A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER FOR ACCLAIM FEDERAL CREDIT UNION MEMBERS
THE
CONNECTION
SECOND QUARTER
Spring 2022
We CONNECT
2022 Ed Thomas Community Service Scholarship Fund Winner
Congratulations!
Acclaim Federal Credit union is proud to announce Jasmyn Woods as the winner of our first Ed Thomas Community Service Scholarship Fund! Ed was an Acclaim board member from 1987 until 2021. He held various positions during his tenure including Chairman. During his many years of admirable volunteerism, he offered unwavering support and guidance to the ever growing success and growth of
Acclaim. In honor of his hard work, volunteerism, and dedication to our credit union, we established an annual $1,000 scholarship fund available to our members.
Jasmyn was selected based on her academic excellence and community service commitment. Credit unions are based on the philosophy of people helping people and Jasmyn is a wonderful example of this. In school, she has participated in several extracurricular activities such as Peer helper, Acapella Choir, and the Sport Medicine Club. “Whatever I do in life, I want to be able to give back and help people. It is part of who I am, it’s what I am passionate about, and it’s what makes me happy. It is why I have dedicated so much of my time to volunteering and helping others in need. ” says Jasmyn. She also has extensive community involvement and volunteer efforts that really exemplify her desire to help others. Some of her activities include being a camp leader at multiple camp programs and helping to feed those in need in the community through programs such as Meals on Wheels, Impact Church, and the Salvation Army. She also currently volunteers at her church in the nursery.
Jasmyn credits her passion for helping others as something that was instilled by her upbringing at a very early age. She comments, “My heart always feels so full when I am giving back.” Jasmyn will attend college in the Fall and plans to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine, which even further demonstrates her desire to help others. We are so proud of you, Jasmyn, and know you will continue to do great things both personally and in your community!
Wire Fraud Scams
Stay alert
Wire transfers are a quick and easy way to send funds to individuals and businesses. However, due to the immediacy of the transfers and the fact they are generally irreversible, they are frequently used in fraudulent scams.
Here’s a few of the common wire transfer scams and some tips to look out for.
Scam #1: Real estate wire scams
Real estate target those who are buying or refinancing a house. Usually during the closing process, the scammer gains access to a legitimate email account of the realtor, escrow officer, attorney or lender and impersonates them sending fraudulent wire instructions which funnels the money right into the scammer’s account.
Tips:
- Confirm the process with your lender so you know what to expect. If you receive any last-minute changes, confirm with your mortgage consultant.
- Contact your mortgage consultant using a number you trust to confirm the wiring instructions before sending the money.
Scam #2: Tech Support Scams
This type of scam occurs when someone contacts you claiming to be from a well-known technology company and requests remote access to your computer. Sometimes this situation may present as the scammer telling you they’ve discovered a problem with your computer. They may tell you they can fix it for a fee, and in doing so, may install malicious software to steal your personal or financial information. Other scenarios may include the scammer contacting you to offer a “refund” for a discontinued service or overcharge. If you give them your financial information, they will make it look like they are giving you a credit meanwhile they are actually siphoning funds out.
Tips:
- Never give control of your computer to anyone who contacts you
- When contacting companies, always use the phone numbers listed on their official website. Don’t trust the ones they give you, in mail or email.
- If you are asked to wire money from a recent deposit or overpayment, talk to a trusted financial representative, friend, or family member before complying.
- Always monitor your accounts and note the descriptions of the transactions. Verify them with your financial institution if you are unsure about anything.
Scam #3: Online Shopping Scams
This scam involves realistic websites and fake social media ads to lure the shopper in. It may also include false warranties and
assurances for their products. The scammer may request payment through a wire or mobile payment because they are usually irreversible.
Tips:
- Be aware that anyone can create a website that appears to be realistic with accompanying social media ads that lure you to their site. Do your research on the product and the company.
- Look out for deals that are too good to be true.
- Avoid paying online with wire transfers or mobile payment apps
Additional wire transfer scams:
- Foreign business or investment scam: The are false investments purchases or business opportunities in other countries.
- Family emergency or grandparent scam: These involve receiving an urgent call or email from someone claiming to be a friend or family member needing money for an emergency. They may often have gotten details pulled from social media sites.
- Romance scam: These scams stem from meeting someone online and beginning a relationship that deepens and then results in them asking for money for thing such as medical bills or travel expenses.
If you are a victim of a wire transfer scam, report it to your credit union immediately or you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
awfully tight financial situations, even prompting us to “borrow from Peter to pay Paul.” By clearly differentiating between what you want and what you need, you can avoid this outcome.
Maximize retirement contributions
Retirement plan contributions can be a valuable source of savings, especially if you have the option of employer-matched funds. If you do, be sure to take advantage of them!
