GreenPath will host two FREE webinars in October.

GreenPath will host two FREE webinars in October. These hour-long, online programs are taught by GreenPath education specialists. The webinars are always free and informative without a sales pitch. There’s also plenty of time for Q&A at the end of the program.

Teaching Kids Financial Responsibility | Wed Oct 7th - 9:00am PST
How to Deal with Your Debt | Wed Oct 21st - 9:00 am PST

http://www.greenpath.com/resources-tools/webinars

Take out our great auto loan or home loan during the remainder of 2015 and you could WIN 1 MONTH'S PAYMENT!

Take out our great auto loan during the remainder of 2015 and you could WIN 1 MONTH'S PAYMENT!^

• Rates as low as 1.99 APR* for 60-month terms
• No payment for 90 days**
• Up to 100% financing
• Terms up to 84 months
• Same low rates for new & used autos & light trucks

NEW...USED...and REFI's are eligible to WIN! Apply online or in branch. With rates & terms like ours, you can't lose.

Click Here to Apply 

Take out our great home loan during the remainder of 2015 and you could WIN 1 MONTH'S PAYMENT!^^

• All our first mortgages (PURCHASES & REFI's) are eligible to win*
• Great low rates with NO points
• Low down payment
• As high as 90% loan-to-value with no PMI**
• Fixed and adjustable-rate programs
• Conforming, super conforming & jumbo mortgages

Real estate prices are still at record lows. This is your chance to cash in on a double "bargain" - super low interest rates and a chance to win 1 month's payment. Or simply refinance your current home loan.

Click Here to Apply

^Complete sweepstakes rules are available online. NO PURCHASE/LOAN FUNDING NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE/LOAN FUNDING WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. *APR= Annual Percentage Rate. At 1.99% APR, your monthly payments are just $17.53 per $1,000 borrowed for 60 months. Discounted rate includes 0.25% reduction for automatic payment. 100% Loan-to-Valueon all cash-out refinances. Some restrictions may apply. Loan approval subject to credit and income evaluation. Consumer loan rates may vary depending on credit profile, term, mileage, and the amount financed. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. **Qualifying member may select to defer first payment for up to 90 days from the loan funding date. Interest will accrue during deferral period. Minimum FICO score 650. Subject to credit approval. Cannot be combined with other offers. Auto loan must be funded July 1, 2015-December 31, 2015 to be eligible to win. Six (6) Auto winners: Each winner will win one monthly payment. Payment amount is dependent on the amount of loan that has been financed - not to exceed $1,000. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. All expenses relating to acceptance and use of any prize that are not explicitly listed herein as being awarded, including payment of taxes, are responsibility of the winner. Limit of one prize per person. No substitution, barter, transfer, or assignment of prize permitted. One winner will be selected on the last day of each month - July-December, 2015. Entries will remain eligible throughout the sweepstakes period, so the earlier you fund the better your chances to win. Existing LA Financial Federal Credit Union or Havasu Community Credit Union loans are not eligible for promotion.

^^Complete sweepstakes rules are available online. NO PURCHASE/LOAN FUNDING NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE/LOAN FUNDING WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Promotion is not available to refinance an existing LA Financial Federal Credit Union or Havasu Community Credit Union real estate loan. Loans are subject to Credit Union loan policies. *Mortgage loan must be funded July 1, 2015-December 31, 2015 to be eligible to win. Two (2) Mortgage winners: Each winner will win one monthly mortgage payment. Payment amount is dependent on the amount of eligible mortgage loan that has been financed - not to exceed $2,500. Odds of winning depend on the total number of eligible entries received. All expenses relating to acceptance and use of any prize that are not explicitly listed herein as being awarded, including payment of taxes, are responsibility of the winner. Limit of one prize per person. No substitution, barter, transfer, or assignment of prize permitted. Mortgage winners will be selected on September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2015. Entries will remain eligible throughout the sweepstakes period, so the earlier you fund the better your chances to win. **For Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM); please call the Credit Union for details. 

Webinar Wednesdays in June

GreenPath will host two webinars in June. These hour-long, online programs are taught by GreenPath education specialists. The webinars are always free and informative without a sales pitch. There’s also plenty of time for Q&A at the end of the program. 

What’s On Your Credit Report? – Wednesday, June 3 at 9 AM PST. Reviewing your credit report is an essential step to financial success. We will discuss ways to track your credit report for free, understanding what is on your report, as well as handling inaccuracies and ways to prevent fraud.

