NerdWallet Names SIUCU a Top Pick for Financial Literacy

Posted by karlifeldhake on Aug 3rd, 2012 | no comments

NerdWallet finance blog recently released their top picks for university credit union financial literacy programs, and SIU Credit Union was named the Best for Car Buyers.

“It’s an honor to be recognized,” says Karli Feldhake, Marketing Director of SIU Credit Union. “We always strive to provide helpful financial resources to our members and the entire community.”

SIU Credit Union’s website offers a variety of free resources including financial calculators, Illinois Motor Vehicle forms, and links to popular auto buying websites such as Kelly Blue Book – all designed to help improve financial knowledge and the car buying experience.

“Credit unions are great for free checking and loans, of course, but many people don’t realize that they’re also an excellent resource for financial literacy,” says Laura Edgar, NerdWallet’s credit union specialist. “We were especially impressed with SIU’s collection of information on cars. Buying a car requires so much more than getting a good rate on a loan, and we think it’s wonderful that SIU encourages their members to view the process holistically.”

About NerdWallet

NerdWallet is an unbiased personal finance website committed to promoting financial literacy. Their education blog offers awesome tools and tips for students to manage their finances: http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/education/. As a company, they’re especially excited to spread the word about credit unions. They’ve crunched the numbers, and credit unions come out ahead of the big banks every time. Check out their pressroom to read reviews of free products and learn more: http://www.nerdwallet.com/pressroom.

About SIU Credit Union

SIU Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution with five locations in Carbondale, Energy, Marion and Metropolis. Membership is open to anyone living or working in Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Perry, Marion, Randolph, Saline, Massac, Union, or Williamson counties in Illinois.  Federally insured by NCUA.  Equal Housing Lender.  For more information, visit www.siucu.org.

SIU Credit Union Mobile Website

Posted by SIU Credit Union on Dec 9th, 2010 | one comment

Credit union members now can easily view credit union content from their mobile phone by visiting http://www.siucu.org/mobile/.

Members can access their account information, a list of credit union locations and hours, free ATMs, and current rates from their mobile phones.

To access your online banking account from your phone, you will need to enable mobile phone access within online banking by selecting “preference,” ” mobile,” enable user id and password on mobile device.”

For more information call 618-457-3595.

Connectivity and usage rates may apply. Contact your wireless provider for details.

Bankrate blog: CU members in good company financially

Posted by SIU Credit Union on Nov 8th, 2010 | no comments

MADISON, Wis. (11/8/10 CUNA)–Consumers who conduct their financial transactions at credit unions have a more positive view of their personal finances than those who don’t, according to a recent survey. And that has prompted Bankrate to look at what causes the correlation between belonging to a credit union and being financially sound.

“According to credit union data released from the Discover U.S. Spending Monitor in September, 38% of credit union members rate their personal finances as good or excellent, compared to 30% amongst noncredit union members surveyed,” said a blog posting on Bankrate.com (Nov.4). “Just 17% of credit union members rate their finances as poor, while 29% of noncredit union members feel the same way.

“Twenty-one percent of credit union members feel their finances are getting better compared to 19% of noncredit union members, a two-point difference,” the blog continued. “Both groups also differ when it comes to whether their personal financial situation is getting better or worse; 48% of credit union members feel their finances are worsening compared to 51% of noncredit union members, a three-point difference.”

What causes the correlation between being financially sound and belonging to a credit union?

The likely reason is that people who belong to credit unions tend to seek them out for more generous interest rates and lower loan rates, the blog said. Also, because credit unions generally lack the resources large banks have to build more branches and provide ubiquitous ATMs, consumers eschew convenience to conduct their financial business at credit unions, the blog added.

“It follows then, that credit unions are attracting a consumer who is more proactive and diligent when it comes to financial matters, and one who is willing to do a little more legwork and sacrifice some convenience to get credit unions’ better deals,” the blog concludes.

New Online Banking Coming in November

Posted by SIU Credit Union on Oct 12th, 2010 | no comments

In an effort to better serve our members, we will be rolling out a new online banking system in November. As always you will be able to view your accounts, pay bills, transfer money, order checks, look at your monthly statement, and apply for loans.

What’s different is the look and feel.  This new version is more user-friendly which allows for better page navigation,  enhancing your online banking experience. Two new features will allow you to access your account from your mobile phone and you will also be able to view a copy of your posted checks. 

You can try the online demo here:  https://secure5.onlineaccess1.com/SIUCU_Online/Demo/Demo.htm

Note:You will be required to enter in your phone number or e-mail address when you log onto the system for the first time.   If your address is not correct, you won’t be able to view your account.  Be sure to check your address with us to avoid any inconvenience. 

Agency warns of false site, phishing scam

Posted by SIU Credit Union on Oct 8th, 2010 | no comments

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (10/8/10)—Credit unions should be wary of e-mails that claim to be from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) and promise their recipients $50 for taking an NCUA-created survey, the NCUA said Thursday.

According to the agency, the survey link directs members to a false version of the NCUA homepage. That site contains “an illicit survey that solicits credit card account numbers and confidential personal information” from survey respondents.

In a release, the NCUA warned that the site is a phishing scam, adding that the agency “will never ask credit union members or the general public for personal account or personally identifiable information as part of a survey.”

“Any e-mail that alleges to be from NCUA and asks for account information is fraudulent and should be treated as suspicious,” NCUA added.

NCUA has advised that those who may have clicked on the link “consult with a computer security or anti-virus specialist to assess the need to re-install a clean image of the computer system.” Generally, credit unions should encourage their members to execute simple antivirus scans, install security patches as needed, and use caution in general when online.

Member Spotlight: Jeff McGoy

Posted by Joshua English on Sep 27th, 2010 | no comments

How long have you been a member at SIU Credit Union?

Jeff:  I have been a member for at least 3 years now.

What do you do for a living?

Jeff:  I work at SIUC as a Coordinator of New Student Programs and an advisor for 7 Registered Student Organizations.

What is the most Rewarding part of your job?

 Jeff: Working with the students, their families, faculty, staff, and the community.

How would you sum up your experiences at SIUCU?

Very good! I love the customer service, availability and financial security.

Do you hold any other accounts at other financial institutions?  And if so, what’s the biggest difference?

Jeff:  I do but everything at SIUCU is very professional, easy to access and I never have any worries about my money, account, hidden fees or whatever.

When you think of SIUCU, what’s the first word that comes to mind?

Jeff: Quality!

Was there ever a time where we went beyond your expectations?

Jeff: Yes!  Just in all that is done. I am always pleased about the service, friendliness, and availability.

Which branch of SIUCU do you most often visit?  On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the atmosphere there?

Jeff: The Carbondale East Branch is my favorite!!!  The atmosphere is always a Perfect 10!

Not too long ago, you got tickets to our tailgate, how’d you like it?

Jeff: It was really nice! One of my uncles was in town visiting and he spoke very highly of the service and atmosphere.

Additional comments:

I LOVE SIU Credit Union and do refer people to you all. Thanks for all that you do!

-          Jeff McGoy