Eaton Family Credit Union News

Eaton Family Credit Union offered up holiday cheer to residents of Nottingham Home in Cleveland with gifts from Santa, holiday singing and a pizza party. The event is a highlight of the holiday season for everyone. Nottingham is a large, accommodating home that has been renovated to address the special needs of older residents. This program is part of an ongoing effort to create a continuum of opportunities for people with developmental disabilities to encourage integration into the community. Click here or go to EatonFamilyCU.com/Charitable.php for pictures and learn more.

Get discounts on tax preparation this year through Eaton Family Credit Union. Click here to save when using TurboTax Online Click here to get your $30 Jackson Hewitt discount With TurboTax Online you can self prepare your taxes this year and electronically file your tax returns. TubroTax Online uses an interview style format to asks question then the answers are put on the appropriate lines on the appropriate IRS forms...just answer the questions and let the program do the rest. If you prefer working with a Jackson Hewitt tax professional face-to-face then download a $30 coupon today...you get the savings now matter simple or complex your return. Click here  then enter your zip code to find the near Jackson Hewitt office or call 800-234-1040 for more information on pricing.

On November 19, 2011 The Seattle Times  ran an article by Gregory Karp ( Chicago Tribune ) called "Money Tip:  How consumers can find a banking champ." Click here to read the entire article. In the article Mr. Karp writes, "So, big or small? Who wins on the merits in a toe-to-toe fight between megabanks and smaller institutions? Is bigger better, or is this a Rocky Balboa story?" Here are the categories and his ratings and our thoughts... Round 1: Fees Winner: Smaller institutions. We agree. Our goal is the same as the banks: maximize shareholder value...the difference is that you're the shareholder at Eaton Family Credit Union, so that's why we strive for lower fees, higher interest earned and lower interest charged on loans. Round 2: ATM Access Winner: Big banks. We disagree. Eaton Family Credit Union owner/members have access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. In Ohio, Midwest and Western states through the

As an Eaton Family Credit Union owner/member, you are eligible to enter the Invest in America Sweepstakes and could win one of these fantastic prizes Grand Prize - 2012 Chevy Cruze LTZ (Estimated retail value of nearly $28,000) First Place - Sprint wireless package , including a tablet, smartphone and gift card (Estimated retail value of $5,000)  Second Place - $1,500 gift card to spend at Shop America   Visit http://www.IIASweepstakes.org to enter the Invest in America Sweepstakes* and for official rules.  To learn more about Invest in America and its exclusive credit union member discounts, visit lovemycreditunion.org .  NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MEMBERS OF A PARTICIPATING CREDIT UNION AS OF NOVEMBER 1, 2011 WHO ARE LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.  Sweepstakes ends 12/31/11. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit www.IIAsw

Eaton Family Credit Union raised over $200 for the Euclid Hunger Center and Willoughby Food Pantry throughout October. Participants donated $5 for the opportunity to win a gift certificate to area restaurants. The fundraiser was culminated during the week of International Credit Union Day. Mike Losneck, President, Eaton Family Credit Union said, “We have very generous friends in our area. I would like to thank everyone who participated plus Spirit Media WELW 1330 AM, ValPak and Vittorio’s for their generous gift certificate donations.” Find a Food Bank at FeedingAmerica.org

Now everyone in northeast Ohio is welcome to join Eaton Family Credit Union. The Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Financial Institutions recently approved Eaton Family Credit Union request to expand their field of membership to all of Cuyahoga County. “I am pleased that we’re now able to offer free checking, low loan rates and higher savings rates to the rest of Cuyahoga County,” said Mike Losneck, President, Eaton Family Credit Union. He added, “Five years ago we added Lake County. Now we’re ready to help more people from the Cleveland-area.” Click here or go to youtu.be/j9tEYH3gxGw to see our field of membership video.

On September 26, 2011 USA Today ran an article by Sandra Block titled, "Like your free checking? Prepare to say goodbye." Click here to read the entire article. Ms. Block makes the following points about the current status of checking accounts: Only 45% of non-interest bank checking accounts are free and the average monthly fee is $4.37. Eaton Family Credit Union does not charge for non-interest nor interest-bearing checking accounts. The average rate for an interest-bearing checking account is 0.08%. Eaton Family Credit Union Advantage Checking earns 0.10% with a $1,000 balance and 0.30% with a $1,500 balance. The article also mentions a possible change in fee structure for debit card usage such as a $5 monthly fee from SunTrust...we don't charge you to use a debit card for purchases. Click here to learn more about Eaton Family Credit Union's FREE Checking.