Also, check with your HR contact and your accountant to make sure you are contributing the optimal amount to your 401(k) and IRA.
Follow these steps and you’ll be ready to take on the new year well prepared!
5 Steps to Paying Down Debt
Budget-friendly Meals Under $8
Grilled Flatbread Pizza
This easy, fresh favorite can be dressed up or down. Let the kids make their own creation with a variety of healthy (or not so healthy) toppings.
Ingredients:
1 6-oz. package of sliced turkey or pork pepperoni
Chopped peppers, mushrooms, onions (add broccoli or spinach for some extra nutrients)
4 naan flatbreads, or whole pita breads
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup tomato basil pasta sauce
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Directions:
- Brush both sides of flatbreads with olive oil.
- Grill over low heat until bottoms are lightly browned, 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the grill.
- Layer grilled sides with sauce, toppings, cheeses and basil.
- Grill, covered, until the cheese is melted, 2-3 minutes.
Spring Clean Your Finances
Spring is a great time of year to clear your house of accumulated junk and make it sparkle. Why not do the same for your finances? Junk can accumulate there, too. In fact, some of your money matters may need a good wipe down this season. It is especially true this year, when many Americans are still recovering from the financial fallout of COVID-19, or maybe wondering how to use the those stimulus funds you’ve been holding on to. Whatever your current situation, a thorough spring-cleaning for your finances is a responsible move this time of year.
Here are some ways to spring clean your finances:
Sweep out your budget
It’s time to shake out the dust in your budget! Review your monthly spending and find ways to cut back. Have you been overdoing the takeout food this year? Buying up more shoes than you can possibly wear? Pare down your budget until it’s looking neat and trim.
Freshen up your W-4
Tax season is prime time for revisiting the withholdings on your W-4. If you received an especially large refund this year, you may want to adjust the amount you withhold. The IRS’s tax withholding estimatoropens in a new window can be a useful tool to help you determine the perfect number.
Deep clean your accounts
If you’ve switched from one bank or credit union to another, you may have dormant accounts that are still open and may be charging you fees. Or, perhaps they’re holding onto money you’ve forgotten you have! And don’t forget about the 401(k) you may have from an old job. Now may be the time to transfer those funds to your current 401(k) or an IRA with Acclaim.
This spring, do a Marie Kondo on your finances and get rid of any accounts you don’t need any longer. A minimalist approach to your finances will make it easier to manage your accounts. It will also give your savings a greater chance at growth, and help you avoid fees for unused accounts.
Toss out your debt
Get ready to kick that debt for good!
If you’ve been stuck on the debt cycle for too long, make this spring the season you create a plan to break free.
First, trim your budget or consider a side hustle for earning some pocket money, designating these extra funds for your debts. Next, choose a popular debt-busting approach, such as the avalanche method, in which you pay off debts in order from highest interest rate to lowest, or the snowball method, where you start with the smallest debt and then move up your list as each is paid off. Once you’ve chosen your approach, maximize payments to the first debt on your list, making sure not to neglect the minimum monthly payments on your other debts. Before you know it, that debt will be gone!
Dust off your saving habits
Have you been remembering to pay yourself first? Get into the habit of maximizing your savings this spring with a tangible financial goal. You can also make savings an itemized line in your budget. This way, you’ll have funds set aside for this purpose, instead of savings only happening if there’s money left over at the end of the month. Finally, automate your savings by setting up a monthly transfer from your checking account to your savings account. Never forget to pay yourself first again!
Make your investments sparkle
Whether you’re an experienced investor or you’re just getting your feet wet, it’s time for a spring cleaning of your investments! Check if your allocation strategy is still serving you well, whether you need to adjust your diversification and if your retirement accounts are on track for your estimated retirement timeline.
Make your stimulus count
Don’t let any remaining stimulus money or your tax refund blow through your checking account. Instead create a spending plan for the funds that includes paying down debt, allocating some of the money for long-term and short-term savings and possibly investing another portion of the payment. Don’t feel guilty about a little to splurge on a purchase or experience you’ve been wanting for a while now. The money is being distributed with the hopes that it will help stimulate the economy, and the best way to do that is to spend — just don’t go overboard.
Spring is the perfect time to give your finances a thorough cleaning. Follow our tips to make your money matters shine!
CLOSINGS:
Monday, May 30, 2022 - Memorial Day
Monday, June 20, 2022 - Juneteenth Day
Address: P.O. Box 29527
Greensboro, NC 27429
Telephone: 336.332.5302
Toll-Free: 888.794.1001
Email: Admin@AcclaimFCU.org
Lost/Stolen Credit Card: 800.325.3678
Lost/Stolen Debit Card: 888.241.2510
Admin Fax: 336.332.4103
Loan Fax: 336.332.5965
Mbr Service Fax: 336.332.5965