- Who Are You? Identity Thieves Really Want to Know, Take these steps to protect your personal information:, Shred financial documents and paperwork containing personal information before you discard them Don't use an obvious password like your birth date, your mother's maiden name, or the last four digits of your Social Security number Keep your personal information in a secure place at home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having work done in your house. Or, consider…, If you believe you are a victim of Identity Theft, please contact us immediately at 800.242.2120., Identity Fraud - General Information, Identity theft and identity fraud are two of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. They occur when someone gains access to another person's personal information, such as a driver's license number, and uses the information to commit fraud., If you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, here are some good tips:, Creditors, - Write or call all of your creditors immediately. Request a replacement credit card with a new account number. Ask that old accounts be marked "account closed at consumer's request." Monitor your credit card statements for evidence of fraud and report it immediately to creditors. Creditors may ask you to fill out and notarize fraud affidavits; however the law does not require that a notarized…, Keep a Log, - Of all conversations related to your identity fraud case, including: Dates Names of people you talked to Telephone numbers of the agencies you called The time you spent on each conversation Expenses incurred, Follow Up, - All conversations with a written note, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. Keep copies of all letters and documents., Credit Bureaus, - Immediately call the fraud units of each of the three major credit bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union - to report the theft or loss of your credit card(s)., Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can ask the credit bureaus:, To have your account flagged with a "fraud alert" and place a victim's statement in your file requiring creditors to call you before opening any new accounts or making any changes to your existing account. For the names and telephone numbers of creditors if any fraudulent account(s) have been opened. To remove fraudulent entries from your credit report. To notify those entities that have received…, Law Enforcement, - Report the identity fraud crime to the law enforcement agency with jurisdiction in your case. Give them as much documented evidence as possible. Ask for a copy of your police report. Keep the telephone number of the fraud investigator handy because creditors may require you to submit a copy of the report in order to verify the crime., Banks/Financial Institutions, - If your checks are stolen or bank accounts are set up fraudulently in your name, report the fraud to the check verification companies . Put stop payments on any outstanding checks that you may not have written. Cancel your accounts and open new ones. If possible, give the bank a password for your account, other than your mother's maiden name., ATM Cards, - If your ATM card has been stolen or compromised, request a new card, account number, and password. Do not use your old password. When you create a new password, do not use numbers that are readily available, such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or your birth date., Fraudulent Change of Address, - Notify your local Postal Inspector if you suspect that someone has changed your address with the post office or has used the mail to commit credit or bank fraud. Contact your local Postmaster to have your mail sent to the correct address. Alert your mail carrier to the problem., Social Security Number Misuse, - Call the Social Security Administration at 800.269.0271 to report the fraudulent use of your Social Security number. The SSA will change your Social Security number if you meet the agency's fraud victim criteria. Also, call 800.772.1213 to order a copy of your Earnings and Benefits Statement and check it for accuracy., Credit Bureaus, , Equifax, : P.O. Box 740256, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241, Report fraud, : Call 800.525.6285 and write to the above address, Order credit reports, : 800.685.1111, Have your name removed from their marketing lists, : 888.567.8688, Experian, : P.O. Box 949, Allen, TX 75013-0949, Report fraud, : Call 888.397.3742 and write to the above address, Order credit reports, : 888.397.3742, Have your name removed from their marketing lists, : 888.567.8688, TransUnion, : P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022, Report fraud, : Call 800.680.7289 and write to: Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634, Order credit reports, : 800.916.8800, Have your name removed from their marketing lists, : 888.567.8688, To Remove Your Name From Mail and Phone Lists, Visit the following website:, For mail and email: www.DMAChoice.org For telephone: www.donotcall.gov, To Report Fraudulent Use of Your Checks, Call, :, Chexsystems, : 800.428.9623, Certegy, : 800.237.3826, Telecheck, : 800.710.9898, Additional Resources, Obtain addition information about Identity Theft and Fraud:, Protecting Seniors from Financial Abuse Department of Justice Federal Trade Commission Federal Communications Commission Internal Revenue Service Social Security Administration U.S. Postal Inspection Service , Are you concerned about fraud or want to report a scam?, Please contact us if you believe you have received a suspicious email, text message, or phone call from Visions, or if you provided any of your personal information including your account number. You may contact a representative in our Contact Center during normal business hours at 800.242.2120. If you'd like to report any card related fraud, please call 833.224.5785 (available 24/7).
