Save it for a Rainy Day!

How to Quickly Build Up Your Rainy Day Fund

Money grows on the tree of patience - Proverb.

Everyone has that one, special container that’s kept in a private place in their home. It holds a few extra dollars that you didn’t spend while you were buying your weekly groceries. It contains a pile of spare change you collected when you were recently cleaned out your car. That’s right; it’s your rainy day fund.

Every rainy day fund naturally means that there’s going to come a day when you’re going to spend that precious, carefully stored money. How did you always envision spending that money? Maybe it’s buying a sleek new laptop. Perhaps there’s a trip you’ve always dreamed of taking, and this saved money will turn that dream into a reality. You might have even had your eye on a brand new car.

But then, the unexpected occurs; your current car needs to be fixed, a repair is needed on your home, a larger-than-planned bill needs to be paid. Soon that rainy day fund is quickly depleted, and you’re saying goodbye to that trip to Florida with kids, or that new car.

But never fear, there are plenty of ways to quickly restore that precious fund so you can spend the money how you want to spend it! Here are a few of our favorite ways that you can be saving money for your next rainy day:

Understand its Purpose

Having a specific definition of what this money will be used for is the best way to ensure you are working towards that goal. Maybe you want to refurnish the basement for the kids to use. What will the costs be to do that? Now picture the outcome and how happy everyone will be. Having a vague outline of how you will spend that money will only encourage your to be more frugal and less impulsive with your purchases.

Be Honest With Yourself

It’s time for some self-exploration—think about your current spending habits and have an honest conversation with yourself on how they can be changed. Make the commitment to yourself to alter how you save; it will let you reach your goal quickly.

Spend Extra Income Wisely

It’s tempting to treat yourself to a night on the town, or splurge on an expensive purchase, but think before you splurge.  If extra income comes your way, put it in your rainy day fund right away, before the temptation to spend it kicks in.

While going on vacation, getting a massage, or buying that golf membership is a fun way to spend that extra money saved, sometimes practicality and responsibility have to take over. That rainy day fund would make a big difference in a Savings Club Account at Fairmont Federal Credit Union. You can save up for something specific, such as auto expenses, home insurance and,  yes, even that dream vacation very easily with an account like this. Not only is there no minimum balance required, but you can earn dividends with regular savings, make unlimited deposits and withdrawals, and you don’t have to follow a payment schedule. It doesn’t get much better than that.

For more information on our Savings Club Accounts and how they can help you save for your rainy day fund, trust your friends and experts at Fairmont FCU. Visit our website for more information on how your rainy day fund container can become an electronic banking account instead.

How to Declutter Your Life in 2018

What do you like to do in your down time? Perhaps you enjoy settling in on the sofa and reading a good book. Maybe you prefer to go on a walk or take a bike ride in your neighborhood. Whatever your favorite method of relaxation is, one answer we don’t hear a lot of is cleaning or organizing the house. Let’s face it—there’s a bunch of other things we’d rather be doing in our spare time than scrubbing our bathrooms or cleaning the kitchens. But you have to admit it, once you actually do, doesn’t it feel amazing?

There’s really no better time than now to de-clutter your life; after all, a new year means a new you.  Having a closet in your home full of mystery contents or a drawer with too many miscellaneous items is so last year. This is 2018; this is going to be your year where your life has minimal chaos and excessive order.

It sounds a lot scarier than it is; after all, we’re always afraid of some potential, hidden problem we’re going to find. But getting your finances in better shape, particularly with tax season right around the corner, is going to be the most therapeutic and beneficial way to get a fresh start in 2018.

Here are a few things we consider to be helpful to declutter your financial life in 2018:

Pay Bills Immediately

Never receive a bill, set it aside, and pay it later. Not only are you adding extra steps to your process, but you are just adding more paper to an already growing list of bills. Instead, open your mail as you are in your home office, and pay your bills immediately with a computer in front of you. Better yet—set up automatic online payments as you work on that computer.

Buy a Shredder

Bills like credit card statements and bank statements don’t need to be saved; often your bank will easily be able to access that information online for you. We recommend you go for a cross-cut shredder to help declutter your files.  

Ditch Paper Receipts

There’s an app we are loving right now that will easily declutter your life in 2018. Foreceipt Receipt Tracker is a great way to take pictures of your receipts and organize them digitally, set budgets, and track your spending. It’s an easy way to both store the information you need while significantly cutting down on paper.

