Important Information Regarding your ATM/Debit Card

Important Information Regarding your ATM/Debit Card
Due to our recent ATM/Debit card upgrade, some of you may experience a decline when using your card with a PIN. This will most likely happen if in the past you came into one of our branches and chose a personal PIN. This does not apply to all cards.

We have a solution to that problem and, going forward if you would like to change your PIN for any reason, you may do so by calling 866-985-2273 see below for detailed instructions.
Our conversion to our new card processor has given us a new feature called PIN NOW. This feature gives you the opportunity to call on the phone and personalize your PIN after validating some personal information. You no longer have to come into our branch to obtain a personalized PIN.

Please call 866-985-2273. You will be prompted to enter your card number. If you are calling from home or work and, we have your current telephone number on file, you will then be prompted to enter the last 4 digits of your social security number. If everything matches, then you will then enter your new PIN, and you are ready to use your card.

If you are not calling from home or work, say you are on your cell phone, enter your card number. You will have then have the option to enter either your home or work telephone number. Remember, these numbers must be the ones you have given the Credit Union. You will then be prompted for the last 4 digits of your social security number. As long as all of the information verifies, then you will then enter your new PIN and you will be ready to use your card.

Avoiding ATM Fees Using the Grocery Store Trick!!

There are over 28,000 surcharge free Co-Op ATMs but... sometimes, I just can't find one. 

So...when I can’t find a surcharge free ATM, I just go into the nearest grocery store, and buy something small and pay for with my debit card and ask for cashback. In urban areas I look for a drugstores or grocery stores. I’ve never had a surcharge, and it’s a ‘purchase’ so you won’t get a foreign ATM fee either.

Shoot For Loot Contest!

Clipper Nation, LA Financial wants to give you a chance to win big at a Clippers home game! Enter below for your chance to win an opportunity to participate in the LA FINANCIAL SHOOT FOR LOOT contest on the court during a time-out on March 26, 2011. LA Financial, THE credit union for Clipper Nation!

Another Happy Member!!

Our member, Sharon K., took delivery on March 9th of a 2011 Mini Cooper through our AutoExpert auto buying program. She told our AutoExpert representative what exactly she wanted...we found it within one day & she took possession the very next day - at an excellent price.

In her own words, “I was surprised at how quick and easy the whole process was.  I got the car of my dreams at a price better than I could have negotiated myself.  They even took my old car as a trade in and I received more money than I had expected.  I am very happy with the entire experience." 

10 Easy Ways to save $100 (or more!)

1. Bring your lunch instead of going out to restaurants.
2. Drink tap water instead of bottled.
3. Borrow books from the library instead of buying.
4. Drive slower - sudden stops and starts burn a lot of gas.
5. Lay off the lattes.
6. Cancel your landline.
7. Use your credit union's ATM or a CO-OP machine instead of paying foreign ATM fees.
8. Consolidate your credit cards into a card with a fixed low rate like LA Financial.  A 3% discount on a $4,000 balance can mean $120 a year.
9. Go without premium TV chanels.
10. Buy non-perishible items in bulk.

Raising Money Smart Kids

Every year, American children receive more than $15 billion in allowance, gifts and wages - reason enough to start teaching children money management and consumer skills at a young age. The following tips can make the difference between a child who grows up to be financially secure – and one who doesn't.


Teach by example... The best way to instill good financial habits is by "walking the talk." For instance, when you go shopping, include your kids in the process – planning, budgeting, and comparing prices and quality. If they urge you to buy something that is over budget, explain that spending more on the item you're purchasing today is not as important as saving up for something else you need or want in the future.

Live within your means... Children who learn to prioritize their spending learn the most valuable money management lesson – to live within their means. Reinforce the message by not jumping for the credit cards or giving extra money just because your children ask. When kids want an expensive "status" item, like hundred-dollar athletic shoes, consider having them pay the portion of the price that exceeds what you think is reasonable. They'll appreciate the item more and may think twice about paying that much when they outgrow this pair in six months. If you choose, go ahead and lend money, but treat it like a real loan. Charge reasonable interest and set a time frame for repayment – it will teach them how loans and credit in the real world truly work.

Encourage savings... For your sake and theirs, encourage your children to make saving a fixed category in their spending plan. Discuss goals and calculate how much should be put away each month. Break down savings into long-term, for college or a car, and short-term, for a new bike or a senior trip to Europe. If you see your children about to make a mistake in spending their allowance, let them. Better to learn on a small scale now, than lose money with big mistakes later.

It's never too early (or too late) to develop healthy financial habits... The rewards of wise money management are the same for adults and children alike – a greater appreciation of what you have, a sense of empowerment when you reach your goals, and long-term financial security.

Check out PiggyBanc ... 
PiggyBanc® is an exciting, safe and fresh approach to getting children on the right financial track early. Through our website, you can fund a child’s savings account with just a few simple keystrokes. Friends, family, and relatives can contribute to their account any time of the day. Best of all, the PiggyBanc membership will teach your children about the importance of a savings program and strategy. All funds are transferred to and can be tracked at LA Financial.