By Andrew Gansenberg, VSECU Member Service Consultant

As employees, we spend a large portion of our lives at work, allowing businesses to flourish. Finding an employer that enables us to thrive as well has not always been easy, but fortunately, a movement toward employee satisfaction is growing. Business leaders are realizing that focusing on employee satisfaction offers a high return on investment and employees are realizing they no longer have to settle for unfulfilling work and unhealthy workplaces.

Powered By VSECU to provide capital for businesses looking to grow in Vermont

A thriving economy requires matching sustainable and quality jobs with a healthy, robust, working-age population. When business leaders talk about their greatest business challenges, they often cite access to workforce as the top issue. Vermont has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, but many skilled positions remain unfilled for extended periods of time.

Vermont Works is an independent alternative investment firm focusing on delivering competitive financial returns and positive social impact in the state of Vermont. Vermont Works is building a social impact fund to invest in growth stage companies that are creating high-quality jobs to retain and attract more working-age Vermonters.

Vermont Business Magazine (VBM) recently recognized our efforts by naming VSECU as one of the Best Places to Work in Vermont for 2017 in the large employer category. Honorees of this award are selected after careful review of their policies, practices, and demographics as well as an employee survey about the organization’s internal culture. As Vermont’s only statewide credit union, with 176 employees in 6 counties, we are committed to ensuring all co-workers feel valued for the essential role they play in fulfilling our mission to empower possibilities for our members. Our team is always growing – learn more about careers with purpose at our careers page.

News Release from Capstone Community Action:

Community Responds Generously to Capstone and VSECU’s Fuel Your Neighbors initiative to Provide Emergency Food and Heating Assistance to Vulnerable Central Vermonters

Fraudsters are becoming increasingly effective, armed with sophisticated technology and all of the information provided by the internet. Financial institution call centers are not always able to catch criminals in the act, and when they don’t, either the member/customer or the financial institution loses out.

Learn how you can protect your financial accounts. Read more

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), some people may experience a delay in their 2016 tax refund. This is due to a new law, which requires the IRS to hold refunds for those who have claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. The IRS must hold the refund until February 15, 2017 and additional delays could cause refunds to be delayed until the week of February 27.

Most 2016 VSECU tax forms will be mailed to members in January. If you are enrolled in eStatements, you will be sent an email notifying you that your electronic tax form is available and can be accessed through your Online Banking account (under the ‘Statements’ tab). If you are receiving monthly paper statements, your tax forms will be sent to the address we have on file. Click through for further details regarding 2016 VSECU tax forms.

Capstone and VSECU Partner on Fuel Your Neighbors to Provide Emergency Food and Heating Assistance to Vulnerable Central Vermonters

BARRE, VT—Capstone Community Action and VSECU have teamed up to launch Fuel Your Neighbors, an initiative to support emergency food and heating assistance for vulnerable central Vermont households.

Join VSECU and the Washington County Youth Service Bureau for the 44th Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Join VSECU and the Greater Bennington Interfaith Community Services for the annual Empty Bowls Soup Supper. We have donated $5,000 to the event this year, which is designed to raise awareness around food insecurity in Bennington and to raise funds for the Kitchen Cupboard, a Bennington-based food program.

We know the holidays can cause a cash crunch during the holidays. For VSECU members who are in good standing, we now offer the Skip-a-Payment program, intended to help ease financial stress during the holiday season or throughout the year.

Heather Jarvis, a VSECU member who has served on the Board of Directors since 2011, has resigned from the position in order to pursue personal goals. Heather brought a unique set of skills and perspectives to the board, serving the membership with a passion for supporting financial health and a strong commitment to the community and the environment.

This delicious event is an opportunity to enjoy great food, drink, and conversation for a good cause.

Skinny Pancake holds a “Green Drinks” event the last Tuesday of each month, offering an opportunity to engage with the community and learn about “green” initiatives in VT. This month, the event will benefit the Montpelier Food Pantry. VSECU is sponsoring the event, along with Montpelier Alive.

Join VSECU and Milk Money for an investor event during the month of November. We will be hosting three events around the state, where you can learn how to invest in your community, support Vermont entrepreneurs, and build a stronger local economy. The evening will include conversation, food, and presentations from Vermont entrepreneurs. All are welcome and entry is FREE!