- My wife and I love to travel. Well, at least back in the pre-Covid and pre-baby days . Things have definitely changed in the last couple years, but the wanderlust remains. Here are some ways that we've been able to make some fun trips without breaking the bank – and how we'll do it again soon. Hopefully. Maybe., Just plan, man, I love my wife for many reasons, but one of the biggest is how well she plans. Whereas I got an English degree in college, she went for a more practical degree in economics. Needless to say, she knows how to budget and she knows how to make a spreadsheet. The best thing you can do for a trip is to plan in advance. That means lodging, stops you'd like to make, estimation of gas or airfare prices,…, Gotta crash somewhere, If you're planning an overnight stay, you need a roof over your head.* Thankfully, there are more options now than ever before. Hotels are obvious, Schitt's Creek got people thinking about motels, and then there's the tried and true Airbnb. There are other options, though. I recently learned of a cool site where pet owners rent out their homes – for free – in exchange for you watching their pets…, "Pass"-ing the buck, My wife and I took a trip to Philly last year and invested in a city pass. A lot of larger cities have them and they're basically an all access ticket to the biggest tourist spots. For us, it meant that we could get into museums, aquariums, historical sights, and even go on guided tours. And because it was a one time purchase to all of those spots, we saved big on individual admission costs. (…, Now we're getting somewhere, If you're going out of town, you need a way to get there. Consider whether you're taking a plane, train, or automobile and plan accordingly. Gas and plane prices fluctuate with a fair amount of predictability, and this could be another instance where planning in advance could save you big. The costs don't stop when you get to your destination, though. If you're like me, driving in a big city like…, Go off season, When my wife and I had a Covid wedding , it wasn't just the big day's plans that changed – our honeymoon plans changed, too. Rather than doing the big trip out of the country, we booked a discount lodge in a nearby lake town. And, since it was the start of winter, everything had pretty much shut down for the season. That wound up being a blessing in disguise, though, and it taught us a big lesson…, Use your card's rewards, If you have a credit card , now's the time to cash in on those rewards . My wife likes to save all of her cash back from the year to use on our trips. I like to redeem my points for Uber gift cards and discount flights. You're using your card a lot every day – make it work for you . Remember: you've already earned those points, may as well spend them on something fun, right? People have written…
- Are You Financially Fit?, Over the last several years the fitness industry has exploded., Unique diets, strength training regiments for all ages, you name it. Many people have shown a level of dedication to becoming healthier, both mentally and physically, and are enjoying healthier golden years as a result. I love fitness, so this focus and passion around the industry has been very exciting – fitness goals set and crushed by thousands! But let's pause... When was the last time you…, Close your eyes. What does your ideal retirement look like? , Retiring young and trying van life ? Traveling to different countries? Retiring at 65, and finding a part time job that brings you extreme joy? Living comfortably and volunteering? Moving to a warm climate and kicking your feet back? Whatever it might look like, let's open up about this topic. Have you been told you are too young and have years – or even decades – to worry about retirement?…, Break it down into smaller, more manageable actions. , One simple step that I suggest you start with today is, check to see if you have a 401(k) or retirement plan offered through your employer. If so, do they match your contributions up to a certain percentage? If you find out that your employer does offer you a chance to participate in a plan, great! Start small. Two or three percent of your paycheck adds up over time. For an employee making 40,…
- Endwell, NY – Visions Federal Credit Union announces the retirement of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Ed Butler, following 42 years of employment and leadership in the organization. In 1980, Butler began his career with Visions as a teller and worked his way through the ranks, primarily focused on lending, supervision, and operations. During his time as EVP/COO, he has…
- How to Handle Unexpected Checks, Did you get a check in the mail you weren't expecting? Maybe even one you were expecting, but it looks a little funny? There are ways to verify it to make sure you're not depositing a counterfeit check – and, it all starts with the source, ., Checks from a business, First things first: look up the business online. A quick scan of their website should let you know if the company is legitimate. Then, use the phone number on their site to call and verify if they wrote the check. They will typically ask for the check number, account number, and dollar amount. If they can't find it in their system, it's most likely counterfeit. Go ahead and shred the check., Checks from an individual, Before you cash an unexpected check, ask yourself a few questions. If you answer "yes" to any of these, it's most likely a counterfeit check and you should destroy it: Is this a person I don't know? Is this person from out of state? Did they purchase something from me and send too much money? The last point is a common counterfeit pitfall. Scammers will send a check for more than expected –…, Official checks and cashier's checks, If you're confronted with a check from a financial institution, look it up online and call the number listed on their website. Since it's a cashier's or official check, they have to verify it for you. Most of the time, the institution already knows about the counterfeit checks and will provide you a description, but this quick phone call can save you a headache. If they can't find it, you should…, Still have questions?, Remember, if you're ever unsure about a check, just ask. Bring it to your local office along with any accompanying letter and our representatives will help you verify the check. It's the best way to protect yourself and your account.
