Auto Purchasing

Find the Right Auto Dealer : To get a good price on your vehicle, you must find a good dealer, read on to find out more...
Beware of the Trade-In Trap : Car dealers aim to give you less than the wholesale value for your car. Find out how to beat them at their game!
Carfax can be Helpful : Carfax can help determine a vehicle's past history, read on for more information...
Help your Kids Buy Their First Car : Here are some tips that you as a parent can teach your child
Real Costs on First Car :
Smart Research for Your Next Car : Looking for a new or used car? Find out what you can do to help you in the search of your new car.
The Web-Not good for Car Searching : Confusion and shady dealing may be as common in cyberspace as regular car dealerships. Though the Web cannot help with everything, find out what it can do for you when searching for a car!
Avoid Classic Car-buying Errors : How much money do you think educated car buyers can save over uneducated buyers when buying the same car? Would $5,000 get your attention?
Your First Car : Learn about the costs and little fees that can keep you off the road.
Auto Rebates : Solve the mystery of What to do About Your Auto Rebate...
Car Shopping with Credit Problems : Your credit rating plays a big part at auto dealerships when looking for loans. Often dealerships capitalize on your bad credit, find out how to improve your credit rating.
Consumer Protection at the Credit Union : Do you still owe money on a vehicle that you are going to sell or trade? Find out what you should do before making the sale or trading that vehicle in.
The Real Cost of Your First Car : After purchasing your car there are many other expenses that you must consider. Discover why owning a car can be more costly than the price of the vehicle.

Auto Financing

Find the best Auto deal at a CU : Before you shop for your next car, check with the credit union so they can help you make the best of it.
Rebate or Low Rate, Choose One : Find out what the catch is with the low financing options or rebates offered by dealers these days.
Home Equity vs Auto Loans : How should I finance my vehicle? This article discusses the difference between Home Equity and Auto Loan financing.
Motorcycle Loans : Have you always wanted a motorcycle? With gas prices high, this might be the best time to get a loan for your dream bike!
Precomputed Loans : Uncover the mysteries of a Precomputed Loan

Car Tips

Budgeting for Car Expenses : You do it for your larger bills, your vacations, and Christmas--why not for your car? Set aside a fixed sum of money each month for car repairs and maintenance so you can avoid future troubles.
Intermittent Auto Problems : Is your car making weird noises that come and go? Find out how to deal with these problems.
Six Ways to Burn Money on your Car : These six ways to burn money on your car will help enlighten you on how to save money operating your car.
Tips on Buying a Used Car : Buying a used car? Follow these five easy steps and you should be rolling in no time!
Ways to Cut the Cost of Fuel : Would you believe there are more ways to save money operating your car? Read on to find out!

Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance Price Breaks : How can I obtain the lowest prices for auto-insurance? Can I get a discount for my no-accident record?
Auto Insurance: Shopping Around : How can I find places with the lowest car insurance?
Auto Rental Insurance : Renting a car? Do I need to buy the extra insurance offered by the rental company?
Crash Course for Rental Auto Insurance : Navigate the fine print on your rental vehicle paperwork with these tips.

Mortgages

Bubble Trouble : Worried about the housing bubble? Read on to find out whether it is still safe investing in your home.
How to be Mortgageable : Being mortgageable means that you are a good credit risk for a bank, find out what banks look for in order for a mortgage to be approved.
First Mortgages and Second Chances : Will refinancing your mortgage help you in the long run?
Is a Shorter Mortgage Smarter? : Find out the advantages and disadvantages of a 15 year mortgage over a 30 year mortgage.
High Loan-to-Value: Friend of Foe? : Find out what a Loan-to-Value mortgage is and if it can help you.
Is it Smart to Prepay your Mortgage? : It is obvious prepaying your mortgage will reduce interest, but prepaying may not be for you, read on to find out more...
Reverse Mortgages : Find out what reverse mortgages are and what the benefits are.
Tips Before Converting Mortgage Rates : Discover whether it is appropriate to convert from your adjustable rate mortgage to a fixed rate mortgage.

Home Equity

Avoid These Home Repair Mistakes : Read on to find out how to avoid costly repair mistakes
Before Remodeling, Check Your Insurance : Find out what you must do before remodeling to avoid hassle in the long run.
Benefits of a Home Equity Loan : Find out what a home equity loan is and how you can use it.
Building a Dream Home is Easy : Building your dream home? Find out which loans can help make your dream home reality.
Home Equity Can be Tax Deductible : Find out in what situation your home equity can be tax deductible
Renovate With a Home Equity Loan : Find out how to use your home's equity to renovate your home
It's On the House : There are many uses for your home equity besides renovating or remodeling, read on to find out what else you can do with your home equity!
Pay off Mortgage or Pay Up : Find out whether it is time to pay off your mortgage or not. Read on to find out how to use the tax break of a mortgage to your advantage.
Prequalified or Preapproved : Find out the what the difference between being prequalified and preapproved is.
Refinancing: What's In it For You? : Find out what refinancing your mortgage can do for you.
Second Homes : Thinking about a second home near the beaches of Florida? Follow these tips to ensure you won't end up unhappy with your property.
Watch Out for Home Improvement Scams : Follow these tips to avoid being duped into home improvment scams.
What's Your Home Worth? : Are you planning on selling your house? Even if you aren't it's a good idea to have a feel for the housing market in your area. Find out what you can do to get an estimate on your home's worth.