Our innovative investment in renewable energy could pave the way for other non-profits

On Tuesday, October 25, 2016 we flipped the switch on an innovative project to invest in clean, renewable energy that offsets the credit union’s electricity consumption with solar net metering credits. This, our latest renewable energy project, includes a new 500kW solar array located in Guilford that is designed to generate enough power to offset our organization’s electricity consumption.

Visit your local VSECU branch on October 19th to celebrate your credit union. Enjoy donuts, cider, apples, and other tasty fall treats and enter to win gifts chosen by your local branch managers.

Help your Vermont neighbors stay warm this winter by donating your tires in October

VSECU is sponsoring Wheels for Warmth in 2016. To participate in Wheels for Warmth, collect your old tires and drop them off at one of the locations listed below during the given time period. If your tires are deemed usable by the DMV, they will be made available to Vermont families and people in need, at affordable prices (no more than $25). If your tires just won’t make it another year, you will pay a tax deductible $4 fee. 100% of proceeds from Wheels for Warmth are donated to local charitable organizations to help keep needy Vermonters warm during the harsh winter months.

Join Us for Film Screenings around Vermont during October

This October, over 29,000 cooperative businesses serving more than 350 million members nationwide will celebrate National Cooperative Month. To mark the event, we are partnering with Vermont food co-ops around the state to host a series of community film screenings of Food for Change. Each screening event will include a panel discussion on the cooperative economy in the state.

VSECU ATM users have enjoyed a two-year break from ATM surcharges in Rite Aid stores throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. The suspension of these ATM surcharges was part of a time-bound contract that ends on November 7. If you are an ATM user, we hope you have enjoyed the break. When the contract comes to a close, the ATM machines located in Rite Aid stores will resume collecting their normal surcharge fees. To reduce the cost of this change to our members, we are eliminating the $1.50 fee, for use of non-VSECU ATMs, on the same date.

At a VeggieVanGo™ delivery to Barre City School, the Vermont Foodbank announced that we will again support the organization with $40,000 to power food distribution to Vermonters in need. This marks a total of $200,000 that VSECU has donated over 5 years.

VSECU is sponsoring Northeast Kingdom Youth Services’ (NEKYS) “Footsteps to Awareness,” the nonprofit’s 13th annual walk for homeless youth and young adults. The walk will take place on September 24, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the United Community Church at 1325 Main Street in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. NEKYS welcomes businesses, school groups, all community members to participate in the walk as a solo walker or as a team.

VSECU is sponsoring Net Zero Vermont’s Sustainable Montpelier 2030 Design Competition. Registration is underway for the challenge, which was designed to spur creative solutions that could help reduce carbon emissions in Montpelier to net zero by 2030. It is an aggressive goal that, if accomplished, will go a long way toward supporting Vermont’s goal of reducing our “total energy consumption per capita by 15% by 2025, and by more than one third by 2050.”

Milk Money L3C, an equity crowdfunding portal for Vermonters, has announced its first Invest Local campaign from Burlington Herb Clinic. The campaign marks the first Vermont Small Business Offering (VSBO) on Milk Money’s Vermont only platform giving Vermonters the opportunity to discover and invest in local businesses. Vermonters can take the opportunity to learn more about and invest in the clinic via the Milk Money platform.

Every summer, hundreds of bicycle riders and volunteers come together in Vermont to raise awareness and donations for the Vermont Foodbank to fight hunger – all while having a great time. Learn More

Six VSECU Employees joined a total of 111 community members to climb the steps of the Bennington Battle Monument on Saturday, June 11 in an effort to raise money for the New England chapter of the American Lung Association. Altogether, the climbers raised $22,849.45, with VSECU contributing $2,883.00.

The Bennington Battle Monument is a 306-foot tall monument with 412 iron steps and is described as the state’s tallest man-made structure. According to Simeon Chapin, VSECU’s director of community and social development, “the climb was great,” though he felt the effort in his quads by the end. Those who made the climb included athletes, business and educational teams, and fire and rescue personnel.

Read more at benningtonbanner.com.

A commitment to service, advocacy, and credit union ideals earned the former VSECU CEO this national honor

MONTPELIER, VT — VSECU today announced that its former CEO Steven Post was named the 2016 Credit Union Hero of the Year by Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Credit Union Magazine. The national recognition is awarded to one individual each year who is found to exemplify the credit union industry’s philosophy of “people helping people.”

