MSCU’s service philosophy is a lot like a winning game plan: we put forth our best effort on the small things to make managing your money easier. To put it one way, we want you to have more time for watching football! That’s why MSCU offers many time-saving services.

*E-Statements: Never search for a misplaced statement again! E-statements give you secure access to your monthly statements online.

*Direct Deposit: Why stand in line at your MSCU branch when you can hurry to catch your team’s kickoff? Direct deposit automatically places your paycheck or other source of income safely into your MSCU account.

*Home Banking: Need to transfer some funds before going to the game? No problem! Simply access your accounts online using MSCU’s home banking service. It’s fast, safe and saves you a trip to your branch.

The above services are all time-savers. They save you money too! Each of these services are FREE. Ask about how you can score big with MSCU by saving time and money today!

New issues of BRASS magazine are now available in your local Mutual Savings Credit Union Branch. Watch this video to learn more about the subject of the cover story: professional photographer Joey Lawrence. In the video, Joey talks about how he got his start and discusses some of the more interesting projects that he’s worked on.

More details after the jump…

MSCU’s partnership with BRASS gives our members access to articles and videos about different areas of the financial world. This info is free and easy to understand. Be sure to pick up the latest edition of BRASS magazine in your MSCU branch or click here to visit Mutual Savings Credit Union’s BRASS website.

The 42″ TV was the grand prize and was gladly accept by a MSCU member in Selma, Alabama. Here’s a brief conversation with that member, who shared his plans for his new TV:

To see more photos of all the winners, please be sure to visit Mutual Savings Credit Union’s Facebook Fan page by clicking here. While you’re there, be sure to click the “Like” button! Congratulations to all of our winners and stay tuned to MSCU for details on future contests!

More winners will be announced this week. Stay tuned to Mutual Savings Credit Union’s Facebook and Twitter pages to learn who the winners are! Be sure to become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more news and updates from your credit union!

Visit MSCU’s Facebook page regularly for the latest news from your creedit union, view photos from our community events and much more!

Through our partnership with the BALANCE Financial Fitness program, MSCU is proud to give you access to information that is tailored for situations just like the home-buying process. Take advantage of BalanceTrack to test your knowledge of mortgages, how to get a loan, the tax benefits of owning a home and much more. You may even identify some areas of the home-buying process that you were not familiar with before trying BalanceTrack.

Think of BalanceTrack as online education programs that cover a variety of topics like the home buying process. The programs are free and contain five chapters plus a follow-up quiz. To get started with BalanceTrack today, simply click here and chose your topic.

Good luck with your house-hunting and know that MSCU is here to help in any way that we are needed!

There’s lots of fun things to do close to home – you just have to know where to find them. Click here from some great tips on how to find unique opportunities close to your hometown or neighboring city.

And if you think you will still need financial assistance, look to MSCU for help. Mutual Savings has personal loans that can help you enjoy your trip even more. You can begin your loan application online by clicking here.

No matter where you go, be safe and enjoy yourself. You deserve a fun time! When you return, stop by MSCU and tell us all about your trip.

You probably don’t need the receipt for that sandwich you bought a year ago, but there are some items you should keep. Here’s a look at how long to hold on to some of those important docs:

Credit card receipts and statements — 45 days to 7 years
Paycheck stubs — 1 year
Bills — 1 year to permanently
Loan statements — until repaid
Tax returns — 7 years
IRA contributions — permanently
Brokerage statements — until securities are sold
Retirement/savings statements — 1 year to permanently
Mortgage — until repaid
Deeds — permanently
Major purchase receipts — until warranty expires

Would you want the cable guy to see your Social Security number and savings account number lying on your desk? Knowing where and how to store documents could keep you from being a victim of identify theft. Check out these options:

* Personal safes can be purchased from almost any office supply store for $30-$200.
* Safety deposit boxes can be rented from most financial institutionsfor a low monthly fee. They are less convenient to access than a personal safe, so use them for items you won’t need frequently.
* File cabinets, storage boxes, and expandable folders are good places to keep things like bills and statements organized and out of sight.
* “Paperless” is the way to go these days. Many companies and financial institutions allow you to view electronic statements (e-statements) online. For backup, save your statements in your email account and on your hard drive or a removable drive for safekeeping.
Make sure your passwords are protected.

