Welcome to 2019!

This month’s newsletter is packed with helpful advice on how to improve your finances both now and down the road. Just a few simple changes can be the key to making 2019 your best financial year ever.

Save up for a down payment

If you’re planning to buy a home in 2019, use the helpful LMCU Budget Tool to set a savings goal for your down payment. Just log into online banking and click the Budget tab. Once you’re inside the Budget Tool, select the Savings tab and create a new goal. Set your total goal (we typically require between 3–5% or $6,000–$10,000 on a $200,000 home) and choose how much you want to put away each month. Budgeting for your new home is now more convenient than ever!

Consolidate debt

If you’re carrying high interest debt from previous loans, credit cards, or lines of credit, consolidate that debt with our MaxEquitySM loan. The Max Equity program includes two flexible loan options: a revolving line of credit and a fixed rate loan. Both options allow you to pay off balances on your own terms, with no application fees or pre-payment penalties.

Ditch the high interest rate credit cards

High rate credit cards can drain your finances month after month. If you typically carry a monthly balance, the LMCU Prime Platinum Visa credit card has one of the lowest rates in the country and was voted among the best in the nation by Money Magazine*. If you normally pay off your balance every month, consider our Max Rewards Card. Earn 3% on gas**, 2% on groceries and 1% on everything else. No matter which LMCU credit card you choose, there are no annual or balance transfer fees, plus a 25-day grace period, 24/7 fraud protection and zero-fraud liability. Apply online today at LMCU.org or visit your local branch.

*Money Magazine, November 2018. **Maximum earned on first $500 spend on gas/month, 1% after maximum is reached.

Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship

There’s still time for high school seniors in Michigan or Florida to enter our Hutt Scholarship Competition. Applicants are required to write an essay addressing this year’s theme: “But we’ve always done it that way.” Name something you’d change and why.” 15 winners will receive $2,000 each towards an accredited trade school, college or university. But hurry, the deadline to enter is January 31. Visit LMCU.org/Hutt to enter.

Save on insurance

At Lake Michigan Insurance Agency, we shop the nation’s top insurance providers to get you the best coverage at the lowest rate possible. We personally assess your situation to make sure you’re not overpaying for coverage you don’t need. Plus, when you bundle your home, auto, life, health, or business policies with us, you can save even more. Call (616) 643-0623 or go to LMCU.org/Insurance to get a free quote.

Take advantage of LMCU Member Perks

Sprint
For a limited time, credit union members get: Up to $100 Cash Reward per line Plus $100 Annual Loyalty Cash 25% off accessories.

TurboTax®
LMCU members save up to $20 on TurboTax and get a chance to win $25k.

Visit LMCU.org/MemberPerks for more information.

Earn 3% APY on Checking

LMCU’s 3% Max Checking account pays you 3.00% APY** on balances of up to $15,000— that’s up to almost $450 a year. Plus, there are no fees, no minimum balance required, and free ATM use. No wonder it’s been rated the best checking account in the nation by Money Magazine***. Apply online at LMCU.org or stop by any branch to start earning more.

**APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate as of 12/1/18 and subject to change after account opening. Interest not paid on balances over $15,000. Membership required. Some requirements apply. Fees may reduce earnings. ***Money Magazine Nov. 2018.

Download the LMCU app

Keep track of your finances anywhere, anytime with the LMCU mobile app. The Account Snapshot view lets you see all of your account balances together at a glance. You can also apply for a loan, check the latest rates, or take advantage of our financial calculators to help guide your spending. Download the app for free at the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Refinance your auto loan

You can take advantage of our lowest rate of 4.24% APR^† for up to 36 months on a 2010 or newer model year! Call (844) 301-8899, visit LMCU.org, or stop by your local branch to get started.

^†APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate as of 12/13/2018. Term 0-36 months. Rate subject to change. Lowest rate featured applies to credit score of 720 or above. Your rate may vary depending on your specific credit terms.

Take care of your business

If you’re a business owner, LMCU’s commercial banking group is your single source for loans, lines of credit, business checking accounts, and the services essential for success and growth. For a comprehensive array of financial tools and expert advice, contact us today at (800) 242-9790 or visit LMCU.org/Business.

Protect your identity

Nothing sends your finances spiraling out of control like identity theft. LMCU members get exclusive savings on identity theft protection plans from LifeLock®. Visit LMCU.org/MemberPerks for more information.

Take stock of your investments

Your long-term financial confidence depends on the choices you make today. As an independent professional brokerage, through LPL Financial, MaxWealth Management located at Lake Michigan Credit Union offers personalized financial planning and strategies based on your unique situation. Strategies are designed to adapt to market changes and your personal goals. Schedule a free consultation today with a MaxWealth Management LPL financial advisor by calling (616) 234-6358 or visit LMCU.org/MaxWealth.

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affliates.

Lake Michigan Credit Union and MaxWealth Management – Located at Lake Michigan Credit Union are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial. The LPL Financial registered representative associated with this site may only discuss and/or transact securities business with residents of the following states: Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Iowa, Pennsylvania, Kansas, California, Indiana, Michigan

Bonus: Save even more in the New Year

We know we said 12 tips, but when it comes to saving our members money, we can’t help but go above and beyond. Here’s lucky 13: two special CD rates including a 12 month CD at 2.60% APY*, and an 18 month CD at 2.75% APY. Visit LMCU.org for more information.

Rates as of 1/1/19. Offer valid through 1/31/2019. *APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Minimum balance to open a CD is $500. CD rates include .25% MORE VIP Relationship Reward Bonus. Rates may change after account opening. A penalty may be charged for early withdrawal of a fixed term certificate or IRA. Fees may reduce earnings. Federally insured by the NCUA.