Read the full article at the VT Digger

VSECU is marking National Financial Literacy Month with educational programming and initiatives designed to empower Vermonters with tools for better financial planning, budgeting, and debt management. VSECU has also issued its Top 10 Tips for Successful Financial Planning to help educate Vermonters on financial planning basics

From an article published by vermontbiz.com:

“The Vermont Green Building Network (VGBN) recognized the most energy efficient buildings in Vermont at the Vermont Green Building Gala, held at Main Street Landing on March 31, 2016. VGBN’s Vermont’s Greenest Building Awards are a statewide competition that honors residential and commercial buildings that meet the highest standard of demonstrated building energy performance….”

Card skimmers are small devices that fraudsters place in the card reader of an ATM or gas pump. The skimmers read your card when you place it in the reader, capturing your information for fraudulent use.

According to our senior loss prevention specialist, Steve Timmons:

• Some skimmers can be seen, appearing slightly offset from the ATM itself
• Newer skimmers can fit inside the card reader
• If you notice anything unusual about an ATM or gas pump reader, let the branch manager or station attendant know or contact the local authorities

This year, 1099-INT forms were sent for each VSECU deposit account, rather than in one consolidated form. Due to a processing change this year, you will receive one 1099-INT form for each deposit account, rather than one consolidated form.

If you are a VSECU member, you will receive your 2015 tax forms soon. If you are enrolled in eStatements, we will send you an email notifying you that your electronic tax form is available and can be accessed through your Online Banking account (under the ‘Statements’ tab). If you are receiving monthly paper statements, your 2015 tax forms will be sent to the address we have on file. Read the rest of this article for further details regarding 2015 VSECU tax forms.

The Vermont Foodbank teamed up with volunteers from VSECU to deliver fresh food to residents at North Barre Manor. It’s one of 65 monthly stops the food bank makes to various organizations around the state; a recent effort by the organization to bring food directly to the people that need it—in this case, 120 elderly and disabled residents….

The program has been coming to the Barre location since July of last year, thanks to the help of a $40,000 gift from VSECU.

Listen to or read the rest of the story at WCAX.com.

VSECU is excited to sponsor Wheels for Warmth in 2015. This program is a great opportunity to recycle your used tires, while helping your less fortunate neighbors stay warm during the winter months. All you have to do is drop off your tires at a participating local business (you may be charged a tax-deductible $4 fee). Your tires will be sold at reasonable prices to Vermonters in need and 100% of the proceeds will go to local community action agencies to be put toward emergency fuel assistance.

People around the world have been celebrating International Credit Union (ICU) Day since 1948. The day is traditionally celebrated on the third Thursday of October, which places it on October 15 this year. The theme is “People Helping People,” an appropriate idea to consider as we celebrate the efforts of people working cooperatively to support and strengthen their local communities.

September is Hunger Action Month and VSECU is taking action by raising money to help feed Vermonters. We have placed donation boxes for the Vermont Foodbank in each of our credit union branches to make it easy for our members and others to donate. We have also constructed a mammoth wire mesh crow, in keeping with the Vermont Foodbank’s logo, so that givers can make a symbolic food offering by placing an orange spoon in the crow’s belly.

2015 marked the fourth year of this signature VSECU member award program. The program awards three VSECU members an amount of $5,000 toward their student loan debt. Historically, applicants applied for one of three awards: Financial Literacy, Service to Vermonters, or First Generation. In the interest of engaging a more diverse population, VSECU eliminated the categories in 2015 and challenged applicants to offer a compelling and innovative idea that would help improve the quality of life for Vermonters and/or Vermont communities.

Every summer, hundreds of bicycle riders and volunteers come together in Vermont to raise awareness and funds for the Vermont Foodbank to fight hunger – all while having a great time.

Beginning June 1, 2015 all VSECU members will have greater access to funds from deposits made in the same day through an ATM or with Mobile Deposit. Business members will also benefit from this increase (Mobile Deposit functionality not yet available for business accounts).

The Funds Availability Policy currently allows members to immediately access $200 of deposits made into their account, via an ATM or with Mobile Deposit, in the same day.

We’re celebrating the Grand Opening of our new branch in Bennington on Tuesday, June 9, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Now located at 194 North Street next to the Rite Aid® store our new branch, which opened for business on May 1, invites the community to join members and staff for the Grand Opening Celebration, with branch tours, refreshments, ribbon cutting and recognition.

Taking out a loan for a bicycle may sound a little unconventional, however when you’re serious about riding you know that means you’re serious about spending.

