Things to Do on Your Staycation

There are so many hidden gems in West Virginia, and many of them are in our area. If you’re looking to take a mini vacation, but don’t want to venture far from home, a staycation right here in our area is just the thing you need.

Guyses Run Fishing Park

If you’re looking to try something new, make sure to add fishing at Guyses Run Fishing Park to your list. The fishing pond provides catch-and-release fishing for avid fishermen and beginners alike. Learn more Guyses Run Fishing Park here.

Photo courtesy of Times West Virginian

Hovatter’s Wildlife Zoo
Hovatter’s started as a small zoo with a collection of deer, black bear, cougars, and even tigers! Since then it’s grown into a variety of fun animals to come visit, including chimpanzees, grizzly bears, white and orange tigers, leopards, baboons, and lemurs. Learn more about visiting the zoo here.

Valley Falls State Park

This beautiful state park has all the outdoor activities you ever wanted, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and even mountain biking. If you’re looking to disconnect, sit back and soak up the sun on one of the perfect flat rocks among the falls. Learn more here.

Immerse Yourself in the Arts
Harrison County is bustling with a fun and talented art scene. Catch a show at the amphitheater or visit a performance put on by the Cultural Foundation for Harrison County. Their next big event is the Celebrate America Concert put on by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. To find more details about the event, please visit their website.

Forks of Cheat Winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing night complete with a tasty glass of wine, visit Forks of Cheat Winery in Morgantown. Enjoy the views while sipping on a glass of wine from one of Virginia’s foremost wineries. To learn more about the history of Forks of Cheat Winery and how you can grab a glass of wine, please visit their website.

Visit a full-service Fairmont Federal Credit Union location to speak with a member service representative about saving for your staycation. To find a location and to learn more about the services we offer visit fairmontfcu.com. Your FFCU family wishes you a safe and enjoyable summer.

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References

http://www.mcparc.com/curtisville-lake.html?utm_source=MarionCVB&utm_medium=Link&utm_campaign=MarionCVB

https://marioncvb.com/things-to-do/

http://www.cityofclarksburgwv.com/262/Things-to-Do

https://wvexplorer.com/recreation/winery-touring/wineries-in-west-virginia/

http://wvwines.com/forks-of-cheat-winery/

Operation CU Cares: Honoring and Celebrating our Veterans

Veteran’s Day is a time to remember and honor those who served in our military. Giving up their safety, security, and precious moments with their family, our veterans demonstrate the level of humility and bravery it takes to serve and protect our country. For Fairmont Federal Credit Union, honoring our military veterans is incredibly important to us.

This past October, FFCU participated in National Freedom Day. Recognized on October 12th, Freedom Day USA is America’s largest military thank you event. On this day each year, businesses show their thanks by providing free gifts, services, or offers to active military members, veterans and their immediate family. The idea behind National Freedom Day is “day of free, for a lifetime of freedom.”

FFCU was incredibly proud to decorate all of our offices in red, white, and blue balloons as well as offer active military members, veterans and their families special credit union items.

Additionally, FFCU employees donated items like food and toiletries to create and send care packages to one of their fellow employee’s husband's active military unit.

This November, FFCU plans to continue its commitment to honoring our military family by recognizing our own. We were honored to provide a restaurant gift card to each of them. FFCU is proud to employ and be connected to so many incredible active military members and veterans. Let us present:

Corporal Stephen Quisenberry

USMC

Feb 1, 1993 – Feb 1, 1997

Paul Cross

YN2 E-5

1983-1987 at SACLANT (Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic Fleet

1988 about USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2)

Travis Snuffer

SMSgt Michael L Vanhorn

(Senior Master Sergeant)

USAF Reserves

1988-Current

Husband Of Sandy Vanhorn

Tony Nuzum

Army/ E5 Artillery Unit

Served In Germany & Vietnam

1968-1971

Honorable Discharge in 1974

Husband of Susan Nuzum

Lashawn M Elison

E4 3rd class

USS Sacramento AOE-1

USS Shreveport LPD – 12

Seabee Base Gulfpot MS

Served 8 years

Husband Of Alisha Bogan

Alec Burkel

Nellis Airforce Base, Las Vegas 4 years

F35 Mechanic

57th Aircraft Maintenenance Squadron

Aircraft Armament Journeyman 2W151

Husband of Jessica Burkel

Ian Toothman

Son of Teresa Toothman

E3 Lance Corporal

Jamey Travelstead

Marine Corp. Infantry Division

0311 Infantry Man

Stationed at Camp Lejuene

Son of Marianne Rowe

Not Pictured:

Eric Hudson – Husband Of Katie Husband

William Dickey – Husband of Cindy Dickey

Veteran’s Day is Saturday, November 11th. In honor of this, FFCU will be closed. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank each and every service member for their dedication and sacrifice. We also want to do our part. We are here to serve your family’s financial needs. Visit us today to learn more about credit union membership.