Unlocking the Secret to Your Credit Score –Wednesday, June 17 at 9 AM PST. We have seen these numbers before: 720, 680, 550, but what does it all mean? This course is designed to help you gain a better understanding of what makes up your credit score and what you can do to improve it! To sign-up for any of these personal finance webinars, log on to FinancialEducation, then Webinars.

LA Financial cares about your financial health.  So we partnered withGreenPath to provide you with access to free, one-on-one financial counseling, debt management services and financial education tools.GreenPath has been helping people get out of debt and reach their financial goals since 1961.  We encourage you to look around our website to get a feel for all of the financial wellness resources available to you.We're glad you're here and we look forward to helping you!  We offer:Free Financial Counseling - We offer free financial counseling and debt counseling without a sales pitch.  Our caring, certified advisors will help you explore options for achieving your financial goals.  Everyone receives a customized action plan.Debt Management Plan - If you are struggling to eliminate credit card debt, GreenPath may work with your creditors to develop a mutually agreeable payment plan.  The plan could stop collection calls, lower interest rates and help you save lots of money.Housing Services - GreenPath’s housing advisors are experts at assisting people with their housing needs.  We offer foreclosure prevention services, home buyer preparation assistance, and reverse mortgage counseling.Student Loan Counseling - We’ll help you look into student loan repayment options that can postpone or lower your payments.  Learn the pros and cons of each student loan repayment strategy so you can make an informed decision.Credit Report Review - Learn how to better understand your credit report and how to manage your credit score.Financial Education - GreenPath University is your online source for free eCourses, videos, webinars, articles and other financial education resources.  

Anticipate those Summer Money Surprises

June signals the start of the summer wedding season and high school graduation parties. Many times, people don’t plan ahead for such expenses. GreenPath counselor Kathryn Bossler has put together a few tips, when it comes to financing all those summer weddings and graduation parties.Here are some tips on giving a nice wedding gift, without breaking the bank.

Five tips for wedding gifts:

1. If the couple has registered, don’t wait until the last minute to buy the gift. Watch their registry online and wait for items to go on sale.

2. If it is a family member, consider putting together a cook book of family recipes or gifting a family heirloom, like a piece of jewelry.

3. Make a keepsake box that the couple can use to store mementos from their special day. Get it started with their engagement announcement.

4. If the couple is going out of town, offer to watch their house or take care of their yard as a gift.

5. A gift basket filled with a few homemade treats, a gift card to a special restaurant, a bottle of wine and a book of love poems, adds a nice personal touch.

“Remember, when you are deciding how much you can afford to spend on a wedding gift, it is important to take into consideration the overall cost of the event,” said Bossler. “Will you need a hotel room, airfare, or will you have to purchase new clothes?” While you may have received a “Save the Date” months ago, these one-time expenses can add up quickly with those bills coming in over the summer months.

We’re also at the start of high school graduation party season. “While money certainly is a one-size-fits-all idea, you can make your gift stand out and be memorable to the graduate,” she said.

Five tips for graduation gifts:

1. If they are headed to college, how about a t-shirt from their new school…or even a sweatshirt, if they are going to experience winter weather!

2. A tote bag filled with bathroom supplies for the dorm room.

 3. Pre-stamped and addressed envelopes and notepaper for the freshman to send notes home.

4. A meaningful book with an inscription of family and friends well wishes for the graduate.

5. A gift card to a restaurant, sub shop or pizza place in their new college town.“Remember, thoughtful can be more impactful than expensive,” remarked Bossler.

So, a little planning and foresight can have you showering family and friends with gifts, while keeping your summer budget in line.

LA Financial cares about your financial health.  So we partnered with GreenPath to provide you with access to free, one-on-one financial counseling, debt management services and financial education tools.

GreenPath has been helping people get out of debt and reach their financial goals since 1961.  We encourage you to look around our website to get a feel for all of the financial wellness resources available to you.

We're glad you're here and we look forward to helping you!  We offer:

Free Financial Counseling - We offer free financial counseling and debt counseling without a sales pitch.  Our caring, certified advisors will help you explore options for achieving your financial goals.  Everyone receives a customized action plan.

Debt Management Plan - If you are struggling to eliminate credit card debt, GreenPath may work with your creditors to develop a mutually agreeable payment plan.  The plan could stop collection calls, lower interest rates and help you save lots of money.

Housing Services - GreenPath’s housing advisors are experts at assisting people with their housing needs.  We offer foreclosure prevention services, home buyer preparation assistance, and reverse mortgage counseling.