Bicycle options have evolved and bicycle commuting is more popular than ever in Vermont. Whether you’re in the market for a mountain bike, cargo bike or an electric assist bike for help getting up those steep Vermont hills, there are options available to you that don’t require emptying your savings account or pulling out a credit card…

Hello Bennington! We’re happy to announce that our new Bennington Branch is now open!

The new VSECU branch offers more space, more parking, and a location right in downtown Bennington, at 194 North Street.

We invite Bennington area residents to check us out and visit us at our Grand Opening Celebration on June 9.

A different kind of Top Ten list.

Provided by Brian D Bishop

You probably read or hear about some “Top Ten” list nearly every day. But take a moment to read this one. This list is different, and probably not the kind of list you’d expect a Financial Advisor to write.

Reason #10: “I’m too busy”
I can’t tell you how often I hear this excuse. So many people want to plan for a better retirement, but they don’t have time. They think they’ll take care of it tomorrow, or the day after that … and before they know it, several years have gone by. The best advice I can give you is to stop procrastinating and start planning today.

*Reason #9: “It’s too soon” *
I don’t know how this happened, but many people have adopted the notion that…

For the fourth consecutive year, Spectrum Youth and Family Services hosted their annual “sleep out” event in which 2,200 donors raised $235,000 to support the services Spectrum provides to Vermont’s youth.

This year, over 110 community and business leaders slept outside in rain and below freezing temperatures in solidarity with homeless and at-risk youth. VSECU’s Burlington Branch Manager Abbi Kiley and VP of Accounting Kasey Furness were amongst those in attendance…

With winter behind us we’re about to embark on a popular season in Vermont – home improvement season! Increase your home’s value with these helpful tips:

REPAIR DAMAGE: Start by repairing any damage caused by the harsh winter conditions. Prolonging repair work could cost more in the long run.

UPDATE THE ESSENTIALS: Doors, windows, flooring, cabinetry and other everyday necessities are important to keep updated, especially if you’re considering selling your home.

HELP KEEP VERMONT BEAUTIFUL

VSECU proudly supports Green Up Vermont and invites you to join over 20,000 other Vermonters on May 2 to green up and clean up to maintain our beautiful landscape and keep waterways clean. Your participation is vital to keeping Vermont’s natural environment protected and healthy for many generations to come.

We’re excited to announce the upcoming opening of our newest branch location. Later this spring our doors will open in downtown Bennington next to the Rite Aid® store on North Street. The branch will offer personal service and a touch of technology with the latest in interactive teller technology and smart ATM services.

Stay tuned and more will be shared as we begin to renovate our new home.

In celebration of this year’s International Credit Union Day theme of Local Service. Global Good., we gave away a 2-year lease on a Toyota Prius. The lucky winner was Rich Sturim, whose tagged photo on Twitter entered him in the contest. Congratulations, Rich!

Aside from saving on gas, another advantage Rich is looking forward to is using the parking spaces at work that are reserved for fuel efficient vehicles. More and more businesses are encouraging their employees to make greener choices, whether it’s through carpooling, using public transportation or using a more fuel efficient car.

We pride ourselves on supporting the energy efficiency goals of Vermonters. VGreen is VSECU’s statewide financing solution for energy efficiency, renewable and alternative energy projects including green vehicles.

As you prepare for the coming season, we want to make sure you get the most out of your holiday shopping. We’ve prepared a few easy-to-follow budgeting tips and ways you can keep your card information safe.

Budgeting Tips:

• Plan ahead. Make a list of everyone you need to buy for and how much you plan to spend. Stick to this list.
• Shop early. Purchase gifts earlier in the season. If you leave shopping until the last minute, you may make purchases you don’t need because you feel rushed…

With the holidays approaching you’ll likely be swiping your debit and credit cards at local and major retailers more frequently. Whether you’re shopping at the store or online, feel confident when you reach for your VSECU cards this shopping season — and every other day of the year.

We know you take the protection of your personal, account and other sensitive information very seriously, as do we. Remember to make the following part of your everyday practices.

We’re excited to announce that VSECU has partnered with an outside resource that can put more members in homes they can afford.

If you are a first time home buyer, or want to buy another home, but don’t believe you have the financial resources for a down payment, enough equity, or the capacity to manage a mortgage loan, contact one of our Mortgage Originators. We’ll work with you to see if you are the perfect fit for this new mortgage resource.

