What's green, great exercise and can save you money?

Your home's garden.

Muncie, and most of Indiana, is in Zone 5 on the USDA Plant Hardiness Map. This tells us which plants will survive Muncie weather. Most plants need to be planted in the ground after the last frost, which is usually the last week in April for Delaware County. So that means it’s time to start planting! Here are a couple of tips for your bountiful gardent:

•  The water you use to cook pasta or boil vegetables is full of left over vitamins and nutrients. Instead of throwing it away, let it cool to room temperature and then use it to water you plants. You'll be left with a happier, greener garden.
•  It may seem like an odd pairing, but sunflowers make great growing companions when it comes to planting sweeter cucumbers. Not only do both plants require similar soil conditions, the tall stalks of the sunflowers give cucumber plants something supportive to climb.
•  Rich in calcium carbonate, dried egg shells work as a great natural fertilizer. Try crushing them up in a blender before throwing them in your garden to enrich the soil.
•  Chamomile tea is great for keeping your plants healthy. Use it when watering to ward off bacterial and fungal infections and to prevent young seedlings from damping off. Just make sure the tea is completely cooled off first before you use it.
•  Keep your shorter plants on the south side of your vegetable garden and tall plants toward the north. This will prevent taller plants from casting unwanted shadows over smaller crops, shading them from the sun.

 

Student debt continues to rise at an alarming rate.  Over 37 million Americans currently owe on student debt, and 34% of those individuals are over age 40.  Student debt has exceeded credit card and auto loan debt and a third of students are leaving school with 20-year payment plans.

PTF can connect you with Accel's financial counselors.
They can help you assess your income and expenses, find places to save, and plan a lifestyle that you can afford. If you have student loan debt Accel can help you explore repayment options and see if you qualify for any federal repayment programs. They will help you understand the pros and cons of each available option so that you are making an informed decision.  Connect to Accel at 877-332-2235 today! It’s free to PrimeTrust members!!!

PrimeTrust Financial introduces Mobile Banking Apps for iPhone®, Android™, or Blackberry® to make it easy to bank at your convenience.

Mobile Banking Requirements
• Must have PTF Online Banking. Username and password will mirror your online account.
• Must have a valid e-mail address attached to your PTF account through Online Banking.
• Must be able to retrieve one-time PIN within 24 hours.

Find branches/ATMs, check balances, transfer funds right from your smartphone and tablet, all for free.*

Instructions for Droid and iPhone Users:

1. Go to your Play Store or App Store
2. Search for "PrimeTrust Financial"
3. Follow directions given

 

Mobile Banking Security
We take your privacy and security very seriously. All PTF services use the highest security standards.
   
Why PTF apps are secure:
• We don’t store your password.
• 128-bit encryption masks your sensitive information.
• Close your browser or the app, your session ends.

 

*PrimeTrust does not charge a fee for Mobile Banking. Your wireless carrier may charge you for data usage and text message services. Check with your wireless carrier for details regarding your specific wireless plan and any data usage or text messaging charges that may apply.

The following steps are here to helping you select, price, locate and test-drive the vehicle that is best for you.

Step 1: What kind of car do you need?

If you examine your needs rather than wants, you will quickly discover what the right car is for you. Take a moment to think about what you use your car for. How many people do you need to transport? What type of driving do you do most often? How long is your commute? Is it important that your next vehicle get good gas mileage?

Too often, people choose a car because it looks good or it’s trendy. If you do, you might either exceed your budget or have to go car shopping again soon. Let your needs, not your wants, drive your decision. Here are a few other questions to keep in mind when you begin your car-buying process:

Do you want a manual or automatic transmission?
Do you really need four-wheel drive? Or all-wheel drive?
What safety features do you want?
Do you require a lot of cargo capacity?
Will you be doing any towing?
Do you have a bad back and need flexible seating positions?
Will the car easily fit in your garage or parking space?

Step 2: How much can you afford?

Regardless of whether you decide to buy or lease your next car, establishing a realistic monthly payment that fits into your budget is crucial. How much should this be? A rule of thumb is your total monthly car payments shouldn't exceed 20 percent of your monthly take-home pay.

Check the primetrustcu.com link Auto Calculators to help you estimate what your monthly payment will be based on purchase price, down payment, interest rate (PrimeTrust’s rates are as low as 2.75% APR for up to 60 months on new or used autos) and length of loan. Run the numbers now and print out the results. It will not only show you what you can afford, it will also help you control the numbers when you negotiate with a car salesman.

Step 3: Should you lease or buy your next car?

A lease requires little or no money up front and offers lower monthly payments. But when the lease ends, you are left without a car and will need to replace it. Buying a car is more expensive initially and the monthly payments may higher. But at the end of the loan, you will own a car you can still drive or sell.

Advantages of Leasing
You can drive a more expensive car for less money.
You can drive a new car every few years.
There are no trade-in hassles at the end of the lease.

Advantages of Buying
When interest rates are low, it makes more financial sense to own a car rather than lease it.
There are no unexpected mileage penalties for increased driving.
There's more flexibility — you can sell the car whenever you want.

