cents abilities - South Jersey Federal Credit Union

Making the most of your dollars & cents...
Cents Abilities
The South Jersey Federal Credit Union Quarterly Update
Spring 2014
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CENTS●ABILITIES
Volume 8.2 - Spring 2014
I n s i d e
3
May 29 - College Savings Day
4
Free Checking
6
Boat, RV and Motorcycle Loans
8
Coming in June - ePay & Popmoney
9
Spring Has Sprung
Visa Gift Cards
11
SJFCU’s Platinum Visa
12
Welcome To The Family
13
Phising Alert
Annual Meeting Reminder
15
First Quarter Dividends
Calendar
Welcome!
After one of the most brutal winters in
memory, we’ve finally turned the corner
to a spring season that couldn’t come soon
enough.
Here at SJFCU, we’re welcoming the new
season with a significant change to our
online Billpayer system, with new features
and new applications, all designed to make
your monthly (and yearly) management of
bills and other financial obligations easier.
We’re targeting the second week in June for
the roll-out of this dynamic new product,
which will include the ability for you to
make expedited payments, to transfer funds
from one financial institution to another,
and even a feature called “Popmoney”
which lets you do person-to-person money
transfers. Stay tuned in the coming months
for more details about this exciting new
product.
We’re also highlighting another date this
spring: we’re calling May 29 SJFCU’s College
Savings Day. All this spring, in the days
leading up to that date, we’re emphasizing
the importance for families to set up a 529
Plan, a tax-advantaged college savings
plan. We urge you to consider a 529 Plan
for your own children and grandchildren.
As the weather warms up, we urge you to
get outside to enjoy it, and to stop by or
call SJFCU to learn more about these new
programs as we “spring” into a new season
for you.
Sincerely yours,
Benjamin T. Griffith
President/CEO
Cents●Abilities
Keep this Date in Mind
Join us in making May 29 SJFCU’s College Savings Day
-- Your children and grandchildren will thank you for it!
We’ve earmarked that date because a 529 plan is a “taxadvantaged” college savings plan, designed to encourage
savings for future costs of post-secondary education.
• The College Savings Plans Network (CSPN) reported
(March 2014) that in 2013, total investment by American
families in 529 plans reached more than $227 billion, a
record level.
• The average individual 529 Plan account size reached an
all-time high of $19,584 as of December 31, 2013, a 14%
increase from the previous year.
Why the increased popularity of 529 Plans? Here are four major benefits:
• Tax free savings – You pay no federal income tax on your earnings in the 529
account while it is invested, and earnings are also tax free when used for
qualified educational expenses.
• Very high contribution limits
• Control by the owner – You control the account, even when the child reaches
legal age. You retain this control over withdrawals for the life of the account.
• Can be used for your estate planning purposes
Although a 529 plan is called a “college savings plan” the funds you set aside for
post-secondary educational costs can be used at any qualified post-secondary
educational institution! Whether it’s education at a community college or a four-year
public or private college, or at a business school, or a technical institute, you can
make your future brighter.
LPL financial advisor, David Graham, is happy to meet with members interested in
learning more about the 529 program, and/or setting up a 529 savings plan account.
Set up an appointment with David now, by going to www.southjerseyfn.com to
request an appointment online or call 800-582-7640.
Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or
designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only
available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used
for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Non-qualified withdrawals may result in
federal income tax and a 10% federal tax penalty on earnings. Tax treatment at the
state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.
Securities and Financial Planning offered through LPL Financial, Registered Investment
Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its
licensed affiliates. SJFCU is not a broker/dealer and not affiliated with LPL Financial.
NOT NCUA INSURED NO CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Checking: Still Free at SJFCU!
As the big financial institutions continue to add fees –
and more and more requirements – to their consumer
checking accounts, our checking account at SJFCU
continues to be free – plain and simple!
Many major media outlets – and plenty of regular
folks - have noted recently that free checking is
flourishing at credit unions, and have brought this
consumer-friendly advantage to the public’s attention.
SJFCU is proud to say that we continue to offer free checking to our members!
