SF Fire Credit Union - News

Retirement Contribution Limit Updates for the New Year

2012-01-30T08:00:00Z

Although we're now about a month in to the new year, it is not too late to fund an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for 2011. In most cases you can make your contribution up until the tax-filing deadline, Tuesday, April 17th.

2012 Traditional & Roth IRA Contribution Limits

The accompanying table reflects the 2012 income limits and contribution limits for Roth and Traditional IRAs. Your tax advisor can help determine which option is best for you; you can also learn more about your IRA options here on our website.

<font>2012 Contribution Limits</font>
Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Contribution Limits	2012
Up to age 50	$5,000
Catch Up Contributions Provision Age 50+	$6,000
Traditional IRA Contribution and Modified Adjusted Gross Income Limits	2012
Single or Head of Household - Active Participant	$58,000 - $68,000
Married Filing Joint - Active Participant	$92,000-$112,000
Married Filing Separately - Active Participant	$10,000
Roth IRA Contribution Limits and Modified Adjusted Gross Income Phase-Out Ranges	2012
Single Individual, Head of Household, or Married Filing Separately (did not live with spouse at any time during the year)	$110,000-$125,000
Married Filing a Joint Income Tax Return	$173,000-$183,000
Married Filing Separate Tax Returns (lived with spouse at any time during the year)	$0-$10,000
For specific tax advise please consult a qualified tax professional
Source: http://www.irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=96461,00.html and Publication *560, 970 www.irs.gov/retirement/participant/article/0,,id=211334,00.html

Employee Sponsored Retirement Plans

If your employer offers a retirement plan such as a 457(b), 401(k) or 403(b), contribution limits are going up for 2012. If you're younger than 50, the new limit is $17,000; if you're 50 or older, the 2012 total pre-tax maximum contribution is $22,500.

Also if you're 50 or older, you are allowed to make "catch-up" contributions to your employer sponsored plan as a result of the Restoring Earning to Lift Individuals and Empower Families (RELIEF) Act of 2001. The catch-up contributions limit is $5,500, and these contributions are designed to help people who got a late start - or have been procrastinating on their retirement savings - to be better prepared for retirement.

Assistance Awaits You

Our CFS* Financial Advisors are available to assist you with retirement planning. Dennis Adams is available at 415.674.4845, and Stephen Seewer is available at 415.674.4846.

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. ("CFS"), a registered broker-dealer (FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. SF Fire Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.

Ways to Pay Down Your Holiday Debt

2012-01-13T08:00:00Z

The holidays have come and gone, and if you've used credit cards to finance purchases, the following tips may help you to chip away at your debt and start 2012 with a brighter light at the end of your financial tunnel.

Pay More than the Minimum Payment

This is one of the first things we're all told upon receiving our first credit card, but it's an easy bit of advice to forget. If you get paid bi-weekly, try to budget just a little more than your minimum payment when your bill is due (if you can pay more, or pay off your card entirely, then good for you!). Then, after receiving your second paycheck of the month, try throwing an extra $20-$50 towards your principal payment. $20-$50 dollars may not sound like much, but you're not only lowering your average daily balance (and moving towards paying less in finance charges); the extra $240-$600 per year can help you move closer to paying off your card.

Consolidate Your Debt

Simplify your finances by consolidating your credit card or credit line debt from multiple cards or institutions onto your SF Fire Credit Union Platinum Visa. Not only will this help make your debt easier to manage, but that debt will be moved to a credit card with a lower interest rate (based on credit worthiness).

Stop Paying with Credit Until You've Reached Your Goal

In tough economic times, using your credit cards for discretionary spending can seem like the easiest immediate solution, but try not to use your revolving credit lines for this type of spending if possible. And for next holiday season, start saving early in the year to avoid placing holiday purchases on your credit cards.

Contact BALANCE Financial Fitness Program^TM (Free to Members!)

The above tips may be enough to help you inch your way to a debt-free 2012, but if you require more assistance, we encourage you to contact the BALANCE Financial Fitness Program^TM. As a member of SF Fire Credit Union, BALANCE's counseling services are free to you. They can help with developing a real-world spending and savings plan, improving your credit score, planning for your future or buying a home, and much more. To enroll, call 888.456.2227 or visit their website at https://www.balancepro.net/.