Identity Theft

Identity Theft : Unfortunately, criminals have developed cunning new ways to steal from you. They try to get pieces of your personal information so they can impersonate you for their own monetary gain. Identity theft allows someone to pretend they are you by using your name and other personal information to make purchases on your tab, withdraw money from your accounts, or open accounts in your name. Learn how to avoid becoming a victim!

Budgeting Essentials

Budgeting Essentials : One of the greatest satisfactions in life is having a sense of control over your finances. Through careful planning and use of money management techniques that anyone can learn, you and your family can feel more confident about your ability to live within your means, handle emergencies, reduce debt, and save for the future.

Children & Money

Children & Money : Teaching kids how to manage money is a big challenge for any parent, but a vitally important task. The financial lessons you instill now may inform your children throughout their lives.

Home Buying 101

Home Buying 101 : Most people aspire to home ownership. There are certain financial planning steps that can help you achieve your dream of owning your own home.

Used Car Buying

Used Car Buying : Pre-owned cars can be great bargains. Shopping for a used car can take quite a bit of time and energy, but if you are committed to following these simple guidelines, it’s a pretty good bet that you will walk away with a deal you’ll be satisfied with.

Your Credit Report

Your Credit Report : Credit reports are used for a variety of reasons, such as extending credit, determining an interest rate, employment consideration, and insurance. Your credit score is a numerical forecast determined by your payment history, amounts owed, length of credit history, your account mix, and frequency of new credit.

Credit Cards

Donating To Charity Through a Credit Card : Find out whether you are really making a difference with an affinity card that donates a percentage of your purchases to a charity.
Tips on Credit Cards : If you don't read the fine print on credit card agreements at least read this article...
Paying Off High Rate Credit Cards Pays Off : Find out how a greater monthly payment to pay off a credit card balance can help you in the long run.
Reduce Credit Card Debt : Find out what you can do to reduce your credit card debt.
Stop Paying Too Much For Credit Cards : Find out how to avoid spending too much on credit cards.
Six Rules to Manage Credit Card Debt : These tips will help you manage your credit card debt.
VISA Online Security : Find out about VISA's new program "Verified by Visa", which can help you protect your money from theives.
Teens Be Smart About Credit Cards : These horror stories will keep you in check...
Why Credit Union Credit Cards are Better : All those credit card offers in the mail try to reel you in with introductory offers... Read on to find out why UmassFIVE's credit cards are better!
Downside to Zero : A look at 0% credit cards.

Debit Cards

'Blocking' can Tie Up Your Accounts : Everyone's nightmare: You're at a restaurant and your debit card is declined. You may even have enough money to cover the bill. Find out why banks use 'blocking' and how to avoid it!
Debit Cards vs Credit Cards for College Students : Find out whether a credit card is appropriate for your student.
Debit Cards Mean Convenience : Find out what your debit card can do for you!
Debit or Credit : When checking out at a store, you’ve probably been asked if you’re using debit or credit. Find out what the difference is so you can make a decision as to which is better for you.

Online Banking & Bill Payment

Online Banking Conveniences : Discover the advantages of online banking which can save you time and hassle when you are not in close proximity to the credit union.
Electronic Bill Payment : Writing out a check each month for the rent is a hassle isn't it? Find out how to use Electronic Bill Payment to schedule recurring payments to make your life easier.

Member Update Newsletter

Member Update July/August 2008 : Topics include: "International Credit Union Conference in Azerbaijn," "Relay for Life," "Life Happens," "Your Credit Report," "New Ways of Scamming," and more!

