Summer 2015 - Great River FCU

The
Quarterly
Member Newsletter Of
Great River Federal
Credit Union
Navigator
You Asked...We Listened!
FREE Checking Now Available
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Premier Members
automatically qualify.
Not a Premier Member?
Contact “The Money People” to learn more.
The B Word: Budgeting – Where to Start?
Having a budget is a beautiful thing, but getting started can be ugly. So what's the trick? Keep it simple and
just start.
Whether you think you have a budget or you don't, you do. Money comes in, money goes out. Start there.
What's coming in on a monthly basis? What's going out and what for? At the end of the month, is there a
positive budget with money available to set aside for your future or is there a negative budget, or deficit, that
is putting you further behind? What can you do on the income or spending sides to improve that picture?
When it comes to improving your budget status, everyone has their own thing that works for them. It doesn't
always mean giving something up. But it does mean being honest about your goals and your spending. Is your goal to eliminate debt? Set aside
money for education or a trip? Put away funds for a savings safety net or your retirement? Label that money and work for it.
When it comes to your spending, determine what is fixed and what is optional. Do you have enough left after those fixed expenses to justify the
optional choices? Do you have enough left to truly get ahead? Controlling spending can be tricky. When considering a purchase, try sleeping on it
first. Some people put their credit cards in a mason jar of water in the freezer. That way they have to delay their spending. Beware of online
shopping. It's way too simple to click and spend. Consider setting up a "pay-yourself-first" account where a set amount of your income is
automatically put aside for you. Save it so you don't spend it. Putting it all on paper will put you in control. And that will feel great.
If you're single, take a good hard look at where you want to be and set realistic goals. Many times, individuals find themselves suddenly in need of
figuring out their financial status due to a major change in their life such as change in employment, injury, death or divorce. In those situations, it
might help to talk to a professional planner to pull all the pieces together and give you peace of mind.
Discussing finances can be very emotional and stressful but it can also be enlightening and encouraging. Sometimes, it's easier to get started by
talking to an expert. We have great worksheets that are as simple as filling in the blanks. Or visit the Great River Federal Credit Union website,
www.greatriverfcu.org, for financial calculator tools to get you started.
Summer
2015
Save it. Swipe it. Lend it. Invest it.
Inside this issue
Page 1– Free Checking Option, The “B Word- Budgeting
Page 2– Message from our CEO, GRFCU in the Community, Scholarship Winners
Page 3– “Get Your Financial Health Check”, Medica Review, Open Board Positions
Page 4– “Money People Cash Rewards” VISA Credit Card
Continued Efforts of Enhancements
As we enter the second half of 2015, excitement remains high at your Credit Union! Efforts to enhance
Product Offerings, Technology, Delivery Capabilities and Branch Facilities continue. The talented team at
Great River is working diligently to improve your experience, adding value to all that we do and all that is
made available to you our Valued Members.
As promised, during the 2nd Quarter a “Free Checking” option was introduced. “Free Checking” is now
available for Members who utilize Great River as a primary financial institution or PFI, maintaining depository and/or loan balances in excess of $15,000. To make it easier for all Members to qualify, we have extended multiple loan specials and on May 1st introduced our industry leading Great River Rewards Card
Program. The Rewards Card pays up to 3% unlimited Cash Rewards on purchases and transactions from
Gas to Groceries and any other credit card related transactions. I encourage you to speak to any employee
to learn how you can benefit from the Rewards Card Program and to qualify for Free Checking!
Branch Managers were placed in our Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, and St. Cloud Offices on April 1 st. This
change to our delivery capability is yielding very positive comments from Members, Businesses, and Great
River Employees. Your Managers respectively, Amy, Lindsay, and Shelly, are all adding great value in
terms of leadership, teamwork, communication, and Member Value. I encourage you to call or stop in to
see them to enhance your experience and expand your relationship with Great River!
During the 3rd Quarter, two major initiatives will be taking place! The first is a major enhancement to the
St. Cloud Office. Construction will begin on a new drive-up that will include a Drive-up ATM and 3 drive up
lanes under a new canopy. The ATM will feature enhanced capability disbursing cash and also accepting/processing deposits including
document imaging. Exterior lighting will be enhanced to improve security, visibility, and access. The front entrance to the building will
also be enhanced with plans to renovate the building interior occurring 1st Quarter 2016!
The second initiative is the introduction of an enhanced Student Loan Option…Student Choice. This Credit Union based loan solution will
be made available to Students and Members attending qualifying colleges/universities including St. Cloud State, St. Benedict’s and St.
John’s to name a few. Key features of the program include approval for all 4 years of college, industry leading interest rates, and enhanced
options for co-borrowers!
An additional feature is a Loan Consolidation Option that will enable Students/Families to
consolidate any/all Student Loans thereby simplifying their repayment and overall financial makeup.
A final initiative taking place that will be finalized by early/mid July, will be the installation of Historical Photos in all of our locations.
These creative, visually appealing, and historical photos will include many recognizable locations, items of interest, and occurrences from
the communities we serve. An organization based in its history is a stronger organization…I encourage you to visit any of our offices to see
these incredible photos!
GRFCU in the Community...
Thank you for your Membership!
Sincerely,
Left: Congratulations David
on winning a $500 Coborn's/
Little Dukes Giftcard during the
GRFCU April Auto Loan Promo!
Pictured with David is
Amy Henkemeyer, the GRFCU
Sauk Rapids Branch Manager.
