation there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it. -- Marianne Williamson
“It’s better to give than to receive,” is a wise old adage that really applies to the American spirit of Volunteerism. Some of the benefits of volunteering are:
Helping to solve a problem you care deeply about;
Improving your environment;
Learning new skills;
Meeting new people who share your interests;
And getting a warm feeling of knowing you are making a difference!
My first experience with being a volunteer occurred during the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, and because it was so positive, I continue to volunteer. I served as a Hospitality Volunteer where I was able to mingle with foreign and domestic dignitaries, athletes, and judges. I learned the art of diplomacy, and had an amazing experience while helping people from all over the world.
I love to volunteer because I know I am improving my community and I am able to see the direct result of my efforts. I have been reflecting on the amazing spirit of Volunteerism in America as I remember the responses to need that occurred after the September 11th attacks nine years ago, and Hurricane Katrina (August 29, 2005). People came together to help each other in a dramatic way that really sped the healing and recovery of the people involved in those events.
A few years ago, I had the honor of helping to restore City Park in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1,300 acre park, which had always been a place for recreation and relaxation had been horribly damaged by Hurricane Katrina. This was very sad because the people of New Orleans needed their park as a place of respite to escape the daily stress of recovering in the city. It was a great feeling to know I was taking part in returning this beautiful area to a useful place of refuge.
If you have an urge to make a difference, there is good news for you right here in L.A. County! The need for your talent is great - All it takes is a passion, and some time and effort. First, consider what you are concerned about (the homeless, the environment, animals, a cure for a disease, etc.), then inquire about existing organizations who might need your help. There are some amazing online resources that will help to connect you to those organizations such as:
Volunteer Los Angeles http://www.volunteerlosangeles.com/
Volunteer Center of Los Angeles http://www.vcla.net/
L.A. Works http://www.laworks.com/
211 L.A. County http://www.211lacounty.org/disaster/updates/VOLUNTEER%
20OPPORTUNITIES.pdf
American Towns http://www.americantowns.com/ca/losangeles-make-a-difference
You can also do an internet search on a particular non-profit organization or cause. If you can’t find the right organization, think about starting your own!Think about how you would like to contribute and how much time you have to devote to your cause. Make a time commitment that is realistic (one hour a week if you are really busy, full time if you don’t have any other commitments or anything in between); then schedule it. Every kind of skill is needed, and sometimes, the most important “skill” is the ability to just show up and be there! So get going. Before you know it, you will start to make a difference in the quality of life right in your own backyard!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sea World Discount Tickets
Looking for something to do this summer. We're offering discount tickets to Sea World. Click here for more information or to order tickets.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Have you seen our new commercials?
If you have not already seen our commercials, here is BreakUpWithMyBank.com Dr. Bill Issues.Friday, June 18, 2010
Are You a 1 Marshmallow or 2 Marshmallow Person?
Believe it or not, your answer to that question can tell you a lot about how successful you will be when it comes to your finances and education!
Stanford University psychology professor Michael Mischel conducted a study during the 1960’s that focused on the behavior of 4 year olds regarding delayed gratification and impulse control. He placed a marshmallow in front of each child; then he offered to give another marshmallow to anyone who still had the marshmallow in front of them when he returned after leaving for approximately 20 minutes. Some children ate the marshmallow right away, some tried to distract themselves to avoid eating the marshmallow when he returned, and some were able to wait.
Fourteen years later, Professor Mischel followed up with the group of children to see if there were any measurable differences with the children. The children who had waited for the second marshmallow had scored an average of 210 points higher on their SAT’s, were self motivated and were able to delay gratification in order to meet longer term goals. The 1 marshmallow children were more troubled—they were less successful in school, less self confident and mistrustful of others.
So why does it matter?
Poor impulse control usually leads to rash decision-making, which can create havoc in your personal and professional life. But learning to wait for the better payoff pays of exponentially.
There is an old adage—“Good things come to those who wait…” If you can control your impulses and delay the payoff, you will be more successful in meeting long term goals. The odds are with you that you will finish more schooling, leading to greater success in a career path, which leads to far greater earnings over a lifetime; you will tend to save more money, and earn a greater rate of return; and you will delay making big financial purchases until you are capable of handling them.
