Announcements
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Wanted: Volunteers to Serve on the Nominations Committee



Service on the Nominations Committee requires one year of Yolo FCU membership to be eligible for nomination by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors. It is the duty of the Committee to nominate at least one candidate for each open position on the Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee shall make their nomination(s) after review of the candidates’ application, qualifications, willingness to serve and other criteria, including personal interviews. The Committee is expected to solicit applications for open positions from the membership through, at a minimum, notice in the credit union newsletter and posting in each branch.

The Nominating Committee shall consist of three credit union members, at least one of whom is not a member of the current Board of Directors. Members of the Nominating Committee are appointed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors and serve a term of one year.

Applications may be picked up at any branch or Click here.

Completed applications must be received no later than October 8, 2010.

Fraud Alert: Scammers Using eMail Messages to Gain Banking Info

07/28/10 - If you receive an eMail message informing you that "This e-mail was send by yolofcu.org to notify you that we have temporanly prevented access to your account" and then asking you click on the provided link, delete the message and do NOT follow the link.  Remember, Yolo FCU will NEVER ask for your PIN. (Note: send instead of sent is used and temporarily is misspelled in most cases.)

Scammers Using Phone & Text: States Visa/Debit cards Deactivated

06/14/10 - We have received inquiries from members concerning phone calls, recorded phone messages and text messages received from someone acting as a credit union staff member. The phone or text message urges members to provide card numbers, expiration dates, social security numbers and PINs in order to “re-activate” their Visa and or Debit cards. If you receive a text message, delete immediately. Yolo FCU will NEVER ask for your PIN. Yolo FCU urges members to never provide account or other personal information to an unknown caller. If you receive a call from the credit union, you may always simply hang up and call back to verify the legitimacy of the call at (530) 668-2700.

Fraud Alert: Scammers Using Phone, Text & eMail Messages to Gain Banking Info

05/14/10 - If you receive an eMail message informing you that "This e-mail was send by yolofcu.org to notify you that we have temporanly prevented access to your account" and then asking you click on the provided link, delete the message and do NOT follow the link.  Remember, Yolo FCU will NEVER ask for your PIN. (Note: send instead of sent is used and temporarily is misspelled in most cases.)


03/08/10 - We have received inquiries from members concerning phone calls received from someone acting as a credit union staff member. The caller identifies themselves as a credit union employee and requests personal account information to confirm a recent withdrawal on the members account. As a reminder, Yolo FCU will not ask for such account information. Yolo FCU urges members to never provide account or other personal information to an unknown caller. If you receive a call from the credit union, you may always simply hang up and call back to verify the legitimacy of the call at (530) 668-2700.

01/13/10 - We have been getting calls and inquiries from members concerning text messages. If you receive a text message informing you that your "cards were canceled" and then asking you to call a provided 800 number, delete the message. Remember, Yolo FCU will NEVER ask for your PIN.

12/09/09 - You may have heard about the recent phishing text message scam targeted at Sprint customers. This text message is urging members to provide card numbers, expiration dates, and PINs in order to “re-activate” their accounts. Yolo FCU will NEVER ask for your PIN. Members should not divulge this information to anyone. Unfortunately, we have had some members that were victims to this scam. Luckily, Yolo FCU and Visa provide zero liability protection for our cardholders so inconvenience is our members’ only concern.

Check our website often for other important news and information.

Yolo FCU Support Services Department


Your Insured Funds
Would you like to learn more about your NCUA insured funds? Yolo FCU values your trust and maintains sound financial practices with deposits insured through the National Credit Union Administration, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. To learn more on how best to structure your accounts to maximize the share insurance coverage available to you, click here.

We also encourage you to visit the NCUA website for full details about insured funds at www.ncua.gov/ShareInsurance/index.htm.*

Learn how to structure your accounts in order to maximize the share insurance available. Get educated at the NCUA website Share Insurance Estimator.*

NCUA has opened a call center that credit unions and their members can use to get answers to questions about the federal protection of credit union member shares through the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund. Click here to learn more.

America's Credit Unions: Secure, strong.
To view a video and hear about federal insurance for your savings at credit unions. Click here*.



• “Go Green” Loan Program
  Going green has just gotten easier. Yolo Federal Credit Union offers a “Go Green” loan for home owners that are interested in installing photovoltaic (PV) solar systems. “In light of rising energy costs and increased environmental concerns, consumers are looking for greener alternatives. The Go Green loan is just one of Yolo FCU’s green banking options” stated Jenee Rawlings, VP, Yolo FCU.
  
