Why Join The Credit Union? Better Benefits Are Hard To Find!

Written by Nicole Soltau


What is a credit union?

A credit union is a not-for-profit, cooperative financial institution that is owned and controlled by its members. Credit unions serve people that share something in common such as an employer or place of worship. Credit unions allow members to pool their savings, lend to one another, and have a voice inrepparttar governance inrepparttar 146656 organization. This aspect of credit unions is particularly appealing givenrepparttar 146657 increasing alienation many consumers are feeling from mega banks.

Credit unions are similar to banks in that they offer many ofrepparttar 146658 same services such as check and savings accounts as well as loans. Deposits are also federally insured with credit unions as they are with banks. Credit unions combine these services with many other benefits such as personal service, generally lower interest rates and higher investment returns.

Steps to take to find a credit union to join.

Contact your employer to see if your company provides this benefit. If not, ask them to consider makingrepparttar 146659 valuable benefit of credit union membership available. If a family or household member is eligible to join a credit union you may be eligible to join because of your relationship. Also, try contacting occupational, fraternal, religious and alumni organizations you are affiliated with to see if they have a credit union you can join. CreditUnionRate.com is also a good source to use when searching for a credit union.

What are benefits of a credit union?

Because credit unions are democratic, member-owned cooperatives, every member, regardless of account size, has a voice in governance. Each year, your local credit union holds an annual election and meeting where members select candidates forrepparttar 146660 Board of Directors from among its members to represent them in settingrepparttar 146661 policies ofrepparttar 146662 credit union. As a member-owner of your credit union, you are entitled to vote on credit union business and elect new board members. You can also serve on your credit union’s volunteer board or one of its committees. Credit union elections are based on a one-member, one-vote structure. This structure is unlikerepparttar 146663 for-profit, public companies where stockholders vote according torepparttar 146664 number of shares of stock they own.

What Is Identity Theft?

Written by Nicole Soltau


One ofrepparttar prime axioms in life is just when you think it couldn’t happen to you, it does. This is a sad fact, and even more so when you considerrepparttar 146655 crime of identity theft. You take years to establish your financial and individual identity and reputation, and in one momentrepparttar 146656 illegal act of another washes it all away wreaking havoc on your financial life. The reasons for identity theft are as varied asrepparttar 146657 circumstances ofrepparttar 146658 unsuspecting victims. There are ways to protect yourself. Being diligent and using common sense can go a long way in preventing this troublesome event from happening in your life. Following are some steps to consider:

1. Protecting your information.

Keep your social security card separate from your other identification, leaving it at home if at all possible. Have a sheet with all of your credit card numbers and companies listed and in a safe place, so inrepparttar 146659 event of theft you can call quickly to cancelrepparttar 146660 accounts.

2. Limit preprinted check information

Checks are another potential bonanza for an identity thief. Even though it may make checking out a little harder, only put your basic information (name, address, maybe a phone number) on your checks. This will prevent an ID thief from getting your drivers license or social security number off a check left lying around.

3. Properly dispose of sensitive information after it no longer is needed.

The identity thief is not above digging in a dumpster for information that can get them something on someone else’s tab. Credit card and banking statements, applications for credit cards, phone bills and utility bills all need to be shredded to prevent anyone from getting your information. Checkbooks need to be treatedrepparttar 146661 same to get rid of your account numbers on them.

4. Share sensitive information with care

Giving information out overrepparttar 146662 phone is sometimes required for security purposes, and some companies that call you might ask you to verify personal information to make sure that they are speaking torepparttar 146663 right person. If you are unsure ofrepparttar 146664 caller’s identity, erring onrepparttar 146665 side of caution is advised. This can prevent inadvertent sharing of sensitive information with someone that has misrepresented their intentions or identity. Ask for a call back number and check it out if you have any doubts at all.

5. Avoid easily decipherable passwords

When choosing a password for your sensitive accounts try to avoid any word and or number combinations that can be easily discovered. Some examples include your mother’s maiden name, your house number or birth date. If possible, place security questions, to which only you knowrepparttar 146666 answers on your account.

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