In March 2014, Bankrate.com published the results of its 2014 Credit Union
Checking Survey. The results showed that “72% of the nation’s largest credit unions
offer a free checking account.” These accounts, it noted, are totally free, and have
no strings attached. Those “strings,” often found at big banks, include things like a
monthly service charge if a required minimum account balance isn’t maintained,
or a requirement that funds added to the account must be direct deposited.
On the other hand, what about the percentage of free checking accounts offered
by banks? According to the Bankrate.com survey, a mere 38% of banks still offered
total free checking. Having such a high percentage of credit unions offer free
checking “is good,” said Greg McBride, Bankrate.com’s senior financial analyst.
“It means free checking accounts remain a staple of the product lineup at many
credit unions, and they aren’t going away.”
Jim Burson, a senior director of Cornerstone Advisors, a financial industry consulting
firm, says that credit unions’ orientation as not-for-profit cooperatives beholden to
their members, rather than to shareholders, is a big reason why so many have
maintained free checking. “It’s really a service orientation for members, versus the
sales orientation of banks,” Burson added.
It’s certainly true that service for our members defines South Jersey Federal
Credit Union. That’s why we continue to offer you free checking – with no strings
attached!
Are you still keeping some or most (or all) of your daily expense funds in an
expensive checking account at another financial institution? Why tie up your funds
in some other institution’s minimum deposit requirement? Switch and open an
SJFCU checking account today! Call us or stop by a branch to make that switch and
find the freedom –and the extra flexibility - that comes with truly free checking!
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Cents●Abilities
From April 1 - 30, we’ll appraise your vehicle using
Kelley Blue Book® Trade-In Value and add $500.1
Upon used vehicle purchase from Enterprise Car Sales.
• 12-MONTH/12,000 MILE LIMITED
POWERTRAIN WARRANTY.*
• VEHICLE CERTIFICATION.
• 12-MONTH ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE.**
• FREE CARFAX® REPORTS.
• 7-DAY REPURCHASE AGREEMENT.*
And, you’ll never have to
haggle about prices.
Call 856-232-9000 or visit southjerseyfcu.com to get pre-approved by South Jersey Federal Credit Union today.
cuautodeals.com
Visit us at Enterprise Car Sales
Conshohocken, PA
1207 W. Ridge Pike
610 825-8184
Philadelphia Int’l Airport, PA 501 S. Governor Printz Blvd. 610 521-3501
Newark, DE
155 E. Cleveland Ave.
302 737-8096
Pennsauken, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
3011 Admiral Wilson Blvd. 856 910-7920
2001-19 Byberry Rd.
215 673-6565
Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Values used by Enterprise are obtained from © 2014 Kelley Blue Book Co.’s website KBB.com. Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Value is based on accurate condition rating and mileage of vehicle. Accurately appraising the condition of the vehicle
is an important aspect of determining its Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Value. Kelley Blue Book valuation adjustments for vehicle mileage disproportionate to the age of the vehicle may be capped by Enterprise Car Sales at 20% of the vehicle’s base value. If a Kelley Blue
Book Trade-In value is not available for customer’s vehicle Enterprise will provide a fair and competitive value for customer’s vehicle. Additional trade-in value of $500 is available only on passenger vehicles and light duty trucks, with a Kelley Blue Book Trade-In Value
and when a vehicle is purchased from Enterprise. Customer is responsible to any extent vehicle pay-off exceeds Enterprise offer. Customer must provide required proof of ownership/registration and all other necessary paperwork to transfer title. Offer only valid on
one trade-in for each Enterprise vehicle purchase. Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales Manager. Offer void where prohibited including AK, HI, KY, LA, MD, NE, NM, OK, OR, SC, TX, VA and Washington, D.C. Offer valid from 4/1/14 – 4/3014.