- In 2022, we had a Visions member who won $10,000 from a Visa® sweepstakes. She simply ordered a pizza and paid with her Visions Debit Card. Two months later, she got the big news. Who knows – maybe this year, the winner could be YOU! Check back when we have a new active sweepstakes promotion going on for your chance to win big!
- What Affects Mortgage Interest Rates When Buying a Home?, Once people decide they'd like to buy a home, they want to know what interest rate they can expect from a mortgage. After all, buying a home is an important decision and the interest rate is a big factor that determines what the payments will be. It's a good idea to understand what affects mortgage interest rates . That way you can do your best to secure the best interest rate for your home…, Credit Score, It's no surprise that your credit score affects the interest rate of your mortgage. Generally speaking, when a person applies for a loan the lender will check their credit score. For lenders, credit scores are historically a tool they use when evaluating loan application. You should do your homework before buying a home. It can be very helpful to get a credit report before you purchase a home.…, Down Payment, How does a down payment affect mortgage interest rates? When a borrower makes a commitment to a down payment, it may be seen as a lower risk to the lender. That could mean a higher down payment resulting in a lower interest rate. , The Type of Loan, There are a variety of loans and mortgages for people to choose. Depending on what loan you go with, the interest rate will differ. There are conventional loans, FHA loans, and others. Just like doing your homework with credit reports, you should consider the different kinds of loans and what kinds of interest rates they offer., Loan Term, The term of the mortgage can also affect the interest rate. It makes sense. The length of time that you will be paying the loan matters to the borrower. The rule of thumb is that the shorter the term of the loan, the lower the interest rate. However, even with a lower interest rate, paying the same amount of money over a shorter period usually means higher monthly payments. It's important to…, The Type of Interest Rate, Just like there being different kinds of loans, there are different types of interest rates. The type of interest will affect the interest rate. There are fixed rate mortgages and adjustable rate mortgages. As you might guess, fixed rates do not change for the length of the mortgage. Adjustable rates have a set interest rate for a given time period, then the rate can adjust based on the market.…, Economic Factors, Mortgage interest rates are dependent on several factors in the economy. Some of these factors are economic growth, inflation, monetary policy, and housing market conditions. While these things are a little beyond your control as an individual, they are a reality. Understanding that these economic factors can raise or lower interest rates can help you make informed decisions., What You Need to Know, Interest rates are certainly an important part of buying a home. Make sure you are taking time to arm yourself with as much information as you can to understand what can affect your interest rate positively and negatively. In addition, know how the various factors affect your loan and your home purchase, in general. If you have more questions or are unsure about how to find the right interest…, Useful Mortgage Resources:, Mortgage rates – Browse mortgage rates for various mortgage products. Loan and Savings Calculators – Crunch the numbers. How much home can you afford? What should your down payment be? Mortgage Products – Browse mortgage products. Mortgage Application - Are you ready for the next step? Apply for a mortgage.
- What's the Difference?, If you're like some two-thirds of Americans who have little or no savings, you're going to need a personal loan or line of credit for cash for time-sensitive purchases or emergencies at some point. These are the two popular options for people who need unsecured funds quickly, provided they have a reliable income and decent credit score. While personal loans and lines of credit are very similar…, The Basics of Personal Loans and Lines of Credit, The first question to ask yourself is how much money you need. The big differentiator between personal loans and lines of credit is distribution. Personal loans are released in one lump sum that you begin accruing interest on immediately. A line of credit, much like a card, gives you a set amount to draw from as you need it. So, it comes down to your needs . If you know exactly how much you need…, Lines of Credit Are Flexible, Credit is flexible in two ways. First, you can take out what you need as you need it and you only pay interest on what's been borrow. Second, they carry variable rates that make for fluctuating payments that aren't necessarily ideal for tight budgets. But, because personal loans come with lump sums, they may not work best for ongoing expenses like home improvement projects or wedding plans., Personal Loans Are Predictable, Many personal loans come with a non-variable annual percentage rate that allows the borrower to know his or her monthly payment and plan their budget accordingly. If, for example, you need the cash for an unexpected expense like a car repair, major appliance replacement or a pet emergency, then getting that particular amount and predictable payment is a good way to handle it., Lines of Credit Make Good Safety Nets, You can get these anytime and have the money at the ready whenever it's needed. It can sit there untouched for years, but you won't be paying interest. Many people tend to use lines of credit as safety nets for unplanned costs or as overdraft protection for checking accounts., Personal Loans Can Clean Up Credit Messes, If you've opened too many "safety nets" and fallen on them a few too many times, a personal loan is a great way to tidy up your finances. A low, fixed rate can transform numerous high-balance statements, due dates and payments, into one bill you can easily -- and predictably -- take care of. We all need cash we don't have from time to time. Talk with someone at your credit union or bank for…, Ready to apply?, Click here to get started!