Organizing your storage, re-evaluating your financials, or cleaning out your closet doesn’t have to mean that book that you’ve been reading gets abandoned. Decluttering your life and sorting out your bills means bringing a renewed balance between your professional life and your personal life. For more information on how to start the new year right by better financial organizational tips, contact your friends and experts at Fairmont Federal Credit Union.  Call 304-363-5320 or visit one of our locations today.

Tailgating 101

Tailgating on game day has been a fun tradition for friends and families all over the nation for years, and for many, tailgating is as important as the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie, here are a few tailgating tips to get through this year's football season.

Assign Roles

Before the tailgating begins, assign all of your friends and family a role for the day. Have someone be in charge of bringing food, bringing chairs and a tent, and someone to bring the games. This assures everyone has their own responsibility, and the pressure isn’t put on one person alone.

Pack Up the Night Before

Just like assigning roles, packing everything you need up the night before will help you stay organized and remember to bring everything to have a great day tailgating. This can also be useful to see if you’re forgetting anything, and know if you need to grab anything last minute before the game.

Over-packing is Better Than Underpacking

Packing more than you need for those just-in-case situations can be extremely helpful. For those times when someone forgets something, over-packing and being prepared can make the day run smoothly and more fun.

Get There Early

Arriving to the game early gives you more time to enjoy tailgating and not have to rush through any of your favorite tailgating activities. Getting there early ensures you have a great spot to have the best time with your friends and family.

Have Fun, But Not Too Much Fun

Tailgating should be an enjoyable time cheering on your favorite sport team and spending time with friends and family. But every now and then someone has a little too much fun, and then you run the chance of turning into that guy. Have fun while keeping it under control to ensure you and everyone around you has a great tailgating experience.

Remember the Cleanup

Stopping your tailgating fun twenty minutes before the game is a great idea if you want to make sure you pack everything up. You don’t want to run the risk of forgetting to pack something up and having someone snag it from your spot.

Fairmont Federal Credit Union is happy to cheer on the West Virginia Mountaineers and the Fairmont State Falcons, and we hope everyone has a great season. Let’s Go Mountaineers!  Go Fighting Falcons!  

Fairs and Festivals in West Virginia

Summer may be winding down, but the fair and festival scene is going to be hopping in West Virginia even after the kids head back to the classroom. We’ll bet you can find something for everybody at these great local events.

West Virginia Blackberry Festival (August 3, 4, 5) - Nutter Fort

2017 marks the 21st year for the West Virginia Blackberry Festival, and this year promises to be a great event. Festivities start Thursday, August 3 at 11am when the Cartoon HQ opens, amusements open at 7pm, then finish the night with entertainment by Cody Wickline and Rick K and the Allnighters.

Friday entertainment includes a show by In Step Dance & Fitness, our famous Pet Parade (please register at the Festival HQ), and music from the Ed Davisson Band and Shades of Blue.

Join in the 5K Fun Run Saturday morning, then stay for the talent show, baking contest, and much more. Saturday entertainment will be provided by Dominique Demus, Blue Steel, Josh Oldaker, Ryan Cain and the Ables and Motown Sound of Touch, then be sure to stay for the closing fireworks at 10:30pm Saturday night.

Mannington District Fair (August 7 - 12) - Mannington

Dating back to 1932, the Mannington District Fair has long been recognized as a “super kind of homecoming,” where old friends meet and new ones are made. Chock full of activities, including horse shows, a circus, demolition derby, livestock judging, rides, chain saw carving, and even an escape artist, the fair truly offers something for everyone. Live music includes:

Wednesday,  August 10 - Shania Twain and Tim McGraw Tributes

Thursday, August 10 - Davisson Brothers Band

Friday, August 11 - Eliminator KC -  ZZ Top Tribute

Saturday, August 12 - Tane Lynne & The Total Package

West Virginia State Fair (August 10-19) - Lewisburg

The West Virginia State Fair offers a fascinating world of horse shows, livestock animals, competitive exhibits, entertainment, concerts, and carnival rides. Highlights include the daily Bengal Tiger Encounter, Extreme Raptors Show, Rowdy Rooster, Harness Racing and the Draft Horse Pull. Check out the full schedule of events online, and don’t miss the live concerts, including Martina McBride and Josh Turner and Brantley Gilbert with special guest Dylan Scott.