Designed exclusively for credit union members, and located right here at VSECU, the MEMBERS Financial Services Program offers retirement, insurance, and investment options designed to help you and your family through a lifetime of financial planning needs.

We’d like to introduce Brian Bishop. As our MEMBERS Financial Services Advisor, Brian will listen to what you want out of life AND your money.

We are excited to welcome Janet Hollner, from Bennington Vermont, to the VSECU Board of Directors.

In July VSECU announced the resignation of board member Jana Bagwell and began accepting applications to fill the unexpired term until the 2015 Annual Meeting elections. After reviewing many qualified applicants, the Board of Directors unanimously voted to appoint Janet Hollner to serve the unexpired vacancy.

The Student LIFT program is designed to offset some of the stress associated with student loan debt. In doing so, VSECU hopes to empower our members to follow their dreams and enrich their lives. We are proud to support this years recipients; they are all impressive individuals who embody the spirit of Vermont and VSECU.

Student Loan Independence for Today (LIFT) is a program that helps ease the burden of monthly student loan payments for three Vermonters.

The 2014 Harpoon Point to Point ride to fight hunger was a resounding success. This year the Vermont Foodbank fundraiser saw record numbers for participation and contribution efforts. With over 800 riders and $150,000 in pledged funds, this year’s event is making a big dent in the effort to alleviate hunger in Vermont.

This year, VSECU had 12 riders in the event. Our team of riders currently has $3,575 raised.

It’s a common question asked at the checkout counter, “debit or credit?” You may wonder what’s the difference, and most importantly, which one do I choose? Here are some things to think about the next time you use your debit card and need to decide whether to swipe and sign or enter your PIN.

Vermonters have even greater resources available to help fund home energy improvements to make their homes warmer, save money and reduce fossil fuels. And we’re excited to announce that we are part of the solution!

The State of Vermont has a goal of improving the thermal efficiency of 80,000 homes by 2020. In an effort to reaching this milestone the state is making credit enhancements available through a grant that has been awarded to VSECU and Opportunities Credit Union.

Getting around Vermont can use a lot of fuel. While we try to walk to school, bike to work and take the bus to the store, most of our traveling uses a personal vehicle within a few miles of our homes.

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction in Vermont: as of January 2014, the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles report a 200% increase in the number of EVs since the beginning of 2013. To complement the increase in EVs on the road, we are pleased to announce that VSECU is providing EV charging at our Montpelier branch.

The members at PMH Credit Union and VSECU voted in favor to merge the PMH Credit Union membership into VSECU’s membership.

The final VSECU voting results from the June 18, 2014 Special Meeting regarding the Merger Approval were:

89.2% Approve the proposed merger.

10.4% Do not approve the proposed merger.

0.4% Unexercised vote.

It’s not all perks and savings. Cards with loyalty programs can include higher interest rates and annual fees, restrictions on using rewards and other pitfalls. As with all financial decisions, careful planning and research can help you take advantage of rewards and avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re in the market for a card with a loyalty program, consider these quick tips before making a decision:

• Because of their higher interest rates and fees, credit cards with loyalty programs are best suited for those who pay off their balance each month.
• Make sure the program offers rewards on things you’re interested in and will use.
• Choose a card that offers rewards in line with how you already shop.

Click to read more…

People deserve appreciation for a job well done. Every year, the Vermont State Employees Association (VSEA) holds its Public Service Recognition luncheon to honor those who have gone above and beyond what is required of their position. VSECU is proud to sponsor this event as a way to say “thank you” to Vermont’s outstanding public servants.

Award recipients included both individuals and groups across a wide range of state government departments. The individual awardees were described as professional, personable, and always willing to help others.

When the weather warms up it’s time to think about repairs, upgrades and renovations. Whether you’re looking to refinish the bathroom, add on a new bedroom, upgrade your home’s energy efficiency or redo everything including the kitchen sink, VSECU is here to help you turn your house into a home filled with your own personal touches.

What does it take to qualify for a loan to buy a house in Vermont today?

Start by having a credit score above 620, which is the minimum level required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s automated underwriting model, according to Kathy Simanskas of Vermont State Employees Credit Union (VSECU). That credit score also comes into play when determining how much private mortgage insurance (PMI) will cost. “If someone is putting down less than a 20 percent down payment for a traditional mortgage, they will need PMI, and that can get…

Teaching kids how to manage money through responsible savings.