There is another saying—“Never give up what you really want for what you want right now.” It is important to set goals, and then make a plan to get there. It is even more helpful to keep visual reminders of the goals you have set, since that will keep you focused on the payoff.
Can you teach someone to become a 2 Marshmallow person? Of course! The first step is to spend some time visualizing what you really want. Is it your first brand new car? A college education? A big wedding? A trip to France? Once you have focused on your heart’s desire, then it’s important to research the costs of what you want, and break it down into manageable parts. How long will it take you? How much will you need to put aside? What are you willing to sacrifice now to reach your goal in time? Then it really is important to manage your feelings regarding your delayed gratification.
If you know you’ve been a 1 Marshmallow person for a long time, you might want to set a short-term goal so you can “practice” telling yourself “NO” when something temporarily tempting comes up. Try putting off a small discretionary purchase. Put a dollar or two aside every day, and celebrate by purchasing it at the end of the month!
Stanford University psychology professor Michael Mischel conducted a study during the 1960’s that focused on the behavior of 4 year olds regarding delayed gratification and impulse control. He placed a marshmallow in front of each child; then he offered to give another marshmallow to anyone who still had the marshmallow in front of them when he returned after leaving for approximately 20 minutes. Some children ate the marshmallow right away, some tried to distract themselves to avoid eating the marshmallow when he returned, and some were able to wait.
Fourteen years later, Professor Mischel followed up with the group of children to see if there were any measurable differences with the children. The children who had waited for the second marshmallow had scored an average of 210 points higher on their SAT’s, were self motivated and were able to delay gratification in order to meet longer term goals. The 1 marshmallow children were more troubled—they were less successful in school, less self confident and mistrustful of others.
So why does it matter?
Poor impulse control usually leads to rash decision-making, which can create havoc in your personal and professional life. But learning to wait for the better payoff pays of exponentially.
There is an old adage—“Good things come to those who wait…” If you can control your impulses and delay the payoff, you will be more successful in meeting long term goals. The odds are with you that you will finish more schooling, leading to greater success in a career path, which leads to far greater earnings over a lifetime; you will tend to save more money, and earn a greater rate of return; and you will delay making big financial purchases until you are capable of handling them.
There is another saying—“Never give up what you really want for what you want right now.” It is important to set goals, and then make a plan to get there. It is even more helpful to keep visual reminders of the goals you have set, since that will keep you focused on the payoff.
Can you teach someone to become a 2 Marshmallow person? Of course! The first step is to spend some time visualizing what you really want. Is it your first brand new car? A college education? A big wedding? A trip to France? Once you have focused on your heart’s desire, then it’s important to research the costs of what you want, and break it down into manageable parts. How long will it take you? How much will you need to put aside? What are you willing to sacrifice now to reach your goal in time? Then it really is important to manage your feelings regarding your delayed gratification.
If you know you’ve been a 1 Marshmallow person for a long time, you might want to set a short-term goal so you can “practice” telling yourself “NO” when something temporarily tempting comes up. Try putting off a small discretionary purchase. Put a dollar or two aside every day, and celebrate by purchasing it at the end of the month!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Things I Learned by Watching Daytime Courtroom TV
I admit it…I’m addicted to afternoon Judge shows. There is something fascinating about watching ordinary people work out their differences in front of millions of people. Fortunately, all those hours of couch surfing I’ve logged while watching these tales of woe has actually helped me in my daily life. I’ve developed some financial street smarts that I’d like to pass on to you.
The biggest rule of all is – GET IT IN WRITING. Contracts are written down to protect all parties involved in a transaction. They spell out the benefits and responsibilities on both sides, so there is little chance for a misunderstanding to develop. Though oral contracts are usually binding, do you know what they call people who enter into them? LITIGANTS.
If you enter into a contract, read it BEFORE you sign it. You will be held to the terms you agreed upon, and everyone, including a judge, will assume you’ve read and understood what you signed. If you don’t agree on a term, or you don’t understand what you are signing, STOP. Get clarification before you move forward.
Get a receipt. Don’t let money pass from one until the other hand has a receipt in it! Something funny happens in a courtroom. Cash transactions made without a receipt can cause “catastrophic temporary memory loss,” which could lead to you paying double just because you can’t prove you’ve already paid.
If you lend money to someone you care about, you would be wise to treat it as a gift, unless you’re ready, willing and able to lose the relationship. That also means it is unwise to lend money you can’t afford to get back in a timely manner. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable when Cousin Larry comes to the family barbeque this summer!