On September 12, 2011 The Street ran an article by Philip van Doorn titled, "Are Credit Unions FDIC Insured?" Click here to read the entire article. Mr. van Doorn answers his question, "No, but it doesn't matter." Further in the article he mentions the National Credit Union Administration , NCUA, the credit union federal insurance fund. At Eaton Family Credit Union, your savings are insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith of the United States Government by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), a U.S. Government Agency. In addition, Eaton Family Credit Union accounts are privately insured to $250,000 by Excess Share Insurance (ESI), a division of American Share Insurance. Our answer is also, "no" because all accounts at Eaton Family Credit Union are insured to at least $500,000 with a combination of federal and private insurance.

On September 2, 2011 The Dallas Morning News ran an article by Pamela Yip titled, "Secured credit cards give credit-challenged consumers a fresh start." Click here to read the entire article from The Silicon Valley Mercury News . The article states, "Secured (credit) cards are a good steppingstone for credit-challenged consumers." The writer proposes key questions...here are our answers: How much do you need to deposit? At least $250 but you can deposit as much as you want. Most Eaton Family Credit Union Secured Visa Cardholders have from $500 to $1,000 on deposit to "secure" their credit card. Where can you get a secured credit card? From Eaton Family Credit Union. What fees will there be? There is no annual fee for any of our credit cards. Click here to learn about other fees. Does the issuer report to all three major credit bureaus? Yes, we do. How long will it take to qualify for an unsecured card? For members with no credit, it might at least six m

On August 15, 2011 The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran an article by Teresa Dixon Murray titled, "Fees Rise At Cleveland-area Banks." The article states, "A year after having a cap put on their overdraft charges, banks look toward other fees to make up the difference." Click here to read the entire article. First of all, Eaton Family Credit Union does not charge to take in rolled coin. We do ask our owner/members to let us know if they're bringing in a whole bunch. Secondly, there is a 2% fee to deposit loose coin at our Euclid office and other fees for cash or for non-members. Lastly, regarding fees, click here for our complete fee schedule (also listed under Disclosures on our website). Here are our fees for the information in the PD chart Overdraft = $25 Cashier's Check = $2 Other bank's ATM = $0 for the first 8 transactions with $1,000 savings or direct deposit then $2 per transaction thereafter Stop Payment = $25 Wire Trans

Eaton Family Credit Union is proud to be part of a network of 270 credit unions across the country supporting U.S. troops by collecting used cell phones. Funds from the donated phones are then used to purchase prepaid calling cards that are distributed to soldiers. In conjunction with General Motors and Invest In America, a credit union advocacy program by CU Solutions Group in Livonia, MI, Eaton Family Credit Union’s Euclid office has a drop box for used and unwanted cell phones. Each credit union office will also distribute postage paid mailing labels so anyone can send in their phones. Started by Robbie and Brittany Berquist of Norwell, MA, in 2004, Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit that provides prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas with the money raised from cell phone donations. The donated phones are sent to ReCellular, which pays Cell Phones for Soldiers for each phone. Go to http://bit.ly/prvElw for a shipping label CellPhonesForSoldiers.com Go to http://b

Eaton Family Credit Union members and employees got into the grilling season at the eighth annual member appreciation day on Friday, July 1st. Patrick from Cleveland won a Kenmore grill donated by Sears Hardware on Chardon Road in Willoughby Hills. On behalf of everyone who entered the drawing, Eaton Family Credit Union will donate over $800 to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. Click here for more information and photos.

