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Putting Your Money to Good Works - Spring 2007 Newsletter
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Your money at work
Building God’s kingdom
North Creek Church, Walnut Creek, California
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Here’s how we’re partnering with churches in fulfilling their vision for growth and expansion:
• North Creek Church, Walnut Creek, CA new ministry facility with sanctuary,
offices, classrooms, café and choir room
• Deliverance Temple Church of God, Dorchester, MA purchase of worship facility
• Westgate Community Bible Church, San Jose, CA worship facility construction
• Hemet Valley Southern Baptist Church, Hemet, CA
• Equity Credit Line for a new sanctuary
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Money Matters from the Word
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) |
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Raising money-smart kids
Every year, American children receive over $15 billion in allowance, gifts and wages—reason enough to start teaching children about money management and consumer skills at a young age. |
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The best way to teach good financial habits is by example. For instance, when you go shopping, include your kids in the process—planning, budgeting, and comparing prices and quality. If they urge you to buy something that is over budget, explain that spending more on the item you're purchasing today is not as important as saving up for something else you need or want in the future.
Kids who learn to prioritize their spending learn a valuable lesson about living within their means. Reinforce that lesson by not jumping for the credit cards or giving extra money just because your children ask. When kids want an expensive “status” item, like hundred-dollar athletic shoes, make them pay the portion of the price that exceeds what you think is reasonable. They'll appreciate the item more and may think twice about paying that much when they outgrow this pair in six months.
Encourage your children to make saving a fixed category in their spending plan. Discuss goals and calculate how much should be put away each month. Break down savings into long-term, for college or a car, and short-term, for a new bike.
It's never too early (or too late) to develop good financial habits. The rewards of wise money management are the same for adults and children alike—a greater appreciation of what they have, a sense of empowerment to achieve their goals, and long-term financial security.
As a credit union member, you have access to BALANCE, a financial fitness program dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. For more information, call 888.456.2227 or visit www.balancepro.net/CCCU
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Give the gift that lasts a lifetime
Smart Start Certificate 6% APY for 12 months (new minor accounts only)
$500 minimum - $2,500 maximum. Free Book and Praise CD! |
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Give your child, grandchild or young family members the gift that lasts a lifetime—a Christian Community Credit Union membership. Plus, get a free book and praise CD.
Go to myCCCU.com/smartstart
The Smart Start Certificate offer is only valid on a minor's first CUTMA (minor) account. CUTMA accounts are irrevocable custodial accounts held for the benefit of a minor. The custodian of the minor must be a member of Christian Community Credit Union. This certificate earns 6.00% APY for 12 months on a minimum balance of $500 and a maximum balance of $2,500. A withdrawal will reduce earnings. A penalty will be imposed on early withdrawal from certificates. Rate effective 01/01/07 to 04/30/07 and is subject to change without notice.
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Helping members one loan at a time
When you place your deposits at the Credit Union, you're putting your money to good works. In 2006, 100% of your deposits were loaned back to members of the Credit Union family: pastors, church members, family members, churches and ministries. |
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$30,000 in scholarships
Need money for college? Our “Focused on the Future” scholarships are open to any member enrolled full-time in an accredited college, university or seminary. Scholarships range from $500 - $2,000. Apply now through July 2, 2007. |
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Home Equity Line of Credit
Whether your spring thing is home improvement or getting your financial house in order, use the built-up equity in your home for a spring makeover! |
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• No points • No annual fees • No processing fee • Online account access
Apply today! Call 800.347.CCCU ext. 4502 or visit myCCCU.com/mortgage
*APR-Annual Percentage Rate. Loan rates and terms effective 04/01/07 and are subject to change without notice. This is an open-end line of credit secured by the equity in your home. The rate is variable and is based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate. The rate is adjustable monthly with a minimum 7.50% APR* and a maximum 18% APR. A one-time membership fee of $5 will be added to your line of credit for new members opening an Equity Credit Line as their only account with Christian Community Credit Union. A 1/4% deduction of the standard variable rate if your mortgage/1st Trust Deed is with the Credit Union. Consult a tax advisor for possible tax deductions. Fees associated with this loan: Appraisal fee and title fee-varies (additional fees approximately $300); sufficient fire insurance required and flood insurance may be required.
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Homeownership isn’t just a dream
Whatever your needs are, Christian Community Credit Union has the right loan for you. Choose from a variety of home loans including a 40-year fixed-rate loan. Let us finance your home and make your dreams come true. Apply online at myCCCU.com/mortgage and get approved in hours. Call our Home Loan Specialist at 800.347.CCCU ext. 6182 for current rates and answers to your questions. |
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How your credit score is calculated
Your credit score is a 3-digit number, designed to measure your credit risk. The most commonly used credit score, also called a FICO score, uses 22 pieces of data from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to come up with a number between 300 and 850. |
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What is included in your credit score?
Here is the basic formula:
• Your payment history 35%
• Your total debt 30%
• The length of your credit history 15%
• Amount of new credit 10%
• Types of credit used 10%
What's not included?
• Your income, occupation or length of employment
• Your age, race, sex and national origin
• Your address
By evaluating the pertinent factors in your credit score, you can keep that important number as high as possible. For example, it's a good idea to keep your debt ratio fairly low and avoid opening a lot of new credit accounts within a short period of time. Most importantly, since your payment history is given the most weight, always pay your bills on time.
To make sure your credit is right on track, contact BALANCE to obtain a credit report and discuss it with a credit specialist. Call 888.456.2227 or visit www.balancepro.net/CCCU
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Grasp the opportunities for tax advantages
Is your tax steadily increasing while your earnings continue to decline? Reach for a solution with tax-advantaged investments. We can help you develop a strategy so you can potentially: |
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• Reduce your short and long-term tax liability
• Keep more of your hard-earned income
• Gain more control of your earnings
• Increase your earning power
Contact us and find out how you can reduce the impact of taxes so your earnings can reach higher ground.
For a free consultation call 800.930.3642 ext. 6127 to speak with a Financial Network representative.

INVESTMENTS ARE NOT NCUSIF OR NCUA INSURED/ MAY LOSE VALUE/ NOT A DEPOSIT/ NO CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE/ NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. Securities offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation. Member SIPC. Financial Network is not affiliated with Christian Community Credit Union, 101 S. Barranca Ave., Covina, CA 91723. 800.347.CCCU ext. 6127.
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