August 2016

Credit card promotions definitely have their benefits, but remember to check the fine print. Balance transfers at 0% are great, but check to see how long you have to pay it off at that rate (it could be only a few months). Also note that 0% is only on the amount transferred; any new purchases fall under the card’s normal APR. And pay attention: find out which purchases get paid off first if you make a payment—the 0% or the standard APR ones.

 

Whether you call them “camps”, “cottages”, or “lake houses”, vacation homes are often a bigger investment than our primary homes.

If you’re considering a vacation home, go in with both eyes open, and you’ll make a great investment of your money, time, and leisure. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind:

1. Visit first
Before you buy, visit the area a number of times. Reading or hearing about a great vacation spot isn’t enough. Before you commit to a long-term residence, make sure you’ll truly enjoy it.

2. Understand all your expenses
Learn the real price of owning your vacation home. In addition to the cost of the property, make sure you know the taxes, insurance, and other carrying costs. Even when you’re not there, you’ll still have to pay for water, gas, electrical, trash removal, landscaping, and other maintenance. Make sure you can afford the entire cost year round. Another common cost for vacation homes is a management fee. If you don’t plan to be there for a large part of the year, you can find a reliable local property manager to maintain your home.

3. Plan for work
Remember, this is a vacation home, which is still a home. It requires repair and upkeep the same as your primary residence, and you should budget time, effort, and costs during the season (especially at the start!) for maintenance.

4. Consider renting
If you won’t be there for large portions of the year, consider renting your home to other vacationers during those times. With rental managed by a reliable property manager, you can offset your monthly costs, and even pay off your vacation home early! Check out other local rentals, and find a good local agent or rental company, so you can set a reasonable rental price, as well as get an idea of how much of the season your home will be vacant. Also keep in mind that the most popular vacation times are when your rental will be in demand, and that could conflict with your own vacation plans.

5. Remember accessibility
How easy will it be for you to get to your new vacation home? Find a place that is close enough, and easy enough, to access easily year round. You’ll be much more likely to use it.

We can help you with a number of these considerations. Make an appointment to tell us your vacation dream!

First Source, initially founded as Utica Teachers Federal Credit Union in 1938, has deep roots in education, so financial literacy is very important to us. When people learn good financial habits at an early age, they benefit throughout their lifetimes. That is why we’ve offered the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) program for many years. We also now sponsor the Banzai Financial Literacy Program, along with a dedicated Schools Relationship Coordinator, to help students learn to spend and save wisely. The program serves middle and high school students, and a new program for elementary students will be launched later this year.

The curriculum includes lessons in written and interactive online forms, and takes students through real-life adult financial scenarios where they “choose their destination” as they go. From navigating taxes to paying auto insurance, they learn skills they can use in their lives as they become financially more independent.

Track and manage their money, make financial trade-offs, practice discipline, and make sound financial decisions. When we visit the class, we show them how to build and maintain credit, the pitfalls of revolving debt, and offer a real-world perspective that (we hope!) students will carry with them.

The online learning center also offers relationship builders for the students. Once their course is completed, if they open a new First Source youth account, we will deposit $10 in their savings!

Our biggest reward is the thanks we get from teachers and students.

Thank you so much for your sponsorship of the Banzai Financial Literacy Program in local schools! This month I had 115 students in my 7th grade Home and Careers classes complete the Banzai program. I liked how Life Scenarios presented real-world financial situations and budgeting decisions that students will face in the near future.

During the last 2 weeks of school when it’s difficult to keep students’ attention, the Banzai program engaged my students in the online curriculum, and had them asking excellent questions. Many of them were excited to have me fill out their completion certificate to take home to their parents, and one student even brought his into First Source to open an account! Thank you for sponsoring this valuable life skills curriculum for my students. Many Thanks!

– Mrs. Kristy Aldrich, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Holland Patent Middle School

Thank you so much for sponsoring the Clinton Middle School! We sincerely appreciate your generous contribution and love the financial literacy program. We have had many wonderful class discussions based on the scenarios and the content that the Banzai Program has provided our students! Thank you once again!!