Don’t co-sign for someone who can’t get credit on their own, unless you are willing to pay for the whole thing. Odds are, the person asking for your help is either a bad risk, or has not proven that they are a good risk yet. Your credit score is on the line, and you are agreeing to be fully responsible for the agreement. This mistake can cost you thousands of dollars over many years, and a bad credit score is a difficult thing to repair.
Look before you leap! Take a used car to a mechanic, have a potential home inspected, and take dated pictures of valuable things when you lend, lease, or buy them.
Pick roommates carefully. It is not enough to like a person. Keep in mind that you are entering into a business relationship with them, and both parties should be fully prepared to act accordingly.
Good fences make good neighbors—especially when you own a dog! If your dog gets out and injures someone, you could have to pay for their medical bills, and there could be bad feelings between you and your neighbors.
Accidents happen, so keep your insurance current. Schedule periodic checkups with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your homework before you invest your money or respond to internet pitches.
Finally, if you must go to court, bring proof of what you are going to tell the judge with you. “Proof” includes signed contracts, receipts, pictures, police reports and witnesses.
A wise person learns from other people’s mistakes. Care enough about your financial well being by following these common sense practices, and you won’t have to learn through your own tale of woe.
The biggest rule of all is – GET IT IN WRITING. Contracts are written down to protect all parties involved in a transaction. They spell out the benefits and responsibilities on both sides, so there is little chance for a misunderstanding to develop. Though oral contracts are usually binding, do you know what they call people who enter into them? LITIGANTS.
If you enter into a contract, read it BEFORE you sign it. You will be held to the terms you agreed upon, and everyone, including a judge, will assume you’ve read and understood what you signed. If you don’t agree on a term, or you don’t understand what you are signing, STOP. Get clarification before you move forward.
Get a receipt. Don’t let money pass from one until the other hand has a receipt in it! Something funny happens in a courtroom. Cash transactions made without a receipt can cause “catastrophic temporary memory loss,” which could lead to you paying double just because you can’t prove you’ve already paid.
If you lend money to someone you care about, you would be wise to treat it as a gift, unless you’re ready, willing and able to lose the relationship. That also means it is unwise to lend money you can’t afford to get back in a timely manner. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable when Cousin Larry comes to the family barbeque this summer!
Don’t co-sign for someone who can’t get credit on their own, unless you are willing to pay for the whole thing. Odds are, the person asking for your help is either a bad risk, or has not proven that they are a good risk yet. Your credit score is on the line, and you are agreeing to be fully responsible for the agreement. This mistake can cost you thousands of dollars over many years, and a bad credit score is a difficult thing to repair.
Look before you leap! Take a used car to a mechanic, have a potential home inspected, and take dated pictures of valuable things when you lend, lease, or buy them.
Pick roommates carefully. It is not enough to like a person. Keep in mind that you are entering into a business relationship with them, and both parties should be fully prepared to act accordingly.
Good fences make good neighbors—especially when you own a dog! If your dog gets out and injures someone, you could have to pay for their medical bills, and there could be bad feelings between you and your neighbors.
Accidents happen, so keep your insurance current. Schedule periodic checkups with your insurance agent to make sure you are properly covered.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Do your homework before you invest your money or respond to internet pitches.
Finally, if you must go to court, bring proof of what you are going to tell the judge with you. “Proof” includes signed contracts, receipts, pictures, police reports and witnesses.
A wise person learns from other people’s mistakes. Care enough about your financial well being by following these common sense practices, and you won’t have to learn through your own tale of woe.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
How to Find a Summer Job
If your savings and checking accounts are feeling a little underfunded, don’t worry! Summer is quickly approaching, and it's a great time to find a job. If this is your plan, now is the time to begin preparing for your job search!
- Start the process by having a conversation with your parent or guardian about your summer plans. Get their buy-in first. They may have a vacation or an educational opportunity planned that could impact the amount of time you have available to work.
- Brainstorm about where you might work. Ask yourself where and what you would like to spend your summer doing, what skills you have or want to develop, and what opportunities are nearby.