Step 4: Have you considered all of the costs of ownership?

Here is an often-overlooked fact of car ownership: One car might be cheaper to buy, but more expensive to own. Why? Even if two cars cost about the same to buy, one can depreciate at a different rate or cost significantly more to insure or maintain.

Before you commit to one car, you should estimate the long-term ownership costs of the vehicle you are considering. These include depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs. True Cost to Own ^® presents this information in an easy-to-read table.

Step 5: Research options.

In the past, car buyers have been trained to visit local dealerships to find the car they want. In the Internet age, this is a waste of time and money. You can quickly cover more ground by shopping online. Car dealers are waking up to this new breed of shopper and have created Internet departments within their dealerships to serve the educated buyer. The only things you have to do in person are test-drive the car and sign the contract. And in some cases, you can even have the car delivered to you by the salesperson.

Adapted from http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-finding-the-right-car-for-you-pg11.html

Check out our low auto rates today! Rates as low as 2.75% APR* for up to 60 months for new or used cars (2001 to 2013). Your new auto loan may qualify your for our next Patronage Dividend. Apply online or at any of our three branches.

• Quick and easy loan process - apply online or at any branch
• Buy a new/used auto or refinance from another lender
• No payment for up to 45 days

*For a $10,000 2012 to 2013 car loan for a term of 60 months with a 2.750% APR, the monthly payment will be $178.57. Normal membership and lending qualifications apply. Rates based on credit score and subject to change.

Recently, PrimeTrust Financial Federal Credit Union returned over $100,000 to members as part of the initial PTF Patronage Dividend payout.This dividend rewarded members for using the Credit Union’s services in five different categories.Rewards for the various categories ranged from $10 to $50, and any account that qualified for all 5 possible relationships earned a total payout of $150!

Paying a special dividend like the Patronage Dividend sets PTF FCU apart from other financial institutions. Credit Unions are financial co-operatives, and the concept of “return to the member” is a basic principle. As in any co-operative, the more business a member does with the organization, the greater their potential return.

It pays to do business with your Credit Union. For those of you who received checks this year, see how you could earn additional checks next year. And if you didn’t get a check, think about doing more business with the institution that rewards you for your business.

Q. What is a payment card surcharge?

A payment card surcharge, also known as a checkout fee, is an additional fee that a merchant adds to a consumer's bill when he or she uses a card for payment.

 

Q. Can merchants add a surcharge to card transactions?

As a result of a legal settlement to resolve claims brought by a group of U.S. merchants, merchants in the U.S. and U.S. territories may add a surcharge to certain credit card transactions, starting January 27, 2013.

U.S. merchants that surcharge are required, among other things, to:

 Limit surcharging to credit cards only (no surcharging debit and prepaid cards) and limit the amount of the surcharge to the applicable merchant discount rate for the credit card transaction surcharged.

 Disclose the actual dollar amount of the surcharge on every receipt and disclose the fact that the merchant assesses a surcharge at the point of store entry and at the point of sale.

Merchants should also consider whether they comply with all applicable state or federal laws. Currently, 10 U.S. states have surcharging restrictions including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas.

 

Q. How do consumers spot checkout fees?

Consumers should look for signs or postings at the store entry point and the point of sale warning them of the merchant’s fee. Consumers should also carefully review their receipts, where merchants are required to disclose the actual dollar amount of the surcharge.

 

Q. How do consumers report merchants that are charging excessive checkout fees or checkout fees on debit and prepaid card transactions?

To report merchants charging excessive payment card surcharges, or surcharging debit and prepaid card transactions, consumers may visit www.visa.com/checkoutfees and fill out the Report a Merchant Violation form. Alleged surcharging violations will be investigated.

Currently, 10 U.S. states have surcharging restrictions including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. Consumers who are subjected to checkout fees in states where those fees are prohibited by law may want to discuss this with the retailer or report the retailer to their state attorney general's office.

 

Q. Can cardholders be surcharged on both credit and debit card transactions?

No. Surcharging may only be applied to credit card transactions, and only under certain conditions. U.S. merchants cannot surcharge debit or prepaid card transactions.

 

Q. Can cardholders be surcharged if they press the “credit button” while using a debit or prepaid card?

No. Regardless of how your debit or prepaid card is processed at the point of sale, surcharging is not permitted on debit or prepaid cards.

Maybe shopping at a brick-and-mortar store just isn’t your thing. Maybe you prefer online shopping and ‘tis the season for online shopping! The most important thing you can do is to be sure you're dealing with a reputable site. Even if it looks like a merchant you know, make sure look at the site's web address (URL). If it's Walmart, for example, make sure it's really Walmart.com and not something like Walmart.somethingelse.com.

Be careful about clicking on links that come by email. Phishing attacks that take you to fake look-alike sites are getting increasingly sophisticated. Try to avoid clicking on links in an e-mail and just type in the site's URL. Also be careful about misspellings. It's not uncommon for scammers to register a site with a slight variation of a legitimate site's name.

