SUGGESTIONS, TIPS AND INFORMATION TO IMPROVE YOUR LIFE | WINTER 2016 | TRULIANT.ORG

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

President’s Message: Tell the Credit Union Story p.2

Truliant’s Greenville Branch Now Open in New Location p.2

COO Message: Cut Debt with Truliant in 2016 p.3

Apps and More to Monitor Your Finances p.4

Members Cut Monthly Payments by Over $500 p.4

Refinance or Use Vehicle Equity to Pay Down Debt p.4

Use the Value in Your Home to Pay Down Debt p.4

Invest Well Today for a Better Future p.4

No-Cost Credit Review to Evaluate Credit p.5

Speak with a Truliant Specialist p.5

Use the Financial Advisors to Invest p.5

Vote in Truliant’s Board Elections p.6

Now Accepting 2016 Scholarship Applications p.6

Welcome to New Truliant at Work Partners p.6

Let Truliant Help You Reduce High-Interest Payments Your strategy for paying off debt shouldn’t begin with raiding emergency savings or retirement funds. Many people don’t realize that they can refinance their existing debt at lower rates. Even if you have a healthy savings cushion, we can find smart ways to help you lower interest rates, reduce monthly payments, pay off debt more quickly, finance necessary purchases and free up needed funds, all in less than an hour.

Let us help you take control of your finances in 2016. Start by exploring your options at any of our 30 locations by speaking with a Truliant specialist, a few of whom are pictured above with our President and CEO Marc Schaefer (center). Learn more inside this issue about the ways we can help you lower debt and reach your goals.

A Message From Your President and CEO: Help Tell the Story of Member-Owned Credit UnionsThe start of the New Year puts us in the thick of yet another United States presidential campaign that many of us already would like to be over. Our political system and democracy in general though bring to mind a famous quote from British statesman Winston Churchill. After shepherding

England through World War II only to be kicked out of office shortly thereafter, Churchill said: “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

It is true that good democratic government might have helped prevent or lessen the impact of the financial and economic crisis that bedeviled our nation and the world seven years ago. One leading presidential candidate references nine million jobs lost, five million people losing their homes, and $13 trillion in household wealth wiped out. Could sound public policy prevent a future crisis? The answer is clearly yes, but… It is no secret that the political landscape in the U.S. has become more and more polarized, making consensus around good public policy more challenging.

As I’ve noted before in this column, much of the Dodd-Frank financial reform legislation designed to address the triggers for the crisis did nothing of the sort.

The Durbin Amendment, for example, transferred hundreds of millions of dollars in interchange to large merchants, who have done a poor job of protecting consumer information, from financial institutions who bear the full cost of the merchants’ security lapses by making our members whole.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), also brought to life by Dodd-Frank, has littered the consumer financial service space with dozens of unintended regulatory consequences. This often makes getting services to consumers more difficult to impossible and raises their costs. The CFPB created magic bullets around things like a debt-to-income ratio of 43% equating to a “Qualified Mortgage”

that can be sold in the secondary market and a 44% debt-to-income mortgage that doesn’t qualify. This is a prime example of data-driven decision making run amok when it comes to real lives.

Another example, Truliant at nearly $2 billion in assets is considered too large to qualify as a “small lender” and has the exact same requirements in mortgage regulations as the $2.6 trillion asset size JP Morgan Chase bank. That’s not to say that some good has not been achieved by financial reform legislation. But the trade-offs have not been worth it to the average consumer.

As the tough lessons of the financial crises in 2007 through 2009 and beyond teach us, it pays for the average consumer and citizen to be aware of what is actually going on in the public policy arena. As the banking industry licks its wounds from some of the devastation they helped to author, they’ll be back to attacking member-owned credit unions again, mustering their lawyers and lobbyists to duty in Washington, D.C. Some, who do not feel they need, understand or appreciate the value of a member-owned, focused and driven financial cooperative may target credit unions as public policy evolves in the cauldron of politics.