– Miquel Grimm

Thank you for providing the materials to use in my business classes this year. It will enhance the interactive process in my classroom. Being able to use real life scenarios to engage the students makes teaching financial concepts simple. Once again thank you.

– Terry Stanimer, Notre Dame High School

“I learned how to space out my money responsibly, and how to be smart with payments/paychecks.”

“I learned that financial goals are hard to achieve if you don’t save properly.”

“I learned how to keep money and use it wisely on things I need. As well as how to say no to something when I don’t have enough money.”

“I learned how to manage my bank account.”

“I realized it’s hard to manage money! It’s not just telling yourself to remember to buy this or that, you actually need different accounts/jars for different things.”

“I learned the consequences of being in debt.”

“I learned that life can take unexpected turns and that sometimes you have to sacrifice luxuries for your bills.”

“I learned to be prepared for accidents and emergencies.”

“To be honest I didn’t know much of anything about checking accounts, credit cards and managing money. Now I feel like at least I know a little more than I did before, which is good to go into the future, knowing something rather than being really confused in a real life scenario.”

If you’re a local educator and want to learn more about the program, please contact Sue Maxam at 315-735-8571 for more information.

Due to positive experiences with my personal banking I chose First Source for some of my Business banking too. They make everything easy. Plus I like the fact that the decision makers are local and understand the needs of local business owners.

As a small business owner, I understand how important it is to keep things here at home in the Mohawk Valley. For every dollar we spend locally it supports our economy, so I wanted to support another local entity as they help the Mohawk Valley grow for our next generation.

Staying active in the community is important to me. I like that First Source supports many great area causes, just like my business does.

We have a business savings and checking account with First Source which helps to keep track of our finances, plus a business line of credit to help with production runs and contracts.

Our experience with First Source has been great. The staff is very friendly and helpful and experienced in their field.

We had chosen First Source for all of our business needs, because I was comfortable with the staff and I have been a personal member for years.

We would recommend First Source to anyone with any banking needs. They just make you feel at home!

When you’re ready to start saving for next year’s big dream vacation, keep your goal in mind to stay disciplined and on track! Whether it’s a trip to the Adirondacks, a cross-country family adventure, or an international escape, make a plan to save, and stick to it.

1. Get Everyone Involved. If you have children and are planning a family trip, let them help earn and save spending money for the vacation. Odd jobs, sales, allowance savings, you name it. They’ll learn about saving for goals, how small amounts can add up over time, and feel a rewarding ownership of the entire experience.

2. Save Before Spending. The easiest way to save is by setting aside a set amount before allocating the rest of your weekly expenses. You can set it up automatically with a regular transfer from your checking to savings account, or depositing a set amount from every paycheck into the vacation fund. It adds up quickly!

3. Have a Plan to Pay for it All. In case your saving plan doesn’t accumulate the entire amount in time, have a plan for paying the rest off after you return from your trip. Set aside so much a week (or month) so you don’t forget about it. Try to pay it off in less than a year.

4. Spread the Cost. If you must put expenses on credit, spread them across multiple credit cards to avoid approaching the credit limit on any one card (which can have a negative effect on your credit). Smaller amounts are also easier to pay off.

5. Plan for the Extras. If you’re planning an all-inclusive vacation, you won’t really need to worry about the “extras”. If not, think about what you would normally spend at home on groceries, recreation and entertainment, and budget for that plus a little more to cover the “extras” on your trip.

Need a little help? Make an appointment to meet with one of our Member Service Representatives to help you with your plan!

In an earlier blog, we offered financial tips for international travel. If your dream is an international trip and you’re still in the planning (and saving) stages, here are a few tips you can get done well ahead of time, and save yourself stress when the time comes.

1. Make sure your passport and visa are current. For travel to most countries, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date. Check the expiration date, and if it expires within 6 months of your planned travel, renew now. Remember, the whole process can take up to six weeks. Once you have your new passport, photocopy the information page and the visa page(s) for your destination(s), and pack them separately from your passport.

2. Plan to drive safely. If you plan to drive in another country, see if you need an International Driver’s License, or if your U.S. license will be enough to get to your planned destinations.

