new wheels for spring!

T IPS A N D T R EN D S F R O M SE F C U SP R IN G 2 0 1 3
Moneyclips
save
I
learn
I dream
I
enjoy
I
balance I
live
New wheels
for spring!
The Auto Advantage program
offers lease-like flexibility
with SEFCU savings
PLUS FREE SEMINARS — CONVENIENCE PRODUCTS — TUITION ASSISTANCE — AND MORE!
TO DO LIST
1
2
3
4
5
6
Jump into the social media pool!
Attend a free seminar on how to
use LinkedIn to foster business
relationships. (page 4)
Keep your private information
private. Update your computer’s
anti-virus software and
malware protection. (page 6)
Go car shopping! Learn
more about SEFCU’s Auto
Advantage program and other
financing options. (page 10)
Learn your credit score. For a
limited time only, SEFCU
is offering free credit reviews
for members. (page 12)
Test your detective skills. Solve
the Mobile branch game on this
month’s Smart Sense page.
(page 19)
After the taxes are done, give
yourself an insurance checkup with
SEFCU Insurance Agency. (page 20)
Moneyclips
S PR I N G 2 013
Issue Highlights
8
Get on the path to homeownership
Information and answers for first-time home buyers
10
New wheels for spring!
15
Retiree Challenge: Managing your cash flow
Auto Advantage may be the key to getting a new car
Ways to make your money last through the Golden Years
Lifestyle/Opportunities
4
Spring seminar schedule
12
Get your FREE credit score
13
SEFCU makes banking a snap!
16
An easier way to balance your budget
18
Operation Safe Child fingerprinting card
19
20
Smart Sense games and prizes
Reminder: Time for an insurance checkup
News
18 Get a jump on college!
Check out our
Tuition Rewards
program
3
Message from the President & CEO
3
Holiday closings
6
17 News and information
Community update
Moneyclips is
www.facebook.com/sefcu
www.twitter.com/sefcu
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND CEO
Surounded by SEFCU bowlers, SEFCU President and CEO Michael Castellana (left center) and Sabrina Houser, CEO of Big
Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region (right center), celebrate SEFCU’s long-time support at the 20th Annual Bowl for Kids’
Sake fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Milestones are important to celebrate – like
wedding anniversaries, special birthdays,
college graduation, or the day you quit smoking.
At SEFCU, we like to recognize milestones, too.
Recently, the credit union marked its participation in the
20th Annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake to benefit Big Brothers
Big Sisters. More than $260,000 has been raised over
the past two decades to benefit their programs and
services. And next month, SEFCU will commemorate the
21st Annual Monopoly ® Tournament to benefit the Center
for Disability Services. We’re also building milestones
out west. Stay tuned for an announcement marking our
newest milestone in Syracuse. And, we continue to make
progress in Buffalo – like our partnership with Cradle
Beach – cultivating new relationships that will have an
immediate and lasting impact on the community.
Just like our relationship with non-profits, our partnership
with members is intended to be for the long term, helping
individuals throughout their lifetime to achieve milestones
– like buying a first home, paying for their dream car, or
enjoying retirement.
And, looking ahead to 2014, SEFCU will celebrate
another big milestone – 80 years of proudly serving our
members’ financial needs. Whether you have been
a member for several decades or just a few days, let
us know how SEFCU has helped you achieve your
milestones by commenting on our Facebook page or
e-mailing moneyclips@sefcu.com.
Enjoy reading this edition of MoneyClips and thank you
for your continued support of SEFCU.
Michael J. Castellana
President & CEO
Holiday closings
All SEFCU branches and the Member Solutions Center
will be closed in observance of the following holidays.
Memorial Day l Monday, May 27
Independence Day l Thursday, July 4
Federally insured by NCUA
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 3
E D U CATI O N U P C O M I N G S EM I N A RS
Spring seminars
Back to Budgeting Basics
Get tips and strategies to improve your basic budgeting skills.
