Chippewa Falls Grand Opening: July 20–25!

Summer 2015
Chippewa Falls Grand Opening: July 20–25!
Chippewa Falls—welcome to your very own WESTconsin Credit Union
office! Following a significant remodeling and addition project, we are
very pleased to introduce our newest location at 1680 E Park Avenue
(former Valley Credit Union facility). Offerings include complete
banking, lending, mortgage, and real estate services, checking accounts,
certificates, Mobile Banking, Online Bill Pay, 24 hour ATM and more.
Lobby Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri: 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thu: 9 a.m.–7 p.m.
Drive Up Hours
Mon–Wed, Fri: 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thu: 8:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.–Noon
Stop by during the week of July 20th for our grand opening
celebrations, including:
• Treats and refreshments
• Activities
Drawings
• Two (2) tickets to the November 15,
Green Bay Packers versus Detroit Lions
game with WESTconsin’s Travel Club
• S’more fun family package
• Kid’s summer fun package
Our Mission
i
We are committed to helping our members achieve financial success.
Amery ....................(715) 268-8127 Baldwin ................ (715) 684-3333 Barron................(715) 537-5661
Eau Claire .............(715) 833-8035 Ellsworth .............. (715) 273-4238 Hudson..............(715) 386-2300
New Richmond ..(715) 246-2068 Prescott ................ (715) 262-4600 River Falls.........(715) 425-8113
High School Offices in Amery, Hudson, Menomonie, New Richmond and River Falls
westconsincu.org
Chippewa Falls ...... (715) 723-2216
Menomonie ...........(715) 235-3403
Spring Valley .......... (715) 778-5644
US Toll-Free ............. (800) 924-0022
90 Day Notes is a quarterly newsletter published by WESTconsin Credit Union to inform and educate its member-owners about the credit union and other financial matters.
Member Notices
New EMV Chip Credit
Cards and Debit Cards –
Coming this Year! Soon, your credit and/or debit card will
be upgraded with an EMV (Europay,
MasterCard, Visa) micro-computer chip,
a form of technology that provides
additional security capability to protect
against fraud. More information will be
available in the coming months!
Upcoming Summer Travel Plans?
If you’re going to be traveling out of state
in the coming months, we recommend
making sure your WESTconsin credit
or debit card isn’t blocked in particular
destinations. To protect your account,
we monitor transactions for suspicious
activity, including locations that vary from
the norm for which your card could be
blocked. If you are taking a trip, please call
ter at
our Service Center
(800) 924-0022
and discuss yourr
traveling plans.
WESTconsin Credit Union
Position Announcements
WESTconsin congratulates the following employees on their retirement.
On behalf of everyone, we thank you for the many years you’ve dedicated
to providing excellent service to our members and staff ; and share our best
wishes for a happy retirement!
Jean Baskin, Research Clerk—Menomonie
26 year of service
Judy Anderson, Member Services Representative—River Falls
16 year of service
We’re pleased to recognize the following individuals who have recently
began working in new capacities or positions within the credit union.
Mark Willer, Chief Lending Officer
Mark Willer has recently been hired as Chief Lending
Officer (CLO), working from the Menomonie—East
Administrative Center Office. Mark joins WESTconsin
from Merchants Bank in Eau Claire where, as Market
President, he was responsible for all lending functions
and office operations. Prior to this, he worked at Royal
Credit Union for 28 years, 26 of those years in business lending. Mark’s key
responsibilities include oversight of all lending services of the credit union
including business, mortgage, consumer, and loss mitigation
and recoveries. He can be reached at (715) 235-3403 ext. 7732
or mwiller@westconsincu.org.
Jim Wynn, Vice President—Business Loans
Recently promoted, Jim Wynn has taken on a new role
as Vice President—Business Loans. Previous to this, he
worked as a Senior Business Loan Officer at WESTconsin’s
Hudson office. Jim possesses ten years financial experience
working in the Twin Cities at various management
capacities. He holds a MBA degree from Hamline University
and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Cloud State University. He can
be reached at (715) 235-3403 ext. 7240 or jwynn@westconsincu.org.
Community Events
WESTconsin Credit Union is proud to sponsor the following events
happening across the region. For a complete listing of our community
involvements, visit our online Events Calendar found at westconsincu.org.