Member Update May/June 2008 : Topics include: "Sub-prime Mortgage Crisis," "The Rule of 72," "Choosing Long-Term Care Insurance," "Teaching Children about Money," "Fraud," and more!
Member Update March/April 2008 : Topics include: "Limited-Time Mortgage Special!," "Successful Home Buying Steps," "Turning Change into Cash," "Living with Uncertain Markets," "Save Money Simply by Refinancing," and more!
Member Update January/February 2008 : Topics include: "Need Help With That ARM?," "Northampton Branch is Thriving!," "Making Writing Real at Clarke School," "Your Debit Card," "New Financial Advisor in Northampton," "IRA Basics," and more!
Member Update November/December 2007 : Topics include: "Northampton Branch Now Open," "Consider Refinancing Your Car Loan to Save Big Money," "Now Earn Co-op Points by Using Your Debit Card," "Retirement Planning Checklist," "Win $50,000 a Year for Life!," "Beware of Scams & Bad Checks," and more!
Member Update September/October 2007 : Topics include: "Northampton Branch Development," "International Credit Union Day," "Introducing Kids to Money," "Preventing Holiday Shopping Stress," "Co-operative Principles," "Who's Keeping an Eye on the Books?," and more!
Member Update September/October 2007 (Worcester Edition) : Topics include: "Northampton Branch Development," "International Credit Union Day," "Introducing Kids to Money," "Preventing Holiday Shopping Stress," "Co-operative Principles," "Who's Keeping an Eye on the Books?," and more!
Member Update July/August 2007 : Topics include: "Designing our Northampton Branch," "Help for First-Time Home Buyers," "Visit from Azerbaijan Study Group," "College-Bound Budgeting," "Preventing Credit & Debit Card Fraud," "Members Use Their Co-op Points," and more!
Member Update July/August 2007 (Worcester Edition) : Topics include: "Designing our Northampton Branch," "Help for First-Time Home Buyers," "Visit from Azerbaijan Study Group," "College-Bound Budgeting," "Preventing Credit & Debit Card Fraud," "Members Use Their Co-op Points," and more!
Member Update May/June 2007 : Topics include: "Best of the Valley!," "Understanding Adjustable Rate Mortgages," "A Savings Strategy for Peace of Mind," "Protect Your Social Security Number!," "Smart Investing," "Introducing Lauren Duffy, Branch Manager, Northampton" and more!
Member Update May/June 2007 (Worcester Edition) : Topics include: "Best of the Valley!," "Understanding Adjustable Rate Mortgages," "A Savings Strategy for Peace of Mind," "Protect Your Social Security Number!," "Smart Investing," "Introducing Lauren Duffy, Branch Manager, Northampton" and more!
Member Update March/April 2007 : Topics include: "Northampton Branch to Open This Year," "Smart Shopping for a Home Equity Line of Credit," "40 Years and Growing," "Be Prepared for the Unexpected," "Earning Co-op Points," and "Be Safe When Using the ATM."
Member Update January/February 2007 : Topics include: "Auto Loan Refinancing Might Save You a Bundle", "Take the Rebate or Low Rate?", "VISA Interest Rates Reduced", "Financial Issues as Retirement Draws Near", and "Your Security, Our Responsibility."
Member Update January/February 2007 (Worcester Edition) : Topics include: "Auto Loan Refinancing Might Save You a Bundle", "Take the Rebate or Low Rate?", "VISA Interest Rates Reduced", "Financial Issues as Retirement Draws Near", and "Your Security, Our Responsibility."
Member Update November/December 2006 : Topics include "Advanced EZbank Security Measures," "Call for Board of Directors Nominations," "E-mail Encryption - Keeping Your Information Secure," and "Smart Tips for Holiday Shopping."
Member Update September/October 2006 : Topics include "Shared Branching," "Advantages of New VISA Platinum Card," "College Savings," and "Budget Blueprint."
Member Update July/August 2006 : Topics include "Over 2,000 New Branches," "Phishing Alert," "UMassFive Credit Card Updgrade," and "Federal Insurance Increased on IRA's."
Member Update May/June 2006 : Topics include "It’s Easy to Switch," "Protect Yourself from Overdrafts," and "Your Credit Union in the Community"
Member Update March/April 2006 : Topics include "Take Control of Your Finances," "Announcing HLPR Mortgage," and "Important Information for Debit Card Users"
Member Update Jan/Feb 2006 : Topics include "Introducing Co-op Points," New service to monitor Identity Theft now available to consumers," and "Is the IRA dead?."

Financial & Investment Services Newsletters

FIS Newsletter - August 08 : Topics include: "Investing Fundamentals," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," Upcoming Complimentary Educational Seminars, and more!

FIS Newsletter - July 08 : Topics include: "Protecting Your Estate," "Complimentary DVD Available," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," and more!

FIS Newsletter - June 08 : Topics include: "Successful Future," "Complimentary DVD Available," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," and more!

FIS Newsletter - May 08 : Topics include: "Easing the Tax Burden," "Have You Read...," "Complimentary DVD Available," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," upcoming seminars, and more!

FIS Newsletter - April 08 : Topics include: "Disciplined Investing", "In Layman's Terms", "Prime Numbers", upcoming seminars, and more!
FIS Newsletter - March 08 : Topics include: "Simplify Your Financial Life without Downsizing Your Retirement Goals," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," upcoming seminars, and more!

FIS Newsletter - February 08 : Topics include: "Were you surprised by your tax exposure this year?," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," upcoming seminars, and more!

