Tips to Handle Collections

Can you believe it’s February already? It seems like Christmas was just yesterday. Well, that’s probably because the bills from Christmas are now coming to a box near you.

What You Need to Know About Card Fraud Services

VacationLand Federal Credit Union is committed to keeping your account information secure. Debit card fraud specifically is on the rise globally, and there are fraudsters looking to capture your information.

Wrapping Up Another Year

The coming New Year is especially important to VacationLand, as we can’t think of enough ways to say “thank you” to our members who continually entrust their present and future financial business with us.

It’s No Fee November!

The holidays are right around the corner and now is the time to start raking in the savings!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Fall Into Savings!

The VacationLand team is ready to help you make your season merry and bright.

Published
Categorized as Blog

The VLFCU Pink Card is Back!

The VLFCU Pink Card is Back! We’ve redesigned the VLFCU Visa Pink Credit Card and are celebrating with Swipe for a Cure!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Want to Enjoy this Summer? No Sweat!

You’ve probably resolved yourself to the fact that the cost of living this summer has risen sharply. From gas to clothing, utilities, and groceries, inflation has hit everything.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Never Too Early To Think About Back-To-School

Mom and Dad, are you already anxious or uneasy about how you’re going to neutralize your child’s college education expenses or all the going-back-to-school bills?

Published
Categorized as Blog

Fill Your Summer with Fun

VLFCU has a loan special that will make your summer dreams a reality! Through August 31st, we’re offering a 2.00% discount on qualifying APR* for personal loans.

Embrace Our Area and All It Offers

Chances are, it’s been some time since you and your family have enjoyed a summer vacation. Now, just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, the price of gasoline is the highest it’s been since 2008.

Let Your Home’s Equity Do the Heavy Lifting

Have you ever considered taking advantage of your home’s equity to help pay for large financial needs? A VacationLand Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) will keep some spending money close at hand.

Lucky Charm Personal Loan Promotion

VacationLand is your lucky charm! Let us help you find your pot of gold at the end of the rainbow with our latest personal loan promotion.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Happy New Year!

Happy 2022 to all our valued members. Here’s hoping this year means returning to “normal.” Let’s not hope for something we know is out of our reach, but how about just getting our lives back to “routine.” That could possibly be the best thing that could happen for all of us, worldwide.

To get this New Year off on the right foot, here are some suggestions to help shake off those 2021 vibes.

Published
Categorized as Blog

January Surprise! Loan Fees Waived

Start 2022 off on the right foot! Throughout the month of January, we’re waiving the application fees on our Title Loans and Personal Loans.

We’ll waive the $191 title loans fee on the following loans, with a minimum loan amount of $5,000.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Join a Credit Union. Make Us Your First Choice.

January 1st is fast approaching, and each year tradition never fails to encourage us all to make resolutions for the upcoming year – most of which are never realized. A blog recently published by Business Adda, an online source where you can search anything about business, listed noteworthy top ten New Year’s resolutions for 2022. Although these choices don’t include your usual lose weight, stop smoking, find love, or manage time better resolves, they are sound and matter-of-fact.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Grateful Everyday

VacationLand Federal Credit Union is traditionally closed on Thanksgiving Day. But as mentioned, giving thanks isn’t just for Thanksgiving Day. We’re thankful to have members like you, every day throughout each year. We’re grateful to the community, our board of directors, and our fantastic professional staff. You all are the reasons we continue to provide award-winning services and products. Without your commitment, continued support, and high standards for expectations, we would not have been voted our area’s best credit union yet again this year!

Published
Categorized as Blog

2021 Gifts for Kids

The VLFCU 10th Annual Toy Drive will benefit children served by the Erie County Department of Job & Family Services and the Reach Our Youth organization in Huron County.

Published
Categorized as Blog

1956: It Was A Very Good Year!

Ahhh, the 1950s: a faraway time when baby boomers were introduced to the world, families sat down at the dinner table to talk about their days, and “social media” was gathering around the television with Douglas Edwards for the CBS evening news. It was a simple era – uncomplicated, yet invigorating.