New Richmond Fun Fest | July 9–12
River Falls Days | July 10–12
Barron County Fair | July 15–19
St. Croix County Fair | July 15–19
Dunn County Fair | July 22–26
Holiday Hours
Polk County Fair | July 24–27
Offices and Service Center will be CLOSED on:
Barron Relay for Life | July 31
Independence Day
Saturday, July 4
Pierce County Fair | August 13–16
Labor Day
Monday, September 7
Menomonie Relay for Life | September 12
westconsincu.org
North Hudson Pepper Festival | August 14–16
Prescott Daze | September 11–13
Content developed by CUNA Brokerage Services,
provided by Tim Carlson and Alex Burian
WESTconsin Investment Advisors.
TIM CARLSON
ALEX BURIAN
Do Your Investments Match Your Risk Tolerance?
When was the last time you looked at the content of your portfolio?
When turbulence hits Wall Street, are you stressed out?
If you have taken on too much risk in your portfolio—which
can happen through intention or inattention—stock market
volatility may make you anxious. So from time to time, it is a
good idea to review how your assets are invested. Your asset
allocation should correspond to your tolerance for risk, and
if it doesn’t, it should be adjusted.
A balanced portfolio may help you come out of stock market
dips in better shape. Stocks and stock funds aren’t the only
investment classes you can choose from, and you won’t be
alone if you decide to examine other investment options.
Treasuries, bonds and bond funds become attractive to
investors when Wall Street turns especially volatile. Certain
forms of alternative investments gain attention as well,
particularly those with low or no correlation to the equities
markets. Bonds tend to maintain their strength when stocks
perform poorly. Some cautious investors maintain
a cash position in all stock market climates, even
raging bull markets.
Downside risk can particularly sting investors who have
devoted too much of their portfolios to momentum/
expensive stocks. A stock with a price–earnings ratio above
20 may be particularly susceptible to downside risk.1
Underdiversification risk can also prove to be an Achilles
heel. Some portfolios contain just a few stocks—in the
classic example, someone has invested too heavily in
company stock and a few perceived “winners.” If a large
chunk of the portfolio’s assets are devoted to five or six
stocks, the portfolio’s value may be impacted if shares of
even one of those companies plummet. This is why it is wise
to own a variety of stocks across different sectors. The same
principle applies to stock funds. If the S&P 500 corrects (that
is, drops 10% or more in a short interval), the possibility
grows that an aggressive growth mutual fund may dive.1
Are you retired, or retiring? If you are, this is all the more
reason to review and possibly even revise your portfolio.
Frequently, people approach or enter retirement with
portfolios that haven’t been reviewed in years. The asset
allocation that seemed wise ten years ago may be
foolhardy today.
Many people in their fifties and sixties do need to
accumulate more money for retirement; you may be one of
them. That sentiment should not lead you to accept extreme
risk in your portfolio. You’ll likely want consistent income
and growth in the absence of a salary, however, and therein
lies the appeal of a balanced investment approach designed
to manage risk while encouraging an adequate return.
Why not take a look into your portfolio? Ask a financial
advisor to assist you. You may find that you have a mix
of investments that matches your risk tolerance. Or, your
portfolio may need minor or major adjustments. The right
balance may help you insulate your assets to a greater
degree when stock market turbulence occurs. If you’d like to
schedule a complimentary, no-cost review, please contact
us at your local WESTconsin Credit Union phone number or
(800) 924-0022 ext. 7218 or ext. 7237. Also you may visit us
online at westconsininvestments.com.
This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has
been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note—investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher
is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent
professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax
penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as
such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.
Citations.
1 - fc.standardandpoors.com/sites/client/wfs2/wfs/article.vm?topic=6064&siteContent=8339 [5/5/14]
Securities sold, services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, D/B/A
WESTconsin Investment Advisors. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured,
May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all
fifty states of the United States of America.
06112014-SR-1049
Member Survey—You Could Win $100!
WESTconsin Credit Union is seeking your input. Simply complete and
return the below questionnaire by Monday, August 3.
For greater convenience, the survey can also be submitted electronically
by clicking on the survey link found at westconsincu.org.
Which frequency most closely describes how often you conduct business
face-to-face in-person at a WESTconsin Office? (Choose one)
 Rarely
 3-5 times a week
 Once a day
 Once a calendar quarter  Twice a week
 Several times a day
 Once a month
 Once a week
When I conduct in-person business I most often use the... (Choose one)
 Lobby
 Drive-up
Which day(s) do you most often do business in-person with WESTconsin?
 Monday
 Wednesday
 Friday
 1st
 Tuesday
 Thursday
 Saturday
 15th
 Other: ___________________________________________________________
What time of the day is most convenient for you to conduct in-person
with WESTconsin?