FIS Newsletter - January 08 : Topics include: "Preparing for the Future," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," upcoming seminars, and more!

FIS Newsletter - December 07 : Topics include: "Tis' The Season For Year-End 'Strategic Planning'," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," and more!

FIS Newsletter - November 07 : Topics include: "Protection for the Future," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," Educational Seminar Listings, and more!

FIS Newsletter - October 07 : Topics include: "Investing Strategies," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," Educational Seminar Listings, and more!

FIS Newsletter - September 07 : Topics include: "Small Business Retirement Dreams," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," Educational Seminar Listings, and more!

FIS Newsletter - August 07 : Topics include: "Life Insurance 'Riders'," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," "CUSO Financial Services," and more!

FIS Newsletter - July 07 : Topics include: "Investment Strategies," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers," and more!

FIS Newsletter - June 07 : Topics include "Retirement Security," "Have You Read...," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers" and more!

FIS Newsletter - May 07 : Topics include "Fact of Life," "Who Can Help Me," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers" and more!

FIS Newsletter - April 07 : Topics include "Independent Women," "Reluctant Investors," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers" and more!

FIS Newsletter - March 07 : Topics include "Inherited IRA," "In Layman's Terms," "Prime Numbers" and more!

FIS Newsletter - February 07 : Topics include "Affordable Health Care," "Homeowner Savings," "Teachers and Energy Efficiency," "Prime Numbers" and more!
FIS Newsletter - December 06 : Tax Advantage Accounts
FIS Newsletter - November 06 : New Pension Laws of 2006
FIS Newsletter - October 06 : Don't procrastinate your financial future...
FIS Newsletter - September 06 : Life Insurance - What you need to know.
FIS Newsletter - August 06 : I'm thinking about retiring, now what?
FIS Newsletter - July 06 : Topics include "Threats to Seniors" and "Tips to Protect Your Nest Egg".
FIS Newsletter - June 06 : Topics include "What is Long Term Care?"
FIS Newsletter - May 06 : Topics include "The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews"
FIS Newsletter - April 06 : Topics include "College Savings" and "Maximizing Financial Aid"
FIS Newsletter - March 06 : Topics include "Don’t Forget About Your IRA" and "Your Financial Fitness"
FIS Newsletter - February 06 : Topics include "It is Never too Late to Get Back
On-Track" and "Spread the Wealth"
FIS Newsletter - January 06 : Topics include "New Year Financial Resolutions" and "American Funds Shareholder Meeting"
FIS Newsletter - December 05 : Topics include "A Holiday Greeting" and "Socially Responsible Investing"
FIS Newsletter - November 05 : Topics include "Insuring the Future" and "A Good Time was had by all."
FIS Newsletter - October 05 : Topics include "Ready, Get Set, Go!"
FIS Newsletter - September 05 : Topics include "Eleventh Hour Retirement Planning"
FIS Newsletter - August 05 : Topics include "Par for the Course: A successful investment strategy requires a variety of tools."
FIS Newsletter - July 05 : Topics include "The Crime of Identity Theft" and "The New Roth 401(k)"
FIS Newsletter - June 05 : Topics include "Life Stages" and "Powered by Asset Allocation"
FIS Newsletter - May 05 : Topics include "Simple Things You Can Do To Save Gas and Money" and "Raising Money-Wise Children"
FIS Newsletter - April 05 : Topics include "A Balancing Act"
FIS Newsletter - March 05 : Topics include "The Simple Life" and "Six Ways to Live Well on Less"
FIS Newsletter - February 05 : Topics include "Consolidating Retirement Plan Assets"
FIS Newsletter - January 05 : Topics include "Plan Now for the New Year"

Financial Wellness

Financial Literacy Quiz : Test your financial literacy. Why? Because without a good handle on personal finances, we make poor spending decisions, don't save for emergencies, max out several credit cards, pay higher interest rates, have our identities stolen, make poor investment choices, and underestimate our financial needs in retirement.

Annual Reports

2007 Annual Report : 2007 Report to The Membership
2006 Annual Report : 2006 Report to The Membership

Misc.

Is Broadband Worth It? : Evaluate your needs for security versus speed to determine an ISP's value.
Should You File Your Taxes Electronically? : About 48 million people filed their taxes electronically last year, either by telephone or by computer. But is e-filing for you?
Teaching Your Children How to Save and Spend : Teaching your children to save and spend is important to your current financial situation, as well as to your children's futures. Budgeting and shopping by and for children are covered in this article.
Pay Online with ACH Transfers : Instead of using a credit card online, you now have the option to pay for goods and services directly from your account. Follow these few tips to ensure safe and secure transactions so you do not compromise your important account information.
Maximizing NCUA Insurance Chart :