On June 15, 2011 The Cleveland Plain Dealer ran an article by Teresa Dixon Murray titled, "Cleveland debit card spree getting bigger as more than 1 dozen banks, credit unions affected." The article starts, " The local debit card fraud breach that was discovered last month is much wider than first realized, striking just about every major bank in the area and some of the biggest credit unions across Northeast Ohio." Click here to read the entire article. Eaton Family Credit Union wants you to do the following if you think you are a victim of fraud and specifically debit card fraud. Fill out a police report with your local police department. Contact us or call 800-264-5578 anytime to discuss debit card fraud concerns. Here are some options we will discuss to ensure your account is safe and will remain safe. Monitor your account daily with home banking , MATT Line TouchTone Teller or EFCU Mobile . If applicable remove automatic overdraw services including autom

Once again Eaton Family Credit Union doubled the previous year’s donation for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life held on May 13 – 14, 2011 at Euclid High School by raising more than $2,500. To augment their usual fundraising efforts, Eaton Family Credit Union partnered in a drawing for a Craftsman Lawn Mower with Sears Hardware in Willoughby Hills. Images and more information available at www.EatonFamilyCU.com/RelayForLife.php

Money Rocks at My Credit Union was the theme for this year’s national credit union youth week. Last Friday, Lawrence from Eastlake , Ohio , was a “Rockstar For A Day” at Eaton Family Credit Union. Members who deposited at least $100 in Youth Account during credit union youth week were entered in a drawing for rockstar treatment. Mike Losneck, President, Eaton Family Credit Union said, “ Lawrence is a fun kid. I think he and his family had a blast in the limo…what a great way to kick off the summer!” More at EatonFamilyCU.com/Rockstar.php and YouTube.com/EatonFamilyCU

Eaton Family Credit Union is very proud to announce that Aaron DeAngelis from Euclid High School, Byren Malone from Euclid High School and Jaclyn Noonan from Willoughby South High School have each been awarded $1,000 college scholarships. Click here to read more and see photos.

In the Tuesday, April 12, 2011, Cleveland Plain Dealer , Teresa Dixon Murray , Business Writer and Columnist, wrote an article called, " Bank customers can expect new fees for using ATMs, talking to tellers, transferring money." In the article she writes, " Fees like these are on the rise this year as banks nationwide grapple with how to recover billions of dollars in lost revenue now that they can't make as much from overdrafts fees, credit card interest and debit card usage fees as they once did." Click here for the entire article. Click here to see the chart, "What some banks will be charging you." Here are some of the types of fees mentioned in the article and what we charge per monthly and annually: Non-branded ATM-only card = $0.00* vs. $10 annually from PNC Bank MasterMoney Debit Card = $0.00* vs. $3.95 monthly from 5/3 Bank Checking Account = $0.00 with no minimum or monthly average vs. $20 monthly from CitiBank and $9 monthly from Bank of A

Eaton Family Credit Union was awarded the Medium Business of the Year Award for 2010 at the Western Lake County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting on April 30, 2011. Click here or go to EatonFamilyCU.com/WLCACAward.php see photos, hear the complete press release and a an interview.

Fred Siegel, Eaton Family Credit Union, was awarded a Bluestone Award for his work in the community with organizations including Junior Achievement, Euclid Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Euclid and Euclid Hunger Center. Click here or go to www.EatonFamilyCU.com/Bluestone.php to learn more.

The Northeast Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League held their Annual Scholarship Fund Bowl-A-Thon Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Scores Bowling Fun Center in Painesville. The chapter raised over $5,000 for their annual college scholarship and will also make a donation to Marching Miles for Miracle Kids supporting Children's Miracle Network and Ohio's Children's Hospitals. Participating credit unions were Port Conneaut FCU, LCE FCU, ACME FCU, L.E.O CU, Eaton Family CU, Cardinal Community CU, Lake County Educational CU and Lakeview FCU. Port Conneaut FCU won the coveted Golden Pin trophy for donating the most money. The Northeast Chapter of the Ohio Credit Union League appreciates the support of the following sponsors: CUNA Mutual Group, OCUL Services Corporation, CU-Centric, e-Choice Solutions, VFW Post 7754 Fairport Harbor, Amos Insurance & Financial Services, edoc Innovations, The Iarocci Law Firm, Lillie & Company, Inc., MAI Services Corporation, R.C. Olmstead, We

In the Saturday, March 12, 2011, Cleveland Plain Dealer , Sheryl Harris , Consumer Affairs Columnist, wrote a comprehesive article called, "Lost wallet? What to do when keys, cards and other stuff goes astray." She starts, "The things we carry could cause us a lot of grief if a thief got hold of them - which is why most of us panic when we lose a driver's license, keys or a stuffed wallet." Click here to read then entire article. She continues to list specific items and the ways to proceed if lost: Driver's License Insurance Card ATM or Debit Card College ID Card Credit Card Library Card Rewards or Check Cashing Card Keys For only $2.50 per month Eaton Family Credit Members can Prevent, Detect and Resolve Identity Theft . Payment Card Protection - protect all your credit, debit, ATM and check cards. CardPatrol - real-time, early warning system. MyIDMatters - news and information about fraud and identity theft. Fraud Assistance - a team to assist you if