Improvements to Online Banking - Making it Easier to Transfer Your Funds

2012-01-11T08:00:00Z

To coincide with the launch of the SF Fire Credit Union Mobile Banking applications, we've also streamlined the Transfer Money tool within Online Banking.

What will be changing?

When launched January 25th, a few of the major changes that you'll see include:

A simplified interface - it is now easier to view all of your transfer accounts, pending and scheduled transfers, and navigate within the tool.
You can save other SF Fire Credit Union members to your list of transfer accounts to make future transfers without having to remember their member numbers after the initial transfer setup.

How will these changes affect my account(s)?

Our hope is that the changes we've implemented help to make managing your accounts easier. If you have any questions about any of the changes to the Transfer Money tool, please click on the Help button within Online Banking, contact us via Web Chat, or give us a call at 1.888.499.FIRE(3473) from 6:00AM to 10:00PM 7-days-a-week.

Apply for the 2012 Arthur F. McIntyre Scholarship

2012-01-05T08:00:00Z

Entries of original essays are now being accepted for SF Fire Credit Union’s 2012 Scholarship Program.

Scholarships of $1,000 each will be awarded to two full-time high school students and two full-time college students.

Deadline for Submission

Submissions, including all requirements, must be received at the Credit Union by February 1, 2012.

Download the packet here, stop by an SF Fire Credit Union branch to pick one up, or contact us and we’ll mail one to you. To learn more about the application requirements, please click here.

Winners will be announced at the Annual Meeting of the Members on February 20th, 2012.

Mind Your Dates - A Friendly Reminder

2012-01-04T08:00:00Z

As we ring in the new year, the last thing we often think about is remembering to write '2012' instead of '2011' on our checks. Writing the incorrect date on your checks can cause the checks you either receive or write to others to be returned, as these incorrectly dated checks are recognized as being 'stale'.

Be sure to start your new year free from small hassles that could be avoided by remembering to date your checks correctly and double check the dates on checks you receive and intend to deposit. We thank you in advance, and wish you a Happy New Year.

Planning Ahead for 2012

2011-12-30T08:00:00Z

As 2011 comes to a close, now is a great time to think about what you can do to save more money this next year. Whether you've been a member for the last sixty-one years or are one of the newest member-owners of SF Fire Credit Union, there are many things you can do to get the most out of your money in 2012.

Welcome, New Members

If you're one of our newest members, welcome! As you look over your full financial picture to see where SF Fire Credit Union can help you with your financial needs, remember to consider your investment accounts. We provide comprehensive, advisor-assisted investing through our registered broker/dealer, CUSO Financial Services, LP.*

Call for a Free Appointment

If you've been a member of our credit union for some time, you're probably aware of the helpful Investment Services we have available. Give us a call to make an appointment for a financial check-up with one of our CFS Financial Advisors. It's always a great idea to review your portfolio and discover what you could be doing differently.

Meet Your Financial Advisors

Our Financial Advisors Dennis Adams and Stephen Seewer have worked together for more than twenty years and are well-informed on a full range of investment solutions.

Available Financial Planning Services Include:

Retirement planning
Income planning
Investment advisory and risk management
Life insurance services
Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, etc.
Financial planning

Branches Closed on Jan 2nd - Call Center & Web Chat Available

2011-12-28T08:00:00Z

The Credit Union’s California Street & Stonestown branches will be open regular hours of 8:30AM to 5:00PM on New Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31, 2011).

Both branches will closed on Monday, January 2, 2012.

The Call Center & Web Chat will be available on January 2, 2012 during their regular hours of 6AM to 10PM (Pacific).

Member Alert - Security Breach at Bay Area Lucky Supermarkets

2011-12-08T08:00:00Z

Due to a security breach at Lucky supermarket locations in the Bay Area, we will be identifying and contacting members who have made transactions at the affected stores. (Please click here to view a list of affected Lucky supermarket locations, or for more information.)

If you used a self-service checkout terminal at an affected Lucky within the last month with your credit or debit card, please contact our Call Center by phone 1.888.499.FIRE(3473) or Web Chat - available 7-days-a-week from 6:00AM to 10:00PM - to order a new card.

Staying in the Game

2011-11-28T08:00:00Z

Market volatility has been a powerful force this year giving investors a wild ride. In one week in August the Dow Jones Industrials traveled 3,141 points.

Volatility is likely here to stay. In some regards it is nothing new. Each year we can expect the market to experience a significant correction, which over the last 30 years has averaged almost 15%.