As a member-owner of Truliant, I encourage you to get involved. You can help by informing, educating and persuading others about the differences and value of your credit union that has your best interests at heart. Tell the story of how we helped you make financial choices and provided the right set of services to improve your life. Find out if your preferred candidates for office are familiar with and supportive of credit unions who continued to help consumers and small businesses through the financial crisis when many banks could not. Vote in Truliant’s Board of Directors election, and consider participating in the Deduct-A-Buck campaign that allows us to support pro-credit union public policy leaders.

Together, the 195,000 plus member-owners of Truliant can help to ensure that our democratic system is indeed better than all other forms.

LIFE IMPROVEDSM

Marc SchaeferPresident and CEO

You can help by informing, educating and persuading others about the differences and value of your credit union.

Truliant’s Greenville Branch Now Open in New Location Our relocated Greenville, S.C. branch is now open in the Milestone Plaza Shopping Center on 3621 Pelham Road, beside the Super BI-LO. To better serve our members, this location provides more convenient access and a Smart ATM which allows you to deposit cash or checks without an envelope and see check deposit imaging on your receipt.

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Todd HallChief Operating Officer

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We all want to know we’re on the right track with our money. Having a good read on our finances impacts many turning points in our lives, from first vehicles and college costs, to home ownership, parenting and retirement.

We want financial stability, but we may not be sure how to get there, if we are on track or even when we’ll get there.

One way you can resolve to have a strong financial 2016 is with a financial checkup at Truliant. It starts with a one-on-one review with a Truliant specialist that looks at your credit and debt and helps find smart ways to manage or restructure it with better rates, savings, more affordable payments, or to free up cash. Many people don’t realize that they can refinance their existing debt at lower rates.

Regardless of your income, this review can help better position your finances. Last year, our No-Cost Credit Review uncovered smart ways for our members to meet their financial needs. It helped one couple find extra money for in-vitro fertilization therapy. It helped drop auto loan rates as high as 24% from other lenders to single-digit rates with Truliant. It consolidated credit card debt from stacks of cards and large monthly payments into fixed-rates and manageable payments. You can read a story about how we recently

helped one couple lower their monthly payments by $500 a month on Page 4 of this newsletter.

One of the biggest benefits of your review is our

specialists, your own personal finance strategists who work with you to explore improvements you can make.

It’s good to have our specialists in your corner. High interest rate credit card and other debt add up quickly. Sometimes

a checkup is necessary because you need extra cash or have a pressing need for a vehicle. You might’ve gotten a little carried away and overspent during the holidays. Or, you may have missed a payment. Even members with a comfortable savings and investment cushion can benefit from periodically sizing up their debt, and using our salaried, non-commissioned financial advisors to help you reach your goals.

We look for solutions that don’t weigh you down, and help you get on the path to a stronger financial future. We find equity and have a range of loan options, from home equity, personal convenience loans, preferred lines of credit, and other options tailored to fit your needs and improve your overall debt situation.

We also have technology tools to help you monitor your daily financial picture, and included a summary of them below this article.

We all want to know where we stand with our finances. Your review with a Truliant specialist, along with our tech tools, can help alleviate uncertainty about your personal finances. You don’t have to be trapped in a high-interest debt cycle with a budget leaving little wiggle room.

You have dreams and goals. Make this the year that you take control. Regardless of your income (20,000+ or $200,000+) or credit score (good or bad), it’s never too late to make a resolution to strengthen your personal finances in 2016. Start with a financial review at your Truliant Member Financial Center.

A Message From Your Chief Operating Officer: Our Specialists Can Help You Cut High-Interest Payments

Many people don’t realize that they can refinance their existing debt at lower rates.

Upgrade Your Daily Financial Management Get ahead this year by using our online technology tools to monitor your daily financial picture.

• Tru2Go App: Manage your account, deposit checks, find ATMs, see cashback rewards and more • Mobile Text Alerts: Instant updates on account balances, deposits, transactions and potential unauthorized purchases1 • Online Banking: Pay bills, move money, set travel notifications, and get spending insights personalized to you

Register for your Online Banking profile at Truliant.org. Set up text alerts through the Additional Services tab. Visit your app store to get the Tru2Go App. Stop by one of our Member Financial Centers for a demonstration today!