This workshop will also help you set financial goals, track monthly
expenses, create a working budget, and provide ways to help you
keep your budget organized.
Defensive Driving
Attend this Department of Motor Vehicles-approved defensive
driving workshop and get a refresher on safe driving tips and
an overview of today’s vehicle and traffic laws. Plus, when you
complete the course you may be eligible to remove as many as four
points from your driving record and receive a 10% reduction on your
car insurance. The cost of the class is $25 for members and $35 for
non-members.
Home Buyers Seminar
Join us for an overview of the home buying process from start to
finish. Presenters will be representatives from a local real estate
company and SEFCU.
Medicaid Update
William Pfeiffer from Girvin and Ferlazzo Law Firm will bring you up
to date on the new Medicaid rules for 2013 and how you can protect
your assets.
Money and Communication Strategies to Avoid
Financial Conflict
Find out how you can avoid conflict over money matters and
financial decisions. Understand the relationship between money
and emotion and learn how to work with a partner on making money
choices that reflect compromise, negotiation, and shared goals.
Role Reversal: Your Aging Parents and You
Slightly more than one of every eight baby boomers is
simultaneously raising a child and providing some assistance to a
parent. Learn how to plan for what comes next. A long-term care
specialist will address tasks you may encounter and any questions
you have.
The Future of Medicare
Learn about proposals that are being discussed and those that have
been approved through Obamacare to change the current Medicare
program.
Save Energy Save Dollars
Learn new ways to save money on your energy bills, find out about
energy assistance programs, and hear low cost ways to heat and
cool your home or apartment. Attendees will receive a free gift just
for attending the seminar.
4 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
Attend this seminar and learn the benefits of a Reverse Mortgage,
find out if you are eligible, and see how you can supplement your
Social Security income.
Using LinkedIn to Create Business Connections
Learn ways to create, reignite, and grow relationships with your
business connections on LinkedIn and hear the latest about groups,
profiles, connections, and more. You’ll also get tips on how to
engage your clients and create a community using LinkedIn.
Women and Long-Term Care
Join Sheila Cervera, certified long-term care specialist, and
Thomas Layton as they discuss concerns of long-term care and the
effect on women. Women are the ones most likely to be a caregiver
and a surviving spouse. Learn how this could affect you and what
solutions are available.
E D U CATI O N U P C O M I N G S EM I N A RS
Visit sefcu.com for a full list of upcoming seminars.
Capital Region
Capital Region seminars will be held at the Dora Maxwell
Auditorium at SEFCU Headquarters, 700 Patroon Creek
Boulevard, Albany, unless otherwise noted. Directions to the
Dora Maxwell Auditorium are available at sefcu.com or by calling
the Member Solutions Center at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328.
April 23
Home Buyers Seminar
Binghamton
Binghamton seminars will be held at SEFCU’s Kirkwood
branch, 4 Crescent Drive unless otherwise noted.
Directions are available at sefcu.com.
April 24
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
April 24
April 25
Save Energy Save Dollars
3 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Using LinkedIn to Create Business Connections
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
April 30
Role Reversal: Your Aging Parents and You
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 4
This seminar will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension,
840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton.
Buffalo
Buffalo seminars will be held at SEFCU’s Clarence branch,
4375 Transit Road. Directions are available at sefcu.com.
Defensive Driving
April 23
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Home Buyers Seminar
6 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
May 8
Back to Budgeting Basics
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 15
Money and Communication Strategies to Avoid
Financial Conflict
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 16
Women and Long-Term Care
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
This seminar will be held at the Beltrone Living Center,
Six Winners Circle, Albany.
June 5
Medicaid Update
6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
May 16
The Future of Medicare
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Syracuse
Syracuse seminars will be held at the SEFCU Mortgage
Services office, 200 Salina Meadows Parkway,
Suite 120, North Syracuse. Directions are available at
sefcu.com.