No cash advances. Cannot be combined with any other offers. 2Vehicle must be financed using standard financing terms through South Jersey Federal Credit Union to qualify for payment offer. South Jersey Federal Credit Union will make the first payment on the
payment due date up to $500 on member’s behalf after vehicle is financed through South Jersey Federal Credit Union. Offer void when 7-day Repurchase Agreement is activated. Offer valid 4/1/14 – 4/3014. No cash advances. Offer not valid for previous Enterprise
purchases or with any other offer. Used vehicles previously part of Enterprise short-term rental and lease fleet or purchased by Enterprise from other sources including auto auctions, with previous use possibly short-term rental, lease or other. *Restrictions apply.
For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales Manager. **Enterprise 12-Month Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Package is provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and its affiliated clubs in the United States and Canada. The “e” logo, Enterprise,
“The Perfect Used Car Package” and “Haggle-free buying. Worry-free ownership.” are trademarks of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. All
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Time to Explore with RVs, Boats and Motorcycles
After the brutal winter we’ve come through, most everyone is
thinking about getting back on the road – and onto the water
– now that warmer weather has finally arrived.
In your household, this could mean some serious thinking
about getting that boat you’ve always dreamed of, or
purchasing a RV for vacation trips and camping – or even
exploring the roadways with a new motorcycle! Here at
SJFCU, our great low rates on boats, RVs and motorcycles make the first step to
owning your dream vehicle an easier and more manageable one.
Those rates can’t be beat!
For RVs and boats, the rates are the same, both as low as:
4.24% APR* for up to five years for a new boat or RV
4.99% APR** for up to five years for a used boat or RV
If an RV purchase is what you’re seeking, note that SJFCU now has relationships with
four regional RV dealerships:
• Hitch RV in Turnersville
• Dylans RV Center in Sewell
• White Horse RV in Williamstown
• Classic RV in Monroeville
These professional relationships translate to a great inventory from which to choose
your RV. It also means an even smoother process when it comes to buying and
financing your RV at SJFCU.
Motorcycle loan rates are just as competitive:
4.9% APR*** for a new motorcycle
6.5% APR **** for a used motorcycle
It won’t be long before you’ll want to spend your spare weekends “down the shore”
in your new boat or driving through the countryside in your new RV or motorcycle.
Now is the time to look into these great rates, to “catch” your best deal! Stop by any
branch or call us at 800-582-7640 for more details.
* Rates quoted are for Premier Plus category, and include ½ % reduction in rate for payroll deduction or direct deposit.
Premier Plus category requires a minimum FICO score of 700. RV and Boat loans are for up to 100 % financing of agreed
purchase price, not to exceed MSRP in RV or New Boat Guide. All promotional rates are for new loans only. SJFCU
refinances not included. ** Used RV rate is for maximum age of 10 model years, up to 100 % financing of agreed
purchase price or NADA value, whichever is less. Used boat rate is for maximum age of 15 model years, up to 100 %
financing of agreed purchase price or NADA value, whichever is less.
*** / **** Rates quoted are for Premier Plus category, and include ½% reduction in rate for payroll deduction or direct
deposit. New Motorcycle loans are for up to 100% financing of agreed purchase price; Used Motorcycle loans are for up
to 100% financing of agreed purchase price or NADA Retail Value, whichever is less. Other rates and terms available to
qualified borrowers. Rates and terms subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit union.
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Cents●Abilities
NEW AUTO
1.99%
USED** AUTO
APR / Up to 6 Years
2.99%
*
*
APR / Up to 6 Years
Spring on over to your favorite car dealer and hop into a new car! SJFCU’s low
rates and convenient ZOOM! Auto Loan make it easy. When you’re approved for a
ZOOM! Auto Loan, you’ll receive a ZOOM! check up to your approval limit to take
shopping at any franchised dealer. You don’t need to know the exact price of the
car you are buying or where you’ll buy it! Just pick out your dream car, negotiate
your best deal and ZOOM! away!
Fast Approval
GAP Insurance
Flexible Rates & Terms
Easy Payments
*Auto loan rates quoted are for Premier Plus category, up to 6 years and includes one-half percent (0.5%) reduction in rate for
payroll deduction or direct deposit. Auto loan promotional rates are for new loans only. SJFCU refinances not included. Premier
Plus category requires a minimum FICO score of 700.**Used car rate applies to model years 2011 and 2012 and 2013/2014
models with over 15,000 miles. Other rates and terms available to qualified borrowers. Zoom! Loan available for Classic category
and above. Rates and terms subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit union.
