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/

The Origin of Mother’s & Father’s Day

We have a lot to be proud of in our state of West Virginia. One of our greatest accomplishments in the history of both Taylor and Marion counties, is the origin of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day in Grafton and Fairmont respectively. And while Mother’s Day has come and gone this year and Father’s Day will be celebrated soon, we thought taking a quick look at the history of these holidays will give a better appreciation for why we take a day to celebrate our parents.

Mother’s Day Started as a Memorial Service

On the first anniversary of her mother’s death, Miss Anna Jarvis reflected on all of her mother’s accomplishments. Her Mother, Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis, focused her efforts heavily on “Mother’s Work” in churches, gave talks on the “Mothers of the Bible,” and held a “Mother’s Friendship Day” service at the end of the Civil War. It was very apparent that Mrs. Anna Reeves Jarvis saw the beauty and importance of motherhood, and her daughter wanted to find a special way to remember her mother. It was decided that they would have a “Mothers’ Day” at the Andrews Church on the second Sunday in May annually.

And Then Turned Into Something More

Word began to spread about the heartfelt and touching ceremony that Miss Anna Jarvis had created in remembrance of her mother. Though she credits her mother as the “real creator” of the holiday through her service in the church, it was Miss Anna Jarvis who had the idea to extend the service from Grafton to the world. She spent many years making contacts with all the right people to make this happen.

Father’s Day Started in a Similar Fashion

In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton was mourning the loss of her own father. He, along with 361 other miners, perished in the Monongah Mining Disaster, the worst coal mining disaster in American history. 250 of those men were fathers, and over a 1,000 children had to grow up without them in their lives. With Mother’s Day celebrated in nearby Grafton, Fairmont hosted the first observance of Father’s Day in July 5, 1908.

The event itself was not widely celebrated outside of the community, it took over 60 years and several attempts from different groups and politicians around North America to be established by law as an official holiday alongside Mother’s Day.

What started as a memory of a strong and passionate woman, or fathers lost to a disaster, has now become a worldwide celebration of mothers and fathers everywhere. All stemming from the love a child for their parents, and from right here in West Virginia. We at Fairmont Federal Credit Union wish you and all the mothers and fathers in your life a happy Mother’s and Father’s Day!

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Sources:

http://www.wvculture.org/history/women/mothersday03.html

http://www.wvculture.org/history/miscellaneous/fathersday02.html

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mothers-day

http://www.theholidayspot.com/fathersday/history.htm

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.

Holiday Traditions Handed Down

When most people think of traditions, they think of holiday traditions.  Holiday traditions and the recurrent experience of it every year, is a cornerstone of most people’s lives.  These moments create positive memories for our children and create reliable events for everyone to participate year after year.  It takes away the stress and anxiety of the unknown and the unpredictable.  Traditions can anchor family members to to each other, providing a sense of unity and belonging.

There is an endless list of holiday traditions, ranging from surprising your neighbors with treats, starting an ornament collection, camping out under the tree, helping the needy,  baking cookies for santa, and seeing candy cane lane.  

Here are some examples of how families across America create traditions to be handed down.

• White Elephant Gift Exchange: Because of their sheer size,  some families chose  a “White Elephant” gift exchange.   This adds a lot of humor and eases the anxiety and pressure of gift giving.  

• Bake christmas cookies: Bring the cookies to a nursing home, homeless shelter, or a “Boys and Girls Club.”  
• The 12 Days of Christmas: Each person gets a list of mixed up names and for the 12 days prior to Christmas Eve,  puts a small wrapped gift in the stocking of the person that was on your list for that particular day. On Christmas Eve, families open the 12 small gifts.
• Autographs on a Tablecloth: Spread out a white tablecloth on the main table at Christmas dinner.  At the end of the meal, everyone who was present writes their name, the year, and sometimes a short message. This is especially enchanting with children and seeing their handwriting change from year to year.  

Holiday traditions come from the fundamental need that people have to be with each other and bond. What kind of traditions does your family have? Share your thoughts, ideas and memories!  

Fairmont Federal Credit Union's success has been built on our commitment to the credit union philosophy of "People Helping People!" Follow us on Facebook.

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Sources:

https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/12-25-14-holiday-traditions-passed-down/

https://www.mnn.com/family/family-activities/blogs/multicultural-winter-holiday-celebrations

http://mommyperfect.com/2015/11/the-importance-of-holiday-traditions/

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

Wishing You a Happy Independence Day from Fairmont Federal Credit Union

The 4th of July is right around the corner, and you know what that means! The ultimate feast of burgers, brats, dogs, and all the pasta salad you could ever want is finally at your fingertips.  It’s the perfect time for family gatherings and bonding with friends! Eating on any given holiday is always one of the main events. It’s the most delicious event and brings a little tradition to the table. Before the fireworks begin, what will be on your menu?

Appetizers

While your guests wait for the grill to heat up, colorful appetizers can keep them busy. With avocado booming  in popularity, a nice and easy dip to add to the table is guacamole with some chips. It’s a good place to start. Colorful, thick, guac is always a crowd pleaser. Taco dip, pico de gallo, mango salsa, any kind of dip will give your table a delicious, color treat to any party guest. What’s more? If you have leftover avocado, deviled eggs with sliced avocado, bacon, and a little hot sauce is an amazing tweak to the classic summer appetizer.

Main Dish

What’s the 4th of July without hamburgers and hotdogs? Pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, Italian beef, brats, you name it! Heat the grill up and have a little variety for the whole family. And of course, don’t forget the  lettuce, cheese, tomato, ketchup, mustard.. Make a swiss burger and add some mushrooms! Bring some buns to the table, but give it a twist by adding tortillas and flat breads. Different buns adds a whole new level of creativity for your guests to add to their meal.

Dessert

When you’re making a 4th of July dessert, try to really keep the red, white, and blue theme alive. A flag cake is one of the most popular festive cakes! There are so many alternatives to this dish. The colors from the fruit on top add some pop to your table. Another 4th of July favorite is strawberry shortcake. You can do one big cake or make it a layered trifle strawberry shortcake. When making a trifle shortcake, you will need to cut up the cake beforehand, creating multiple layers. A tall bowl will be helpful if you are expecting a lot of people!

Curious where and when you can catch a fireworks show in your area? Check out local times here

Fairmont Federal Credit Union wants to wish you and your family a happy 4th! Fairmont FCU is a not-for-profit financial organization, democratically controlled, owned and operated by our members for the benefit of all who belong. For more information you can visit our website at https://www.fairmontfcu.com.

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.