Randy Trimm
President/Chief Executive Officer
Right: Congratulations
Brenda (& Tim)
on winning a $500 VISA
Giftcard during the GRFCU
May VISA Rewards Credit
Card Promo!
Pictured with Brenda is
Shelly Janorschke-Nagel,
the GRFCU
St Cloud Branch Manager.
Thank You to all the participated in our
annual GRFCU Community Shred-A-Thon!
There was 3,099lbs of paper shredded & recycled! We collected
532lbs of food & $46 to be donated to a local food shelf.
Congratulations to our 2015 GRFCU Scholarship Recipients!
Michaela ManifoldBecker High School
Planning to attend
Lake Superior College
with a possible major
in Physical Therapist
Assistant Program.
Alycia
ChmielewskiFoley, MN
University of MN
Duluth
Major- Biochemistry
Sally TrautSt Cloud State
University
Major-Elementary
Education & teaching
English as a second
Language
Not Pictured: Noah Bjork-Apollo High School. Planning to attend U of M Twin Cities Campus to major in Social Justice and Communications.
Don Christenson
Financial Advisor
Located at: Great River Federal Credit Union
1532 West St Germain St
St Cloud, MN 56301
Phone: 320-252-5393
Email: dchristenson@greatriverfis.org
Schedule your Financial Health Check
www.greatriverfis.org
Much like annual physicals and reviews of your personal health (dentist, eye exams, etc.) that you routinely
schedule, discussing your financial situation with your Financial Advisor on a consistent basis is an important
component of successful financial management. Having a regular Financial Health Check keeps you focused on your
goals and on maintaining your overall financial health.
Here are three questions to consider that may indicate whether you should see a Financial Advisor for a review:
 Has my financial situation changed in a material way?
 Have you had or are you expecting life changes such as retirement, marriage, children, divorce, inheritances,
unexpected events, etc?
 Has it been an extended period of time since you reviewed your financial situation with a Financial Advisor?
If you can answer yes to any of these questions, it would be a good idea to review your accounts and financial
situation with one of our Cetera Advisor Networks Financial Advisors located at Great River Federal Credit Union.
To schedule your Financial Health Check, please contact (320)252-5393 to set an appointment with Don
Christenson to review your personal situation.
Securities and Investment Advisory services offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA & SIPC.
GRFIS and GRFCU are not affiliated with Cetera Advisor Networks LLC.
Not NCUA Insured. May Lose Value. Not a Credit Union. Not A Deposit. Not Insured by Any Federal Agency.
&
Understanding Medicare
Medicare Supplement Review
If you are currently age 64 & over, and seeking more information on
Medicare or Medicare Supplements, Great River Federal Credit Union is partnering
with Kim Murnane, a Medica Sales Representative to give you that opportunity.
Kim will be available at 3 of our locations from 10:00am-2:00pm to meet with
members and answer any questions they may have in regards to this coverage.



Thursday, July 23rd- Waite Park Location
Tuesday, August 4th- Sauk Rapids Location
Tuesday, August 11th- St Cloud Location
Schedule your Appointment by calling Karla T
@ (320)252-3507 the Friday prior to the event.
Kim Murnane
Medica Sales Relationship Manager
Nominating Committee
Announces Open Board of Director Positions
The GRFCU Nominating Committee is seeking candidates to run for the open positions at the 2016 annual election.
Whether your background is working with people, numbers, ideas, or technology, we invite you to represent
the membership at Great River Federal Credit Union by bringing your expertise to the leadership table.
For a copy of the job description and application form,
please call (320)252-5393 or stop at our St. Cloud GRFCU location.
If you are interested in Finance/Accounting, this would be a
great opportunity! Contact us at 320-252-5393 for more information.
We are excited to introduce the
“Money People
Cash Rewards”
Reward
Yourself !
VISA Credit Card
0000 0000 0000 0000
00/00
00/00
THE MONEY PEOPLE MEMBER
Up to 3% CA$H Back Rewards
Now with EMV Chip Card Technology
Earn 3% on Gas, 2% on Groceries, and 1% on all other purchases
BRANCH HOURS & LOCATIONS
ST CLOUD
SAUK RAPIDS
WAITE PARK
1532 W St. Germain Street
St. Cloud, MN 56301
320-252-5393
4 North Second Avenue
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379
320-252-3507
206 1st Street South
Waite Park, MN 56387
320-258-5393
Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Drive Up Hours
Mon.-Thurs. 7am-6pm
Fri. 7am-7pm
Sat. 8am-1pm
Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Sat. 9am-12pm
Drive Up Hours
Mon.-Thurs. 7am-6pm
Fri. 7am-7pm
Sat. 8am-1pm
Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm
Sat. 9am-12pm
Drive Up Hours
Mon.-Thurs. 7am-6pm
Fri. 7am-7pm
Sat. 8am-1pm
SARTELL
COBORN’S SUPERSTORE
1725 Pine Cone Road South
Sartell, MN 56377
320-258-3626
Visit our Website at
www.greatriverfcu.org
Office Hours
Mon.-Fri. 8am-7pm
Sat & Sun. 9am-3pm
Toll Free: 888-211-5393 • CALL24: 320-656-1064
1532 W. St. Germain St.
St. Cloud, MN 56301
Our Mission is to “Exceed what Members Expect”.
The Navigator– SUMMER 2015