(1) Your mobile carrier’s text messaging and web access charges may apply for text message alerts. You may discontinue receipt of text alerts immediately by texting the word STOP in reply to a Text Alert.

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Members Cut Monthly Payments by Over $500 We had given up. Truliant took the time to help us. - James Burton

James and Marie had almost accepted that high-interest credit card and auto debt payments were their fate. Marie, 66 years old and four years a retired certified nursing assistant, was still working two jobs – one a third shift position – to keep up with payments.

“You don’t know how you get to that point. Little by little, it adds up. I had no hope,” she said. Each financial institution where they sought help told them their credit score was too low to give them any options. They were trapped in a high-interest debt cycle with a budget that left little wiggle room.

Recently, a friend told Marie’s husband James to try Truliant. He made an appointment.

“I met Member Service Specialist Jami Hill right when I walked in the door. I told her we needed help. She took time to help us,” he said. Truliant refinanced their auto loan and consolidated some unsecured loans, credit cards and their second mortgage.

Jami helped the Burtons save $547 monthly and cut a lot of interest. They’re now able to start saving and paying down other bills. “When I signed the papers I said ‘Thank God,’” Marie Burton said. “Sometimes it’s just about finding the right person.”

We have a range of loan options – from home equity loans and lines of credit, vehicle-secured loans, auto refinance loans, personal unsecured loans and lines of credit – all tailored to fit your needs and improve your overall financial situation.

Refinance or Use Vehicle Equity to Help Pay Down Debt If you don’t currently have an auto loan or your vehicle is worth more than you owe, then you have equity in your vehicle. This is an easy way to borrow money at low rates to pay off existing debt. Truliant also offers competitive auto loan refinancing to reduce high interest rates and save money.

You can use equity from multiple vehicles or refinance vehicles up to 10 years old. Speak with a Truliant representative to learn more about using your vehicle to reduce debt today!

(1) Annual Percentage Rate. Rate/terms subject to change. Auto loans subject to credit approval. Additional terms apply for refinancing existing Truliant auto loans.

Use the Value in Your Home to Improve Your Life Whether it’s a new kitchen, debt consolidation, paying off bills, taking a vacation or helping with college costs, a home equity loan or line of credit1 can bring real value into your life. We offer loan amounts from $10,000 to $350,000, fixed and variable rates and no prepayment penalties, annual fees or closing costs.2

Applying is easy. Call us, visit us online or stop by any Truliant location to learn more.

All loans subject to credit approval. Equal Housing Lender. Available in NC, SC, VA, FL, TN, OH and GA only. (1) Annual Percentage Rate is a variable rate and the maximum APR for home equity lines of credit is 18%. (2) Not applicable in SC or GA. No closing costs if loan is not paid off and closed within 24 months. Appraisal fees may apply if appraisal is ordered and the loan does not close. Please visit Truliant.org or call us at 800.822.0382 for more information.

James and Marie Burton at Truliant’s Burlington, NC Member Financial Center

Tell Your Friends and Family About Truliant We know that many people seek help from financial institutions who tell them their debt-to-income ratio is too high to give them any options. Benefit from an appointment with Truliant’s debt reduction specialists. Those who live, work, worship or attend school in the areas we serve can join. You can also now also apply for membership at Truliant.org/OnlineAccounts.

We have 13 locations in the Piedmont Triad, 13 locations in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, two locations in Southwest Virginia and branches in Richmond, Va. and Greenville, S.C. Truliant doesn’t exist to make profits

for investors, but to offer solutions with your best interest at heart. Visit our locations page at Truliant.org to find our location nearest to you.

Improve Your Financial Position in Less Than an Hour Even with a great credit score or a high income you can benefit from a free financial review. Get a more complete picture of your credit history with a No-Cost Credit Review. We evaluate your credit, show you how to improve it, and uncover solutions that can restructure debt with lower rates, get you more affordable payments, find equity or free up cash.