VSECU teams up with credit unions across the country every year in support of National Credit Union Youth Week. During this week of awareness kids are encouraged to set up savings accounts and learn responsible money management in a controlled environment – a lesson that will last a lifetime.

At one of the more unique Annual Meetings held by VSECU, voting has concluded to fill the four vacancies on the Board of Directors.

The evening started with a cocktail hour in which members were invited to mingle with representatives from the five finalists in the We Care 2 program. Therapy Dogs of Vermont brought Cora, one of their service dogs, to meet VSECU members and Southern Vermont Natural History Museum brought Sophia, a beautiful kestrel.

More than 7,000 members cast a vote to help direct part of VSECU’s charitable contributions as part of the 67th Annual Meeting.

Members voted to select two $10,000 award recipients through the We Care 2 program.

In 2014 VSECU received 49 applications for review in the We Care 2 program. Chair of the Community Contributions Committee, Kate Paine, expressed at the meeting how difficult the selection process was to narrow the applicants to five finalists. The committee chose NCSS Youth In Transition, the Rutland Community Cupboard, Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, Therapy Dogs of Vermont, and Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports for the VSECU membership to vote on. The two organizations with the most votes would receive $10,000 each.

VSECU recently opened a new branch in St. Johnsbury at 1036 Memorial Drive. The credit union held its grand opening celebration on Thursday, February 20.

The branch is designed as an environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient building to meet Energy Star certification standards. Amenities include a community room, which can be reserved and used by area residents, as well as a Tech Center where VSECU members can access free WiFi.

All 2013 VSECU tax forms will be mailed to members in January. If you are enrolled in e-Statements, you will be sent an e-mail notifying you that your electronic tax form is available and can be accessed through your Online Banking account (under the ‘Statements’ tab). If you are receiving monthly paper statements, your 2013 tax forms will be sent to the address we have on file. For further details regarding 2013 VSECU tax forms, read more…

Effective January 21 our Call Center Hours will change to better meet the needs of our members. We have discovered there is less of a need for members to contact us early weekday mornings and more of a need to contact us on Saturday mornings. Therefore the new Call Center hours will be:

Effective January 21:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm

More than one third of all working Americans have no retirement savings, and of those who are saving, almost two-thirds have no idea if they are saving enough. With this looming retirement crisis, MFS Retirement Center located at VSECU is now offering its members a no cost, no obligation test drive to see if they are on the right road to retirement using a software program called the Retirement Road Test.

When the credit union VSECU needed 700 cookies to deliver to Realtor businesses around the state, the Barre Technical Center Bakeshop was the bakery of choice for VSECU. The bakery was chosen not only for the homemade goods but also to help support the young students enrolled in the bakeshop program. “This program gives students real life working experiences and helps them prepare for food service certification and enrollment in culinary schools. And on top of that…

As we get ready for another Vermont winter we know one thing for sure: the cold is coming. While it’s fine to be cold outside, there’s no reason to be cold in your home. If you’re ready to tackle those home energy efficiency projects, VGreen loans can finance the solutions, and you can feel better about the inevitable change in seasons.

There are steps you can take to tighten up your home, improve comfort and save on heating fuel costs…

This year for International Credit Union Day VSECU held a drawing that awarded $500 to the winner and $500 to a Vermont-based charity. From the online and in-branch entries, the random drawing selected Carol Dubuque from North Hero as the winner. Carol chose the Vermont Foodbank to receive the donation. The Vermont Foodbank was very grateful to receive the gift stating that the $500 will provide 1,500 meals and help feed a Vermont family of four for over a year.

Do your research
Don’t look to buy the first time you visit a dealership. Figure out exactly what kind of car you want and research available options. It is a good idea to investigate what other people are paying for that car before you go to a dealership.

Find out what the dealer paid for the vehicle
An important piece of information you need is the dealer’s cost of the car you want to buy. There are several websites that have the invoice price of any vehicle and you can negotiate from there. You should know the invoice price that includes all the options you want, not just the base price.

For over 10 years the Harpoon Point to Point bike ride has wheeled its way through the state to benefit the Vermont Foodbank. For the past three years, VSECU has been a sponsor of the ride and we have staffed the last rest stop in Brownsville.

It’s August. Vermonters know that the end of the summer will be here all too soon – and that means time to return to school. Whether you have a son or daughter just starting as a freshman or returning for their senior year there’s sure to be a lot on your mind. Between shopping for school supplies and packing, thinking about all the expenses often becomes overwhelming…