You should always use a payment method that gives you some recourse, like your PrimeTrust Financial Visa Credit Card. If you have a complaint, you can ask the credit card company to investigate and they will remove the charge until they determines if it's fraudulent. PayPal also offers some protections against fraud.

You might want to avoid shopping or banking from public Wi-Fi networks, especially ones that aren't secured with a password. Even if it is password protected, there is the chance that someone could figure out what you're doing on the public network.

Finally, make sure your device is secure, that includes your smartphone. Many of us are using security or "anti-virus" software on our PCs but most people don't pay much attention to smartphone security.

As smartphone shopping and banking increases, cybercriminals are turning their attention to mobile. Be very careful about the apps you download -- some have been known to contain malware that can steal your information. Only download from trusted sources like the Apple App store or Google Play and read the reviews in those stores if you're not familiar with the app. The major security software companies like Norton, Trend Micro and McAfee offer mobile software, as does Lookout.com, which has both a free and premium app to protect iPhone and Android phones.

So go be merry, and shop safely this holiday season!

PrimeTrust Financial Federal Credit Union plans to reward members who have certain relationships with us. It’s called PTF’s Patronage Dividend, and it’s because we appreciate your business! 

PTF’s Patronage Dividend pays cash to members who have certain relationships or maintain certain balances with the Credit Union. There are several qualifying relationships, and each could qualify you for a patronage dividend!

The details of the PTF Patronage Dividend will be announced at the end of the year. We can tell you that checks will be sent to members in January, and that members may qualify for more than one payout. Check back with us for details…

PrimeTrust Financial qualifies to insure regular member savings accounts up to $500,000—the highest combination of federal/private savings insurance available to consumers.

This coverage is a combination of $250,000 per member provided by the National Credit Union Administration, an agency of the federal government, and $250,000 per member provided by the Excess Share Insurance Corporation (ESI), a licensed property and casualty insurer.  Joint, retirement and certain other account relationships are insured separately and are subject to other federal guidelines, and also qualify for this supplemental coverage.

ESI accepts only credit unions meeting strict underwriting criteria, and therefore insures many of the nation’s most respected credit unions.  “PrimeTrust Financial’s acceptance into the program reflects the credit union’s commitment to safety and security,” said Jeff Sikora, president and CEO of PrimeTrust Financial.

“This increased level of deposit insurance is just another example of how PrimeTrust Financial is determined to provide our members with the highest quality of financial services available,” said Sikora.

Click here for more information about Excess Share Insurance.

Enjoy a cup of hot soup at local venues October 4 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the first Thursday gallery walk which celebrates local arts and culture in Muncie's historic downtown district. All the downtown art galleries simultaneously launch their monthly exhibits with extended hours on the first Thursday evenings of every month. Stroll the streets, meet the artists, enjoy live music and use this purchased card to sample the fine soups from each of the shops below. All the money collected will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank.

Tickets are $15.00 each.

You may purchase tickets at all three PrimeTrust branches and at all participating Soup Crawl establishments.

These establishments will be participating in this year's Soup Crawl and the soup they are scheduled to serve are:
Casa Del Sol - Frijoles Rancheros
Doc’s Music Hall - unknown
Fickle Peach - Bison Chili
Heorot Pub and Draught House - Potato Soup
Ivy Tech Culinary Art Students - Yellow Tomato Soup or Roasted Corn Chowder
Muncie Ballet - Chilled Melon Soup
Muncie Civic Theatre - Animal Cracker Soup
The Downtown Farm Stand - Vegetable Lentil Soup
The Silo - unknown
Tuppee Tong Thai Restaurant - Curry Soup or Tomkha Soup
Two Johnny’s - Tomato Basil Soup
Vera Mae’s Bistro - Potato Drop Dumpling Soup

Soups selection subject to change.

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With shared branching, credit unions from all over the country share facilities to give members thousands of convenient locations to perform transactions just as if they were in their home credit union. Whether you are at work, home, or your favorite travel destination, PrimeTrust Financial is always nearby.

Anywhere you see the swirl you can conduct a range of transactions, such as:

• Deposits
• Withdrawals
• Loan Payments
• Make transfers between accounts
• Purchase money orders, travelers checks and official checks*
• And more!

To take advantage of this service, when you enter a shared branch you only need to bring:

• PrimeTrust Financial’s name
• Your account number
• Valid government-issued photo identification, i.e., State Driver’s license, US Passport

To learn more about Shared Branching or to find a branch location, click here.

*May not be available at all outlets and locations.

According to LifeHacker, September is the best time to buy a new car. They say, “New cars usually come out at the end of the summer, so lots will be clearing out their 2012 models around this time. It should be easier to haggle down the price, too. Buy at the end of the month for extra savings.” So, get pre-approved by coming into any branch or online, and start looking for your new car today!

Want some more insight to car buying? Check out this article by Mark Di Vincenzo:

When my book Buy Ketchup In May And Fly At Noon: A Guide To The Best Time To Time Buy This, Do That And Go There was released in late 2009, interviewers from Australia to Italy came calling, and it became very clear very quickly that there was one thing that everyone wanted to know: When's the best time to buy a car?

