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Commonwealth Newsletter
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Summer 2009
Celebrating 80 Years! PFCCU’s 80th Annual Meeting
 
(left) Gary Thomas, emcee (right) David Phelps, Chairman of the Board,
speaking with members
The 80th Annual Meeting of Postal Community Federal Credit Union was held on
April 27, 2009 at the Executive Conference Center Ballroom in Springfield, MO.
Gary Thomas, PFCCU’s Financial Services Representative served as emcee for the
big event. A total of 161 members and 20 guests were in attendance for the
dinner and meeting.
Joy Jones, chairman of the PFCCU nominating committee, announced the credit
union election results. The election winners for the Board are incumbents David
Phelps, Ralph Tate and Howard House, all re-elected for new 3-year terms. The
election winner for the Supervisory Committee is incumbent Greg Johnston, who
was also re-elected for a 3-year term.
David Phelps introduced the three members who were selected this year as the
three recipients of the Jimmy Hensley $1,000 Scholarships. The winners were
Stephanie Sechler, Ryan Miller and Devon Vincent.
Gift cards for values of $25, $150 and $300 were given away throughout the
meeting. With the sale of extra chance tickets and the PFCCU match, $1,118 was
raised for Children’s Miracle Network. Thanks to all who helped and attended
this momentous occasion! Mark your calendars for the 81st celebration of PFCCU
on April 26, 2010 in the Executive Conference Center Ballroom.
Update: Prime Times Annual Christmas Trip
In the spring newsletter, we asked Prime Timers to let us know whether or not
they wanted to have a Christmas trip this year or if they wanted to take a break
based on the current state of the economy. The majority of you who responded to
our inquiry regarding the 2009 Prime Times Christmas trip decided it would be
best to take a break this year. We will revisit the Christmas trip again next
year.
We appreciate all who responded to our request and we hope you all have a happy
and safe holiday season.
Money & Stuff
 
Well, it is starting to look like we are on the mend as far as the markets are
concerned. If you are a stock buyer, get in on the dips. If you have been
sitting in a money market account with a mutual fund family this is a good time
to start dollar cost averaging back into the growth fund you moved out of a year
ago.
Unemployment should start to get better by the end of the year and we should
have a slow recovery from the 3rd quarter on. Ask me in the 4th quarter and I
will tell you for sure about the 3rd quarter. Keep pumping money into those
401(k) plans, as this is a wonderful time for that. If you have three or more
years to work you will be just fine. Do remember the volatile sub accounts are
the ones that grow money and most all of them are really down at this time.
Well, Kadie is looking forward to horse camp. I think she has every horse that
Toys-R-Us and Wal-mart have. We planted stuff in my garden and should have about
10,000 carrots from the 2 x 4 bed Kadie put the seeds in. Ethan is more of a
flower planter and just likes to dig in the garden, mostly just looking for
worms. Tyler called me, he just turned three, to tell me he was putting out a
garden, well, that is not really what he said, but I did understand the word
“digging”. The twins are really growing, they are sleeping through the night for
the most part. I guess that comes from eating good as they have each gained
about 7 pounds.
If I can help you with any of your investment program questions
(TSP/401(k)/403-B/SEP or simple/Roth or traditional IRAs), please just give me a
call at the office. 417-887-1983, ext 227. If you leave me a message, I will
call you back. Remember... mine is a service and benefit given to you as a
credit union member. That’s just one of the many good benefits of being a member
of PFCCU!
Investments are not NCUA insured, not
credit union guaranteed and may lose value. Registered Representative,
Securities offered through B & I Co., a Broker/Dealer, Member NASD/SIPC
Investment Advisor Representative, B & I., a Registered investment Advisor.
Note from the President
While many news stories lately have been rather bleak, I want to assure you that
Postal Federal Community Credit Union continues to be a strong, healthy credit
union and your financial assets will remain safe and secure with us.
We continue to maintain a capital ratio above that set by the NCUA for being a
well capitalized financial institution. We did not take, nor did we need any
government bailout money. With the recent audit by the independent accounting
firm Cummings, Ristau & Associates, P. C., the report concluded PFCCU is being
managed and operated in a financially safe and sound manner.
