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ViaCU is celebrating our 85th Anniversary!
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To show appreciation to our members for their trust and support over the last 85 years, we will be providing special promotions, events and community giveback throughout 2021.
We are starting the year off right, by rollin’ out an 85-month auto loan!3 easy ways to apply:
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*Approval is subject to underwriting guidelines. Payment example: $25,000 auto loan for 85 months at 4.09% APR would have a monthly payment of $339.27. Promotional term of 85 months is available for financed amounts of $20,000 or more. Offer is valid January 1, 2021 and is subject to change at any time without notice.
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ViaCU Gives Back During the Holidays
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ViaCU gives back to our communities throughout the year, but know the need is always greater during the holidays. Therefore, ViaCU staff and members gave back in various ways.
Angel Tree Programs
Via Credit Union’s staff, along with Taylored System, raised $2,000 for local Angel Tree programs:
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Blackford High School: Todd Hill, Grace Shockey, Valerie Janowski-Human and Scott Shimer
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Grant County Salvation Army: Lt. Jessica Smith
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Kosciusko County Salvation Army: Ken Locke
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Stocked Local Food Pantries
ViaCU was notified that we were a winner of the PSCU Credit Union Giveback Sweepstakes and was awarded $4,000 for charities of our choice. Therefore, each of the following local food pantries were awarded monetary donations from PSCU and ViaCU staff, as well as Non-perishable food and toiletries. - East: The Harvest House
- Gas City: The Well
- Hartford City: Senior Center
- South Marion: Homeland Mission
- Warsaw: Combined Community Service
- West Marion: Salvation Army
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Bill Kissane, Homeland Mission Director, Lori Fiene, ViaCU CFO, John Clark, Treasure/Board Member/Volunteer
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Scholarship Applications Available
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Apply today for one of six $1,000 Scholarships.To qualify, the applicant must be a High School Senior, member of the credit union for at least one year by application deadline and have a cumulative High School GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applications are available online and at all branch locations. Deadline for applying is March 15, 2021.
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The 85th VIRTUAL Annual Meeting will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Noon!
Further details will be available as the date nears.
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Get Your Maximum Refund & Special Savings on TurboTax
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Getting your biggest possible tax refund has never been easier. From simple to complex taxes, TurboTax® has you covered. - Taxes made easy. Just answer questions about your year, anytime and from any device, and TurboTax fills in all the right forms for you.
- Real experts standing by. With TurboTax Live, get unlimited advice from tax experts as you do your taxes -- or have everything done for you, start to finish.
- Done right, guaranteed. TurboTax guarantees 100% accurate calculations, so you can be confident your taxes are done right.
Via Credit Union works with TurboTax to provide special savings for our valued members -- get up to $15 off TurboTax federal products. Start today!Visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2020. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries.
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Thank you for your votes!
The Chronicle-Tribune readers voted Via Credit Union the GREATEST CREDIT UNION in Grant County for the FOURTEENTH year in a row!
ViaCU was also voted GREATEST PLACE TO GET A LOAN!
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Fraudsters and scam artists have always looked for new ways to prey on consumers. Many are now using their tactics to take advantage of consumers' heightened financial and health concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Federal, state, and local law enforcement have issued warnings on the surge in coronavirus scams and offer advice on how consumers can help protect themselves. Here are some of the more prevalent coronavirus scams that consumers need to watch out for, along with some tips for protecting yourself from becoming the victim of a scam.
Fraudulent Treatments, Vaccinations, and Home Test Kits
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued warnings about scam artists attempting to sell fraudulent products that claim to treat, prevent, or diagnose COVID-19. The FDA has warned consumers to be wary of companies selling products that are not authorized or approved by the FDA. You can visit fda.gov for more information. Phishing Scams Scammers have been using phishing scams related to the coronavirus pandemic to obtain personal and financial information. Phishing scams usually involve unsolicited phone calls, letters, emails, text messages, or fake websites that pose as legitimate organizations and try to convince you to provide personal or financial information. Once scam artists obtain this information, they use it to commit identity or financial theft.
Be wary of anyone claiming to be from an official organization, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization. And remember that government organizations, such as the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service, will never initiate contact with you to ask for personal and financial information, such as your Social Security number. In addition, be on the lookout for nongovernment websites with domain names that include the words "coronavirus" or "COVID-19," as they are likely to be malicious.
Coronavirus-Related Charity Scams
During the coronavirus pandemic, many charitable organizations have been established to help those affected by COVID-19. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes try to pose as legitimate charitable organizations in order to solicit donations from unsuspecting donors. Watch out for charities with names that are similar to more familiar or nationally known organizations such as the American Red Cross.