Anything that has your name, address, Social Security number, or any account numbers should be destroyed, rather than just tossed in the garbage. A shredding machine is the easiest way to destroy information–a basic five- or six-sheet shredder can cost between $15 and $40. Crosscut or high-security shredders that slice documents into smaller pieces are more expensive, but may keep you safer from identity thieves. Companies such as Shred-it sponsor free shredding in cities across the country (visit shredit.com/community.asp to find an event near you).

This article was written by Natalie J. Newman for BRASS media. For more information from BRASS, visit MSCU’s website dedicated to useful articles and information by clicking here.

Click Picture to View

5,000 miles
2WD, V8, 4.6L
Leather
Asking price $17,200
Call 205-682-1100 EXT 4

(click picture to view)

57,341 miles
4D Sedan
Leather
Asking price $11,000
Call 205-682-1100 EXT 4

MSCU will be on the scene and we want you to join us! The Peach Jam Jubilee will be held at the corner park in downtown Clanton from 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm. There will lots of food, crafts, artwork and much more. We’ll see you there!

Grand Prize
$10,000

First Prize
$1,500 Travel Certificate

Second Prize
Amazon Kindle ™ DX Wireless Reading Device and a $50 Amazon Gift Card

Third Prize
$100

With MSCU’s online bill pay you can:
• Pay anyone – even the babysitter!
• View and track up to 18 months of payment history.
• Schedule one-time and recurring payments, up to one year in advance.
• Control who, when and how much you pay – unlike auto debit.

Securely receive bill reminders, track recent payments and view bill history all from one convenient screen. Learn more about MSCU’s home banking and online bill pay by clicking here!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes ends 7/31/2010. Open to legal US residents residing in any of the 50 United States or DC, who are 18 years pf age or older and have a unique, personal and valid social security number at the time of entry. Business entities are not eligible to participate. Subject to full official rules available at http://www.pscufs.com/rules. Void in Puerto Rico, US territories and possessions, outside of the US and where restricted or prohibited by law.

MSCU not only offers great products to our members but we also provide useful services to manage your money away from your MSCU branch! Here’s a quick list of the services MSCU offers that makes sure your accounts are the last thing you have to worry about while on vacation.

Home Banking – In today’s world, home banking is a must-have. Transfer money between accounts, check your balances and even pay bills 24-hours a day…even when you’re out of town.

Debit Cards – Don’t let a cluttered purse or stuffed wallet slow you down on vacation. Use a free debit card from MSCU to make purchases and ATM withdrawals. The money is deducted right from your account and, unlike a credit card, debit cards won’t charge you interest. Plus you can use any ATM in the world and have your fees refunded when you provide your receipt to MSCU. If you plan on traveling outside of the United States and will be using your MSCU debit card, be sure to let MSCU know before you go!

Mobile Banking – We rarely go anywhere without our smart phones these days. Now you can take MSCU with you thanks to mobile banking. Mobile banking provides most of the benefits you get from home banking but through your phone.

Be sure to ask MSCU about any of these services before your vacation starts. Happy and safe travels!

By opening a new checking account with direct deposit, you are automatically entered into the drawing. First prize is a new 42″ flatscreen television. 2nd and 3rd place winners will receive a new iPad from Apple. Current MSCU members are eligible for the contest too! Just stop by any of our MSCU branches and fill out an entry form. The winners will be contacted by phone or mail.

Official rules for the contest can be read by clicking here or visiting your nearest MSCU branch. Don’t wait! The contest ends on June 30th! See a Mutual Savings representative for full details.

Through BalanceTrack, MSCU provides our members with access to online education modules that cover a wide range of financial topics. These modules guide users through financial terminology and explanations in a manner that is simple to comprehend. Plus, all modules are available to download as podcasts for on-the-go learning!

Visit BalanceTrack by clicking here and begin learning more about topics such as checking account management, recovering from identity theft and how to use your credit wisely. In a few days, new modules on repaying student loans, smart tax planning and using home equity will be available.

BalanceTrack is another example of MSCU’s commitment to our members. We’re not just about being our best, we aim to make our members the best they can be too!

