Join Us for ETFCU's Annual Meeting

You’re invited to attend ETFCU’s Annual Meeting to learn more about your credit union and vote for the board of directors. Join us on Tuesday, March 16, at The Centre at 715 Locust Street in downtown Evansville. The meeting will be held in Exhibit Hall B.

Those in attendance will receive light refreshments and can vote for the ETFCU board between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. CDT. A business meeting will be held between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m., and door prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the meeting.

All primary members age 16 and older are eligible to vote in this year’s board election. We recommend members vote for the board of directors at an ETFCU office prior to the annual meeting to avoid a wait that evening and to ensure the election results can be tallied and announced before the meeting concludes. Be sure to cast your ballot in person at any of our lobbies during regular business hours now through 12:00 noon on Tuesday, March 16. 

Earn Rewards When You Use Your ET Check Card!

ETFCU is proud to introduce ScoreCard Rewards. With ScoreCard Rewards, you can earn rewards anytime you pay with your ET Check Card!

Earning rewards is easy. When prompted to choose either “credit” or “debit,” choose “credit” and sign for your purchase. In some cases, you won’t need to sign a receipt, such as when paying for gas at the pump. Just choose “credit,” and you will receive the same benefits. Even when selecting “credit,” your transaction will still be deducted from your checking account. In addition to earning valuable points, your ET Check Card also gives you the protection of your signature in cases of disputed card charges and identity theft.

For every $2 you spend, you'll earn one point to redeem for brand-name merchandise, travel discounts, and more. Enrollment in the rewards program is automatic for all ET Check Cardholders. There is no point expiration date and no point earnings cap. Cash advances, ATM transactions, and returns
that were processed with your ET Check Card are not eligible.

To view your current points total or redeem your points online, visit www.scorecardrewards.com.

If you don’t have an ET Check Card, open an ETFCU checking account and apply for your card today!

Take Advantage of ETFCU's Tax-Time Services ETFCU offers several services that can help you as you prepare for the April 15 tax deadline. Among our most popular: ETFCU Offers 10% Discount on TurboTax® Online Federal and State Products  Get your biggest tax refund possible— guaranteed—with TurboTax. And now, you can also save 10% when you order through the credit union’s website! This offer is valid on all online versions, including state editions. TurboTax takes you step-by-step through the tax preparation program, calculates your refund for a nominal fee, and credits your refund to your account within 12 days of filing. You’ll also discover ways to positively impact your taxes: Identify deductions and other money-saving opportunities. Browse important tax tips and articles. Use tax calculators and other interactive tools. Learn more or get started today at www.etfcu.org/turbotax. Enjoy the Tax Advantages of an IRA Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) provide an excellent way to save for the future. Your earnings are sheltered from taxes, allowing your money to grow faster than funds in an ordinary savings account. At ETFCU, you'll find all the features you're looking for in an IRA—including competitive rates and no set-up or annual fees. We offer Traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as the Coverdell Education Savings Account. Contributions can be made to your IRA for the previous tax year through the April 15 tax deadline. Contact any ETFCU office for more information. Additionally, self-directed IRAs are available through MEMBERS Financial Services at ETFCU.

Government Extends First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit and Offers Credit for Move-Up/Repeat Buyers

In a continued effort to kick-start the national housing market, the government is offering first-time home owners a tax credit of up to $8,000 with the purchase of their first home. There is now also a $6,500 tax credit option for repeat buyers. And with ETFCU's low rates, now is the perfect time to buy!

$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance:

• The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance:

• To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

Contact the ETFCU Real Estate Lending Department at
(812) 469-9928 or 1-800-800-9271 for more information. You can apply for you loan at any ETFCU office or online at our Online Mortgage Center.




New Online Banking Feature Available to Track Debit Card Transactions

When you use your ET Check Card for purchases, a hold is placed on your checking account until the transaction clears. Thanks to a online banking enhancement, now you can view your pending debit holds online. From the Account Summary screen, click on the Pending Items selection in the upper right corner where you’ll see a description of each debit hold.

If you are not yet enrolled in ETFCU’s free online banking program, be sure to check out the demo on our website. Click on Online Banking and then select Demo on the left bar. You’ll see how fast, easy, and convenient this service can be!

ETFCU Wins Readers’ Choice Award

ETFCU was recently presented with the Gold Award in the Best Financial Institution category of the Evansville Courier & Press 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards. Thank you to all who voted for us!

ET Realty Connection Helps You Sell or Buy Your Home

Our ET Realty Connection program offers a partnership with F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors that provides you with extensive realty services. Learn more here.