- Prepare to hear a lot of “No’s” before you hear the right “Yes!” Remember, it’s just a part of the process, so you should not take it personally. Be mature and polite with everyone you meet, and leave your contact information in the form of a resume or application. Even if the initial answer is no, a position may open later, and you want the manager to remember you well enough to call you!
- Whether you are filling out an application or turning in a resume, keep in mind that neatness and accuracy count! You’ll need to list the names and addresses of schools and former employers, including the dates of when you attended, references (can be neighbors or teachers), and what days and hours you are willing to work.
- Dress appropriately and be well groomed. A potential supervisor will be looking for someone who is eager to work and who cares about making a good impression. When you head out the door to drop off applications, does it look like you are going to the beach or are you sending a clear message that you are ready, willing and able to work?
- Be prepared for an on-the-spot interview. Speak confidently about why you want to work for this employer, about your skills, and your eagerness to be a great employee! Now is not the time to be shy…make eye contact and show what you know! Before you leave, try to get the manager’s business card.
- Remember to follow up in person or write a professional thank you note (that’s why you need that business card)!
- If you are offered a job, you will need to get a work permit (these are usually obtained through the school you attend), and bring all necessary documents your new employer requests. Now is a great time to set up Automatic Deposit of your paycheck into your Green Account. It’s a quick and convenient way to cash your paycheck, and it gives you ready access to your funds. Contact LA Financial if you need help with this process!
- Be on time, and be ready to work. That means arriving to your new job with a positive attitude, and a willingness to learn.
- Finally, set up some financial goals when you start your job. Of course, you want to earn some spending money, but it is wise to put a portion of your earnings towards a longer term goal like senior year activities (class ring, prom, Senior Pictures), buying your first car, or college expenses. You’ll feel great at the end of the summer when you have a healthy savings account balance which proves how hard you’ve worked, and you’ll be closer to meeting your long term financial goals.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Credit Union shared branching locator app now available on iTunes
Financial Service Centers Cooperative, Inc., the nation's largest and most convenient credit union Shared Branch Network, announced the launch of the new credit union Shared Branch locator app on iTunes. The free application is available to download and offers over 6,400 locations to perform Shared Branching transactions.
This makes it even easier for you to access your LA Financial CU accounts. Whether you are trying to locate a branch or a 7-eleven location near home or school, this free app will give you a list of the most convenient locations. It is perfect for anytime you are on the go, or even while you are traveling. Wherever you are, the free app will provide you with the closest locations, their addresses, contact information, hour of operation, and even driving directions.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/credit-union-shared-branching/id358196777?mt=8
This makes it even easier for you to access your LA Financial CU accounts. Whether you are trying to locate a branch or a 7-eleven location near home or school, this free app will give you a list of the most convenient locations. It is perfect for anytime you are on the go, or even while you are traveling. Wherever you are, the free app will provide you with the closest locations, their addresses, contact information, hour of operation, and even driving directions.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/credit-union-shared-branching/id358196777?mt=8
Monday, March 29, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
LA Financial Credit Union was featured on a Fox News LA story about people who are dumping their banks for credit unions or small community banks. Check it out...
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/money/dumping-your-bank-20100304
http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/money/dumping-your-bank-20100304
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
New year, new things to talk about...
Its a new year and I think its time we had some new topics for discussion around here. There have to be financial questions you are all pondering in your money savvy heads out there, and we want to answer them. Or maybe you have an inspiring story to tell about applying for college, a cautionary tale about buying your first car, questions about how you can get a credit card... The possibilities are endless.
Ask a financial services related question or tell us about an experience (it can be about saving, debit cards, loans, credit, the list goes on and on...) either on the blog or on facebook and we'll send the first 50 people a green-accounts tote bag!
To get the tote, you will need to email your mailing address to green@lafinancial.org. We will either mail it to you or arrange for you to pick it up at one of our branches. Supplies are limited and LA Financial Credit Union will choose the 50 tote-bag recipients in the order that their questions/comments are posted.
Ask a financial services related question or tell us about an experience (it can be about saving, debit cards, loans, credit, the list goes on and on...) either on the blog or on facebook and we'll send the first 50 people a green-accounts tote bag!
To get the tote, you will need to email your mailing address to green@lafinancial.org. We will either mail it to you or arrange for you to pick it up at one of our branches. Supplies are limited and LA Financial Credit Union will choose the 50 tote-bag recipients in the order that their questions/comments are posted.
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