April 23
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
June 6
The Future of Medicare
10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
SEMINAR INFO Reservations are required for all seminars and can be made by calling 518-464-5321 or 866-733-2880 x5321,
or online at sefcu.com. Please visit sefcu.com the day of the seminar to make sure the seminar hasn’t been cancelled due to
inclement weather or circumstances beyond our control.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 5
S E F C U N E W S A N D I N F O R M AT I O N
Reminder: SEFCU
is smoke-free
SEFCU is committed to health
and wellness and as part of that
all SEFCU locations, including
branches, SEFCU Insurance Agency
and SEFCU Mortgage Services
offices, are completely tobacco
and smoke-free. Below are a few
important reminders:
• This policy applies to employees,
members, visitors, and vendors who
visit SEFCU properties.
• “Tobacco products” are defined
as cigars, cigarettes, pipes, or any
other products containing tobacco.
• “SEFCU locations” and “properties”
are defined as inside all SEFCU
facilities, as well as on the grounds
and parking lots, and inside
company-owned and personal
vehicles on company property.
• “Smoke-free” is defined as
prohibiting the smoking of tobacco
products.
Thank you for helping keep SEFCU
tobacco-free.
6 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
Important security reminders
Keeping your account information secure is SEFCU’s number one priority. But scams and
scammers are everywhere so it’s important that you are aware of ways that your confidential
information can be compromised.
Phishing, vishing, and smishing
It may sound like the title to a Dr. Seuss book, but these are ways scammers trick you into
providing confidential data by sending you unsolicited e-mails (phishing), phone calls (vishing),
and text messages (smishing).
When you receive these types of messages you may be asked to click a link, complete a form,
or return a phone call and provide confidential information like account or Social Security
number, password, or card number. Even if a link seems harmless, when you click it, malicious
software called malware could be added to your computer which the scammer can use to steal
your confidential data like passwords, account information, or Social Security numbers.
Keep your guard up
Scammers have gotten more sophisticated, making the e-mails, Websites, and text messages
seem like they are coming from legitimate sources. Keep in mind, SEFCU will never ask
you for any confidential information using one of these methods and if you receive a
message you should delete it immediately without responding. If you are ever in doubt
about a message that says it’s from SEFCU, contact us at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328.
Protect yourself
One way you can protect your computer (and your information) is by making sure that your
anti-virus software and malware protection are current. If you are unsure how to do this, find a
reputable computer technician who can assist you.
To learn more about scams, how to protect your information, and to get more safety tips visit
sefcu.com/privacy. S E F C U N E W S A N D I N F O R M AT I O N
Don’t let your assets become abandoned property
For your protection, banks, credit unions, insurance companies, utilities, investment companies, and many other businesses are required
by New York State law to surrender accounts that have been inactive for three years. These accounts are known as “lost,” “abandoned,” or
“unclaimed” funds.
If accounts remain dormant for three years, the assets will be turned over to the Office of the State Comptroller which will serve as the
custodian of the money. If you can prove you are entitled to the money you can reclaim it as yours at any time. To avoid this hassle, simply
make a deposit or withdrawal to or from your account.
For more information about SEFCU’s abandoned property policy, please call the Member Solutions Center
at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328.
Go platinum
with SEFCU!
There are many options when it comes to credit cards, but you only
need one – a Visa® Platinum Credit Card. With no annual fee and a
variable rate, now is the time to get this card in your wallet.
Choose a Visa Platinum Credit Card and get:
• Access to Visa checks and cash advances
• No fee balance transfers
• Rewards in the form of Preferred Points
• An automatic payment option from your SEFCU Really Free
Checking account
• Generous credit limits up to $30,000 (if credit qualified)
Plus, with a SEFCU Visa Platinum Card you can pay your bills – like your cable
or electric bill – automatically with your card and then pay it off at the end of the
month.