Let’s stir up some nostalgia! Here are five great things that happened in the ’50s: 

Published
Categorized as Blog

You’ve Waited a Year. Let’s Have Some Fun!

“Summertime, and the livin’ is easy” are considered the best lyrics in the musical theater, according to Stephen Sondheim. And right now, VacationLand’s Personal Loan Promotion is considered the best offer in the financial auditorium! So if you’re ready to put some fun in your summer, take advantage of this special promotion now through July 31, 2021.

Published
Categorized as Blog

VacationLand Is the First Leg of Your Journey

It’s no secret COVID-19 has caused us all to experience cabin fever. But even with the easing of lockdown restrictions and sheltering in place, reconnecting with life might be difficult to do. We’re here to help!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Refresh, Recharge, Refinance!

Spring is here! Spring is all about new opportunities and making fresh starts. With winter behind us and warmer days ahead, rebirth and fresh hopes flood our minds. Spring also announces the arrival of changes in life, big and small.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Youth Month Is Back!

With our lobbies open again, VLFCU is excited to bring back National Credit Union Youth Month in April!  As part of our celebration, each branch will host contests and throughout the month for both our younger members and teenagers. Have a child in your family that is not yet a member at VLFCU? Open any youth account in April, and we will give them a free gift!  This applies to newborns up to teenagers who are 18 years of age*.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Here We Go Again: Potential Stimulus Scams

Most Americans have received a second round of stimulus checks, but the thieves are still hard at work trying to steal your financial and personal information.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Post-Holiday Debt Got You Down?

The holidays are over, the presents unwrapped, decorations packed away, and now the anxiety of how to pay off all the Christmas financial obligations begins to set in.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Out With The Old, In With The New

Would you like to ring in the new year knowing you have a handle on your debt with the ability to pay it down faster than you thought possible? Consolidating your existing credit card debt onto our low-interest VacationLand Visa® card is the first step in the right direction. By transferring your high-interest balance from any other major credit card or merchant card, you will start saving interest dollars today!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Everyone Benefits From This Friendly Program

Christmas time is the most magical time of the year! From all the lights and decorations, gift-giving, lots of baking for the family, love and laughter in the air, folks saying “happy holidays” to those they know or strangers, and did we mention all the presents?

Published
Categorized as Blog

2021 Scholarship Opportunity

Pursuing a higher education? The VacationLand FCU Scholarship is established to recognize and honor student members based upon leadership and citizenship, without regard to financial need.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Personal Loans Making Life Easier

The Thanksgiving holiday is fast approaching. That means enjoying lots of turkey with a somewhat smaller group than usual this year. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives and the way we do things, but hopefully not forever. Although we might not have a “typical” Black Friday this year, it’s guaranteed you can still expect that the holiday “typical” financial burdens will still haunt us.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Adulting Made Easy With Value Checking Plus

Checking accounts are the method by which adults deposit their paychecks and pay their bills. It would be almost impossible to obtain a mortgage, personal loan, line of credit, etc. without one.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Have Equity In Your Home? Apply for a HELOC.

Previously on this blog, we spoke to you about record-low home mortgages being offered by VacationLand Federal Credit Union, and about the variety of mortgage loan products to help you with the purchase of your next home, or help with refinancing an existing mortgage.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Notice to MasterCard Debit Card and ATM Cardholders

Over the past several weeks, the Card Department has been preparing for a debit card and ATM processing migration. For years, VLFCU has used Elan Financial Services for this processing. Early last year, Fiserv bought Elan and is taking over its clients’ programs. The migration of our platform is set to take place beginning late afternoon on Sunday, September 27, between 5:00 pm – 1:00 am.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Ways We Are Helping Keep You And Your Money Secure

Congress hasn’t reached an agreement on the next stimulus package that may come your way, but if a second stimulus package does take place, you can be sure that scammers will be there to attempt to get your check, steal your personal financial information, and possibly even steal your identity. These appalling criminals took advantage of folks’ vulnerability during the COVID first round of stimulus checks by using emails and phone calls to obtain private details from unsuspecting victims. Asking you for your checking account number so your stimulus check can be directly deposited is just the beginning of your nightmare. And because folks are so anxious to receive this money, they will quickly offer up social security numbers and sensitive financial information before they realize they have made a horrible mistake.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Avoiding Fraud At All Costs

