figfcu.com Blog

Win up to $500 at FIGFCU - Hurry! Offer ends Nov. 15th

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 08:15:00 -0700

You could win up to $500 when you sign up for Direct Deposit or open a new checking account, and up to $250 when you set up a Payroll Deduction.

BofA to charge select customers annual credit card fee

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:15:00 -0700

Bank of America will start charging customers an annual credit card fee of $29 to $99 next year.

Banks charging record fees for checking accounts

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Monthly service charges on checking accounts climbed to new highs in August, USA Today is reporting. In 2009, the average fee for an interest-bearing checking account is a surprising $12.55 per month, according to a survey released last week by Bankrate.com.

First-time Home Buyers Can Get Up to an $8000 Tax Credit-Buy Before November 30, 2009

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:15:00 -0700

Are you shopping for a home, but not sure if the time is right? If you are hoping to take advantage of the first-time buyer tax credit, you cannot afford to wait any longer.

Win up to $500 at FIGFCU

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:15:00 -0700

You could win up to $500 when you sign up for Direct Deposit or open a new checking account, and up to $250 when you set up a Payroll Deduction.

Bernanke optimistic about economy

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:50:00 -0700

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said Tuesday that the recession is probably over. But he also said that he thought unemployment would rise.

A new way to fight ID theft—check your ID score

Tue, 8 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0700

Everyone knows their credit score (and if you don't, you should!). But did you know you also have an ID score? Knowing your ID score and monitoring it over time can help you protect your identity.

The end of free checking?

Tue, 1 Sep 2009 13:45:00 -0700

According to the Wall Street Journal, free checking is "going the way of the free lunch" as banks attempt to fill their revenue gap with checking account fees and requirements.

President Obama's credit card changes do not affect FIGFCU cardholders

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0700

Three new provisions of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 went into effect last week. FIGFCU cardholders were not impacted by these changes, however, as your Credit Union already conducts business in the manner now mandated by the President.

Buy a GM vehicle on eBay

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:15:00 -0700

General Motors and eBay have rolled out a pilot program in California that allows customers to buy select new GM vehicles on eBay. Customers can negotiate with about 250 dealers throughout the state on 20,000 vehicles.

10 things to know about 'Cash for Clunkers'

Tue, 4 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0700

The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS or "Cash for Clunkers") is a government program designed to help consumers buy or lease more environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Pope cites credit unions as ethical, humanitarian institutions

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 11:15:00 -0700

Pope Benedict XVI compared credit unions and love in his third encyclical saying, "If love is wise, it can find ways of working in accordance with provident and just expediency, as is illustrated in significant ways by much of the experience of credit unions."

Banks not accepting CA Warrants, Credit unions are!

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:00:00 -0700

FIGFCU is accepting warrants issued to its members.

Be a Hero for Babies Day on July 22

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 09:45:00 -0700

The fourth annual Be a Hero for Babies Day is July 22, and all Farmers employees, agents and DMs are invited to participate in the first-ever, nationwide Blue Jeans for Babies event.

Sign up for eStatements in under 30 seconds

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:45:00 -0700

If you're still getting your statements in the mail each month, it's time to switch to eStatements. They�re good for you and for the environment.

Welcome 21st Century employees!

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:15:00 -0700

On behalf of Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union, welcome to the Farmers family. As part of the Farmers organization, you and your family members are now eligible to join FIGFCU.

Get a free appraisal on an FIGFCU home loan, up to $400

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Your Credit Union is still lending to new and current homeowners. And for a limited time, members who finance a home purchase or refinance an existing home loan get a free appraisal, up to $400!

Three things not to do in this economy

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:45:00 -0700

It's our mission to help you enhance your personal finances, so let's take a few examples of what happens when we become lazy about goals fulfillment, and see how they are relevant to current economic conditions. If you've ever thought it would be wise to...

How do check holds work?

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:15:00 -0700

When you deposit a check at any financial institution, the funds may not be available for immediate withdrawal. Banks and credit unions often place holds on certain checks to ensure the checks are collectable and ultimately, to protect against loss.

Get ready for summer vacation

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:45:00 -0700

If you're planning to take your family on vacation this summer, here are some helpful tips to make your trip stress-free.