#WeAreFFCU #wvcreditunionscare

How to Have a Worry Free Vacation

As summer begins, thoughts turn to the kids being out of school, warm weather and getting away for a vacation.. Preparing for a fun getaway adventure requires careful planning and preparation to ensure you enjoy happy memories for years to come.

Before you leave home

• Cover your bases – Make copies of all credit cards, travelers checks, identification and medical information that you will be bringing with you on your travels. Keep one copy with you and leave the other at home.
• Bring limited cash – Contact credit/debit card companies- So they are aware of your travel dates and possible purchases outside of your normal routine. You may even want to stash some extra cash in case of inconveniences or you lose your wallet.
• Give limited info on luggage – Don’t put your address on your luggage tags. Instead write your phone number as a method of contact.
• Check your home before you leave – Secure all windows and doors and arm your alarm system before you head out of town. Set automatic timers for your lights and turn on a radio to create the illusion that someone is home. Additionally, consider adjusting your thermostat and water heater for vacation settings.
• Don’t post on Social Media -  Post your vacation pictures when you return home. Announcing your plans on social networks can alert unwanted visitors to your home.
  

On your trip

• Use room safe – Only take the cash and credit cards you need for the day. Put your other spending money in your room safe. Additionally, do not leave any valuables such as computers, wallets or jewelry out in the open.
• Know where you are going – Before you venture out, ask the hotel staff if there are any areas you should avoid.
• Keep valuables hidden in car – Never leave souvenirs, wallets or other items that might catch the eye out in the open in your automobile. Lock them in the trunk or put them in the glove box.
• Use small denominations – Don’t display large amounts of money when making a purchase and keep the dominations to $50 or less.
  

At Fairmont Federal Credit Union, we offer our members a variety of credit and debit card options, many which offer rewards benefits. Contact us to find the right option for your needs. 

Giving Graduates the Financial Tools for Their Future

With graduation comes the promise of new beginnings, big and small. Students are planning summer trips, planning graduation parties and getting ready to go off to college. Funding this new road often requires graduates and their families to become creative with their finances. While scholarships, grants and funds from a summer job might help to ease some of the burden, often graduates need to apply for student loans to cover the remaining balance.

 

Types of Loans

While financial aid is generally lumped into the all-inclusive description “student loans,” there are actually several different options. For the most part they are divided into federal and private loans. Federal loans typically have lower interest rates and offer several repayment options; however, there is a limit to the amount of money that can be borrowed depending upon the grade level the student is in school. 

 

Many times after scholarships, grants and federal loans, students still have a deficit which requires them to apply for private loans to cover the balance. Private loans come from individual lenders and require a credit check for approval. These loans have a variety of different interest rates and limited repayment options.

 

Payment Process 

Once college graduation occurs, loan providers typically provide a six-month grace period before repayment starts. It is important to get organized during this period to ensure you are prepared to start payments. If you have several different loans, talk to your loan service providers about specific repayment options and determine the best plan for your financial picture. Additionally, consider setting-up auto payments so that you don’t have to keep track of multiple payments. Some private lenders might also lower your interest rate if you choose this option.

 

Loan Forgiveness

Depending upon your career choice, you might have a federal loan forgiveness built into your employment. This means that all or some of your loan might be canceled if you stay with the employer for a certain period of time. Volunteering for organizations such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps, working as a non-profit attorney, or starting a career as a teacher or medical professional are some examples of post-college paths that might offer this benefit.

 

If you are a recent graduate, contact the professionals at Fairmont Federal Credit Union to discuss your student loan options.  

Youth Learn Life Lessons with Mad City Money

For most kids, money management and strategic financing happens during a game of Monopoly or stretching the $20 their parents gave them to spend at the mall. Since 2008, Fairmont Federal Credit Union has been visiting local high schools to provide a crash-course for students on the up’s, down’s, and unexpected events of real-life finances, in a safe, fun environment. The program has reached over 1,700 students and the reactions are always eye-opening.