West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival (September 1 - 3) - Clarksburg

Celebrating its 39th year in 2017, the WV Italian Heritage Festival is not to be missed. Rated one of the “Top Four Italian Festivals in the Nation” by the National Sons of Italy, the festival offers a wide array of authentic Italian street food, including pastries, and tons of great entertainment. This year’s live entertainment includes The Diamonds, Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Moreno Fruzetti, and Dennis Tufano, The Original Voice of the Buckinghams.

West Virginia Black Heritage Festival (September 8 - 10) - Clarksburg

Downtown Clarksburg invites you to celebrate the 27th annual WV Black Heritage Festival. This is a fun-filled weekend of delicious food, family activities, crafts and live entertainment. The festival’s mission is “to promote the African-American experience while addressing the many milestones that our forefathers have made since the Emancipation Proclamation”.  There will be live entertainment Saturday starting at 2pm, and the festivities finish Sunday at 6pm with the Closing Ceremonies.

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.

Eight Reasons to Love a Credit Union

Being a part of a credit union has many benefits over large for-profit financial institutions. Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that offer financial services to individuals who are eligible for membership. Membership provides an ownership share in the credit union and as such the member has control over the business practices of the organization. One similarity between a credit union and a bank is the fact that federal credit unions, like Fairmont Federal Credit Union (FFCU), are insured by NCUA’s National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is comparable to FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund.

Perhaps you are wondering why people love credit unions so much. Here are seven reasons to consider.

1. Lifetime membership – Once an applicant meets the membership requirements for the credit union, they will always be a member. At FFCU, membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, goes to school or businesses in the West Virginia counties of Marion, Monongalia, Harrison or Taylor; or are employees of Valley HeathCare in Preston county.”
2. 24/7 account access – Access your account at over 55,000 surcharge-free ATM machines.
3. Electronic Banking – Mobile and online banking allows instant access to funds and account information from anywhere in the world.
4. Low or no fees – Depending upon the account you choose, credit union members enjoy considerably lower fees than those who have traditional bank accounts.
5. Family benefits – Immediate family members, including a spouse, parent, child, sibling grandparent or grandchild are qualified to join the FFCU even if the eligible family member chooses not to join.
6.  eStatements – Get your account transactions sent to your email account instead of waiting for a paper statement.
7. People first – Because credit unions are part of the communities in which they operate, they are more connected to the needs of the community, often taking time to reach out to underserved populations.
8. Discounts for other retailers – As a credit union member, one of unique benefits includes enrollment at lovemycreditunion.org. This rewards program offers credit union members valuable discounts to a variety of local and national retailers.

At Fairmont Federal Credit Union, our goal is to provide our members with valuable financial services that offer rewards based on membership. Each of our members are a valuable part of our credit union community. Contact us for more information on credit union membership as well as our reasonable lending and account products. 

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!

Fairmont Federal Credit Union Keeps You Sane this Holiday Season

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—the time when city sidewalks are dressed in holiday style, sleigh bells ring, and baby, it’s cold outside! Yes everyone—the holiday season has arrived! Something else that has arrived with the holiday season is holiday shopping.

For many, that means many trips to your local mall or department store, in search of the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. With plenty of people to buy for and not enough hours in the day, it is understandable to become flustered. But one aspect of holiday shopping that should not make you stressed is how you are going to pay for your gifts. Because you are a valued member of Fairmont Federal Credit Union, you know there are plenty of ways that you can pay for every gift this year.

As you begin making your list (and checking it twice), here is our own list for you, that must be used in order to maintain your sanity this holiday shopping season! This is how FFCU can keep you as stress free as possible during your one (or many) Christmas shopping trips this year!

Use your FFCU Debit Card

Your FFCU debit card is a convenient solution to pay for all of your shopping needs this season!  Choose debit or credit to pay for that sweater for Grandma and those toys for your nieces!

Take Advantage of Visa Checkout

With Visa Checkout, all you do is click, pay, and be on your merry way! Not only is your data guarded with multiple security layers, Visa Checkout is also easy for you to use. With just one password, you can securely make your payments with a single login from any device! Sounds like the gift that keeps on giving!

Monitor Your Spending On the Go with Online Banking and Mobile Banking

Online banking allows you to manage your account by viewing transactions and reviewing purchases! Not close to a computer during your holiday shopping spree? Mobile banking is the solution for you—simply download the app and get all the benefits of online banking right from your phone!

Need Cash? Visit a Surcharge Free ATM

Fairmont Federal Credit Union is pleased to offer over 55,000 ATMs where YOU don’t pay a surcharge! Our website gives you detailed information about where these ATMs can be found, check it out to find an ATM near you!   www.fairmontfcu.com/locations

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.