  The Go Green loan offers fixed rate financing up to $25,000 with no application fees or closing costs. By taking advantage of the state incentive programs and Yolo FCU’s additional sustainability discount, going solar is more affordable than ever. Proceeds of the loan can be used to add new or upgrade existing solar systems to your home.
  
  For more information on Yolo Federal Credit Union’s Go Green loan program or to apply, call (530) 668-2700 or visit our online mortgage application*.
  
  
• Bank verses Credit Union
  "Bank" and "Credit Union" get personal in this hilarious parody of the famous Mac/PC ads. Click Here*
  

Newsletters
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• Current Newsletter
• Fall Newsletter
• Summer Newsletter
• Winter Newsletter

Press Releases
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• Security Alert: Text & Phone Scam Warning for Yolo FCU Members
• Yolo FCUs “Give A Click” Giving Program provides grants to local non-profits
• Yolo FCU Receives $350,000 in WISH Grant Funds for Eligible Homebuyers
• Yolo FCU Plans To Expand Service in Davis
• Yolo FCU Provides Savings Opportunity for Elementary School Students
• Yolo Federal Credit Union Receives Approval as USDA Lender
• Yolo FCU Named Sustainable Business
• Yolo Federal Credit Union Accepts California Registered Warrants
• At Yolo FCU, your account security is our top priority!
• Yolo Federal Credit Union Receives Approval as SBA Lender
• You Have the Power to Stop Identity Theft
• Yolo Federal Makes Co-Op News
• CEO message on the safety and security of Yolo FCU
• Yolo FCU announces new 'Go Solar' loan program
• Yolo Federal Awarded WISH Funds
• Yolo Federal Receives Award for fight against Elder Abuse

*Third Party Link Disclosure:

Yolo FCU Employees Are Committed to Our Community
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Yolo FCU and Woodland United Way teamed up to make a difference in the Woodland community. On Saturday, October 25, a number of Yolo FCU employees took part in United Way’s “Day of Caring” event. This program connects volunteer groups with local non-profit agencies in need of assistance. For this year’s “Day of Caring” project, Yolo FCU partnered with Northern California Children’s Therapy Center.

Founded in 1993, Northern California Children's Therapy Center provides a multidisciplinary program of continuing physical, occupational and speech and language therapy for infants, toddlers, and children through adolescent age. The Children's Therapy Center has served thousands of children with all types of special needs, various types of disabilities and birth defects. Some of these include cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, developmental/learning delays, cleft palate, severe speech and/or feeding disorders, Down's syndrome, orthopedic or neuromuscular disorders and many other genetic, chromosomal, and/or psychological disorders. The Center’s services are available to all children in our community regardless of their family's ability to pay..

As a part of the therapy program, the Center’s rooms are equipped with many colorful toys, bolsters, pads, bars, swings, and balls to make therapy seem more like play for the children. However, with the growing number of children the Center is serving, the amount of space available for therapy is slowly decreasing. To help with this, Yolo FCU employee volunteers will be painting and installing organizational units in an effort in increase the usable gym space for the children who seek therapy at the Center.

Yolo FCU employees are always eager to work with United Way on the “Day of Caring” projects as we continue to live by our philosophy, “People Helping People.”

To learn more about Woodland United Way, visit their website at www.woodlandunitedway.org* or Northern California Children’s Therapy center www.ctchelpskids.org*.

We Proudly Support our Community
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Yolo Federal Credit Union, a not-for-profit financial cooperative, has been exclusively serving Yolo County since 1954. Yolo FCU takes pride in our community though a variety of sponsorship and volunteer efforts.

These are just some of the non-profits, cooperatives, and community organizations that we help support.

• American Red Cross-Yolo County
• Chamber of Commerce (Davis,West Sacramento,Winters,Woodland)
• Chili Cook-Off
• Davis Earth Day
• Davis Senior High School Band
• Kiwanis Club of Davis
• Meals on Wheels
• Soroptimist of Davis
• Rotary
• Winters Youth Day
• Woodland Christian Schools
• Woodland Community/Senior Center
• Woodland Healthcare Foundation
• Woodland Holiday Parade
• Woodland Opera House
• Woodland United Way
• Woodland Volunteer Food Closet
• Yolo County Fair
• Yolo County Historical Museum
• Yolo Family Services Agency
• Yolo County Youth Council
  
  