$250,000 NCUA Deposit Insurance extended through 2013

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 07:45:00 -0700

Your FIGFCU deposits will continue to be insured up to at least $250,000 through December 31, 2013.

Banks hit with large FDIC fees

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 -0700

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.'s reserves were depleted by more than $10 billion taking the fund to its lowest point since 1994. As a result, U.S. banks will pay an emergency fee based on their asset size to replenish the reserves.

Stress tests could result in higher bank fees

Mon, 18 May 2009 13:15:00 -0700

The US government's recent stress tests determined that America's 19 biggest banks need to raise a collective $75 billion in additional capital to weather future losses as high as $600 billion by the end of 2010.

Reissued credit cards won't hurt your credit score

Wed, 13 May 2009 07:30:00 -0700

If you've received a replacement credit card recently for an account that was closed and reopened by your financial institution because of a security breach, the good news is that it won't affect your credit score.

Retirement Savings Options--Which is Right for You

Mon, 4 May 2009 07:45:00 -0700

When it comes to saving for retirement, you have a lot of decisions to make. And you need to look at your choices carefully to decide which option, or combination of options, fits your retirement needs best.

Credit Card rules may change, but not soon enough

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:15:00 -0700

The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to eliminate the sudden interest rate and late fee increases by credit card companies that have affected millions of consumers recently.

Youth Week Winners Announced

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0700

Kids and teens who opened an account or made a deposit last week were entered into a $50 iTunes gift card drawing as part of our celebration of National Credit Union Youth Week. The winners are:

Celebrate Earth Day and go green at FIGFCU

Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:45:00 -0700

Paying bills online, setting up Direct Deposit, and switching to eStatements are all ways you can celebrate Earth Day and show your support for the environment.

Bank of America suspends overdraft fee increase as it raises other fees

Tue, 17 Apr 2009 07:30:00 -0700

Despite the fact that Bank of America said it will suspend its previously announced overdraft fee increase from $35 to $39, the bank will begin charging customers a one-time $35 fee for accounts that are overdrawn for more than five days.

Tax changes could mean a larger paycheck, but no refund

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:30:00 -0700

Many Americans may have already seen a small increase in their paycheck as a result of the government's economic stimulus plan. If you're one of them, you may need to adjust your withholding so you don't owe more when 2009 taxes are due.

Stay informed with eNews

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:15:00 -0700

Banks change credit card limits without notice

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:30:00 -0700

Banks and other credit card issuers are looking for new ways to reduce risk after suffering from excessive losses. And it's often the consumers with good credit who are penalized.

Tax credit up to $8,000 for first-time homebuyers

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 14:45:00 -0700

As a part of the recent $787 billion economic stimulus bill, first-time homebuyers can get a tax credit equal to 10 percent of the home's purchase price, up to $8,000.

FIGFCU's 74th annual meeting brings members together

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 11:00:00 -0700

Farmers Insurance Group Federal Credit Union invited members to its corporate headquarters yesterday for its annual meeting. The focus at this year's meeting was on the Credit Union's strong financial position during these uncertain times and its commitment to member service.

Another reason FIGFCU is better: Overdraft protection choice

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:45:00 -0700

Overdraft protection fees have been called both a great service and a racket depending on your point of view.

NCUA seizes two corporate credit unions

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 07:30:00 -0700

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the federal regulator which administers the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) and insures your deposits with us, placed under its conservatorship both U.S. Central Federal Credit Union and Western Corporate Federal Credit Union.

Your Credit Union Remains Strong

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 10:45:00 -0700

As you know, the economy is in the throes of a deep recession which has caused financial institutions (banks and credit unions alike) to suffer from higher loan losses and investments value deterioration from mortgage-backed securities.

FIGFCU will donate $50 to March of Dimes for every new account

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Last year, our members and employees raised over $27,000 for the March of Dimes. We're proud to join Farmers in raising money for this important cause once again in 2009. And this year we hope to raise even more.

Get your 2008 tax information online

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:30:00 -0700

We've made it easy for you to get your 2008 tax information with PC-TIED online banking.

Survey shows Americans are saving and paying off debt

Fri, 02 Mar 2009 10:40:00 -0800

A recent survey commissioned by America Saves and the American Savings Education Council indicated that Americans are still saving and paying down debt during trying economic times.