Makes sense, doesn't it? Cars are the largest (or second largest) purchase that most of us will make, and we want to know how to buy them. How to buy them includes when we buy them because knowing the best time to buy can save us hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

I'm a journalist and have never worked in the car industry, but I've interviewed dozens of people who have. Here's what they had to say:

1. Best day of the week to buy a new car?

Tuesday or Wednesday. Fewer people shop for new cars on those days, and that's a good thing for buyers for two reasons: 1) Fewer shoppers increases the likelihood that dealers will lower prices to sell cars on those days; and 2) Shopping on those days means you'll get more attention from sales people, especially right after the dealership opens or in the early afternoon.

Extra tip: If you think you may be spending a long time at a dealership, make sure you're well rested and well fed so nothing will distract you and you'll be less likely to rush the negotiations.

2. Best time of the month to buy a car?

At the end. What you've heard is true: Dealerships and sales people are more eager to sell cars at the end of each month to make their sales quotas.

3. Best time of the year to buy a car?

The fall. New cars often begin arriving at dealerships in September, and that's also when dealers begin discounting current-year models to make room for next-year's models. Expect to save 10% to 20% on current-year models in September. That may be the best month to buy if you're worried someone else will snap up the car you want. But the longer you're willing to wait, the better deal you'll get because dealers become very anxious to clear their lots of older models as the months wear on.

So in December, you may get a great deal on a car, but that car may not come in the color you want or have all the bells and whistles you want. (Many of the bright purple, green and orange cars you see on the road were bought in December.)

Read more: http://www.creditsesame.com/blog/the-best-time-to-buy-a-new-car-timing-is-everything/#ixzz2584yaFsf

 

ACH Origination is an exciting service offered by PrimeTrust Financial that allows any credit union member to originate electronic transactions. Organizations, such as the credit union, that originate these transactions are called Originators. Transactions can be either debits or credits. Credit transactions are usually for direct deposit of payroll, or electronically crediting a deposit account for the net payroll amount. We must have a routing number and an account number to be able to originate. We are not able to originate utility payments, insurance premiums, member dues, etc…

A member may give authorization to have their loan payment debited directly from their checking or savings account. One-time payments take one to two business days for the receiver to receive. Recurring payments take 10 days to setup because a pre-note must be sent to the receiver, but once the transactions are setup, the payment is automatic.

Direct payments means no writing checks to pay loan payments no stamps to buy for mailing payments. Payments are never late, because the timing of direct payments is set up in advance. On-time payments help create and maintain a good credit history. Only transactions a member authorizes in writing can be debited from their account.

For more information, please contact our Electronic Services department at 765-289-2148 and they will be happy to assist you.

Shopping at the farmers market means all of your money goes to the farmer, and none to the middlemen and advertisers, which often means cheaper prices for you. Here are some tips for making your dollar go even farther at the farmers market.

Shop when the prices are lowest. If you want the best selection, go to the farmers market in the morning. But if you want the best prices, go shortly before the close of the market, when farmers are often willing to haggle, especially if you buy a large amount. Always go when it rains. When the weather is bad and turnout is poor, farmers are often willing to make deals.

Find out when specific fruits and vegetables are cheapest. Ask the farmers, when will this be the cheapest? It might be a specific week or month when it is peak season or it might depend on the weather – unfortunately it’s been a bad season in Indiana this summer. You could also ask the farmer what is the cheapest price a product is sold for and then watch for that price.

Buy in bulk and preserve. Most farmers will give you a discount for buying in bulk. Buy in bulk at peak season, on a rainy day, or when the farmers market is about to close and you will save even more. But then you have to be able to use or store all that produce. The easiest way to preserve produce is to freeze it, can it or dehydrate it. Minnetrista offers canning classes, and demonstrations during the Farmers Market. Pick up a Ball Blue Book of Preserving Canning Guide. It tells you all about freezing, canning and dehydrating; you may even learn a little about how Muncie began (that’s not in the book, but you can look it up).

Ask the farmers questions about the produce. What tastes the best? When was this picked? How long will this last and what is the best way to store it? Buying the freshest and tastiest produce will give you the biggest bang for your buck and minimize your food waste. And most farmers love to talk about their produce. You can take a genuine interest in their products and made even get a better deal!

Prioritize what you buy organic. If you can't buy everything organic, prioritize shopping organic for the “Dirty Dozen,” a list of the 12 fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide load. The Dirty Dozen is published annually by the Environmental Working Group based on data collected by the USDA. Although the list changes a little each year, the Dirty Dozen are generally those fruits and vegetables with thin skins that you can eat (apples, peaches, celery, etc.).

Look for non-certified organic farmers who don’t use pesticides and fertilizers. Some small family farms don’t use these chemicals but can’t afford or haven’t yet achieved organic certification. Buying from these farms will give you the benefit of organic farming for a lower price.

Pay with food stamps/ EBT (electronic benefits transfer), WIC, and Senior Vouchers. In general, you will pay cash at your farmers market. Many markets are also now accepting forms of government assistance, such as WIC checks or food stamps. Minnetrista does not accept food stamps at this time; however several vendors do accept WIC and senior vouchers.