At VLFCU we have measures in place to protect our members’ accounts and identity. We train our staff to watch for suspicious requests that may be the result of elder abuse, romance scams, and other criminal intent. For additional peace of mind, members can also enroll in Value Checking Plus, which includes identity theft protection features such as:

  • Restoration Rescue to provide services from licensed attorneys
  • Automatic enrollment of minor children for identity theft services
  • Lost document recovery assistance
  • Identity theft alerts
  • Informative resources
Published
Categorized as Blog

Financial Booster Shot: COVID-19 Personal Loan Special

This pandemic is not only having an impact on people’s health, it’s also affecting personal financial circumstances. Are you wondering how and when you and your family will recover from the COVID-19 pandemic? Let your credit union lend a hand.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Congrats to the Class of 2020!

Even though the school year ended differently than expected, VLFCU remained committed to our annual scholarship program. Since 1996, we have recognized and honored student members who have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and active involvement in their schools and communities. This year we made arrangements with the families of the winners to surprise them at home or at one of our branches. We had a great time awarding six $1,000 scholarships to the following 2020 graduates.

Published
Categorized as Blog

VLFCU Expands Reach

VacationLand Federal Credit Union is excited to announce that they are now able to serve more members in more local communities. The VLFCU Board of Directors unanimously adopted an amendment to expand the field of membership effective on March 9, 2020. This announcement was delayed as preparations for COVID-19 prevention took priority.

Published
Categorized as Blog

It’s Time to Stuff the Bus!

The Stuff the Bus Committee of Erie County, in partnership with all Erie County Local School Districts, is collaborating to collect and distribute school supplies for the 2021/2022 school year. It is our goal this fall to assist as many students as possible whose families may be financially burdened by the cost of school supplies.  New this year, we are expanding the program to students in grades K-8.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Spread Some Sunshine

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” – Mr. Rogers (American TV personality)

Published
Categorized as Blog

CashLESS Means MORE Convenience

“This is a cashless restaurant.” “This is a cash-free establishment.”

This scenario seems to be playing out more and more throughout our country. Some businesses started going cashless nearly a decade ago, but with today’s uncertain conditions, more and more restaurants and storefronts are asking customers to “remember to bring your credit card.”

Published
Categorized as Blog

Your Savings Are Safe

VLFCU would like to take this opportunity to share the press release below from the Nation Credit Union Administration. Not only does it outline the safety of your money deposited with a Federally Insured credit union, it also warns of new scams emerging from the COVID 19 outbreak.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Your Financial Well-Being

January 28, 2021:  Lobbies Reopening with Limited Capacity

Effective February 1, 2021, our lobbies will reopen for limited walk-in traffic. We encourage you to continue to use our full-service drive-thru whenever possible. If you need to visit our lobbies, we ask that you please observe the following safety measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Published
Categorized as Blog

Great Auto Loans are Alive and Kicking at VLFCU

With spring just around the corner, are you thinking it might be time to “kick some tires”?

Has your car “kicked the bucket”?

Are repair bills “kicking your behind”?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, now is the time to kick it into gear and stop by one of VacationLand Federal Credit Union’s offices and speak to a loan professional. We’ll get you pre-approved for a fantastic car loan… before you even step onto a car lot. We offer an incredibly easy application process, flexible terms, and financing options that will get you on the road in no time. You’ll find our rates competitive with other local lenders. Rates are effective as of March 1, 2020, and are subject to change without notice.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Refinance to Save & Reward Yourself

Are you paying too much in interest on your loans? Refinance them with VLFCU to save and reward yourself!

Simply refinance any qualifying loan with us to receive a 1% APR1 discount. We’ll even waive the loan processing fees2 – a savings of $191 – AND give you a $250 Visa gift card at closing!