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Watch for upgrades to the way you pay
your bills - online and mobile!
Coming In
June
Mark your calendars for the second
week in June – that’s the target date for
the launch of ePay -- our new Online
Bill Pay system that will include many
new features!
If you already use SJFCU’s Billpayer,
every one of your regular monthly bill
payments that you have listed will automatically be transferred to the new
system. If you’ve never used our Billpayer system, why not start in June –
when so many great features and options for your ease of use will be at your
fingertips? And, ePay is still FREE when you use it to pay bills regularly.
ePay will feature expedited payments. You will be able to either overnight a
check (for next day payment) or a same-day expedited payment. Example: Did
you forget that your mortgage payment is due tomorrow? A small fee for this
new service is a minimal one, compared to the headache you’d face with a late
mortgage payment!
Popmoney is a great new feature that lets you do “person-
to-person” fund transfers. All you need is the recipient’s cell
number or email address. Pay your share of last night’s dinner
to your friend, or send some birthday funds to a favorite niece
or grandchild.
eBanking
will now feature account-to-account transfers, which will
allow you to transfer money from one financial institution to another. Want
to add a deposit from that other place to your SJFCU savings account? This is
the easy way to do it!
Mobile Check Capture is also coming soom to give you
the ability
to scan a check for easy depositing in your SJFCU account. You can do it on
the go with just a few screen touches!
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Cents●Abilities
Spring Has Sprung!
• Baby birds must learn how to sing! They are born with
singing ability, but must learn the specific songs of their
species. They acquire these songs between 10 to 60 days of
age, and begin to sing them the following spring when they
have matured.
• Spring fever is real. It occurs when a sudden warm spell
follows a long cold period. When the temperature rises, there’s a dilation
or expansion of the blood vessels so that blood can be carried to the body’s
surface where heat can be lost quickly. Some persons experience an energetic
feeling to this reaction.
• Although tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are common harbingers
of spring, the first bloom of the season is usually – the dandelion!
They originated in Asia, and now call the entire world home (and
a bane to gardeners everywhere). On the positive side, they can
be used both as a food and as a medicine.
Everyone Loves Visa Gift Cards!
Everyone loves Visa Gift Cards for all those touchstone
spring events: graduations, weddings, anniversaries –
and of course, Mother’s Day in May and Father’s Day
in June.
Truly, any time of year is the right time
for a SJFCU Visa gift card! Think of them
as your “go-to” gift for birthdays, welcome home parties, bon
voyage presents and hostess gifts as well!
Our SJFCU gift cards are invariably the right size, the right
color (they are available in an array of designs) and always
within your budget! Our SJFCU Visa gift cards are available in denominations
that range from $10 up to $500.
Gift cards are easy to purchase and priced right for every budget. Gift cards
can be purchased (only $2.95 plus the amount of the gift card) at all six
SJFCU branches.
Stop in your local branch and get a gift that will be used and appreciated!
Cards issued by MetaBank pursuant to a license form Visa U.S.A., Inc. Purchase fee of $2.95. Monthly
inactivity fee of $2.95 after 12 consecutive months of inactivity. Lost/stolen replacement card fee of $5.00.
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Your Home May Be Worth More
Than You Think!