Before donating to a charity, make sure it is legitimate. Never donate cash, gift cards, or funds by wire transfer. The IRS website has a tool to assist you in checking out the status of a charitable organization at irs.gov/charities-and-nonprofits.
FTC COVID-19 Complaints
Over 60,000 complaints related to COVID-19 were reported to the Federal Trade Commission during the period between January 1 and June 3, 2020, with a total fraud loss of $45.32 million.
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Protecting Yourself from Scams Here are some steps you can take to help protect yourself from becoming the victim of a scam, including a scam related to the coronavirus pandemic: - Don't click on suspicious or unfamiliar links in emails, text messages, social media feeds and instant messaging services.
- Don't answer a phone call if you don't recognize the phone number — let it go to voicemail and check later to verify the caller.
- Never download email attachments unless you can verify that the sender is legitimate.
- Keep device and security software up-to-date.
- Maintain strong passwords and use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Never share personal or financial information via email, text message, or over the phone.
If you receive a fraudulent email, text or phone call, report it to the appropriate government agency such as the Federal Trade Commission or Internal Revenue Service and your local police department.
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Get Your Mitts On More Cash!
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Take advantage of ViaSkip Payment and skip your closed-end loan payment once per calendar year. Use the extra cash for a weekend getaway or just enjoy the extra cold, hard cash!
Complete the ViaSkip Payment form to get started.
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Business Financing Available
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When you’re passionate about your business, opportunities for growth are always just around the corner. From expanding your space to investing in new equipment, ViaCU can help your small business grow with equipment and vehicle loans, real estate lending, agricultural loans, as well as business credit cards.
ViaCU offers competitive rates and flexible terms, local decision making and quick turnaround times and personalized service.
The following documentation is required to apply for a business loan: - Complete Business Application
- Personal Federal Tax Returns with all attached schedules and 1099's (last three years)
- Business Tax Returns with all attached schedules (last three years)
- Current and fiscal year end business financial statements
Contact VP of Business Lending, Jay Vandeburg at 765.733.9060 or jvandeburg@viacu.org to learn more.
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ViaCU Awards Grants to 23 Teachers
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Via Credit Union awarded 23 grants totaling over $9,000 to local teachers for the funding of special classroom projects. Over the years, ViaCU has funded 116 projects totaling over $47,000 to area teachers.
This school year looked different for many schools but teachers stepped up to the challenge and developed creative projects for their classes. In light of the pandemic, ViaCU made the decision to provide funding to each teacher that applied for the Grant this school year!!
The recipients will use the grant money for the following projects: - Andrea Allison, Eastbrook South Elementary | Show Me the Alphabet!
- Rachael Banter, Blackford Intermediate School | Classroom Podcast
- Lisa Belcher, Oak Hill Junior High | Encouraging a Community through Book Advertisementsers
- Beth Boswell, Oak Hill Junior High | My Life
- Brittney Creager, Park Elementary | Vast Projects with Vinyl
- Rebecca Crim, Leesburg Elementary | Courage to Compose
- Logan Dooley, Eastbrook South Elementary | Orton-Gillingham multisensory
- Anissa Fox, Lakeview Christian School | Flocabulary
- Caitlyn Garber, Frankton Jr/Sr High School | Movement & Support Using Skeletal Models
- Lori Goff, Oak Hill High School | Eagle Cafe
- Amanda Green, Blackford Intermediate School | The Great Grow Along
- Amy Holton, Washington Elementary | International Learners Club
- Tiffany Ickes Pauley, Northside Elementary | Northside Peace Garden
- Kari Johnson, Oak Hill Junior High | Author Engagement
- Ronda Myers, The King's Academy | Biology Greenhouse
- Cara Oliver, Justice Intermediate School | Socially Distancing Furniture
- Chris Painter, Montpelier Elementary School | Podcast
- Jesse Pruitt, Frankton Jr/Sr High School | The De-Escalation Cart
- Tim Tarplee, Lapel High School | Coding and Development
- Brynley Thomas, Oak Hill Junior High | Literary Ornaments
- Carla Trible, Eastbrook High School | Ornithology- Biodiversity, Behavior and Motion
- Kristina Wagner, Lapel High School | Whiteboard
- Carissa Watters, Frankton Jr/Sr High School | Fraction Tiles
View grant recipients.
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Watch Out for These Financial Pitfalls in the New Year
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As people move through different stages of life, there are new financial opportunities and potential pitfalls around every corner. Here are common money mistakes to watch out for at every age.
Your 20s & 30s - Being financially illiterate. By learning as much as you can about saving, budgeting, and investing now, you could benefit from it for the rest of your life.
- Not saving regularly. Save a portion of every paycheck and then spend what's left over — not the other way around. You can earmark savings for short-, medium-, and long-term goals. A variety of mobile apps can help you track your savings progress.