Published
Categorized as Blog

February is Black History Month

Black History Month is a month-long celebration of achievements by African Americans and their roles in U.S. history. According to Wikipedia, Black History Month originated in the United States, where it is observed in February. It is also observed in Canada, as well as Ireland, the Netherlands, and the UK, where it is celebrated in October.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Helping You Stay Safe

As our dependence on technology increases, so does the threat of engineered attacks against our privacy and security. The more we have connected to the internet, – computers, printers, phones, smart home-enabled devices such as thermostats and doorbells, security cameras, routers, etc. – the more the likelihood of these devices being compromised escalates. Because we’re all potential targets of hackers, scammers and thieves, here are some basic tips to keep in mind while still enjoying the World Wide Web.

Published
Categorized as Blog

They’re Never Too Young

Your children may not understand this yet, but money doesn’t grow on trees.

Yet many parents – 72% – are a bit shy when it comes to discussing money with their kids. The reason? Most don’t want their kids to know their own financial situation or to worry about finances.

Published
Categorized as Blog

2020 Scholarship Opportunity

Pursuing a higher education? The VacationLand FCU Scholarship is established to recognize and honor student members based upon leadership and citizenship, without regard to financial need.

Published
Categorized as Blog

The Holidays are Coming

The holidays are just a “holly-jolly” thought away, and now is the best time to get financially prepared and avoid the stress of holiday overspending. After all, the best way to avoid debt is with sound financial planning!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Join Us on October 17th

Credit Union Appreciation Day is Thursday, October 17th!

Formally known as International Credit Union (ICU) Day®, it has been celebrated on the third Thursday of October since 1948. It’s a day for credit unions to raise awareness about the great work we do around the world, and a day to give members the opportunity to get to know us better. It’s also a day for us to show members how much we appreciate YOU – our way of saying “thanks” for your loyalty, confidence, and for making VacationLand your preferred financial partner.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Cybersecurity Awareness – Safety in the Technology Fast Lane

As we move closer to a new decade, the amount of technology we use in our everyday lives is only increasing. The lights in our homes can be turned on just by asking Alexa. Running low on milk or eggs? Not to worry – smart refrigerators can see what’s in there and help you put together a shopping list. The world is literally in our pocket with mobile devices that connect us to just about anything we need.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Join Today. You’ll Thank Us Tomorrow.

What’s the difference between a bank and a credit union? There are a few, but perhaps the biggest is that a credit union is not-for-profit institution, owned and controlled by its members, not outside investors. 

Like a bank, credit unions offer staple financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, credit cards and a variety of loan products.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Transfer a Credit Card Balance & Score Big!

VacationLand Federal Credit Union is offering new or current VLFCU Visa® cardholders tremendous benefits just for transferring a credit card balance from another financial institution or retailer to our Visa® Rewards credit cards. This value-packed offer is good only through October 31, 2019 and can earn you ScoreCard® Rewards for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or statement cash.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Home Run Balance Transfer Promotion

Save money and score big when you transfer a credit card balance to a VLFCU Visa!

During this special offer period, we’re offering 1.99% APR1 on the amount transferred for the first 18 months. There are no balance transfer fees and no cash advance fees, either.

ScoreCard Rewards Points make it an even bigger win for you!

  • Earn 10,000 ScoreCard Rewards Points for balance transfers of $1,000 to $5,000
  • Earn 23,500 ScoreCard Rewards Points for balance transfers of $5,001 or more

You can cash in your ScoreCard Rewards Points for travel, merchandise, gift cards, and statement cash.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Get to Know the New VLFCU Mobile App

 

The VLFCU Mobile App update is now available! Some of these new features with this update include:

  • Multiple Authentication Options – Access your account information quicker by selecting one of four new authentication options: fingerprint recognition, face recognition, voice recognition, and PIN number.
  • Improved Mobile Deposit Functionality – Deposit checks to your account without separate login credentials. One login to online banking is all you will need!
  • Integrated Debit & VISA Card Controls – Take control of your debit and VISA cards with the ability to turn them “off or on”. Transaction alerts to notify you of card activity will also be available for you to set up.
  • eStatement Access – View your statements directly within the app.