We now offer 95% Loan-To-Value Home Equity Loans
It’s been a long, hard winter and chances are
you’ll need to make some home repairs. If
you’re considering a Home Equity loan but are
worried that you don’t have enough equity,
we have good news! SJFCU has increased
its home equity loan-to-value amount, which
means you can now borrow up to 95% of
the equity in your home, up to a maximum
of $25,000. In addition to low rates, SJFCU’s
home equity loans have no closing costs and
are tax deductible**!
at least 25
Home Equity
Loans
Up to 85% LTV
2
99%*
apr
Up to 5 years
Up to 95% LTV
3
99%*
apr
Up to 5 years
*Home Equity loan rates apply to new and refinanced loans in Premier Plus category with automatic payment such as payroll deduction. The
APR without automatic payment is one-half percent (0.5%) higher. Premier Plus category requires a minimum FICO score of 700. Premium
Plus and Classic Plus categories require $25,000 or more of new money on refinanced loans and $10,000 or more on new loans. All other
Premiere and Classic categories require $15,000 or more of new money on refinanced loans. This product is a fixed rate, closed-end loan
secured by your primary residence. Closing costs included in rate. Title insurance required for loan amounts over $100,000. Other home
equity loan rates and terms available to qualified borrowers are based on credit approval. All rates and terms subject to change at any time at
the discretion of the credit union. **Consult with a tax professional. NMLS#771963.
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Cents●Abilities
Say ‘Yes’ to More Benefits with an SJFCU Platinum Visa Card!
Frustrated with credit cards that make
handling your finances harder rather than
easier? Make this spring the time you make
the switch to a Platinum Visa Card from
South Jersey Federal Credit Union, and learn
how stress-free – and secure – your credit
card usage can be!
The SJFCU Platinum Visa Card is accepted at more than 20 million retail
locations worldwide as well as at more than half a million ATMs. You’ll always
be assured that “what you see is what you get” with the SJFCU Platinum Visa
Card!
More
has:
benefits – sure! We’ve got them for you, as the SJFCU Platinum Visa
• no annual fee
• a low 9.9% APR non-variable interest rate
• FREE balance transfers
• CURewards® – allowing you to redeem points earned with your purchases for merchandise and travel options
In addition to all the great benefits listed above, you can also take advantage of
SJFCU’s Member’s Choice™ Borrower Security, a debt-protection program
that gives you long-term peace of mind.
Member’s Choice™ Borrower Security is a payment protection product that
can cancel or reduce repayment of principal and interest in the event of
disability, loss of life and even involuntary unemployment. This product is
available for your SJFCU Platinum Visa Card!
Just call us at 800-582-7640, or stop by any branch, or visit our website (click
on Platinum Visa) to apply for a Platinum Visa Card here at SJFCU – and
transfer (for free) the balances from those high-interest- rate credit cards to
our low-interest-rate card!
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
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to the Family
JFCU
ups with S
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New Emplo
Education Information & Resource Center (EIRC), Mullica Hill
The Education Information & Resource Center (EIRC) is a public
agency which specializes in education-related programs and
services for parents, schools, communities, nonprofits and privately
held businesses throughout New Jersey.
Established 45 years ago, EIRC offers special education and gifted/talented student
services, nationally known programs in science, math and geography and antibullying resources. Educators can also take advantage of technology training, grant
writing services, and other professional development offerings.
Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Inc., Hammonton
Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers, Inc. (SJFMC) is a non-profit
primary health care organization. They have offices in Hammonton,
Atlantic City, Pleasantville, Pemberton, Burlington City and the City
of Salem.
SJFMC. was established in 1977. They offer pediatric and well-baby care, adult and
internal medicine, women’s health care and family planning, dental services, foot care,
health education, patient transportation and translation services. More than 51,000
patients are served by SJFMC, generating about 139,000 patient visits annually.
Kelly Survey, Shamong
Established in 1975, Kelly Survey is in the business of land surveying
and planning, with services offered for residential, commercial and
industrial projects.
The firm’s largest projects include surveys for Terminal Doppler Weather Radar
towers for eight of the largest airports on the East Coast. Kelly Survey has also done
major and minor subdivisions for private land developers, while maintaining a base
of small-to-medium clients in real estate, title insurance, and mortgage loans.
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Cents●Abilities
Phishing Alert for Members
As happens with increasing frequency these days, we learned
recently of another widespread telephone “phishing” scam.
Cardholders of ATM and/or Debit cards receive what appear
to be automated phone calls or texts, informing them that
their ATM/Debit cards are “locked.” The automated message
requests recipients to first enter their 16-digit card number, and
then provide their card’s PIN (Personal Identification Number).
