Business Accounts for Small Shops and Not-So-Small Businesses
Looking for a complete line of value-driven financial services designed to fit your business? Whether you’re the proprietor of a small bookstore or the CEO of a medium-sized engineering firm, you need look no further than Stanford FCU.
Stanford FCU should be an important player on your business team.
From Checking and Savings to Real Estate and Commercial Loans J U LY 2 0 0 6
A PUBLICATION OF STANFORD FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Seminars and Events
These seminars and events are available to SFCU members, family, friends and the community. All seminars are free. Reserve your seat by e-mailing us at seminars@sfcu.org. “Auto Buying” – Wednesday, July 12, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane “Asset Allocation” – Tuesday, July 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane “First Time Home Buying” – Thursday, July 27, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane “1031 Property Exchanges” – Wednesday, August 16, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane “Risk Management” – Tuesday, August 22, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane “First Time Home Buying” – Thursday, August 24, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pampas Lane
Stanford FCU’s comprehensive list of justright business services includes: • Business checking linked to credit lines up to $50,000 • Online banking and BillPayer services featuring convenience and security • Money management savings accounts with tiered dividends • Merchant banking services • Long-term and competitive commercial loans up to $15 million • Residential rental properties • Non-residential office and business properties
• Multi-unit properties, including apartments • 1031 Exchanges • SBA loans • Fixed and variable rate programs • Equipment leasing A successful business depends on reliable partnerships and Stanford FCU should be an important player on your team. For more information, call (650) 723-2509 or visit www.sfcu.org.
Trade in Your High-Rate Auto Loan
Most people think of a car when they hear the words “trade in.” At Stanford FCU, we’ve got an unbeatable deal to help you trade in your high-rate auto loan from another financial institution.
Receive a $50 Gas Card!
Rates as low as 5.25% APR* and terms up to 84 months means lower monthly payments! Plus you’ll receive a $50 gas card when your loan is funded (while supplies last). And, you can defer your first payment for 60 days.
Stanford FCU Visa Rates Lowered!
Good news! We’ve lowered the rates on both our Visa® cards for the summer. • 3.9% APR* on Platinum cards • 5.9% APR* on Classic cards • Rates apply to purchases, balance transfers and cash advances made from May 1 to August 31, 2006 • Rates are effective through 12/31/06 • NO FEES for balance transfers or cash advances If you don’t have an SFCU Visa card yet, it’s a great time to get one at www.sfcu.org.
*Annual Percentage Rate. After 12/31/06, all SFCU Visa balances revert to our regular rate for balance transfers, purchases and cash advances, which is the Prime lending rate plus 4.0% (currently 12% APR) on Platinum cards, and Prime rate plus 5.0% (currently 13% APR) on Classic Visa cards. These rates are variable and subject to change. See SFCU’s Visa disclosures for full details.
Apply Online and Get an Answer in Seconds
Take advantage of this great deal and apply at www.sfcu.org. It’s quick, easy and will save you money. What more could you ask?
*Annual Percentage Rate. Rate includes a 0.50% discount for automatic payment transfers from an SFCU account and a 0.25% Premier Checking Account Package discount. Offer valid on loans transferred from other lenders. Loan amount must be for $5,000 or more. Not available on existing SFCU loans. Not valid with any other SFCU offer. SFCU may not be able to lower the payment on all loans. This offer expires 8/31/06. The rate for this product is determined by Applicant’s credit, FICO score, payment method and applicable collateral. Loan must be funded by 8/31/06 to receive gas card. Offer applies to vehicle model years 1997 or newer with fewer than 100,000 miles and is contingent upon SFCU receiving a valid first lien security interest in the collateral. Indirect loans and SFCU refinances are not eligible to receive gas card. Gas card offer begins 7/1/06. Rates and information are subject to change. Loans are subject to credit approval. Gas card offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other SFCU offer.
Think First and Get Emotional Later When Buying a Home
Buying a home can be an emotional roller coaster ride. To make sure you get what you want at a price you can afford, leave your emotions at the gate and let your rational decision-making process rule the day. little homework. Decide what you need and want in a home, as well as how much you can comfortably afford in monthly payments. Then stick to your plan. Important things to consider when shopping for your new home include: • Features – What is absolutely necessary for you and your family?
Continued on back page.