Student Loan Counseling - We’ll help you look into student loan repayment options that can postpone or lower your payments.  Learn the pros and cons of each student loan repayment strategy so you can make an informed decision.

Credit Report Review - Learn how to better understand your credit report and how to manage your credit score.

Financial Education - GreenPath University is your online source for free eCourses, videos, webinars, articles and other financial education resources.  

We Will Be Closed On Monday, May 25 For Memorial Day

LA Financial Credit Union and Havasu Community Credit Union will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Accounts can still be accessed via ATM, anytimeBanking and anytimeMobile.  

Fraud - Protect Yourself from Plastic Card Fraud

With so many ways to use your credit or debit cards to make purchases these days, it is very important to be aware of what you can do to keep your information and accounts private. LA Financial Credit Union has put together the following suggestions that may help you keep your plastics safe.

• Always report lost or stolen cards immediately upon discovery.

• Sign your cards as soon as you receive them.

• Never let your card out of your sight.

• Make a list of all your card numbers and PIN numbers and store it in a safe place.

• Don't lend your card to anyone.

• Never write down PIN numbers on your card, or keep it in your wallet.

• Don't give your PIN number to anyone. No one from any financial institution, law enforcement or a merchant should ask you for this information.

• Do not use obvious numbers for your PIN. Avoid using digits from your telephone number, social security, date of birth or any number someone could easily figure out.

• Never write your card number, social security number, checking or savings account number or PIN number anywhere anyone can see them or in any combination together such as on checks or envelopes.

• Never use the same PIN or ID number for all your cards.

• Never throw your account statement or pre-approved card offers in the trash. Shred them or destroy them beyond repair.

• Always verify that everything on your statement is correct.

• Immediately report any discrepancies to your credit or debit card issuer.

• Never leave a carbon receipt on a restaurant table and make sure your waiter or waitress takes your credit card receipt to the register before you leave.

• Never give your account numbers over the telephone 

• Never put your account information in an email.

• Avoid carrying all your plastic, social security card, birth certificate or passport all together. Carry only what you will be using.

• When making purchases on the Internet, make sure you are in a secure environment. This is usually stated by a pop-up   message and by a key or lock icon on the bottom of your page. Only shop with companies you know online. 

• When you go on vacation, have the post office hold your mail.

• If you know a statement is late in the mail, contact the card issuer immediately.

Plastics fraud can't always be prevented, but you as a consumer can protect yourself in many ways by following some of the safety tips we have provided above. Keep the risk of being a fraud victim to a minimum and protect your cards, private information and accounts. It only takes a moment to be smart and protect yourself from fraud.

You'll See A New Webpage Soon...

Our webpage is coming soon...

We have delayed the launch of our new webpage. We plan to launch the site later in the month at a time when the member impact will not be as high.

The new webpage will have a responsive design. That is, the page will change size and proportion based on the size and proportion of your device. This will make it easier to read, easier to find special offers and rates, and easier to navigate. Add all this to a clean modern look, and we think you’re going to like it. . .a lot.

Whether you want to visit our website on your computer. . . your laptop. . . your tablet. . .or your smartphone, you’ll soon be able to view all our information more clearly and conveniently.

It pays to be a member of LA Financial – $77 a year (or more)!

  

The average LA Financial member earns a financial benefit of $77 per year (and the average household, $146) for doing business with LA Financial Credit Union – compared to doing business with a bank, according to a national economic study prepared by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

These numbers represent the total benefits we provided divided across all members – even those who conduct very little business with LA Financial.  

Loyal High-Users are saving substantially more with these products:

·         new and used car loans

·         fixed rate or adjustable rate first mortgages

·         home equity loans

·         VISA credit cards

·         checking accounts

And, LA Financial pays its members higher dividends on savings, Certificates and IRAs and an exceptionally higher rate of 2% APY on Kasasa Cash Checking Account*.

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT ORAPPLY FOR A LOAN

http://www.datatrac.net/Calculator.aspx?InstitutionID=10447&MarketID=21911&Cls=auto&Bank_Product_Standard_OID=45&Key=gra_10auto21911percentage&tmpl=0

CLICK HERE TO CHANGE LOAN AMOUNT AND/OR TERMS AND RECALCULATE

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT OR APPLY FOR A LOAN

Datatrac is an independent, unbiased research firm that has monitored deposit and loan rates, fees and product features for over 25 years on more than 166,696 financial institutions locations in America.  Datatrac Great Rate Awards certify that deposit and loan rates outperform the market average for comparable products.  www.datatrac.net