 Before 8 a.m.
 8–9 a.m.
 9–11 a.m.
 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
 1–4 p.m.
 4–5 p.m.
 5–6 p.m.
 6–7 p.m.
Other feedback on in-person service hours
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
The office community where I do most of my business
 Menomonie  Baldwin
 Hudson
 Amery
 River Falls
 Spring Valley
 Barron
 New Richmond
 Prescott
 Eau Claire
 Ellsworth
 Chippewa Falls
My age
 Under 18  18-24  25-34  35-44  45-54  55-64  65+
Note: Complete the following section to register for survey drawing.
One entry per person. WESTconsin employees, volunteers, directors, and
their immediate household members are not eligible for the drawing;
but are welcome to complete the survey.
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________ State: ___________ Zip______________
WESTconsin Travel Club
Opportunities
Milwaukee Brewers Game
July 19
Join us for a 1 p.m. game at Miller Park!
Cost is $115; includes transportation
and game ticket.
Minnesota State Fair
August 27
Kick off the
Minnesota
State Fair with
WESTconin’s
Travel Club! Cost is $33; includes
transportation and gate entrance.
Norsk Høstfest
September 30–October 3
It’s pure scandimonium! Join us, along
with One-On-One Tours, for a five day
trip to the Norsk Høstfest in Minot, North
Dakota. Scandinavian culture is on full
display at more than 100 shopping booths
featuring handcrafted Norsk merchandise,
world-class entertainment, authentic
Scandinavian cuisine, a Viking village and
so much more. Shows on the main stage
(built-in in the package) include Martina
McBride, Ronnie Milsap, Marty Stuart &
Connie Smith, and the Swon Brothers
along with many other free shows. Cost is
$745/person based on double occupancy,
$695/person triple occupancy, $675/
person quad and $925 for single.
Green Bay Packers Game
November 15
Join us at Lambeau
Field as the
Packers take on
the Detroit Lions
for a noon game! Cost is $230; includes
transportation, tailgate and game ticket.
Phone: ___________________________ Email: _____________________________
The Backroads of Western France
April 16–26, 2016
Survey deadline: Monday, August 3, 2015
Join us on a trip abroad! Exciting
highlights include the regions of Loire
Valley and Brittany, Mont St. Michel,
Normandy American Cemetery at Point
du Hoc, Utah Beach, Airborne Museum at
Ste Mere L’Eglise, Claude Monet’s Giverny
region and exciting Paris! Cost is $3,975/
person based on double occupancy.
Please return to any WESTconsin office or mail to:
90 Day Notes, WESTconsin Credit Union,
PO Box 160, Menomonie, WI 54751.
Continue to protect your personal
information by choosing eStatements,
and view your statement safely online
whenever and wherever you’d like. Just
login to WESTconsin Online and click on
the Additional Services tab to get started!
For reservations or more information, please contact
Sharron Buss, Travel Club Coordinator, at your local
office, ext. 7733 or visit westconsincu.org.
Brent Wiebe, REALTOR®
WESTconsin Realty, LLC—Chippewa Falls Office
1680 E Park Avenue
bwiebe@westconsinrealty.com
Cell: (715) 579-2902
First Time Buyers and Income Properties
Would you like to pay very little rent, or even get paid to live in a rental property? This is possible if you purchase, and live
in, an investment property. The benefits of real estate investing, however, are much more than reducing your cost of living.
Some of the other benefits include:
Leverage
Appreciation
One of the amazing tools you can use in real estate
investing that you cannot use in many other types of
investing, is leverage. You can use financing to increase the
power of your money. If you buy a $100,000 duplex, that
means you only have $20,000 of your own money in it.
If the investment property is your first house, and you live
in it for one or two years, you could get a 30 year, fixed
e bank
rate mortgage. It is also quite possible the
would then allow less than a 20% down
ge
payment, therefore increasing the leverage
of your money even more.
Another powerful aspect of investing in real estate
is appreciation. Generally speaking, property values
increase over time. Do not invest, though, depending
on appreciation to give you your returns. You must buy
a property so that it is paying for itself, and giving you
monthly cash flow. Any benefit from appreciation is just
icing on the cake. You don’t have to wait for time to
increase the
t value of your property, though.
You can
ca force appreciation on real estate by
ma
making improvements to the property.
Equity
As your tenants pay down the
mortgage for you, your equity in the
property is increasing. Over the years,
as the tenants pay the mortgage
down, your $20,000 becomes $100,000
or even more because of Appreciation,
discussed below. If you buy a house, you
will also realize the benefit of equity, but
g
it will be your own money that is building
it up. With an investment property, other
people’s money is building your equity.