- Living beyond your means. This is the corollary of not saving. If you can't manage to stash away some savings each month and pay for most of your expenses out-of-pocket, then you need to rein in your lifestyle. Start by cutting your discretionary expenses, and then look at ways to reduce your fixed costs.
- Spending too much on housing. Think twice about buying a house or condo that will stretch your budget to the max, even if a lender says you can afford it. Consider building in space for a possible dip in household income that could result from a job change or a leave from the workforce to care for children.
- Overlooking the cost of subscriptions and memberships. Keep on top of services you are paying for (e.g., online streaming, cable, the gym, your smartphone bill, food delivery) and assess whether they still make sense on an annual basis.
- Not saving for retirement. Perhaps saving for retirement wasn't on your radar in your 20s, but you shouldn't put it off in your 30s. Start now and you still have 30 years or more to save. Wait much longer and it can be hard to catch up. Start with whatever amount you can afford and add to it as you're able.
- Not protecting yourself with insurance. Consider what would happen if you were unable to work and earn a paycheck. Life insurance and disability income insurance can help protect you and your family.
Your 40s - Not keeping your job skills fresh. Your job is your lifeline to income, employee benefits, and financial security. Look for opportunities to keep your skills up-to-date and stay abreast of new workplace developments and job search technologies.
- Spending to keep up with others. Avoid spending money you don't have trying to keep up with your friends, family, neighbors, or colleagues. The only financial life you need to think about is your own.
- Funding college over retirement. Don't prioritize saving for college over saving for retirement. If you have limited funds, consider setting aside a portion for college while earmarking the majority for retirement. Closer to college time, have a frank discussion with your child about college options and look for creative ways to help reduce college costs.
- Using your home equity like a bank. The goal is to pay off your mortgage by the time you retire or close to it — a milestone that will be much harder to achieve if you keep moving the goal posts.
- Ignoring your health. By taking steps now to improve your fitness level, diet, and overall health, not only will you feel better today but you may reduce your health-care costs in the future.
Your 50s & 60s - Co-signing loans for adult children. Co-signing means you're 100% on the hook if your child can't pay — a less-than-ideal situation as you approach retirement.
- Raiding your retirement funds before retirement. It goes without saying that dipping into your retirement funds will reduce your nest egg, a significant tradeoff for purchases that aren't true emergencies.
- Not knowing your sources of retirement income. As you near retirement, you should know how much money you (and your partner, if applicable) can expect from three sources: your personal retirement accounts (e.g., 401(k) plans and IRAs); pension income from an employer; and Social Security at age 62, full retirement age, and age 70.
- Not having a will or advance medical directive. No one likes to think about death or catastrophic injury, but these documents can help your loved ones immensely if something unexpected should happen to you.
Heath Slain, Financial Advisor*, can help you plan for the future. Schedule an appointment to discuss your 2021 financial plans by calling 765.662.3700.*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.
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Spring weather can be damaging to property, so take precautions before the storm blows through. Regular maintenance to the exterior of your home can prevent claims or reduce the damage. Be sure that windows are sealed and water proofed, replace rotted frames; make sure that siding is secure, no loose panels, and of course repair or replace any loose or missing shingles on the roof. Be sure chimneys are sturdy and the mortar isn’t cracked or crumbling. From a liability view point, be sure that swimming pools have locking or removable ladders and are properly fenced. Trampolines should have net surrounds and swing sets are secure and in good repair. Trim low hanging branches over your roof. Remove dead or dying trees to prevent a fall onto your house or the neighbor’s house. Simply by being mindful of the conditions on or around your home, can minimize the damage or often prevent damage during storms.
Receive a free, no obligation quote for your insurance needs by calling Beth Combs at 765.733.9058.
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ViaCU lobbies will remain closed, drive-up open.
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T o ensure the health and well-being of our staff and members, ViaCU lobbies will remain closed through January 2021. However, transactions may still be conducted through the drive-up during normal hours. New account, lending, insurance, investments and safe deposit box needs are available by appointment. Please call 877.673.3284 or contact staff directly to schedule an appointment. In accordance with the Governor's statewide mask mandate, masks are required at all times while inside a ViaCU branch.
To help keep everyone safe and healthy, please do not visit the drive-up or schedule an appointment if you are sick or have been exposed to those who are sick. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this pandemic. The chart below will assist you in accessing your account, but we also encourage you to take advantage of our ViaOnline services that provide 24/7 access to your account.
Please refer to our website for COVID-19 updates.
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ViaCU Staff Celebrating Anniversaries
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Celebrating Via Credit Union Anniversaries from July to December 2020.
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