Stop by the PrimeTrust Financial Booth in August. Everyone who stops by our booth on Saturdays, 8 a.m. to noon, in August get a free spin of the wheel for prizes which include Market Bucks. These Market Bucks can be spent at participating vendors just like cash! Other prizes may include mesh bags to carry your produce, coffee mugs, ink pens, mouse pads, and flying disks. Every child who stops by will get a free gift! Hurry, while supplies last.

Direct Deposit is a great way to move money electronically. You don't have to mail or sign any checks over to the credit union, and your money tends to move more quickly when you use direct deposit.

The Treasury Department is phasing out paper check payments by March 1, 2013 and requiring federal benefit recipients to get their money electronically. You can choose to get your payments by direct deposit to your credit union account or to a Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card account. Also, if you apply for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits on or after May 1, 2011, you must receive your payments electronically.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that may help you:

What is direct deposit?
Direct deposit automatically places your paycheck, pension, Social Security, or other regular monthly income into your checking, savings account, or Money Market account. It's convenient, secure, and saves trips to your credit union. Sign up for direct deposit today!

How much does direct deposit cost?
There is no charge for direct deposit.

How can I get direct deposit?
Sign up for direct deposit today!

Where is the routing number on my check?
If you are reordering checks, setting up direct deposit or automatic payment, or preparing a wire transfer, you will likely be asked to provide a routing number to your financial institution. Routing numbers expedite the processing of debits and credits between financial institutions.

The sample check graphic below shows where the routing number can be found on your check.

The first Relay for Life was actually the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer and was founded by Dr. Gordy Klatt, a Tacoma colorectal surgeon. He wanted to personally raise money for his local chapter of the American Cancer Society by doing something he loved – running marathons.

In May 1985, Dr. Klatt spent a grueling 24 hours circling the track at Baker Stadium at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma for more than 83 miles. Throughout the night, friends paid $25 to run or walk 30 minutes with him. He raised $27,000 to fight cancer. That first year, nearly 300 of Dr. Klatt's friends, family, and patients watched as he ran and walked the course.

While running the track, he thought of how others could help in the fight and months later put together the first committee to plan the City of Destiny Classic 24-Hour Run Against Cancer.

In 1986, 19 teams took part in the Relay; now over 5,200 events with thousands of teams raise more than $4.5 billion in the fight against cancer. And for the past 12 years, PrimeTrust Financial/WGE Federal Credit Union has been a part of that fight!

The Credit Union raises money with Casual for a Cause/Jean Day for employees, Dogs for a Cause hotdog sales, Annual Car Show, jewelry sales in the branches, bake sales, and other various events raising the contribution amount each year.

We hope you can join us this year on June 22 at the Delaware County Fairgrounds as we fight back against cancer. We even invite you to join our team!

A not-so-gentle reminder: Father's Day is June 17 – THIS Sunday! So you still don’t have much time to come up with a great gift for Dad. But what do dads really want?

1. Tablet or smart phone. Slightly more than half of the men polled said they wanted one of these pricey tech gadgets. New smart phones cost about $200 and have monthly service plans that cost $100 to $200. Tablets start at about $200 for the Kindle Fire and can go as high as $800 for an iPad. It might seem like a lot to shell out for a gift, but smart phones (and even tablets) can pay for themselves.

2. Home-cooked meal. This gift is much easier on the budget than a tablet or smart phone.

3. Tickets to a sporting event. Here's another potential budget buster, depending on the sport and league Dad wants to watch. Tickets to minor-league sporting events can be incredibly affordable, but tickets to a major-league game can cost big bucks. Consider taking Dad to the Indianapolis Indians. Tickets start at just $10!

4. Power tools. Unfortunately, the best time to find deals on tools is in July. But if your dad (or husband) really wants some new tools, Lowes.com has a list on its homepage of gifts in various price ranges -- so you can find something that fits your budget. Or just get Dad a gift card from his favorite home-improvement store and let him pick out the tools he wants.

PrimeTrust Financial is pleased to welcome Lorraine Tomlin as our new Director of Commercial Relationships in the Business Service Group.

Lorraine is a Ball State graduate and for the past 14 years has been with Old National Bank. She has held various positions over the 14 years working in the Retail Division as well as the Trust Division. For the past 4 years, Lorraine has held the position of VP of Commercial Relationships.

Take care of the cable and electric bill, set up an automatic schedule for your mortgage payments, you can even send a check to the babysitter. Online Bill Pay at PrimeTrust Financial is FREE. It's quick, it's easy, and it's completely secure. You may even enjoy paying your bills!

Online Bill Pay has exciting features that we believe you will find very beneficial. Many of the suggestions and comments from our Internet Branch users have been incorporated.