Download it today from your device’s app store.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Protection from Capital One Security Breach

identity protection

What Happened

Capital One announced a massive breach involving personal information for more than 100 million customers. Information accessed in the breach included names, addresses, zip codes, phone numbers, email addresses, dates of birth, self-reported income levels, and for 140,000 individuals Social Security Numbers. They also had access to credit scores, credit limits, balances, payment history, and contact information. Of the 100+ million customers, Capital One believes that only 80,000 stored bank account numbers were compromised.

What You Should Know

VacationLand does everything within its control to safeguard our member’s information. 

Published
Categorized as Blog

Big App Update

One of our goals at VLFCU is to make it easy for you to access and manage your accounts through convenience services, such as our mobile banking app.

The VLFCU Mobile App will soon get a major update that includes new functionality and streamlines some existing features.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Summertime and the Outdoor Livin’ is Easy

Summer is finally here! Whether you’re going explore the open road or drop anchor for a little downtime, VacationLand Federal Credit Union makes your summer plans affordable.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Summer Fun Loan Special

Whether you want to hit the open road for adventure or make waves on the lake, VLFCU has a loan special that will make your summer dreams a reality.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Let Your Home Open New Doors

Your home can mean so many different things to you: home is where the heart is; home sweet home; home is where you hang your hat; there’s no place like home.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Home Equity Line of Credit Special

If you own a home and it’s worth more than the remaining balance on your mortgage, you have equity. If you have equity, you can apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)1.

A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that you can draw on, pay back, and draw on again for a set period of time.

And if you think you can only use a HELOC to pay for home improvements like landscaping or pool installation, think again. Your Home Equity Line of Credit can be used to pay for any purchases you have coming up, including:

Published
Categorized as Blog

All Good Things Shouldn’t End 

As Youth Month at VacationLand Federal Credit Union draws to a close, we encourage you to continue teaching your children about saving, giving, earning and spending. 

Kids aren’t don’t get a lot of financial education in school, so when they become adults they just wing it and take care of financial matters as best they can. We’ve all been there, but it’s never too early – or too late – to learn sound financial habits!

Published
Categorized as Blog

A Penny for Your Thoughts

A penny saved is a penny earned. Penny pincher. A pretty penny. Penny wise, pound foolish.

A penny certainly doesn’t buy much these days, and getting your kids to save a penny, or more, is like pulling teeth. However, saving money is just as important as earning money.

April is Youth Month at VacationLand Federal Credit Union, a great time to start a conversation with the kids about saving money and setting financial goals.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Making Sense of Refinancing

The process refinancing a loan involves taking out a new loan to pay off the debt of the existing loan. People may choose to refinance an existing loan for a number of reasons – most often to get a lower interest rate.

With a lower interest rate, you could get a lower monthly payment or keep your monthly payment the same and shorten the repayment term to pay off the debt faster. During VacationLand Federal Credit Union’s Loan Refinance Special, you may be able to refinance a loan you presently have with another financial institution.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Loan Refinance Special

Refinancing an existing loan can help you lower your monthly payments.

During our Loan Refinance Special, we’re offering a $250 Visa gift card at closing AND we’re waiving the processing fees – a $191 savings!

Published
Categorized as Blog

What To Save For Your Retirement

When the time comes to retire, will you be ready?

You’ve probably heard that you should have saved at least $1 million to $1.5 million, or 10 to 12 times your current income. If you’re thinking about retiring, experts say to start planning well in advance of the actual date. You’ll need to think about how much money you’ll need each year after retirement, where you will live, and how long you might live, based on your current health status. Estimating longevity is challenging, but surprisingly, a 65-year-old today might live to be 95!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Giving Back Is Where It’s At!

After the busy, hectic holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year), you may experience what’s known as “post-holiday blues” – a term used to describe the melancholy some of us may feel after the revelry has subsided.

Weather-wise, January and February can be cold, fickle months and one might be inclined to hibernate and become less socially active, compared to the whirlwind of family and friends experienced around the winter holidays. What better way to help break out of those doldrums and get out of the house than giving back to your community. After all, you’ve just spent the last couple months constantly being involved and affable. Make an effort to lift your spirits by continuing to be around others and getting out and doing activities you enjoy.