Get What You Want
One way to avoid emotional ups and downs when purchasing a home is to do a
The Wall Street Journal Says Credit Unions Have Better Loan Rates
A long-running advertisement for The Wall Street Journal features a businessman chatting with a friend regarding a new development and then concluding, “I know it’s true. I read it in The Journal.” Here’s some news, then, that you can take to the bank—or, more appropriately, to your credit union. A recent WSJ article noted that credit unions generally have cheaper loan rates. “Credit unions can offer savings on everything from credit cards to auto loans,” said the article. We’re sure this isn’t news to you, but we urge you to pass on the good word to neighbors or co-workers. Just tell them “I read it in The Journal.”
Buying a Home
Continued from front page.
Avoid emotional pitfalls when purchasing a home by doing a little homework.
– How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? – How many cars must fit into the garage? – Do you need storage space for a motor home or boat? • Location – If it comes down to a home in a great neighborhood that has some-
thing lacking or the home with everything in a less-desirable area, it’s smart to choose the better neighborhood. You can fix up your home, but you can’t repair a neighborhood. • A good school district – A home in a good school district improves the quality of your children’s education. And, even if you don’t have kids, a home in a good school district will generally have a higher resale value.
A Home Loan From SFCU Is a Smart Move
Another great way to use your head instead of your heart when buying a home is to enlist the help of Stanford FCU’s home loan experts. We offer a variety of home loan programs with great rates and low fees. Get your home loan preapproved today so you can shop with confidence. Visit us at www.sfcu.org.
Checking at Stanford FCU Is the Right Choice for Ultimate Convenience
Not everyone has the same needs or wants. Stanford FCU understands that. That’s why we offer six different types of checking accounts. From eChecking for total electronic convenience to Premier Checking for top-of-the line convenience, we have a checking account that’s perfect for your lifestyle. Regardless of the account you choose, all of our checking accounts offer: • FREE CUOnline banking • FREE online BillPayer • FREE eStatements • Surcharge FREE ATM withdrawals at 20,000 CO-OP® ATMs nationwide • Free Visa Debit Card • And much more! To see the benefits of each or to signup, go to www.sfcu.org.
Stanford FCU and Palo Alto Schools Team Up to Teach Kids About Money
What do you get when you add the Stanford Savers youth money management program with a room full of first graders? Excitement, enthusiasm and fun! One of the ways we enjoy reaching out to our community is by teaching children how to save, spend and share wisely. And the kids have a blast while learning! jar was awarded the Global Learning Initiative Award at the 2004 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
Brighten Your Child’s Future
Is there a child in your life 12 years of age or younger? One of the best things you can do for his or her future is open a Stanford Savers Account today. Call or visit us online for all the details.
Classes at Barron Elementary School
In May, we started sharing this new program with two first grade classes at Barron Elementary School. The kids and their teachers enjoyed and appreciated the presentations, with lots of busy little fingers participating in activities such as assembling their Moonjar® Money Kits. By developing this program to help children learn good money habits, Moon-
How to Reach Us
Telephone (650) 723-2509 Toll-free (outside 650 area code) (888) 723-SFCU (7328) 24-hour Loans by Phone (888) 725-SFCU (7328) Web site www.sfcu.org E-mail info@sfcu.org For the location of a branch or ATM nearest you, give us a call or check our Web site.
Information in this newsletter is subject to change. Visit our Web site for current rates and information. See SFCU’s Truth-inSavings booklet for important account restrictions and conditions. All loans are subject to credit approval.
Here Are Savings Accounts With Higher Rates Plus Liquidity!
Premier Money Market Account – rates as high as 4.855% APY* – Minimum balance is $25,000 – Make up to three withdrawals per month 7-month Liquid CD – rates as high as 4.855% APY* – Minimum balance is $10,000 – Unlimited withdrawals allowed And at SFCU, your money is always safe and secure—all savings accounts are insured up to $100,000 by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government.
*Annual Percentage Yield. Rates are current as of 05/01/06. Rates are subject to change. Go to www.sfcu.org for current rates and full account disclosures.
We Do Business in Accordance With the Federal Fair Housing Law and the Equal Credit EQUAL HOUSING LENDER Opportunity Act.
Your savings federally insured to $100,000
National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency
Want your money to work harder for you, but you don’t want to sacrifice liquidity? Fear not. It’s SFCU to the rescue with a variety of higher earning accounts that let you get to your funds when you need them. Money Market Account – rates as high as 2.888% APY* – Minimum balance is $2,500 – Make up to three withdrawals per month