There is a very interesting article written by Bill Handel from The Raddon Repor t on March, 9, 2011 it starts: There is movement afoot to address the issue of debit card interchange. Unless you’ve been on safari for the last three months, you are very much aware of the loud industry protestations resulting from the Federal Reserve’s Reg II, which was issued in December. Click here to read the entire article. The Durbin Amendment was meant to be consumer-friendly. Mr. Handel includes possible ways financial institutions could react that are actually very UNfriendly to consumers: Reduce its full-time employee count by 18 people, an effective reduction of 11 percent. This assumes $4.5 million assets per employee and $65,000 in salary and benefit costs per employee. Or … Lower its rate on deposit accounts by 16 basis points, or … Impose a $6.08 per month fee on checking accounts with balances below $1,000. This assumes that 60 percent of checking accounts have balances of less th

Eaton Family Credit Union is more convenient because we're mobile. You can view your account information via compatible mobile phones in two ways. EFCU Mobile - view your account balance, transfer funds and see transaction history via text, mobile web or iPhone app. Click here for more information. Click here to see more information on our YouTube channel Home Banking - with the most up-to-date mobile browser you might be able to use our Home Banking for all connected accounts: view balances, transfer funds and see transaction history. Click here for more information and remember to bookmark: http://bit.ly/EFCUonline Contact us for more information.

Hooray, we got a coin machine! Deposit your coin with us for a low fee...less than Coinstar. So empty that coin jar and stop to make a deposit. Member Fees: 2% for deposit and 5% for cash. Non-member Fees: 10%. Click here to see a video starring Kenyita, Debbie and Debbie's money.

Eaton Family Credit Union donated a Nintendo Wii console and controllers to the Euclid Senior Programs housed at the City of Euclid’s Lakefront Community Center yesterday. Mike Losneck, President, Eaton Family Credit Union said, “This is great facility, but they need more to do.” He continued, “Now we need to raise some money to get them a bigger television.” Kathy Will, Program Manager, Euclid Senior Programs commented, “It’s been a cold and snowy winter. So now is a great time to get the seniors moving…we’re going to start a Wii bowling league right away.” Go to www.cityofeuclid.com/seniors for more information on Euclid Senior Programs Photos are available at www.EatonFamilyCU.com/EuclidSeniorPrograms.php

On Saturday, January 22, 2011, in the Cleveland Plain Dealer , Teresa Dixon Murray wrote an article titled, "Ask your bank these tough questions about debit cards: Money Matters." The article starts with a question from C.M. from Berea The Question : In your Jan. 1 column, you said you were against debit cards. I was wondering if you could explain your reasoning. The Answer: For those who haven't read my rants over the years about debit cards that are connected to a person's primary checking account, here's why I think they're horrible... Click here to read the whole article. Here are some questions Ms. Dixon Murray includes at the end of the article and our answers 1. How can you make sure my account doesn't get hit by fraud or a billing error that drains money intended to cover a check I already wrote or an automatic payment already scheduled? Eaton Family Credit Union members are the first line of defense against fraud by limiting with whom they share

Eaton Family Credit Union’s winter fundraiser resulted in a total of $1,500 for the Euclid Hunger Center , Willoughby Food Pantry and the upcoming Relay For Life Event in Euclid . Mike Losneck, President, Eaton Family Credit Union said, “This was one of our best community fundraisers ever.” He continued, “We’re able to give a lot of money to Euclid and Willoughby Hills because Sears donated the snow blower and so many people donated to the cause.” During much of the fourth quarter Eaton Family Credit Union accepted $5.00 donations for a ticket to win a Craftsman Snow Blower donated by Sears Hardware on Bishop Road in Willoughby Hills. The winner, Lisa from Cherry Valley , Ohio , had two feet of snow on her driveway the day she was notified. See photos at www.EatonFamilyCU.com/Snowblower.php