Published
Categorized as Blog

You Belong Here

Becoming a credit union member certainly does have its advantages. One of the best New Year’s resolutions you could make for you and your family is to join VacationLand Federal Credit Union.

Did you know that credit unions offer the same products and services as any other financial institution? We offer a wide variety of savings, checking and loan products, as well as convenience services like e-statements, cashier’s checks and money orders, Co-Op Shared Branching, free notary service, safe-deposit boxes, payroll deduction, night depository, online banking, telephone account access, RDC (Remote Deposit Capture), our new mobile app, and EasyPay bill payment. However, that’s where the similarities end.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Start the New Year Off Nice by Controlling Naughty Holiday Spending

Black Friday and Cyber Monday – two days of the year that could easily turn into crazy, out-of-control spending if you’re not careful.
It’s easy to spend more than you can afford during the holidays. There are Thanksgiving celebrations, Christmas gift-giving, holiday-themed events, charitable donations, travel plans…the list goes on and on.

Speaking of lists, one of the best ways to stay on track when holiday shopping is to make a list. Decide who you want to buy gifts for, then set your budget. Knowing exactly who you will buy for, and how much you will spend on each person can help you keep your spending reined in. To simplify things, go ahead and print out this free holiday shopping list template to keep yourself efficient and productive.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Why Go to Your Credit Union for Your Mortgage?

We all have our reasons for being a credit union member. From the personal service to fulfilling your financial needs, credit unions exist to serve you throughout your life. So, when it comes to home ownership, why go to your credit union for a mortgage? We’ve put together a list of reasons you should consider your credit union for your mortgage needs.

Published
Categorized as Blog

2019 Scholarship Opportunity

Pursuing a higher education? As a VLFCU member, you qualify for a credit union scholarship!  

Published
Categorized as Blog

Funny or Fuzzy, You Decide!

VLCU needs your help! Our 2019 Wall Calendar will feature our employees’ pets, but there are too many cute ones to choose from! To narrow down the competition, we are asking for our members and the community to vote for your favorites. Voting will run from 12:00 pm on October 12th through 11:59 pm on October… Continue reading Funny or Fuzzy, You Decide!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Credit Union Appreciation Day Celebrated All Week!

It’s almost here! International Credit Union Appreciation Day is October 18, 2018! On that day, all of our branches will be hosting a celebration with refreshments, giveaways, Visa Gift Card drawings, and free shredding! Members are encouraged to stop in to see us.

We also decided that one day isn’t enough to celebrate our members!  We are offering these additional promotions during the week of October 15th – 20th.

  • 1% Discount off your qualifying rate when you refinance a loan from another financial institution1
  • 24-Month Share Certificate special at 2.60% APY2 with a minimum deposit of $500

Don’t wait…these are limited-time offers!

Published
Categorized as Blog

WITCHES AND GOBLINS AND BILLS, OH MY

Halloween is a very old holiday, dating back about 2,000 years.

The Halloween of modern times involves trick-or-treating, disguises, parties, candy and loads of fun. But this time of year can be as stressful as any other holiday. The cost of décor, candy, and costumes can begin to add up if you have a family of little ones and adults, both who like to dress up, party, and gorge on treats. Statistics show that Americans spent $9.1 billion dollars overall were spent on the 2017 Halloween holiday – $2.5 billion of which was spent on candy alone. Jack o’ lanterns, scarecrows, black cats, witches hats, haunted houses, costumes, etc. attributed to the remaining balance.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Let’s Keep Our Secrets To Ourselves

“Privacy is one of the biggest problems in this new electronic age.”

– Andy Grove, former Intel CEO

 

No truer words could have ever been spoken. This is the 21st Century, and one of the most influential inventions of modern times is the internet. Most of us can’t even picture what our lives would be like without it.

We’ve entered an age of “friending” people you don’t know, interacting with complete strangers, and sharing private information that just a few years ago we kept closely guarded. Google yourself, and you’ll find numerous websites containing your name, address, phone numbers, and lists of people associated with you – all just waiting to be purchased with a few, simple keystrokes.