• Easy navigation through all of Online Bill Pay.
• Ability to change your password at will.
• View and print your monthly or quarterly account statement  
• View and print your quarterly newsletter
• Easy access to your PrimeTrust Financial Visa Credit Card information
• View and print your share draft images 
• Select your default number of days to view history (5, 10, 15, 30, 45, or 60). Your account will always display this amount of history if history available, but you can easily access more from within the History section.
• Select your Start page - Every time you login to Internet Brach, you will start on the selected page
• Option to schedule transfers for a future date or on a recurring basis, such as weekly or monthly (10 frequencies to choose from)
• Ability to select "No End Date" or limit the number of occurrences for recurring scheduled transfers
• Instant access to as much as 60 days of account history. History begins accumulating on 05/29/07.
• Ability to select "No End Date" or limit the number of occurrences for recurring Bill Payments.
• Easy access to online bill pay service  

Join us for the 4^th Annual PrimeTrust Financial Relay for Life Car Show on Saturday, June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bethel Branch parking lot, 3700 West Bethel, Muncie. All proceeds from the event will benefit Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

At this year’s event will be music by Dennis Griffey; elephants ears and funnel cakes by A-1 for Fun; archery tag by Triple S Outdoor; inflatables, clowns and face painting for the kids; Ritter’s Frozen Custard; and Bar-B-Q by Howard Miller.

The first 50 entries will receive a goodie bag with dash plaque. Trophies will be given to the Top 20.

Sponsors include:
Rick's Service Center
Kim's Kuts
Ruttan Allstate Agency
Cooper Tire & Auto Service
Country Shack
T & T Tool & Stamping
AccuTech Systems
Praxis Consulting
Jeffrey E Carter Jewelers
Taylor Sales
Show-Me's
Wright Way Collision Repair
Mursix Tool
Ritter's Frozen Custard
Muncie Tool & Manufacturing
Hiatt Printing
Associates in Behavioral Counseling in memory of Cathy "Bear" Croyle
Total Performance Cleaning
Triple S Outdoor
Tim Clevenger Heating & Cooling

 In a 2011 survey, we found out what moms really want for Mother’s Day. Thirty-two percent said they would like a nice meal out, while 30% said they would like to spend time with their family at home. Homemade gifts are still appreciated with 17% saying this was the most desirable gift.

 

So what is the least desired gift for moms? Flowers! Twenty-two percent ranked flowers as their least desired gift to receive.

Moms over age 55 ranked gift cards as their favorite item to get (38 percent), followed by a new computer at 25%.

Moms also ranked a day at the spa with 23% and gift cards at 20%.

Get a gift card for mom from PrimeTrust Financial and know it’s something she will love! She can spend it anywhere Visa® is accepted – which is EVERY where! Quit worrying, no more sleepless nights wondering what to get the perfect mom---a Visa® gift card is the answer.

And don’t forget the other special women in your life because Mother's Day is a celebration honoring mothers and celebrating motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society.

What is an eStatement?

An eStatement is your account statement that is delivered to you electronically.

Is there a charge for eStatements?
No—eStatements are free!

Are eStatements safe?
All security precautions have been taken to ensure the confidentiality of your electronic statement. Logging into Online Banking ensures your eStatement is safe as you are accessing your statement through a secure site. PrimeTrust

Financial Federal Credit Union uses a high level of available technology in security, firewalls, and encryption.

How do eStatements work?
To access your eStatements, you will need to be an Online Banking user. You will be notified each month or quarter through the e-mail address you provide to the credit union that your eStatement is ready. A link to Online Banking will be provided in the e-mail notification. After logging into Online Banking, you will see the eStatements option. You will be able to view your statement right from your computer, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week via the Internet.

How do I enroll in eStatements?
After you have logged into Online Banking, select the link to enroll in eStatements. Simply enter the requested info and provide your current e-mail address. That’s all there is to it!

Will I continue to receive my paper statement in the mail?
No, your paper statements will stop once you sign up for eStatements. If you sign up for eStatements by the last business day of the month, your next statement will come electronically. You will also receive electronic copies of this newsletter.

How and when will I receive my eStatement?
Each month, you will receive an e-mail notification that your eStatement is available. You will be provided a link to access your eStatement. Historically, you have waited for your paper statement to be mailed and delivered. With eStatements, you avoid the traditional mail delivery, so you will receive your statement sooner.

Will my eStatements look the same as my paper statement?
Your electronic statement will look very similar to the current paper statement. It will have the same layout and graphics.

How much history is available for eStatements?
eStatements will be archived for up to 36 months. If you just joined the credit union, your eStatements archive will begin with the month you signed up for eStatements. If you need a copy that is older than 36 months, please contact the credit union.

How do I cancel my eStatements?
You may cancel your eStatements at any time by accessing the options through the eStatements menu online. It may take up to 45 days from when you receive confirmation that your eStatements have been cancelled for you to receive your next monthly mailed statement, with all subsequent printed and mailed statements arriving monthly or quarterly.

Spend Saturday evening, April 28 with the staff and board from PrimeTrust Financial as we celebrate “A New Day” at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie.

Tickets are available at each branch. Tickets are $7.00 for members and $14.00 for non-members.

Ivan Pecel is this year’s entertainment. When Ivan Pecel does a show, you get high energy and intense comedy. Ivan blends world class juggling, audience participation, and clean humor into a show that is sure to please all audiences.