Don’t respond to these requests! Such attempts should be seen right away for what
they are – an obvious attempt by scammers to access your account information for
fraudulent purposes!
• Know that SJFCU never solicits sensitive member information via telephone or
by texting.
• Should you receive such a phone message (or text) asking for your card number
and PIN number, do not reply.
• Do not, under any circumstances, divulge your private financial information!
Instead, notify SJFCU of the attempt, and call us at 800-582-7640.
Cyber criminals tend to prey on those who are most vulnerable to these fraud
attempts, such as senior citizens or young adults. Both groups may not be as aware
of the technical aspects of the scamming threats. Make sure you alert friends and
family to these types of threats.
Mark Your Calendar: Annual Meeting on May 21
21
May
We listen to our members, and assist our members, every day at
SJFCU. On one day each year, our members have the opportunity
to become even more involved in the credit union, by attending
our annual meeting. Attendance at SJFCU’s annual meeting is
another privilege of credit union membership, one you won’t
find at commercial financial institutions.
Our 2014 SJFCU Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday,
May 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m., in the lobby of our Deptford branch.
Our members’ input and participation is something we value very highly here at
SJFCU – and your presence at the annual meeting matters. The feedback we receive
from our membership each year continues to be an important force behind many of
the products and services we make available to you.
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South Jersey Federal Credit Union
Vacation Club
2014
The easiest way to
save for your dream
vacation!
Deposit money with each paycheck
or as often as you want. Even if you
only save $10 a week, that’s $520 plus
interest you’ll have for your next
vacation.
FREE GIFT WITH
ENROLLMENT!
*While supplies last, receive
a free gift when you enroll
in the SJFCU Vacation Club.
Restrictions apply, see below.
Start my club in:
April 2014
(Funds avail. 4/1/15)
July 2014
(Funds avail. 7/1/15)
October 2014
(Funds avail.10/1/15)
Name____________________________________ Acct#________________
Address________________________________________________________
City____________________________ State__________ Zip______________
Phone: Home (____)_________________ Work (____)___________________
I need to change the amount of my payroll deduction.
The SJFCU Vacation Club funds will automatically transfer to Statement Savings or Checking on 1st day of the
month, 12 months after the start date. Withdrawals prior to maturity will be subject to a 10% penalty, with a minimum
withdrawal of $250. Please bring your completed Vacation Club application to the credit union branch nearest you to
receive your free gift. One free gift per member please (while supplies last). I agree to have $5.00 deducted from my
club account as payment for the free gift if I fail to complete my club with a minimum of $250.
Signature______________________________________
OFFICE USE ONLY
Payment method:
Frequency:
$___________
P/D
Weekly
Mail
Bi-Weekly
Monthly
10 Month School Plan
Payroll #__________ Initials_______ Gift Received Y/N
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Cents●Abilities
First Quarter Dividends
Rate
APY*
Statement Savings
$100 - $4,999
$5,000 - $24,999
$25,000 and Above
0.10% 0.10%
0.20% 0.10% - 0.18%
0.25% 0.18% - 0.25%
Teachers Club
$100 - $4,999
$5,000 and Above
0.10%
0.20%
0.10%
0.10% - 0.20%
Vacation & Christmas Clubs
Money Market
Super Money Market
Mega Money Market
0.20%
0.18%
0.25%
0.45% 0.20%
0.18%
0.25%
0.45%
0.40%
0.55%
0.90%
0.40%
0.40% - 0.49%
0.49% - 0.90%
1.25%
1.26%
IRA - Traditional/Roth/Coverdell
$0 - $19,999
$20,000 - $49,999
$50,000 and Above Special Offer
18 Month Share Certificate or
18 Month IRA Share Certificate
Rates subject to change without notice.
*Annual Percentage Yield.
Calendar
May 2014
21 - Annual Meeting - Deptford Branch
26 - Memorial Day - Offices Closed
July 2014
4 - Independence Day - Offices Closed
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