FIGFCU members get special pricing from GM & Chrysler

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:45:00 -0800

GM and Chrysler are offering special discounts to credit union members who purchase a vehicle as part of the Invest in America program.

Experts continue to recommend credit unions

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:45:00 -0800

Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine recently published an article titled "Where to stash your cash now" that lists credit unions as a member-owned, non-profit alternative to traditional banks.

Get your credit report for FREE

Tue, 19 Jan 2009 14:30:00 -0800

You're entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three credit reporting agencies--Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian.

New FICO calculations may affect your credit score

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:45:00 -0800

Fair Issac's FICO 08 credit scoring model will soon take affect and could impact your credit score.

Credit unions expected to gain popularity in 2009

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 14:45:00 -0800

CNBC.com columnist and nationally recognized credit expert John Ulzheimer predicts that consumers will rush to join credit unions in 2009.

New credit card rules may not go far enough

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:15:00 -0800

New federal rules announced Thursday will limit how much companies can increase credit card interest rates, among other changes. However, the changes won't take effect until July 2010 and many consumer advocates feel that the new rules don't do enough to protect cardholders.

The Fed pulled out the stops today to save the U.S. economy by slashing interest rates to just above zero

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:30:00 -0800

The Fed's move was unexpected and results in the 10th reduction in over the past 12 months.

Enterprise Car Sales introduces "green" vehicle locator

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 07:45:00 -0800

Enterprise Car Sales has launched a new Web-based service that enables FIGFCU members to locate the most fuel efficient and "green" used vehicles available.

Download branch and ATM locations to your GPS device

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:45:00 -0800

FIGFCU members with devices from Garmin or Tom Tom or other navigational systems can now easily download shared branch locations and CO-OP Network ATM locations to their devices.

FIGFCU still lending as Fed adds $800 billion to bailout plan

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800

Many banks have not yet resumed lending to consumers. However, FIGFCU continues to lend to its members without receiving any bailout funds.

Can I have a 401(k) and an IRA?

Wed, 13 Nov 2008 14:42:00 -0800

The short answer is yes, you can. But there are a couple of things you should consider.

Find better rates on savings and loans at credit unions

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:50:00 -0800

Gregory Karp, a writer for Tribune newspapers, says credit unions are a viable alternative to banks, Karp writes that, "As household budgets tighten, you may find better rates on loans and savings at credit unions." Why you may ask?

FIGFCU Members can avoid ATM fees

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 9:42:00 PDT

According to a recent Bankrate.com survey, banks' ATM fees are at all time high. But FIGFCU members can avoid them if they use a CO-OP Network ATM.

Good Morning America: Consumers should check out FIGFCU

Fri, 29 Oct 2008 2:07:00 PDT

As big bank fees rise to an all-time high, Good Morning America encouraged consumers to consider credit unions as a cost-saving alternative on a recent segment titled "Bank Fees Out of Control."

U.S. News and World Report & MarketWatch: Credit unions are doing well

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 9:00:00 PDT

Five news organizations--including U.S. News & World Report and MarketWatch--published articles Tuesday and Wednesday pointing out that credit unions are doing well during the global financial crisis.

Your money is 100% protected at the Credit Union says Suze Orman

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:00:00 PDT

Suze Orman recently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show to explain how consumers can protect their assets in the midst of our current financial crisis.

Deposit Insurance Increased

Fri, 3 Oct 2008 12:00:00 PDT

Your Credit Union deposits are now insured up to $250,000 per member on individual accounts and an additional $250,000 per joint owner on joint accounts. And, each named beneficiary on pay-on-death (POD) and trust accounts is insured up to $250,000 per account owner.

FIGFCU and the Economy

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:00:00 PDT

The economy is much in the news lately. Some once solid financial institutions have either failed or been bailed out, and the bad news is probably not over. In times like these, we try to bring our members back to sound, fundamental investing and budgeting practices. Some of the more simple, yet invaluable, fundamentals would include saving regularly, paying bills on time, and not making impulsive spending decisions.

Your Insured Deposits

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 12:00:00 PDT

In light of the recent takeover of IndyMac Bank in southern California by the FDIC, we know some of our members, especially our larger shareholders (depositors) may be wondering about our overall financial condition. I am proud to say it's as good or better now than it was a year ago, and your deposits are very safe at FIGFCU.