Have you ever seen a man juggle ping pong balls using only his mouth? Ivan does that… Have you ever seen a man balance a flaming torch on his forehead, drop it back behind himself and blindly kick it back up over his head? Of course you haven’t… don’t be ridiculous… Ivan does that… EVERY TIME!!! Ivan’s show is overflowing with his original juggling routines combining everything from rolling a single ball around his face to actually JUGGLING an audience member to some of the most intense technical juggling routines ever assembled. Ivan’s show is guaranteed to delight you to the point of nausea!!

Ivan has performed on numerous cruise ships, has won multiple world and international juggling championships, has been on several TV shows, films and

TV commercials; and now he comes to Muncie, Indiana to perform for PrimeTrust Financial on April 28 at the Horizon Convention Center after the Annual Meeting.

Check out Ivan’s performance at www.ivanpecel.com.

1. Skip the drive through:

Running through Mickey D's racks up the road trip food bucks quickly! Try packing a couple of meals. PB&J is quick, easy and cheap. If you do eat out, look for early bird specials -- you can save a few bucks. Or, make lunch your main meal of the day and dinner more of a snack. Lunch prices are always less. Get off the main road for real cheap eats. Totally score on cheap street food at local celebrations like art-in-the-park type stuff -- look for balloons as you drive through towns.

2. Save on snacks:

Snacks are major budget killer on road trips -- bags of Cheetos and Fritos at 99 cents are irresistible in convenience stores. Pick up cheaper chips at your local grocery store in economy-sized bags instead and get roughly twice as much for your money. If you like the convenience of smaller bags, then divide them into snack bags before you leave. Bring a cooler and load it up with sodas from Wal-mart rather than the VP.

3. Don’t spend money on souvenirs:

You really don’t need a t-shirt that tells everyone you were at (insert destination). Just take plenty of pictures. That’s all that is needed to prove you had a good time! If you really need a souvenir, don’t buy it at the theme park! Check out the local department store. They will probably have it for half as much and no one has to know where you bought it.

4. Find the cheapest gas:

Check out some likely choices for cheap gas in advance with these gas cost calculators. You can also download apps to your phone to local cheap gas, like GasBuddy.com. Once on the road, you'll probably forget specific stations... remember town names from your research, and pull off at big clover leaf exits to compare gas prices at several spots.

5. Save gas while driving:

Follow a few simple gas-saving tips to save a lot of road trip money:

• Turn off the AC -- it hogs the gas faster than you can say, "Four dollars a gallon!" (Leaving 4-wheel-drive engaged is also a gas-guzzler.)

• Ease off the pedal well before a stop sign and coast to a stop.

• Take off from a stop gingerly. Burning rubber burns gas needlessly.

• Properly inflate your tire.

• Don't speed. It wastes gas and one ticket can destroy a summer road trip.

Purchase Fuel Wisely - Save up to 20%

 

1. Use the Right Grade of Gasoline / Don't Top Off: Most cars run fine on regular. Check your vehicle owner's manual to find out what's right for your car. Don't "top off" at the pump and make sure your fuel fill cap is on tight and working right. Regular grade fuel cost about 20-cents per gallon less than premium grade.

2. Look for the Best Price / Limit Purchases When Prices are High: Today's gasolines provide very similar engine performance (although some brands have different gasoline blends that provide other benefits), so choose stations in your area with the lowest prices. Fuel prices can vary 10% within a few blocks. Avoid filling the tank during high-price periods.

Alter Travel Practices - Save up to 30%

3. Use Carpooling / Public Transit / Non-Motorized Options: Ride the bus, carpool, bicycle or walk instead of driving alone. Sharing a ride to work with a friend or two effectively doubles your fuel economy for the trip and may allow you to use the diamond lane.Take Advantage of

4. Telecommuting / Telecommunications Technology: Many employers offer telecommuting as an option. Use the computer and telephone to replace vehicle trips for business, shopping and services when possible.

Drive More Efficiently - Save up to 20%

5. Don't Drive Aggressively / Drive at the Speed Limit: Avoid aggressive driving and aggressive starts. All vehicles lose fuel economy at speeds above 55 mph. Driving 65 instead of 75 mph reduces fuel cost 13%. Driving 55 would save 25%.
 
6. Reduce Air Conditioner Use / Close Windows: Using the air conditioner increases fuel cost from 13% up to 21%. If it's cool enough, use the flow-through ventilation instead of rolling down the windows or using the AC.

7. Eliminate Extra Wind Resistance and Weight: Using a loaded roof rack increases fuel consumption. Carry the load inside your vehicle if you can. Removing unnecessary weight is better still.

8. Minimize Vehicle Idling: Today's vehicles are designed to warm up fast. Avoid idling when you can; idling is 0 miles per gallon.

Improve the Efficiency of the Vehicle You Drive - save up to 50%

9. Maintain Vehicle Efficiency: Regular maintenance as prescribed by the vehicle owner's manual will help your vehicle achieve its best fuel economy. Some overlooked maintenance items, such as a dirty air filter and under-inflated tires, can increase your fuel cost up to 13%. When replacing your tires, replace them with the same make and model as the tires that were on your vehicle when it was new.
 