Please keep in mind – we are here to help you. As a not-for-profit financial
cooperative, our focus is to provide you with the best possible products and
services we can offer. Unlike many banks, PFCCU is maintaining low rates on our
credit cards, mortgages, and auto loans, as well as keeping our investment and
savings product rates high. We still have plenty of money to lend and want to
make sure the current economy doesn’t prevent you from reaching your dreams.
That is why we partnered with BALANCE Financial Fitness Program in order to
assist those of you who may have questions or need help realizing your financial
goals. This benefit is free to all PFCCU members and all conversations will
remain confidential.
Credit unions across the country continue to be safe, consumer-friendly
financial service providers. Since 1970, credit unions have been federally
insured through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), an arm
of the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). The U.S. government backs
this fund with full faith and credit just as it does the FDIC. NCUSIF provides
the same amount of coverage for credit unions as the FDIC does for banks: up to
$250,000 per individual account and up to $500,000 per joint account.
PFCCU will continue to always be here for you – the member. I want to thank you
for being a loyal member and you can be assured we will provide you with low
rates, higher dividends and the great service you have come to know and trust.
The future will always bring downfalls, but with your continued support, we look
forward to moving ahead and growing in any economic condition.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to stop by or call us at
887-1983.
Individual Needs…Individual Solutions: A Financial
Fitness Checklist
As a benefit of membership in PFCCU, you have access to the BALANCE Financial
Fitness Program – a program that helps realize your financial goals. Each
person’s financial choices and decisions are as unique as the circumstances that
surround them - living paycheck to paycheck, never being able to pay more than
the minimum on credit cards, feeling trapped in a cycle of high interest rates
and fees, wanting to buy a home or establish a savings plan. Best of all –
it’s FREE for PFCCU members!
Below is a Financial Fitness Checklist to get you started down the path to
financial security.
- Set financial goals – Think about what you really want to
do with your money. Determine how much each of those financial goals will cost
and divide that by the number of months you have to achieve them. That’s the
amount you’ll need to set aside each month.
- Develop a budget – Track your monthly expenses, and
subtract the total from your income. If more is going out than coming in,
consider ways to reduce your spending or add to your income.
- Establish a savings plan – Having a few months of
essential living expenses in a liquid savings account provides stability and
peace of mind. Make deposits into savings automatic by updating your direct
deposit designations.
- Review your retirement plan – Make the most of your
income by contributing to a tax-deferred retirement plan. Don’t miss out on
compound interest, and if your employer matches your contributions – that’s free
money!
- Use credit wisely – You can use credit to your advantage
by only charging when you can afford to repay the balance in full. Use loans for
goal achievement, such as starting a business, buying a home, or paying for an
education.
- Check your credit report – Access your credit reports
from each of the three major credit bureaus, then review them for accuracy and
dispute any incorrect items. You can receive a free copy of each once a year
from Annual Credit Report Request Service: www.annualcreditreport.com or
877.322.8228.
- Manage your money – Designate a space in your home to
conduct your money management business, keep your private financial information,
and organize bills so they don’t get lost under a stack of other mail.
We want to help you to achieve lasting financial fitness – which is why we have
partnered with BALANCE. As a benefit of membership, BALANCE will provide you
with free, confidential financial education and counseling. Their professional
advisors can help you develop a budget, manage your debt, and review your credit
report. Give them a call today at 888.456.2227, visit www.balancepro.net or stop
into any PFCCU branch to find out more information.
PFCCU Awards
the 2009 Jimmy Hensley Scholarship
Postal Federal Community Credit Union strives to encourage continued education
among members and throughout our local communities. That is why PFCCU offers an
annual scholarship to three members who are graduating high school seniors
seeking financial assistance for higher-level education. PFCCU awarded the 2009
Jimmy Hensley Postal Federal Community Credit Union Scholarship, a $1,000
non-renewable scholarship, to three outstanding members planning to pursue an
education beyond high school. Jimmy Hensley was a former PFCCU elected official
who served on the Board of Directors and dedicated many years of service and
dedication to PFCCU.