Published
Categorized as Blog

More Chances to Win with the ScoreBIG Sweepstakes Offered by ScoreCard® Rewards!

All VLFCU Visa® Rewards* members have automatically been entered into this sweepstakes! You can earn additional entries for each qualifying purchase made with your ScoreCard® Rewards Visa® credit card between August 1 and October 31, 2018.

  • Grand Prize: 1 Million ScoreCard® Bonus Points!
  • First Place: 360,000 ScoreCard® Bonus Points
  • Second Place: 150,000 ScoreCard® Bonus Points
  • (5) Third Place Winners will each receive 65,000 ScoreCard® Bonus Points
  • (7) Fourth Place Winners will each receive 25,000 ScoreCard® Bonus Points

That’s FIFTEEN PRIZES up for grabs!

Published
Categorized as Blog

School Daze

School Daze

It’s that time of year again. A new school year for millions of kids all across the United States is just around the corner. The good news: the kids are no longer at home all day. Some parents love this. The bad news: kids will need supplies, and these days they need a lot more than crayons, pencils, and erasers. There are backpacks, folders and binders; electronics; pay-to-play fees; shoes and clothing – the list goes on. Depending on the size of your family, these items can easily set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars.

The long lists are daunting and can leave you wondering how on earth you will pay for all these essentials. Take a deep breath – you’re not alone.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Money Matters You Might Not Know About

Who doesn’t like money? It doesn’t mean you’re greedy, and money certainly isn’t everything. But while those greenbacks and bucks might not buy you love and may be the root of all evil, money is necessary for basic survival. After all, how many of us would go to work each day if we weren’t paid?

Just for kicks, here’s a roster of little-known “fun facts” about money. 

Published
Categorized as Blog

Mid-Year Financial Checkup Keeps You Fit All Year Long

Were you pleased with your financial situation in 2017? We’re already six months into 2018, and it’s time to determine how you’re doing so far this year and if you have your finances on track.

Much like keeping your body and mind fit, making sure you are financially stable also requires maintenance and preparation. Taking control of your financial future can be overwhelming and frustrating. A mid-year financial checkup is a good habit to get into to evaluate your progress in the first six months and make sure you have all your bases covered. If you’re off course, you can still make adjustments before it’s too late.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Ohio Credit Unions Stand Against Elder Abuse, Financial Exploitation

Elder financial exploitation has been a top concern for credit unions for many years, as credit unions were built upon the philosophy of protecting their members’ finances. On June 25, Ohio’s credit unions join the state in recognizing and opposing elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

The U.S. Census Bureau predicts that the number of Americans over 65-years-old will nearly double by 2050, growing from 43.1 million in the most recent census to 83.7 million. That creates new victims for those hoping to abuse or defraud the elderly.

Current studies suggest that 10% of seniors may suffer some form of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, according to a U.S. Department of Justice press release. Other studies show older adults may suffer billions in losses because of financial fraud. Credit unions make knowing their members a priority; thus, connections made at the teller-line put credit union in the position to know when something seems “off” or the older member seems worried or confused.

Published
Categorized as Blog

The Renovation Sensation: How to Determine What Makes “Cents”

In a previous blog entry, we talked about exterior home improvements and ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. Some of the improvements that offer the best return on your investment are exterior, such as a new roof, landscaping, etc. This time, let’s go inside.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Home Improvements Can Pay Off Big Time

You made a big investment when you purchased your home and, like any other investment, you want its value to increase.

Unlike other investments that are wholly affected by fluctuations in the stock market, you can directly impact the value of your home by making home improvements. Sure, the real estate market will have an impact, but anything you do to improve your property will increase its value.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Make a Plan to Plan Ahead

Did you know that children born today will pay up to four times more for tuition than a current 18 or 19- year-old? Why not start saving for college tuition the day your child is born? Watch your savings grow, and pass along responsible lifelong financial lessons to your child by educating them on the responsibilities and rewards of saving at a young age. This will also help prepare your child for those inevitable financial conversations regarding the high cost of college and their role in paying for it after graduation.