3. Stay healthy. Visit the travel section of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find health information and recommendations for your destination. The website also lists helpful tips, and recommended items to pack. Bring copies of any prescriptions, pack them separately from your medicine, and note the generic names. Always pack your medicine in prescription bottles, in your carry-on.

4. Consider travel insurance. Your health insurance may not cover you while you’re traveling internationally. If your trip expenses will be high, consider trip interruption and cancellation insurance as well.

5. Register your trip (free!). If you’re traveling outside industrial countries or to remote areas, you can register online with the U.S. State Department, and include your itinerary. That way, the U.S. government will know about your travel and how to contact you. You can even share your information with others—like family and friends—if they need to contact you. Registration is free.

7. Have fun! You’ve planned well. Now relax and enjoy your adventure of a lifetime!

A cruise vacation lets you visit different destinations every day, without the daily packing, moving accommodations, and finding meals and entertainment. Follow these tips when selecting a cruise:

1. Choose the right cruise line. The cruise line you choose should match your personal style. Do you prefer something more refined and peaceful, or do you want parties late into the night? Find one that’s right for you and the experience you want.

2. Check the destination(s). Most cruise lines serve several destinations, with choices from around the world. Check the details, and make sure your preferred stops are included.

3. Explore the ship (online). Larger ships offer more activities, dining options, and entertainment, as well as a smoother ride in rough waters. Smaller ships can visit small (and more “exotic”) ports and offer more personal service. Find one that meets your needs.

4. Find the right dates. If you’re flexible, you can find better deals. Popular destinations (and cabin selections) may sell out early during peak months, so find a compromise you’re happy with.

5. Speaking of cabin… Your room can make or break your cruise. Do you want the lowest price without worrying about the accommodations, or a top of the line cabin with an big balcony? They’re both popular and usually sell out early. Decide before you shop.

6. Find a good travel agent. If a travel agent is a particular cruise line’s “preferred” agent, they can get you lower rates, better cabin selections, upgrades, and other percs. Find the right travel agent for the cruise you want.

Choose wisely, and your travels will be enjoyable and rewarding. Have you started saving yet for yours? Ask to see if we can help!

We have a great resource in our community, the Stevens-Swan Humane Society (SSHS), helping our pets and animal friends who are often without support. Did you know that, in addition to their most visible service of providing animal control and adoptions, they also provide pet cremation and pet burial services, rabies clinics, spay and neuter clinics, and community education?

We are supporting them in a number of ways, and we need your help! Please join us in one or more of these fun and rewarding activities to support the wonderful people and animals at Stevens-Swan.

Paws for a Cause

We’re offering $1 Paws for a Cause at all our branches. For a dollar, we put your personalized paper paw up on our wall, so you can inspire others with your support.

Supply Donations

In addition to financial donations, Stevens-Swan accepts a number of supplies they need on a regular basis. We have donation boxes available at all our branches for you to donate supplies, including canned cat and dog foods, toys, treats, and more. See their wish list here.

Can and Bottle Drive

We’re assisting with a can and bottle drive at Utica College on September 6th. We’ll join the Utica College Young Scholars in the Utica College parking lot between Boehlert and South Halls from 12noon-6pm. Stop by with your bottles and cans, and let us take them off your hands for a good cause.

Annual Mum Sale

We’ll hold our annual mum sale September 15th, 16th, and 17th at our New Hartford branch, and September 15th and 16th at our Herkimer branch during our normal hours of operation. Stop by to purchase yours for your home, or as gifts. You’ll be spreading joy at home, to friends or loved ones, and to our animal friends as well!

Wiggle Waggle Walkathon

We are a Presenting Sponsor for this year’s 24th Annual Wiggle Waggle Walkathon on Saturday, September 10th from 12-3pm at Kirkland Town Park on Post St. in Clinton. Register at our New Hartford branch on Friday, September 9th (or at Stevens-Swan Humane Society from Noon-5pm on September 8th or 9th), then join us on September 10th with your family dog (or walk one from Stevens-Swan!) for food, music, vendors, and contests.

Thanks for your generosity. It’s all for a great cause!