To learn more or apply for a SEFCU Visa Platinum Card, visit sefcu.com
or call the Member Solutions Center at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 7
W E A LT H M A N A G E M E N T R E T I R E M E N T R O L L O V E R S
Get on
the path to
homeownership
8 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
SOLUTIONS FIRST STEPS TOWARD HOMEOWNERSHIP
T
he prospect of owning your first home probably stirs up lots of excitement – and
lots of questions. Below are a few that may be on your mind as well as some
answers and information to help you get started.
Is buying a house a smart move for me?
Don't let the mortgage misery of recent years scare you away.
Buying a home is still a good investment if you are smart
about when you buy and borrow. That means buying a house
in your budget and not getting in over your head with mortgage
payments, taxes, utilities, and other expenses. If you are unsure,
SEFCU Mortgage Services can help you determine what you
can handle financially.
Financial readiness is only part of the equation, however. You
also need to ask yourself if you are personally ready to be a
homeowner. Homeownership and upkeep – including lawn
mowing, repairs, and renovations will devour a chunk of your
free time. If you aren’t ready to give that up then renting may
be a better option for you.
When should I talk to a lender?
Too often first-time buyers start by shopping for a house...
like going out to look at a five bedroom/four bathroom house
when you really can only afford a townhouse or starter home.
It’s important to know what you can afford before you start
shopping and you can do that by getting pre-approved at
SEFCU Mortgage Services.
What are my mortgage options?
SEFCU Mortgage Services offers a number of options, but
two popular mortgage choices are fixed-rate and adjustablerate loans.
Fixed-rate – If you choose this type of mortgage your interest
rate will remain the same throughout the life of the loan –
typically 15, 20, or 30 years. This is a common choice because
monthly payments remain the same during the loan term.
Adjustable-rate – For these loans, the interest rate starts a
bit lower but may go up or down at specified intervals during
the loan term.
The fixed-rate loan gives you the security of knowing your
payments won't rise. But if you're certain you'll be selling the
house in a few years, an adjustable-rate mortgage, locked in for
at least that many years, might be right for you.
SEFCU Mortgage Services is ready to help you with all of
your mortgage needs. Loan officers are trained to answer
your questions and help you select the loan that’s right for
you. Take the first step and get pre-approved today! Visit
sefcumortgageservices.com or call 518-783-1234 in the
Capital Region or 315-701-1390 in Syracuse.
Adapted with permission from
Credit Union National Association
621 Columbia Street Ext., Cohoes, NY 12047
Licensed Mortgage Banker - New York State Department of Financial Services
NMLS Company ID – 309847
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 9
L I F E S T Y L E S T H E S M A R T W AY T O F I N A N C E YO U R N E W C A R
New wheels
for spring!
Auto Advantage
offers lease-like flexibility
S
ummer driving season will be here before you know it and if you’re thinking
about getting behind the wheel of a new car – this is your chance! With
SEFCU’s Auto Advantage you can enjoy all the benefits of a new car without
the high monthly payment. Plus, you can enjoy all the great things about
leasing a vehicle.
Lease-like loan
If you enjoy the benefits of leasing, consider SEFCU’s Auto Advantage
for your next vehicle. Like a lease, you’ll likely be able to get “more
car” for your money and enjoy lower monthly payments, and Auto
Advantage also offers many additional benefits.
With Auto Advantage you can finance a vehicle up to three model
years old and choose terms from 24 to 72 months. The vehicle
will also be titled in your name so you have the flexibility to sell
or trade the car and pay off the loan at any time during the term,
keep the vehicle and refinance the balance at the end of the term,
or return the vehicle.
In your budget
In these tough economic times, the amount of your
monthly payment really matters. Auto Advantage allows
you to walk away with a much more affordable payment
for your budget. Best of all, there is no down payment
required!
Get driving
Don’t wait any longer to get behind the wheel of the car
you’ve had your eye on! Apply for an Auto Advantage
loan today. Visit sefcu.com, call the Member Solutions
Center at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328 or stop by any
branch.