1.       $912 is the difference between the amount paid in interest between LA Financial Federal Credit Union's rate at 1.90% APR compared to 3.28% APR for the Los Angeles Metro market average over the life of a $25,000 auto loan over 60 months. At 1.90% APR, your monthly payments are just $17.50 per $1,000 borrowed for 60 months. Discounted rate includes 0.50% reduction for checking account with Direct Deposit -OR- 0.25% reduction for automatic payment & 0.25% reduction for Direct Deposit/Payroll Deduction (maximum 0.50% total rate discount per loan). 100% Loan-to-Value on all cash-out refinances. Maximum mileage   All rates are quoted on approved credit as Annual Percentage Rates (APRs). Some restrictions may apply.  Loan approval subject to credit and income evaluation. Consumer loan rates may vary depending on credit profile, term, mileage, and the amount financed. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice.

Qualifying member may select to defer their first payment for up to 90 days from the loan funding date. Interest will accrue during deferral period. Minimum FICO score 650. Subject to credit approval.  Cannot be combined with other offers.

2.       Datatrac’s comprehensive, unbiased research and analysis is updated each business day and is conducted independent of any financial institution.  There is no guarantee that you will receive the rates or terms displayed herein. Actual rates and terms are in the full discretion of the financial institution and may be subject to your credit rating and other factors. Please contact LA Financial Federal Credit Union directly with any questions regarding their current rates and terms.

*Kasasa Cash  APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APY's accurate as of 06/02/2014. Rates may change after account is opened. Minimum to open is $25.00. If qualifications are met each monthly qualification cycle: (1) domestic ATM fees incurred during qualification cycle will be reimbursed up to $20.00 and credit to account on the last day of monthly statement cycle; (2) balances up to $10,000 receive APY of 2.00%; and (3) balances over $10,000 earn 0.05% dividend rate on portion of balance over $10,000, resulting in 2.00%-0.23% APY depending on the balance. If qualifications are not met, all balances earn 0.01% APY. Qualifying transactions must post to and settle account during monthly qualification cycle. Accounts closed mid-cycle before dividends are posted will not receive accrued dividends. Transactions may take one or more banking days from the date transaction was made to post to and settle an account. ATM-processed transactions do not count towards qualifying debit card transactions. "Monthly Qualification Cycle" means a period beginning one day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one day prior to the close of the current statement cycle. ATM receipt must be presented for reimbursement of an individual ATM fee of $5.00 or higher. Limit one account per SSN. Transfers between accounts do not count as qualifying transactions. 

Concerned About Debt? GreenPath Can Help

We offer free access to money management and financial education services through GreenPath, a financial management program. Through comprehensive education and exceptional service, GreenPath has been assisting individuals for more than 50 years. As a member, you can receive assistance with:

• Personal and family budgeting

• Understanding your personal credit report and how to improve your score

• Personal money management

• Debt repayment

• Avoiding bankruptcy, foreclosure, and repossession

Free Financial Counseling. GreenPath's certified and degreed experts will work with you to develop a budget and action plan based on your personal financial situation and goals.

Looking for a Debt Management Plan? GreenPath can help. GreenPath can set up a payment plan with your creditors to potentially eliminate collection calls, reduce interest and eliminate fees. This isn't debt settlement. It is a plan where you pay your entire principal balance but would do so more quickly while paying less interest and eliminate fees.

Credit Report Review. GreenPath can help you evaluate your credit report, learn to dispute inaccurate information, and understand credit scoring.

Get Help with Housing Issues. GreenPath can help you explore options for avoiding foreclosure, including contacting your mortgage servicer if necessary. They also offer pre-purchase education and reverse mortgage counseling.

Call a Counselor Today. GreenPath counselors are available Monday through Thursday 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (PST), Friday 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. To use this new service, simply call (877) 337-3399 or click www.greenpathref.com www.greenpathref.com for numerous tools and resources or view pre-recorded webinars anytime.

Anthem Hack - Part 2 - Phishing Scams

Anthem Hack Attack, Part 2:   Phishing Scams

Last week we told you about health insurer Anthem’s data breach affecting more than 80 million customers. This week, we're telling you about scam artists who are sending phony “Anthem” emails that pretend to help customers, but actually phish for their personal information.


The phony email is designed to look as if it comes from Anthem and asks customers to click on a link for free credit monitoring or “credit card account protection.” Don’t let that fool you. Anthem says it will contact current and former customers by postal mail with specific information on how to enroll in credit monitoring. Anthem also says it’s not calling customers about the data breach or asking for credit card information or Social Security numbers over the phone.
So, if you get an email that says it’s from Anthem offering you services in response to the data breach, don’t reply, click on any links, or open any attachments. Instead, forward it to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov, and delete the message from your inbox. 