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Stephanie Sechler is a graduate of Willard High School in Willard,
MO. Stephanie was a member of National Honor Society, was active in Future
Teachers of America of America, served as class president and was MVP on the
softball team. She will be attending Baker University in Baldwin, KS to
obtain her bachelor’s degree in special education. She plans to serve as a
role model, teacher and mentor to students with learning disadvantages. |
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Ryan Miller is a graduate of Parkview High School in Springfield,
MO. Ryan was a member of National Honor Society, received an invitation
to Who’s Who Among American High School Students, member of the football
team and played American Legion baseball. He plans to pursue his
bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of
Missouri then attending the Naval Academy to become an innovator in
mechanical engineering. |
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Devon Vincent is a graduate of Hillcrest High School in
Springfield, MO. Devon was a member of the National Honor Society, was a
student council representative and president of the Highlanders Drum &
Bugle Corps. She plans to attend Missouri State University for a
bachelor’s degree in nursing, then a master’s in Anesthetics. |
Throw on Your Knickers For a Good Cause
13th Annual Benefit Golf Tournament
The 13th Annual Golfing for Kids Tournament benefiting the Ozarks Children’s
Miracle Network, an international non-profit organization that raises funds to
help sick and injured children who need medical care is fast approaching – so
sign up today to play or to be a sponsor. This year’s event will also honor
those who were affected by the September 11, 2001 tragedy in New York City.
View Brochure
Date: Friday, September 11, 2009
Location: Rivercut Golf Course
2350 Farm Road 190, Springfield, Missouri
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Format: Four player scramble open to singles and
teams
Tee Time: 8:00am
Registration will close when tournament is full.
Entries are not confirmed until payment is received.
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Early Bird Entry Fee: $90 per person or $360 per
team
After July 1st Entry Fee: $100 per person or $400 per team
Prizes: Two flights with three prizes awarded
Contests: Longest Drive (men and women), Closest to
the Pin, four Holes-in-one
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Show your support on and off the course as a player and
sponsor.
Presenting Sponsor: $2,500
Corporate Plus Sponsor: $500
Corporate Sponsor: $425
Executive Sponsor: $195
Cart Sponsor: $50
We are also seeking donated items to be used for goody bags or door prizes.
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Invest in America
With Driving The Discount
Get terrific discounts on most new Chrysler and GM vehicles and a great low loan
rate when you finance with PFCCU.
GM Vehicles – Offer valid through December 31, 2009 Receive the Total Confidence
Program, an unprecedented customer protection package offering:**
- 100,000 mile/5-year powertrain warranty with roadside
assistance and courtesy transportation
- One year OnStar (most vehicles)
- Vehicle Value Protection pays any negative equity
between outstanding principle loan balance and NADA clean retail value up to
$5,000 for trade-ins and $2,500 for private sales.
- Payment Protection covers up to $500 a month in payments
if a customer loses their job for a covered reason during the first two years of
ownership. (Customer must be employed at time of purchases and for 90 days
after).
Chrysler Vehicles
- $500 cash incentive on top of any other incentives
- Available on the following 2009 Model Year vehicles:
- Chrysler 300C & 300 SRT8
- Grand Cherokee (all models including SRT8)
- Commander
- Sebring Convertible
- Ram 1500 SLT/Sport/TRX & Laramie models
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate, subject to credit approval and to change without
notice. **There are restrictions, additional terms and conditions for GM Total
Confidence. Visit www.lovemycreditunion.org/Partner_Center_179.html#confidence
for details.
Are you looking for a new vehicle to get you around this
summer?
Well, you’re in luck! PFCCU has great, low-rate auto loans with low monthly
payments that fit your budget.
• Flexible terms that fit your budget
• New or used – for purchase or refinance
• Finance your car, truck, motorcycle or RV
• Easy application options - even online at www.postalfed.org
Follow the signs to a PFCCU branch to receive your great rate auto loan today!
Plus, refinance your auto loan from another financial institution at PFCCU and
get a 1% cash rebate!*
*Rebate offer applies only to refinancing vehicle loans from other lenders and
does not apply to refinancing loans already with PFCCU. Minimum loan amount to
receive rebate is $10,000. This limited time offer may be withdrawn at any time
without notice. All standard PFCCU loan policies will apply.
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