With the life-simulating game  “Mad City Money,” students are “transported” to the future with their fellow classmates and, much like real-life, randomly given a life-situation. Some students have just graduated college. Some are married with children while others are single parents. All have bills to pay. Some have credit card debt, others have medical bills, while others must make payments on student loans.

For the next three hours, students must build a budget based on their financial situation, select necessities like housing, food, childcare, and clothing through nine different merchants. All transactions are paid through a debit card and budgets must be regularly balanced, all while navigating the financial pits and peaks typical of real-life. The “Fickle Finger of Fate” falls upon many students, introducing sudden, and unexpected financial setbacks students must address and overcome.

Following this simulation, student’s reactions were of surprise and new-found appreciation for money management. One lesson the students said they learned was the importance of saving and having backup plans, with one student saying,”you should save for emergencies.” Another concept students recognized was the importance of knowing the difference between wants and needs. One student said, “you should make wiser choices by getting what you need first, and then if you have money left over you can buy things you want.”

Finally, many students expressed respect for the financial responsibilities their parents face. “I have a new appreciation for what my parents do now,” said one student while another simply stated, “I don’t like being an adult.”

In March alone, Fairmont FCU reached nearly 200 students through the Mad City Money simulation, providing an opportunity to learn important lessons on responsible financial management and planning. With nine locations across West Virginia, Fairmont FCU is a non-for-profit financial organization that is owned and operated by our members. We offer a range of banking services including checking and savings, online and mobile banking, direct deposits, personal loans, business loans, mortgage loans, and more.

To find a Fairmont Federal Credit Union near you, visit www.fairmontfcu.com or give us a call at 304-363-5320 for more information.

2017 Morgantown Home Show

Do you have questions about mortgages and what is the best plan for you and your family? If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, come on down to the 2017 Morgantown Home Show at the Hazel and J.W. Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park in Morgantown, West Virginia. There will be several opportunities to connect with business owners, see new products, and enjoy the home show put on by the North Central West Virginia Home Builders Association. Last year there were 140 exhibitors occupying 198 spaces with close to 10,000 attendees, making for great connections and the opportunity for goers to discover all the latest home trends. 

Fairmont Federal Credit Union will be there, and we would love for you to stop by and chat with us. There are several things that go into making a house your home. There’s flooring, windows, furniture, and decoration, plenty of good reasons to borrow. Finances are a huge aspect of a person’s life, especially when it comes to investing in your future. There are many financing options that you as a homeowner can choose from, but at Fairmont FCU, we want to give you the best and most affordable plan possible. 

Our members are entitled to competitive rates, flexible terms, and payments that they can afford. We’re a local business, so you can expect personalized service tailored to your specific needs from start to finish. You’ll be able to choose between adjustable and fixed rate mortgages with affordable closing costs. Our member’s needs are important to us, so your personalized service from a mortgage specialist will help you make the best decision when investing in your financial future. 

Stop by booth J3 March 10-12th, we would love to speak with you about how we can help with your homeownership process. As a thank you, you’ll receive complimentary items such as Shasta Daisy seeds - the perfect perennial to plant in the garden of your new home! For more information, you can visit our website or give us a call at (304)-363-5320, ext. 6038.

New Year, New You: Financial Fitness for 2017

2017 is here, and with it, the commercials for gym memberships and fitness clubs. They all proclaim the same basic message: that the new year is the time to fashion a new you. In addition to physical fitness, this year, take the steps to creating your financially-fit self. Taking stock of just what sort of shape you’re in and toning up those areas that need attention will get you on the road to fitness in no time!

Make sure these financial “muscle groups” are given a workout:

• Check your credit report and score. Knowing how attractive your financial situation is to would-be creditors is a valuable guide for what you’re doing right, and what needs improvement. It’s also a necessary tool for making sure all accounts are legitimate and in good standing. Check for any accounts that you don’t recognize, as this could indicate you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
• Set concrete goals. Whether it’s setting aside more of your paycheck for retirement, building your emergency fund, paying down debt, and/or reducing your discretionary spending, having tangible goals to work towards will help you stay on track. Many Americans--even high earners--don’t have $1,000 in savings to cover an emergency, let alone the recommended 6 months of living expenses saved for major life events such as a job loss or health crisis. For more ideas on making New Year’s financial resolutions, check out our Resource Center or look over our "Emergency Financial First Aid Kit".
• Make sure you’re well-insured. Most people think of auto and health insurance, but what about life insurance, homeowner’s or renter’s, disability and long-term care insurance? Many of these forms of overlooked insurance are relatively affordable, and protect you in case of an emergency. To find out more information and how you can save money on insurance check out, TruStage.
• Meet with a financial planner. Despite the myriad online tools and resources, we have today, sitting down with an expert and getting a second opinion is still invaluable. Sometimes, just speaking about the state of your finances and goals  followed by  feedback from a professional puts everything in perspective.