Check-In with Your Advisor

So what should the individual investor do in such volatile times? The best course of action is to review your holdings with your Financial Advisor, and from there, decide if any action is indeed necessary. This placates the natural desire to "do something", but helps keep emotions in check.

Assistance Awaits You

Our CFS* Financial Advisors are here to help you manage volatility and steer you in the direction of investment success. You can reach Dennis Adams at 415.674.4845, and Stephen Seewer at 415.674.4846.

10 Tips to Help Protect Your Identity this Holiday Season

2011-11-08T08:00:00Z

Criminals are always finding new ways to steal your identity and with the holidays just around the corner, your best defense is to be educated and aware before you begin shopping. We've provided you with some suggestions to help keep your identity safe this holiday season.

Be sure to mix numbers and symbols into your password - some hackers use programs that can try every word in the dictionary.
Never provide information about yourself or accounts you hold when solicited through an email or phone call.
Don't click on links that ask for personal information, whether it's in an email, a pop-up, or an unsecure web page.
Try not to leave your checkbook in your vehicle, or in a visible place in your home - always keep it in a secure location just in case a robbery occurs.
Never leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. Drop them off at a post office box.
Limit the number of credit cards you carry. The fewer cards you have, the easier it is to track them.
Make sure any online credit card charges are handled through a secure site and in an encrypted mode. You'll know you're on a secure site if the web page on which you conduct your transaction begins with https instead of http.
Shred everything that contains confidential information, including credit card receipts (after you've reconciled your bill), old bank statements, medical statements, everyday bills, and pre-approved credit card offers. Any document that has personal financial information on it can give an identity thief a foothold into your life.
If you're moving, contact all your creditors and update them of your address changes immediately. You don't want credit information and new credit cards being delivered to the wrong address. Likewise, if your credit card expired and you don't receive a new one, call your creditor immediately.
Never carry your Social Security Number and driver's license together in your wallet.

2011 Employee Pumpkin Contest Winner

2011-10-31T07:00:00Z

Thanks to all those who submitted an entry to this year’s competition.

It was a tight race this year, with two “high tech” entries vying for the popular vote (Angry Birds) and one “low tech” entry – (Diva Mummy, wrapped in toilet paper) giving a strong, yet somewhat muffled, performance. A total of 510 entries were cast.

Ultimately, there has to be a winner (winner receives bragging rights for the year) which goes to SF Fire’s Info Technology Department (shown below) stealing the title away from the Lending Department who won in 2010.

Congratulations to the winner and good luck next year to the other departments!

2011 Pumpkin Competition Winner – Info Technology Department

Runners-up

Strong 2nd and 3rd place voting made these two entries almost tied for second, by a difference of one vote.

Second Place – Accounting

Third Place – Brand Loyalty

Branches Closed on Nov 11th - Call Center & Web Chat Available

2011-10-27T07:00:00Z

The Credit Union’s California Street & Stonestown branches will be closed on Friday, November 11, 2011 in observance of Veterans Day.

The Call Center & Web Chat will be available on November 11, 2011 during their regular hours of 6AM to 10PM (Pacific).

Kids & Money - Investment Education Begins Early

2011-10-26T07:00:00Z

Long before her bike sheds its training wheels, your child understands the concept of money. She observes you using the ATM, purchasing groceries and paying bills. To prepare her for a financially responsible adulthood, it's never too early to foster a healthy attitude about spending, savings, and credit.

Start with the Basics

How can we help our children learn the basics of financial management? When they end up with a larger denomination of cash (say as a birthday gift from a relative), calculate the change for the bill or help by budgeting with an envelope system, as these smaller lessons can contribute to a larger understanding of financial management.

Think about including your children in your family's budgeting process. Ask your child to help tally the cost of the grocery trip while you're going down the aisles. Work with your child before your shopping trip to set a spending limit and avoid impulse purchases.

Set Up a 529 College Savings Plan

Another way you can engage your child is by setting up a 529 College Savings Plan. Plans can be established with small initial contributions. A systematic monthly investment for as little as $50 then builds the plan. These plans can offer significant tax benefits when used for higher education.

Including your child in the process of reviewing these Plan account statements provides you the opportunity to teach her about many of the basics of investing: starting early, paying yourself first, systematic investing, dollar-cost-averaging, fluctuation and market risk, mutual funds, and diversification. With the hands-on engagement, she'll come to understand that, just like riding a bike, having her money grow comes with discipline and patience.