Don’t forget to get a free insurance quote
from SEFCU Insurance Agency. Visit
sefcuinsuranceagency.com to see if
you can save on your auto insurance.
10 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
What’s the bottom line?
Auto Advantage
Leasing
You own the vehicle.
The vehicle is titled in the leasing
company’s name.
Finance a vehicle up to three model
years old.
Leasing is only available for new
vehicles.
You are borrowing money from
SEFCU – a financial institution you
know and trust.
You are potentially borrowing from an
unknown source.
At the end of the term you’ll receive fair
market residual value for your vehicle.
(Excess mileage and wear and tear
charges may apply.)
You could potentially end up owing
more than your car is worth at maturity.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 11
M E MBE R BE NE FITS CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE FOR FREE!

SEFCU makes
banking a snap!
free MEMBER OFFER!
Find out your credit score
A
ccording to the Federal Trade Commission, about 10 million
customers have serious errors on their credit reports, through
no fault of their own. The errors can range from misstating the
number of credit card or mortgage payments a consumer was
believed to have missed to the number of loans that were sent to collection
agencies. Mistakes likes these can cost consumers because ultimately they
will pay higher interest rates because of a lower credit score.
SEFCU wants to help you spot inaccuracies on your credit report and
provide tips to help you clean up any problems with a free credit review.
Here’s how you can request yours.


SEFCU OnLine: Log in to SEFCU OnLine today and click on
the “Free credit review” banner. You’ll be asked to complete a
short form and then someone from SEFCU will contact you to discuss your credit report.
By phone: Call the Member Solutions Center at 518-452-8183
or 800-727-3328 after April 15 and mention that you’d like a
free credit review.
In branch: Stop by any branch after April 15 and request a
free credit review. Staff will pull your credit report and go
over it with you. No appointment necessary!
In addition to getting tips to clean up your credit report and hear how you
may be able to save money by consolidating debt, you’ll also receive your
credit score. Best of all, this is all absolutely free – just consider it another
benefit of being a SEFCU member. Hurry! This offer is only good until
May 31, 2013.
12 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
Finding time to visit
a branch can be a
challenge. That’s why
SEFCU offers a number
of services that allow you
to manage your money
– when it’s convenient
for you. Take a look at
some common banking
transactions and then see
the SEFCU solution to
make your banking life less
complicated.
I need to:
Deposit a check
SEFCU solution
How do I use it?
Get started!
iTeller on-the-Go*
Take a picture of your check
using your iPhone® or Android®
and deposit the check using
SEFCU’s free app. Download SEFCU’s app for free in the
Apple Store or Google Play.
iTeller Home
Use your home scanner and
computer to deposit checks to
your SEFCU account.
Log in to SEFCU OnLine and click
on “Additional Services” then “iTeller
Home.”
SEFCU OnLine
Enroll in SEFCU OnLine and
make transfers within your
account.
Visit a branch or call the Member
Solutions Center.
Text Banking
Enroll in Text Banking and
move money in your SEFCU
account just by texting a few
characters.
Log in to SEFCU OnLine and click
on “Additional Services” then “Mobile
Banking Alerts.”
SEFCU’s mobile apps
Download SEFCU’s free app to
your iPhone, Android, or iPad
and transfer money quickly and
conveniently.
Download SEFCU’s app for free in the
Apple Store or Google Play.
DIAL
Make transfers over the phone
by using DIAL, SEFCU’s
automated teller.
Visit a branch or call the Member
Solutions Center.
PAY A BILL
SEFCU iPay
Pay bills using your SEFCU
OnLine account
Log in to SEFCU OnLine and click on
“Bill Pay.”
REORDER CHECKS
SEFCU OnLine
Select the style and starting
number and your order will be
mailed directly to you.
Log in to SEFCU OnLine and click on “Additional Services” then “Reorder
Checks.”