Published
Categorized as Blog

April is Youth Month

Each year in April, credit unions nationwide celebrate Youth Month. VLFCU is no exception and is excited to announce that we have revamped the celebration this year! We hope to engage more with our younger members and to educate them and their parents about the products and services specifically designed to help the youth in our community. 

As part of our celebration, each branch will host contests and have giveaways throughout the month. We encourage you to bring your kids to a VLFCU branch for a visit!

Published
Categorized as Blog

Annual Membership Meeting & Election Results

The Annual Membership Meeting was held on March 21st at our Hayes Avenue Branch. Members and staff were addressed by Jude Hammond, Chairman of the Board, Bryan Myers, Chief Executive Officer, and Bill Stauder, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee. The discussion highlighted the credit union’s 2017 successes and outlook for 2018. Election results for the… Continue reading Annual Membership Meeting & Election Results

Published
Categorized as Blog

VLFCU Urges Taxpayers to Beware of Tax Fraud Schemes

There’s not much more to say about tax scammers than has already been published, but taxpayers need to be wary of thieves who want your identity and your money. If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s most likely a scam. At the top of the IRS’s list of scams targeting taxpayers this year are:

  • erroneous refunds
  • phone calls from the IRS or debt collectors
  • phishing and malware schemes (a means of obtaining your personal information by posing as a trustworthy entity)
  • bogus emails
  • scams which actually target legitimate tax preparers
Published
Categorized as Blog

Make Your Tax Refund Dollars Work as Hard as You Do

According to FedSmith.com, the average refund paid to taxpayers in 2017 was $2,878.00. Whatever your refund amount is this year, why not put those dollars to work and get ahead?! Here are a few ideas:

  • Is credit card debt keeping you awake at night? Why not use that return to help pay down your credit card balance, or pay it off completely. If your current card doesn’t offer benefits, transfer the balance to a card with lots of rewards, low introductory interest rates, and perks just for using your card. Spending money by using this type of card can be fun and economical.
  • Reducing the principal on your home mortgage can dramatically affect the life of the loan. Think about using your refund to shave some years off the loan, while saving money in interest. It might seem like a small amount today, but even the smallest amount can make a dramatic difference down the road.
Published
Categorized as Blog

Introducing Financial Empowerment

Financial Empowerment

Your financial well-being is important to us. VLFCU is committed to providing you with resources to manage your money, and we’re thrilled to introduce a new digital education initiative to power your financial learning. We’re calling it Financial Empowerment. This program offers an engaging learning experience around critical personal finance topics such as building emergency… Continue reading Introducing Financial Empowerment

Published
Categorized as Blog

2017 Fourth Quarter Newsletter

As another successful year comes to an end, it’s once again time to reflect on 2017 and all it encompassed. As another successful year comes to an end, it’s once again time to reflect on 2017 and all it encompassed. 

Published
Categorized as Blog

Protect Yourself from Fraud this Holiday Season

The holiday season is upon us and, unfortunately, this is when the most fraud/scams occur. There are many different types of fraud, with more popping up every day. Here are some common scams to familiarize yourself with and protect yourself against.

Published
Categorized as Blog

Protection from Equifax Security Breach

identity protection

What Happened

Equifax, one of the three main consumer reporting bureaus, experienced a huge data breach. Specialists estimate that nearly 143 million consumer records were hacked, meaning nearly ALL United States consumers will be affected by this breach. As large as this breach was, this means every Social Security Number in the U.S. in conjunction with the associated name, date of birth, and home address information must be presumed to be public knowledge. 

What You Should Know

VacationLand does everything within its control to safeguard our member’s information. 

Published
Categorized as Blog

Welcome Sandusky Ohio Edison Employees!

On August 22, 2017, members of the Sandusky Ohio Edison Employee Federal Credit Union (SOEEFCU) voted to merge their credit union with VacationLand Federal Credit Union. The merger was official on September 30, 2017, and preparations are underway to finalize account transfers by November 1, 2017.

Published
Categorized as Blog