No New Fees Planned for Our Debit Card Program

2011-09-30T07:00:00Z

In light of the Durbin Amendment, which will be in effect October 1st, 2011, SF Fire Credit Union does not plan to introduce new fees for our Checking Account or Debit Card program.

Learn more about our Checking Account and Debit Card HERE.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Call Center at 1.888.499.FIRE(3473) or President/CEO Darren Herrmann directly by using our Ask Darren form on our website's home page.

Online Banking Has Gone Mobile

2011-09-26T07:00:00Z

The SF Fire Credit Union Mobile Banking apps allow you to take care of your online banking business directly from your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phone or Android tablet.

To download the free app, simply visit the Apple App Store from your iOS device or within iTunes on your computer, search for "SF Fire Credit Union," and you'll see the SF Fire Credit Union Mobile Banking app available for free download. Or, you can visit this link to iTunes from your iOS device.

Android users can visit the Android Market and search for "SF Fire Credit Union" for the free download of the SF Fire Credit Union Mobile Banking app. Or, you can visit this link to the Android Market.

Our Favorite Features

Deposit a check by taking a photo with your phone. (You don't even have to mail us your check.)

Shared Branch & Deposit-Taking ATM locator that is powered by your GPS-enabled phone.

Transfer Money to one of your SF Fire accounts, or to an account elsewhere.

Pay Bills, and most other features available in Online Banking.

Where is the version for my mobile device if I'm not an iOS or Android user?

We're in the process of testing optimizations to Online Banking that simplify the layout so it'll more user-friendly across all mobile devices. In the near future, you'll be able to access your accounts in the web browser on your smartphone or tablet device, as those enhancements are coming soon.

SF Fire Credit Union - News

Retirement Contribution Limit Updates for the New Year

2012 Traditional & Roth IRA Contribution Limits

<font>2012 Contribution Limits</font>

Employee Sponsored Retirement Plans

Assistance Awaits You

Ways to Pay Down Your Holiday Debt

Pay More than the Minimum Payment

Consolidate Your Debt

Stop Paying with Credit Until You've Reached Your Goal

Contact BALANCE Financial Fitness ProgramTM (Free to Members!)

Improvements to Online Banking - Making it Easier to Transfer Your Funds

What will be changing?

How will these changes affect my account(s)?

Apply for the 2012 Arthur F. McIntyre Scholarship

Entries of original essays are now being accepted for SF Fire Credit Union’s 2012 Scholarship Program.

Deadline for Submission

Mind Your Dates - A Friendly Reminder

Planning Ahead for 2012

Welcome, New Members

Call for a Free Appointment

Meet Your Financial Advisors

Available Financial Planning Services Include:

Branches Closed on Jan 2nd - Call Center & Web Chat Available

The Credit Union’s California Street & Stonestown branches will be open regular hours of 8:30AM to 5:00PM on New Year’s Eve (Saturday, December 31, 2011).

Both branches will closed on Monday, January 2, 2012.

The Call Center & Web Chat will be available on January 2, 2012 during their regular hours of 6AM to 10PM (Pacific).

Member Alert - Security Breach at Bay Area Lucky Supermarkets

Staying in the Game

Check-In with Your Advisor

Assistance Awaits You

10 Tips to Help Protect Your Identity this Holiday Season

Criminals are always finding new ways to steal your identity and with the holidays just around the corner, your best defense is to be educated and aware before you begin shopping. We've provided you with some suggestions to help keep your identity safe this holiday season.

2011 Employee Pumpkin Contest Winner

Thanks to all those who submitted an entry to this year’s competition.

2011 Pumpkin Competition Winner – Info Technology Department

Runners-up

Branches Closed on Nov 11th - Call Center & Web Chat Available

The Credit Union’s California Street & Stonestown branches will be closed on Friday, November 11, 2011 in observance of Veterans Day.

The Call Center & Web Chat will be available on November 11, 2011 during their regular hours of 6AM to 10PM (Pacific).

Kids & Money - Investment Education Begins Early

Start with the Basics

Set Up a 529 College Savings Plan

We're Here to Help

No New Fees Planned for Our Debit Card Program

Online Banking Has Gone Mobile

Our Favorite Features

Where is the version for my mobile device if I'm not an iOS or Android user?

Contact BALANCE Financial Fitness Program^TM (Free to Members!)