SEE IF A CHECK
HAS CLEARED
SEFCU OnLine
Log in and see what checks
have cleared, pending debit
card transactions, and your
available balance.
Visit a branch or call the Member
Solutions Center.
Text Banking
Receive text messages, view
recent transactions, and see
your available balance.
Log in to SEFCU OnLine and click
on “Additional Services” then “Mobile
Banking Alerts.”
SEFCU’s mobile apps
Keep tabs on balances and
pending transactions right from
the palm of your hand.
Download SEFCU’s app for free in the
Apple Store or Google Play.
SEFCU eStatements
View current and past
statements by logging into
SEFCU OnLine.
Visit a branch or call the Member
Solutions Center.
MAKE A TRANSFER
GET A COPY OF
MY STATEMENT
Bank conveniently on your time by taking
advantage of all these great SEFCU products
and services. Need more information? Stop by
any branch or call the Member Solutions Center
at 518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328.
*Visit sefcu.com/itelleronthego to view complete details.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 13
W E A L T H M A N A G E M E N T making your money last
Retiree Challenge:
Managing your cash flow
T
he ultimate goal for
most retirees is making
sure their assets last as
long as they live. And
because of increased
longevity, managing
cash flow is more critical than ever.
While many variables come into play,
there are a number of planning moves
that can help retirees live within
their means and make appropriate
adjustments in response to changes in
income and expenses.
Tools for the task
If you are retired or about to retire,
you will need to clarify your current
financial situation, as well as any
significant changes you expect. Two
sources will provide this information:
• A net-worth statement, which
provides a snapshot of your assets,
debt, and cash reserves.
What to look for
What should you look for as you
monitor your finances? The following
are potential developments that could
affect your cash flow and require
adjustments to your plan.
• Interest rate trends and market moves
may result in an increase or decrease
in income from your savings and
investments.
• You may also encounter changes
in federal, state, and local tax rates
and regulations. Watch for changes
in Social Security or Medicare
benefits or eligibility, as well as new
rules affecting employer-sponsored
retirement benefits and private
insurance coverage.
• Inflation and health care costs are
two other variables that can have an
impact on living costs and, hence, your
retirement planning assumptions.
• Life events such as marriage, the
death of a spouse, and the addition or
loss of a dependent may also affect
your cash flow. In addition, cash flow is
impacted by both small and significant
choices you make over the course of
your retirement, such as how much you
spend on travel and entertainment and
whether you live in a lower-cost or a
higher-cost locale.
It is worth paying close attention to
cash flow, making sure you budget
carefully, monitor income and expenses
frequently, and take action whenever
you believe that significant changes
may be necessary.
To speak with an LPL Financial
Advisor regarding possible
consolidation of assets, please call
518-862-1955 or visit sefcu.com.
• Your monthly or annual budget,
with itemized breakdowns of your
income and expenses. If you haven't
retired yet, it's a good idea to prepare
a projected budget of your retirement
income and expenses.
Even with reasonable assumptions
about investment returns, inflation,
and retirement living costs, it is
likely you will encounter numerous
changes to your cash flow over time.
Experts often recommend a monthly
review of your budget, as well as a
comprehensive annual review of your
financial situation and goals.
Not NCUA Insured
Not Credit Union Guaranteed
May Lose Value
Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency
Not a Credit Union Deposit
*Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered
through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. SEFCU and SEFCU Wealth Management
Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial. Advisory
services offered through LPL Financial, a registered Investment Advisor.
This information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax advice. We
suggest that you discuss your specific tax issues with a qualified tax advisor.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 15
PRODUCTS ONLINE BUDGETING WITH A CLICK
An easier way to balance
your budget
A
lthough setting a budget and sticking to
it seem simple enough, at the end of the
month you may be left wondering where all
of your money went. SEFCU realizes that
budgeting can be a challenge, so why not use
FinanceWorks™ powered by Quicken®, a free feature of your
SEFCU OnLine account?