FYI - Anthem Breach Affects 80 Million People

We wanted to share this information regarding Anthem with our members who may be affected.  We also want to remind you to never give out your personal information over the phone or online, unless you initiated the call.  Your Credit Union would never call you and ask you for this information.  If we identify suspicious activity on one of your debit or credit cards with us, we will call you to verify the transaction.  But we will not ask for any additional information - we already have it.

"Anthem was the target of a very sophisticated external cyber attack," Anthem president and CEO, Joseph Swedish announced in a statement on a website created to provide information on this breach, anthemfacts.com. Approximately 80 million former and current members had their personal information exposed including social security numbers, names, birthdays, medical IDs, street addresses, email addresses and employment information. Anthem is offering credit monitoring services, which is highly recommended that potential victims take full advantage of. 

Because so much information was lost, identity theft is not the only concern. It is very likely that elaborate phishing scams will start soon that will attempt to get people to click on a link or download a file. These scams will target everyone, not just breach victims. The more something is in the news, the more likely people are to fall for scams because they have some familiarity with the email subject. 

Steps people can take to protect themselves:

• Accept credit monitoring services immediately

• Call one of the credit bureaus and put a "Fraud Watch" on your SSN. You only need to call one, by law they are required to contact the other two to ensure they also set up a fraud watch on your behalf. It is free, but only lasts for 90 days, so set a reminder to have it refreshed

• Get a free credit report every 4 months. Each credit bureau is required to provide a free credit report once a year. So stagger each of the three so you can spot any fraud. Visit annualcreditreport.com to get started

• Watch for phishing scams; emails designed to look like they are from Anthem that attempt to get you to click on a link, download a file or enter login credentials. The criminals will attempt to deliver malware that can have a number of different effects. Online banking malware is growing faster than any other as this will help a criminal gain access to your financial accounts

• Watch for a noticeable increase in credit card offers. If someone attempts to get a credit card in your name, that information is picked up by all the credit card companies and they will send you offers

Capture my Heart Promotion

Earn a chance to Win a Free $100 Gift Card.
1) Draw a picture of a heart on the front of a check that you intend to deposit with anytimeDeposit
2) Deposit your check via anytimeDeposit between February 7 - 14, 2015

The winner will be chosen from checks deposited via the Credit Union's mobile check deposit program (anytimeDeposit) that clearly includes a visible heart drawn on the front of the check. Mobile check deposits must be made between February 7 - 14. Winners will be announced by February 23, 2015. Heart design must be readable by the check capture system and should not conflict with the integrity of the information included on the front of the check itself.

Download the anytimeMobile App

iPhone - Download App or search for "LA Financial" in the iPhone App Store.

Android - Download App or search for "LA Financial" in the Android Market

If you have questions about using anytimeMobile, call us at (800) 894-1200 and we'll help you get started.

Get your taxes done right and a chance to win big

Enter the TurboTax $25K Giveaway!

This year, make sure your taxes are done right and get a chance to win big. Try any TurboTax® Online product for free and you’ll be entered into the TurboTax $25K Giveway.¹

• All you need to know is yourself. TurboTax translates taxes into simple questions about your life and puts everything in the right forms for you.

·         You won’t miss a thing. TurboTax searches over 350 deductions and credits, so you can be confident you’re getting the biggest refund you deserve.

·         Double checks as you go. TurboTax runs error checks and a final review of your return to help make sure your taxes are done right.

Start TurboTax now for free and be entered for an opportunity to win!

1 TurboTax $25K Giveaway. NO PURCHASE OR FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States or the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway ends 2/26/15. Subject to complete Official Rules and all applicable federal, state and local laws. For Official Rules including odds of winning, alternate method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit the Official Rules. PRIZES: One (1) Grand Prize: A check for $15,000. Retail value, $15,000. Ten (10) First Prizes: A check for $1,000. Retail value, $1,000 each. Maximum retail value of all prizes is $25,000. The odds of winning a prize depend upon the total number of eligible entries received by the end of the Promotion Period. SPONSOR: Intuit Inc., 7535 Torrey Santa Fe Rd, SDG-2A-03-22F, San Diego, CA, 92129.

© 2014-2015 Intuit Inc. All rights reserved. State filing charges apply. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2014. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice.  Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.