Our Neighbors
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• Community Co-Ops Davis & Yolo County*
• Yolo County*
• City of Davis*
• Davis Chamber of Commerce*
• City of West Sacramento*
• West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce*
• City of Winters*
• Winters Chamber of Commerce*
• City of Woodland*
• Woodland Chamber of Commerce*

*Third Party Link Disclosure:

Personal Solutions
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College Funding Solutions

Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: Main Woodland Branch
266 West Main Street, Woodland, CA 95695

Investing & Retirement Options

Date: Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Time: 6:00-7:00pm
Location: South Davis Branch
22171 Cowell Blvd Suite A, Davis, CA 95618

Business Solutions
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For additional information on any of our workshops or to make a reservation please call 530-669-6371 or email Marketing. For email updates click here.

All Yolo FCU workshops are free of charge and open to the public.
All workshops are presented in English unless otherwise stated.

Buying A Home
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Purchasing a home can be exciting and a little scary. Experts say it’s likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make and the process can seem overwhelming. The decision to purchase a home should be made with careful consideration and planning. Yolo FCU is here to help.

What are advantages to purchasing a home?

Advantages:

Stability

Once purchased, your payments will likely stay consistent unlike renting where the rent can increase from year to year.

Investment opportunity

Most homes will increase in value and provide you a good return on your investment over time.

Tax benefits

Most homeowners are eligible for tax advantages* that are not available to renters which can potentially save you a significant amount in your federal taxes each year. (*Consult your tax advisor)

Considerations:

Rent vs. mortgage payment
• Depending on your current housing situation, you might find that your mortgage payment is higher than your current rent payment. Understanding your finances and how much you can afford will help avoid difficulties. Repair and maintenance costs

• As a renter, when a problem occurs, you simply picked up the phone and called the landlord. As a homeowner, you will be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep yourself which could take a bite out of your wallet. Yolo FCU can help you set up a savings account specifically for this purpose so you are always prepared for the unexpected.

Insurance & Property Taxes
The cost for homeowner’s insurance is typically higher than that of renter’s insurance, however with careful budgeting or utilizing an impound account you can avoid late payments and or penalties

Are you ready to take the first step?

Take a look at your finances

• Take the time to pull your credit report before applying. Members are eligible to receive a free credit report annually from each of the three credit bureaus. It‘s important to examine your credit file and the accounts listed. Be prepared to explain any previous late payments. Consistent late payments may make it more difficult for you to get approved for a home loan. If you have several late payments, consider waiting 6-12 months to reflect a more positive payment history.
To obtain your credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com*.

• You will typically need 3-20% cash available for a down payment and 3-7% for closing costs. Do your savings accounts offer sufficient reserves to cover these expenses? Do you qualify for a grant or down payment assistance? What amount will you need to save now to purchase a home in the future?

• Based on your income and current expenses, determine what payment amount* you can afford.

• Don’t make big purchases or apply for credit cards if you are considering applying for a home loan. Purchasing a car prior to applying can mean the difference between qualifying or not.

Talk to your Yolo FCU mortgage lender

• What loan options* are available?

• What criteria are required for pre-approval?

• Understand the difference between pre-qualifying and pre-approval.

Remember, you are not alone. A Yolo FCU Real Estate Officer will be happy to help you sort through the information and help you find a payment you can afford.

Select a Real Estate Agent

There are many advantages to having a real estate professional to assist you in the search for your dream home.

• Knowledgeable on on current trends and pricing and the ability to help you negotiate an offer.

• Knowledgeable on neighborhood attributes such as schools, shopping and area improvements.

• Ability to work with you on your preferences and find houses that meet your needs.

Purchasing and closing on your new home

After an offer is accepted by the seller, the home will have an appraisal completed and a home inspection done prior to the closing of the loan. Once completed and any deficiencies noted and corrected, you will be at the final stage and ready to sign your loan documents.

• Appraisals are completed by an independent appraiser to ascertain the value of the home you intend to purchase. Values are based on current comparable homes that have sold in the same area typically within the past 3-6 months.

• Home inspections will reflect any deficiencies or repairs needed. This provides protection to you as the potential home buyer and helps you to understand any problems that may exist.

• Closing the loan is the final step to your home purchase. Your loan officer will schedule a convenient time for you sign your loan documents and answer any remaining questions.

*Third Party Link Disclosure:
By clicking on the links above, you are aware that you are leaving Yolo FCU’s website. Yolo FCU does not guarantee the accuracy, security or failure of products/services of third party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy and security disclosures on all websites you visit.

Saving For College
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