Get started
Log in to your SEFCU OnLine account like you normally
do, look for the link at the top of the page that says
“Manage Money” then choose “FinanceWorks” on the drop
down to get started.
7%
28%
32%
18%
8%
5%
2%
Track your money
FinanceWorks is easy to set up and a great tool to help
you see where your money is going. For example, you can
categorize your expenses so every time “Hess” appears it
will be categorized under “automobile,” and every time
“Dr. Jones” appears it will be categorized under “medical
expenses.” Then at the end of each month you can look at
charts to see where you spent your money and determine
ways to cut back.
Setting goals
The only way to achieve a goal is to set one. With
FinanceWorks you can set goals for how much you want
to spend for categories like “groceries” or “entertainment”
and track your progress to see how much you have left for
the month.
A little reminder
Life can get hectic, so when you use FinanceWorks you’ll
see reminders letting you know when your bills are due
based on past behavior.
Get started! Let FinanceWorks help you do a clean sweep
of your finances this spring.
Don’t have SEFCU OnLine? Visit any branch or call
518-452-8183 or 800-727-3328 to enroll today!
16 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
Mortgage
Utilities
Childcare
Groceries
Entertainment
Tuition
Auto
community
community update F U N D R A I S E R S T A K E C E N T E R S T A G E
SEFCU continued its tradition of participating in and supporting events in our community. Find out
how SEFCU got involved this winter and see how you can take part in upcoming events this spring.
SEFCU sponsors
Penguin 5k Run
SEFCU employees braved Buffalo’s cold
temperatures and a snowy course to
participate in Cradle Beach’s
19th Annual 5k run. More
than $40,000 was raised to
benefit Cradle Beach’s
programs and
services.
Earlier this year a public vote decided that a cat
would replace the iron icon in the famous board
game. So say “Goodbye, iron,” and “Hello, kitty”
at the 21st annual Monopoly Tournament on
May 7 at the Albany Marriott, 189 Wolf Road in
Albany. Proceeds from the event will benefit the
Center for Disability Services.
Want to participate in this fun tournament?
Visit sefcu.com to register.
SEFCU Bowls
for Kids’ Sake
For 20 years SEFCU has supported Big
Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Bowl for Kids’
Sake in the Capital Region. This year,
more than 320 SEFCU employees, family
members, and friends bowled. Over the past
two decades, SEFCU has donated more than
$260,000 for BBBS mentoring programs.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 17
mem b er b ene f its tuition rewards for college
Get a jump on college
with Tuition Rewards
With college costs on the rise, the challenge of paying for tuition expenses is becoming
more of a burden for families. Learn about SEFCU’s Tuition Rewards and how you can get
a jumpstart on paying for higher education expenses.
With Tuition Rewards you can earn “points” toward tuition at more than 300 private colleges and
universities across the United States. Just sign up for Tuition Rewards and balances in your SEFCU
accounts (including checking, all savings accounts, Share Certificates, and investment balances) are
added together. Each quarter you’ll receive “points” to use toward tuition costs equal to 1.25% (5%
annually) of your account balances. The earlier you sign up, the more you’ll save. Just enroll
the young people in your life (children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, etc.) in Tuition
Rewards by the end of the student’s sophomore year in high school.
Each point equals $1 that can be used to pay for tuition (room and board is not
included). Points are applied and used equally over a four-year education at
participating schools. For a list of colleges and universities that accept Tuition
Rewards, visit sefcu.com/Tuition-Rewards.
Don’t wait! Enroll in Tuition Rewards today by visiting sefcu.com or any branch.
Tuition Rewards works!
• In 2012, students affiliated with SEFCU redeemed Tuition Rewards points
valued at more than $450,000.
• As of December 2012, more than 2,100 SEFCU members are enrolled in
Tuition Rewards and have signed up nearly 3,000 students.