Cash Flow
Any extra cash left over each month after paying all
expenses is called cash flow. Standard expenses on
an investment property include mortgage payments,
insurance, property taxes, maintenance and vacancy. Plan
for all of these expenses, and any extra that might come
with a property, like utilities, lawn care or snow removal.
If you buy right, your rents will be more than enough to
pay for all of these expenses, and leave money left over for
your pocket. Rental cash flow is considered passive income,
because you didn’t “work” for it.
Objections
O
Many people do not want to be a
landlord because they don’t want
that call at midnight that the toilet is
plugged, or the furnace is out. What if
the tenants don’t pay their rent? What
if they trash the place? Management
companies can mitigate those
problems for you, for a small percentage
o your monthly rents. Keep your passive
of
inv
investment
truly passive with a property
mana
management
firm.
Conclusion
These are just some of the benefits of real estate
investment. A duplex, tri-plex or even a four-plex can be a
good investment for people ready to buy their first house.
Rental income will pay for all or most of the expenses,
allowing you to pay very little rent, or even get paid to live
there. Get educated about real estate investing, and if you
feel it is a good fit, jump in!
WESTconsin Realty, an affiliate of WESTconsin Credit
Union, offers a 4.8 percent seller’s commission rate on
qualifying properties, cash back at closing to buyers, and no
administrative fees. Full-time, full-service real estate agents
are located in each WESTconsin office area throughout
western Wisconsin.
$10,000 Awarded to Area High School Graduates
WESTconsin Credit Union, an advocate for education, has recently awarded ten $1,000 scholarships as part of the WESTconsin
Scholarship Program. Over the past 18 years, the credit union has distributed $240,000 in scholarship awards to area students.
The goal of the program is to award one scholarship to a graduating high school senior from each community that is served by a
local WESTconsin office. Recipients were selected in April by a panel of WESTconsin Credit Union volunteers and staff. Selection
was based on a variety of criteria including community and school involvement, academic progress, financial need, career plans
and goals. For more information, visit the Student $avers section of our website.
Congratulations 2015 Scholarship Recipients!
Tanner Curtis Wears
Parents: Susan and Curtis Wears
Amery High School
Amery Area
UW–Madison
Mechanical Engineering
Justin John Lee Rose
Parents: Joe and Tammy Rose
Baldwin High School
Baldwin Area
American University
International Relations
and Economics
David Anthony Pintens
Parents: Tony and Aimee Pintens
Barron High School
Barron Area
UW–Madison
Chemical Engineering
Montgomery Alan Stenroos
Parents: Jeff and Tina Stenroos
Prescott High School
Ellsworth/Prescott Area
Iowa State University
Engineering
Deena Jean Whitwam
Parents: Wayne Whitwam
and Kelly Curtis
Hudson High School
Hudson Area
UW–Madison
Business Administration
Cole Erik Kampa
Parents: Erik and Linda Kampa
Altoona High School
Eau Claire/
Menomonie Area
UM–Twin Cities
Physics
Paige Margaret Burke
Parents: William Burke and Vicki Doig
Menomonie High School
Menomonie High School
UM–Duluth
Exercise Science
Charles M. L’Allier
Parents: Thomas and Elizabeth L’Allier
New Richmond High School
New Richmond Area
UM–Twin Cities
International Business/Finance
and Risk Management
Kylee Marie McLain
Parents: Jim and Marie McLain
River Falls High School
River Falls Area
Georgia Institute
of Technology
Biomedical Engineering
Taylor Victoria Leach
Parents: Guy and Wendy Leach
Spring Valley High School
Spring Valley Area
UW–Madison
Medical Field
Preparing for College
Private Student Loan Program Helps Cover Costs
Prepaid Visa Cards
Are you starting your first year of college this fall? Perhaps
you are a returning student who is still short on paying
tuition even after FAFSA, federal loans and other financial
aid? WESTconsin Credit Union’s private student loan
program helps fill the gaps by helping you affordably
borrow up to
the cost of your
us
education, minus
other financial aid,
to achieve your
als.
educational goals.
Encourage your college bound student with a disciplined
approach to spending by providing them with a prepaid
Visa card from WESTconsin.
They are conveniently
available at your local
W
WESTconsin office.
D
Discover the many
b
benefits!
• Reloadable
• Immediate
access to funds
• Safe way to manage money
• Promotes self-sufficient budgeting and spending