College can be full of exciting and challenging times. Being a young adult you have many choices in front of you that you must decide upon alone for the first time. Making the right decision now can certainly have a big impact on your life for years to come. As you go and grow into a young professional here are some financial tips that are sure to help you start with a good foundation.

Manage your money conservatively – Use your credit union or a credit union, they usually provide more budget friendly products and services. Even if you are moving away from home to go to school, with the 24/7 online services it is easy to use and access your account. Use your debit card and checkbook wisely to avoid overdraft or NSF fees. AT MSCU we refund foreign ATM fees with proof of receipt to make it economical for members who may not live close to a branch. We also are part of a CU service center network. You can go into any credit union that participates and perform your transactions just like you would if you were home and in a local branch.

Don’t use a credit card – unless you absolutely need to. Watch out for those free give-aways because they may end up costing you more than you had planned.

Avoid non-academic debt – school loans may be necessary but avoid buying all the toys and gadgets. Be aware of loading up any unnecessary debt. College is taking longer to complete and if you go through the amount approved, you may run out before you graduate.

Pay your bills on time – that responsibility mentioned earlier now comes into play. Paying your bills on time is important to making sure you can rent apartments, buy cars and get future credit when you have graduated and working.

Whatever your budget, it’s good to start off on the right foot. For more information we partner with two companies that might help you as you as start out is Balance Financial Fitness as well as Brass CU – Young Today, Rich Tomorrow for resources and information.

Have fun! Enjoy your college career! Mutual Savings Credit Union hopes to be a partner with you in your financial future.

1. Set your savings goal
Depending on your goal, you need to figure out how much it really costs. If it’s an item like a TV, you may have to figure in delivery, special cables or wall mounting and any supplies associated with the new TV. If it’s a vacation you’ll have to budget for gas, hotel and/or airfare, food and miscellaneous expenses. To save, you have to know the number you are saving for and working to achieve.

2. Set a Date
Establish a timeframe in which you want to make the purchase. Some items like larger vacations might take more time. You can set up a separate savings account like a vacation club account or keep a spreadsheet that tracks which portion of your general savings account is set aside for your specific item. Once you set a goal date to purchase your item, you’ll know how much you need to put aside each month.

3. Keep a record of your expenses
Some people prefer to pay cash – it may just work for them. However, sometimes people can’t remember where their money went when they use cash. Many people find great benefit in using their debit cards. It allows them to keep a record of all of their expenses – no more vanishing money. Your monthly statement will show you exactly where you money goes. Some people even download their e-statements into a spreadsheet for additional tracking methods.

4. Make a budget and stick to it
You know how much your basic expenses are each month. You may need to trim your expense for a while to save for a special item. But since it’s short-term, it probably won’t be that hard to give up. Sticking to your budget may require an adjustment period but will be worth the effort.

5. Pay yourself first
If you tell yourself that you’ll save whatever is left over at the end of the pay period, you may often experience that there’s very little left over. Pay yourself first. It’s a great habit to start and continue even after your special item or vacation has been paid for.

As we continue and hope for good news about the economy, it’s always a good practice to start budgeting and savings habits. We offer several services at no-cost for our members. Check out our Balance Financial Fitness – it offers many programs all at no cost to our member-owners.

Starting now, MSCU will work to help you realize your dreams. Our loan services were designed with our members in mind so if you have a dream, we can help! For a limited time, MSCU is also offering a great deal on our auto loans to help you drive in style. Our rates are going as low as 5.25% APR for up to 48 months.

Ask how MSCU can help make your dreams come true during your next visit! Or you can apply for a loan online by CLICKING HERE. What is your dream? We want to know!

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are based upon applicants past credit performance and length of repayment terms which may cause your rate to differ. Normal credit qualifications apply. Open a savings account with $25 or more to activate membership. Other restrictions apply.

Here are the modules offered to you – completely free:

• Money Management
• Credit Matters
• Checking Account Management
• Drive Away Happy
• The World of Credit Reports
• The Road to Homeownership
• High Cost Financial Services
• Identity Theft
• The Basics of Investing
• Teens and Money
• Financial Planning
• Finances for College Students

Visit the BALANCE website from Mutual Savings today to get starting on these free educational opportunities!