Fairmont Federal Credit Union is here for you to reach your 2017 financial fitness goals! For more financial tips and tools, our online Resource Center contains helpful budgeting calculators, security and fraud awareness information, helpful links, and much more.

Fairmont Federal Credit Union is a non-profit financial institution in West Virginia that serves anyone living or working in Marion, Monongalia, Harrison and Taylor Counties and several select employee groups (SEGs) in Preston County. We are owned and operated by and for our members. Our services extend to savings, checking, IRAs, home mortgage loans, and more. Please visit our website or call (304) 363-5320 today for more information!

Why Fairmont Federal Credit Union is Thankful for Veterans

November 11^th marks Veterans Day, an opportunity for us to honor and thank those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Veterans Day was proclaimed in 1919 by President Wilson and was made a legal holiday in 1938. This year, Veterans Day takes place on Friday, November 11^th and will honor all American veterans, no matter when and where they have served.

Veterans Day is a time to pay tribute to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces. At Fairmont Federal Credit Union, we are proud to express and show support to the veteran

s who have served or are currently serving our country. Why is Fairmont Federal Credit Union thankful for veterans? Here are just a few of the ways that we are grateful!

·      Members of the armed forces risk their lives every day for our country.

·      US citizens are free thanks to the sacrifice that veteran’s make.

·      We are kept safe thanks to those guarding American soil and beyond.

·      Those who join the military help us avoid a mandatory draft.

·      Armed forces provide both domestic and international support to those in need.

·      Very few Americans wake up with worry about our safety. This is because members of the armed forces risk their lives every day for us.

At Fairmont Federal Credit Union, we encourage everyone to express your gratitude to veterans on not just November 11^th, but every day of the year. If you yourself have served or have a family member currently serving our country, you know that the smallest gesture can go a long way. In observance of Veterans Day, Fairmont Federal Credit Union will be closed Friday, November 11^th. For a full list of holiday closures, please visit our website.

Owned and operated by our members, Fairmont Federal Credit Union is committed to being your go-to financial institution for a variety of needs. Our success has been built on our commitment to helping people in the local community. To learn more about Fairmont Federal Credit Union, visit www.fairmontfcu.com.  

Robes for Recovery

Robes for Recovery is a community service project that supports breast cancer patients. The project was started in 2013, and dozens of robes were donated to area hospitals in the first year alone.

Robes for Recovery was founded by Debbie Droppleman, Chief Financial Officer of Fairmont Federal Credit Union, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007 and subsequently underwent radiation treatment. “When I began radiation treatment several years ago at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, I was given a “dignity robe” that was made by volunteers and donated through the hospital. The robe was specially designed with Velcro closures up the center and sides for easy access. That smock has been with me for over 100 radiation treatments and every time I wear it I am grateful for the kind and considerate volunteers who support cancer patients with their love and handiwork. While dignity robes are routinely provided to cancer patients in the Pittsburgh area, they are not generally available in our area hospitals. It is for these reasons that Fairmont Federal Credit Union employees are eager to commit their time and resources to producing radiation robes for breast cancer patients in our communities,” Debbie said of her experience that inspired Robes for Recovery.

After she came up with the idea, she presented it to the Fairmont Federal Credit Union management team. They loved the idea, and Robes for Recovery began as a community service project. Robes for Recovery relies on volunteers to either sew or do fundraising to make the creation of these wonderful robes a possibility. Robes for Recovery has been a great success and has so far created more than 700 robes!

Robes for Recovery Mission Statement:

We Have Hope

Our hope is that by providing specially tailored radiation robes to breast cancer patients, we will help them maintain their pride and dignity during their journey through treatment toward recovery.

We Have Faith

We have faith that we will raise sufficient funds from donations and recruit enough volunteers to sustain our project.

We Have Commitment

We are committed to honoring and supporting breast cancer patients by giving these garments with love, kindness, hope and care.

For questions or to volunteer for this worthwhile community service project, please call Debbie Droppleman, Robes for Recovery Coordinator, at 304.363.5320 ex. 6028 or email her at ddroppleman@ma.rr.com.