- Introduction, As, Visions Federal Credit Union, completes its system conversion, you will need to modify your QuickBooks Online Edition settings to ensure the smooth transition of your data. Please reference the dates next to each task as this information is time sensitive. To complete these instructions, you will need your, [User ID and Password], for the, Visions Federal Credit Union, website. It is important that you perform the following instructions exactly as described and in the order presented. If you do not, your service may stop functioning properly. This conversion should take 15–30 minutes., Documentation and Procedures, Conversion – Information only QuickBooks Online data is stored on Intuit servers in the cloud. Since we update your records with every change, we cannot restore your file to a previous point in time. QuickBooks Online automatically updates your selected version so you are always on the latest release. Note: QuickBooks Online edition connectivity services may be interrupted up to 3-5 business days…, Manually Import Transactions, . Choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . In the upper right corner, click, Add Account, . Enter, Visions Federal Credit Union, and click, Find, . Click the link for, Visions Federal Credit Union, . Type your, User Id, and, Password, and click, Log In, . If the bank requires extra information, enter it to continue. Choose an, account type, for each account you’re connecting. Click, Connect, to download up to 90 days of transactions. Note: If you need a shorter date range, click, Need a shorter date range?, at the top and choose between, ,, 7, , or, 30, days. After your download finishes, click the, New Transactions, tab to see what was downloaded. Step 2:Match Downloaded Transactions If new transactions were received from your connection, accept all new transactions on the, Transactions, >, Banking, page. Simply check off all the New/Matched transactions and click, Batch Action, to ", Accept Selected, ". If you need assistance matching transactions, choose, Help menu, >, Search for, Matching Transactions, and follow the instructions. Step 3:Deactivate Your Account(s) At Visions Federal Credit Union on or after 11/6/2018 Choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . Click on the account you'd like to disconnect, then click the, Pencil Icon, . Click on, Edit Account Info, . Check the box next to, Disconnect this account on save, . Click, Save, . Repeat steps 2—6 for each account at, Visions Federal Credit Union, . Step 4: Re-activate Your Account(s) at Visions Federal Credit Union on or after 11/13/2018 Choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . In the upper right corner, click, Add Account, Enter, Visions Federal Credit Union, , and click, Find, . Click the link for, Visions Federal Credit Union, . Type your, User ID, and, Password, . Click, Log In, . Ensure you associate the account for, Visions Federal Credit Union, to the appropriate account already listed under, QuickBooks Accounts, . You will want to select the matching accounts in the drop-down menu. Note: Do, NOT, select, +Add new, . If you are presented with accounts you do not want to track in this data file,, Uncheck, the box next to the, Account name, . After all accounts have been matched, click, Connect, . When the download is finished click, I'm done. Let’s go!, Step 5: Excluding Duplicate Transactions Choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . In the, New Transactions, section, click the checkboxes for the transactions you want to exclude. Click, Batch Actions, >, Exclude Selected, . Note: If you accidentally exclude a transaction, you can include it again. Step 6: Undo Excluded Transactions Choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . Click the, Excluded, tab. Click the checkboxes for the transactions you want to include. Click, Batch Actions, >, Undo, . Transactions will appear again in the, New Transactions, tab for you to work with. Additional Instructions: Manually Import Transactions Log in to, Visions Federal Credit Union, website at https://digital.visionsfcu.org/visionsfcu/uux.aspx#/login, ., Download one of the following Web Connect files. .qbo (QuickBooks) .qfx (Quicken) In, QuickBooks Online, , choose, Transactions, >, Banking, . In the upper right corner, click, File Upload, . Click Browse and select, Visions Federal Credit Union, Web Connect file from your computer. Click, Next, . In the drop-down menu, select the account where you'd like to upload the transactions. When the download is finished click, I'm done. Let’s go!, After your download finishes, click the, New Transactions, tab to see what was downloaded. Thank you for making these important changes!