Operation Safe Child
SEFCU has teamed up with local law
enforcement agencies to offer free
fingerprinting cards as part of Operation Safe
Child. The wallet-sized card includes a photo,
date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and
fingerprint image. Stop by and see us at the
following locations.

Saturday, April 27 • 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• SEFCU Midler branch, 107 Simon Drive,
Syracuse
Saturday, May 4 • 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• SEFCU Patroon Creek branch, 655 Patroon
Creek Blvd., Albany
18 MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013
• SEFCU Square, 469 State St., Schenectady
SMART SENSE GAMES AND PRIZES
I Spy the SEFCU Mobile branch!
How keen are your powers of observation? Maybe you’ve seen SEFCU’s Mobile branch
at community events or around your neighborhood, bringing the convenience of a
credit union on wheels directly to our members. The photo on the left is the actual
branch, while the photo on the right had a few little touch-ups.
Can you spot 10 differences between the two?
Circle them as you go and check your answers below. Good
luck, and stop by the SEFCU Mobile branch next time you see
us around town!
Answers: (1) Banking-insurance-investments wording on the side is gone. (2) White parking lines are gone. (3) No car behind the Mobile branch. (4) No yellow lights on the top of the Mobile branch. (5) No
SEFCU logo on the back of the Mobile branch. (6) No side mirror. (7) No headlight (black and red lines cover it). (8) No grass in the front of the Mobile branch. (9) No green mark on the front bumper. (10)
SEFCU was added at the bottom of the Mobile branch (between the wheels).
You could be a winner!
Register for a drawing to win* a $100 Visa® gift card.
If you have a Smart Sense account at SEFCU, here’s your chance to win
a $100 Visa gift card. Fill out this entry blank and drop it off at any branch or mail it
by July 5, 2013 to: SEFCU Marketing, 700 Patroon Creek Blvd., Albany, NY 12206.
Member Name
Member Number
Phone Number
E-mail Address
*SEFCU employees and their immediate families are not eligible. Open to Smart Sense
members only. If you have more than one Smart Sense member in your family, photocopies
of this entry form are acceptable. One entry per person.
MONEYCLIPS SPRING 2013 19
MONEYCLIPS
S PR I N G 2 013
Patroon Creek Corporate Center
700 Patroon Creek Boulevard
Albany, NY 12206
PRESORTED STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SARATOGA SPRINGS NY 12866
PERMIT #426
MoneyClips is a quarterly newsletter published
for the benefit of SEFCU members.
Member Solutions Center 518-452-8183 • 800-727-3328 Administration
518-452-8234 • 866-733-2880 DIAL Automated Phone Svc.
518-452-2874 • 800-733-2848
SEFCU Insurance Agency 518-786-9905 • 888-250-6689
SEFCU Mortgage Services 518-783-1234 • 800-444-6313
Website www.sefcu.com
solutions do you have the right insurance ?
Reminder:
time for an
insurance
checkup
agency
Have you heard? SEFCU Insurance
Agency (SIA) is the sixth largest
insurance agency in the Capital Region
with five locations throughout upstate
New York, serving individuals and
businesses since 1994.
As an independent insurance broker, SIA
works with over 10,000 people a year and has
over a 97% satisfaction rate. Representatives
are trained to recognize your needs and
make sure you have complete coverage at an
affordable price.
Whether you need to insure your home,
vehicle, motorcycle, boat, or RV, we have
you covered. And, you could receive a
multi-policy discount which could save you
hundreds of dollars a year if you choose to
insure more than one of your possessions
with SIA.
Ready to get started? Our local agents will
provide you with several no-obligation quotes
and you can pick the coverage that best
meets your needs. You already trust SEFCU
with your financial needs, why not take a few
minutes to get a free quote?
Call 518-786-9905 or 888-250-6689 or visit
sefcuinsuranceagency.com today!
Some of the carriers we work with: Travelers • Hartford • MetLife • Safeco • GMAC • NYCM • And more!