Here at Space Coast Credit Union, our primary effort in recent years has been to gain a better understanding of the needs of our members, and to adjust the products and services we offer in order to meet those needs. As a result, SCCU provides a selection of mortgages, home equity loans, auto loans, credit cards, card reward programs, deposit products and investment services that can truly meet any financial need you may have.

Based on the conversations we are currently having with members who have turned to us for help with home loans from other lenders, it seems that many of our members are not aware of the full range of services available. Our members who are seeking our assistance with problematic home loans have made comments to the effect of, "I wish I had come to you first," or "I didn’t realize that you offered that kind of mortgage – I thought you just had the basics."

In this issue, I would like to share a few examples of how we can meet your financial needs, and also encourage you to call SCCU first whenever you need a loan, deposit product, or investment advice. Most services are available 24 hours a day, so checking with your credit union first is quick and easy – and could save you a great deal of money and heartache down the road!

Free Financial Checkup: If you find yourself challenged by our changing economy, or are dealing with mortgage payments that have increased or will increase soon, SCCU can help. We will gladly look at your overall financial situation and propose actions you can take to reduce your monthly payments. This may include a refinance of an existing mortgage or auto loan, a consolidation of loans into one payment, or other creative approaches that can help you better manage your monthly cash needs. You may take advantage of this free service by calling Express Services, or by contacting any one of our mortgage loan officers. Of course, there is no obligation.

Expanded Fraud Protection in Online Banking: We have added new features to Online Banking to help you know more about the transactions that are occurring on your accounts. You can set up free alerts to look for ATM transactions, a balance above or below a certain level, withdrawals, direct deposits, and more. Our most popular alert is the Daily Balance Alert.

If you are like me, and have more that one person using your account, you will find that these alerts will help both of you keep track of account activity and avoid those "oops I forgot to tell you I wrote a check" conversations.

Free Online Banking: If you are not yet an Online Banking user, you are missing out on a world of convenience and security! If you would like some help getting started, please call the Member Service Center and an Associate will be happy to walk you through setting up your username and password and review the features and functions with you.

Complete Convenience: Enhanced Online Banking, CALL-24 account service by phone, 24-hour loan application, 31 branches and over 70 ATMs are just a few examples of how we have worked to provide you with convenient access to your money. Our Member Service Center is now available 24 hours daily, and many of our calls come in outside the “traditional” business hours. We have added new branches in areas where our members live and work, and provide several ATMs in the workplace. Visit SCCU.com/locations to find a location near you.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and all-important feedback as we have worked to evolve our service delivery to a higher level. Change is never without challenges, but together, we are making SCCU the best financial institution in town.

Timothy M. Antonition
Executive Vice President, Retail Operations

Click here to read the November/December issue of Connections