We also offer the TruFinancial Checkup to our member-owners at no cost, so we can discuss your financial situation and what you want to accomplish. Each year, we assist thousands of member-owners by performing the TruFinancial Checkup so they can reach their goals faster, save money on loans and earn more on deposits. Visit one of our Member Financial Centers to speak to a specialist and get started today.

Invest Well Today for a Better Future Whether it’s rebuilding a portfolio or planning for the future, The Financial Advisors Located at Truliant1 offer guidance with our members’ best interest at heart. These non-commissioned, salaried professionals offer financial advice and investment planning guidance; brokerage services for stocks, bonds and mutual funds; life and long-term care insurance; and more. To learn more, visit Truliant.org/FinancialAdvisors.

(1) Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, may lose value, no financial institution guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.

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MAIL: Truliant Federal Credit Union P.O. Box 26000 Winston-Salem, NC 27114-6000

CONTACT US: Charlotte, NC 704.522.1955

Greensboro/High Point, NC 336.664.1955

Winston-Salem/Kernersville, NC 336.659.1955

Richmond, VA 804.965.1966

Other Areas 800.822.0382

WEBSITE: Truliant.org

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Certificates & IRA Certificates APY1

3 to 36 months$250 - $4,999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.15% - 0.85%$5,000 - $24,999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.15% - 0.90%$25,000 - $99,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.20% - 0.95%$100,000+ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.25% - 1.04%

Consumer Loans APR2

Preferred Line of Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as low as 6.50%VISA®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as low as 8.40%2014 - New Car/Truck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . as low as 1.74%2008 - 2013 Used Car/Truck . . . . . . . . . . as low as 2.14%2005 - 2007 Used Car/Truck . . . . . . . . . . as low as 3.64%

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)3

Variable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .as low as prime minus 0.25%

Fixed-Rate Mortgage2

15-Year Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.650%20-Year Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.219%30-Year Fixed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.284%

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)2

3/1 ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.976%5/1 ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.943%7/1 ARM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.250%

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS: Truliant Federal Credit Union will be closed on the following days:

New Year’s DayFriday, January 1

President’s DayMonday, February 15

Memorial DayMonday, May 30

Truliant is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration and is an Equal Housing Lender.

(1) Annual Percentage Yield (APY). Penalties may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees or other conditions could reduce earnings.

(2) Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may vary. Loans subject to credit approval. Mortgages are only available in FL, GA, NC, OH, SC, TN and VA.

(3) HELOC periodic rate not to fall below 3.25% or exceed 18% for a plan with a loan-to-value of 85% or less. Available in FL, GA, NC, OH, SC, TN and VA.

Rates are accurate as of 12/18/15 and subject to change.

Welcome to Our New Truliant at Work Partners Intelichart LLC | Bradley Personnel Inc. | PREM Corporation (Austin Tarp & Controls) | Burkert Fluid Controls Systems | Coats & Bennett PPLC | Used OTR & Farm Tire Warehouse | Le Bleu Corporation

As a Member-Owner, YOU Have a Voice! Credit unions are democratically operated organizations governed by a volunteer board of directors, elected by your vote. Cast your vote in our board elections starting January 4, 2016 at 5 p.m. until February 8 at 11:59 p.m. We offer three easy ways to vote:

• Mail-in ballot • Online at www.vres.us/truliantfcu • Touch-tone telephone by calling 1.800.207.9350

We encourage you all to participate in this important aspect of your Truliant membership!

Now Accepting 2016 Scholarship Applications If your high school senior is entering an accredited two- or four-year college or university and is a member of Truliant, they can apply for one of several $1,000 scholarships we award annually.

Truliant scholarships are one of the ways that the credit union rewards high achievers among high school students in each of the regions it serves in the Carolinas and Virginia. The scholarship application period opens on January 4, 2016 and must be completed online at Truliant.org/scholarships. Applications must be received no later than March 4, 2016 to be considered.