10. Drive or Purchase a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle: Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle whenever possible. When purchasing, consider the most fuel efficient vehicle and save up to 50%. Consider a hybrid-electric, a diesel vehicle, or even a motorcycle. The next best option is to purchase the most fuel efficient vehicle within the class of vehicles you are considering.

Article found at http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/consumer_tips/index.html

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2011 Valentine’s Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, American spent nearly $16 billion in 2011 on Valentine’s Day! The average person spent $116.21 on gifts for their loved one. How much did they spend on each loved one?

• Couples on significant other or spouse - $68.98
• Family pets - $5.04
• Friends - $6.30
• Classmates and teachers - $4.97
• Co-workers - $3.41

And what did they buy?

• 36% bought flowers
• 16% bought jewelry
• 47% ate out
• 58% bought cards

In the spirit of the economic stability that we are all trying to achieve, here are a few ideas on ways to spend your $116.21 to really show your loved one you really care, the gift of financial stability:

• Make an extra payment to your beloved's credit card account. Take a photo of the check with your cell phone and send it to them with a loving text message: "This one's on me, honey!"

• As a new V-Day tradition, add $116.20 to the mortgage or car payment each year. Run some numbers and print out the amortization table showing how much faster you'll pay off your loan.

• Sweeten that retirement account. Secretly add $116.20 to Snookie's IRA. How much could that be worth in 30 years? More than $1,000. She'll be thrilled when she realizes what that really says about your love.

• Pay bills early. Surprise your one-and-only by paying a few of the March bills in advance (think small: car insurance, electricity, or water). Point out that this builds in some financial breathing room moving forward.

With PrimeTrust Financial’s RewardsPLUS debit card, you can earn points as you use your card. Then, you choose how to use your points: travel, electronics, home décor, gift cards, or gifts to others.

You can also get cash back! Points are offered for your customer loyalty – rewarding you for your relationship. Your debit card becomes an active part of your financial plan – for business or your personal life.

Check out the RewardsPLUS debit card!

Take advantage of this limited-time offer for PrimeTrust Financial members: Try any TurboTax® Online product for FREE and automatically be entered for a chance to win $15,000! You don’t pay unless you are 100% satisfied.

TurboTax brings you Total Assurance protection so you can feel 100% confident about your taxes:
• Maximum refund, guaranteed
• 100% accurate calculations, guaranteed
• FREE downloadable Audit Support Center
• Save on TurboTax products

Let TurboTax guide you step by step like a GPS to get your taxes done right—and get your refund in as few as seven days. Learn more about TurboTax and the “This Way to $15K” Sweepstakes.

Just sign in to the TurboTax sweepstakes microsite with a valid email address at by February 21 and you could be on your way to $15K.2

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Subject to full Official Rules. Void where prohibited.

• Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace/stove ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to your pets, your trees and shrubs, and the environment. Antifreeze that leak from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil.

• Winterize your vehicle by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers. Ensuring your vehicle is ready for weather changes will reduce damage, which prevents waste from broken parts, and will keep you safe on the road.

• If you have a wood-burning fireplace, save your ashes in a tin instead of throwing them away. Cold wood ashes can be mixed in your compost heap to create a valuable soil amendment that provides nutrients to your garden.

• Use electric snow removal products rather than gasoline-powered ones. While electric products consume energy, they do not emit greenhouse gases. As alternatives, use snow shovels, ice crackers, and brooms to clear snow from your sidewalk, porch, or driveway.

• If you have a manual thermostat or no thermostat at all, one way to save energy and money this winter is to install an ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat. When installed and used with the four pre-programmed temperature settings for weekend and weekdays, you can save about $100 each year while staying comfortable. Before leaving for vacation, turn down your thermostat (or use a programmable one) so that you don't waste natural resources by generating unneeded heat. You can also buy outdoor and indoor lights with timers so that lights don't stay on all night.

• Close the recycling loop. Many articles of clothing, such as jackets, scarves, gloves, and boots, are now made from recycled materials. Most fleece products are made from recycled plastic soda bottles, and certain clothing and shoe manufacturers use recycled cotton scraps and rubber tires to make their products.

• Winter storms often cause power outages. Prevent waste by keeping rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones stored throughout your house with your flashlights. If you do use disposable batteries, prevent hazardous waste by buying batteries with low mercury content.

• Recycle old newspapers by making rolled paper logs for your fireplace. Roll newspaper sheets around a broom stick until your log is the desired size, then soak your log thoroughly in water. Dry the log overnight and use like ordinary wood. Always follow proper safety precautions when burning anything around your home.

• To make sure your heating system (boiler, furnace or heat pump) is operating at its most efficient, it is a good idea to have a contractor perform a routine check-up and any necessary maintenance on the equipment before freezing weather drives up your energy bill.

• If your heating equipment more than ten years old, it may be time for a replacement to a more energy-efficient unit. While initially an expensive investment, replacing old equipment with ENERGY STAR qualified equipment saves more energy and money in the long run.