6

Local Phone Numbers:(803) 278-4851(803) 649-5305(803) 259-2781

Toll Free:1-800-237-9829

Web Address:www.srpfcu.org

TYME Line803-278-5590803-648-93401-800-554-TYMEMEMBERS and Counting...

0 9 9 9 7 7

5

2012 Holiday ScheduleMonday, January 2 ..................................................................New Year’s DayMonday, January 16 ................................................Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMonday, February 20 ................................................................Presidents’ DayMonday, May 28 ........................................................................Memorial DayWednesday, July 4................................................................Independence DayMonday, September 3 ......................................................................Labor DayMonday, October 8 ....................................................................Columbus DayMonday, November 12 ................................................................Veterans DayThursday, November 22 ........................................................Thanksgiving DayTuesday, December 25 ................................................................Christmas DayThe above scheduled holidays will be observed by the closing of all offices of SRP.

Winter 2011

In This Issue

Page 2

2013 Calendar Contest

Member Financial Services

Page 3

Tips for Holiday Returns..

Member Money Tips

U.S. Savings Bonds

Page 4

Build Killer Credit

Page 5

Light the Night Walk

Reminders

Join Credit Union Chapter

Page 6

Shred Schedule

Holiday Schedule

Key Financial Indicators

Blood Drive

Recipe Corner

Key Financial Indicators12/1/2011 ($000)Assets $580,961Loans $331,189Shares $234,837Share Drafts $127,690Share Certificates $165,873

www.srpfcu.org1/23 – Monday – Pine Log 1/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta 1/30 – Monday – Davis Road

4/23 – Monday – Pine Log4/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta4/30 – Monday – Davis Road

7/23 – Monday – Pine Log7/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta7/30 – Monday – Davis Road

10/22 – Monday – Pine Log10/23 – Tuesday – North Augusta10/29 – Monday – Davis Road

2012 SHRED SCHEDULEAvailable 4:00 - 5:30 PM

For branch locations visit us at www.srpfcu.orgPlease remember shredding is available to members for personal documents only. Thank you!

Blood Drive Scheduled for SRP

The Shepeard CommunityBloodmobile is scheduled to bein the Walnut Lane Branch(1070 Edgefield Road, NorthAugusta, SC) parking lot from9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. onFriday, January 6, to take blooddonations.

Give the gift of life! Be a blood donor.

CREAM CHEESE SQUARESIngredients: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese1 tsp vanilla1/2 c sugar1 eggBrown Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray9x13 casserole dish with non-stickspray. Unroll a layer of crescent rollsinto the bottom of the dish. In a seper-ate bowl, add softened creamcheese, vanilla, egg, & sugar. Mix untilcreamy. Add the cream cheese mix-ture to the top of the crescent rolls.Unroll the remaining package of cres-cent rolls. Sprinkle the top with brownsugar and bake until golden brown.Let cool before cutting.

Recipe submitted by Tina Canuette

For a chance to see your recipehere and to win a SRP umbrella,

submit your recipe by email to marketing@srpfcu.org

or mail to:SRP Federal Credit UnionAttn: Marketing DepartmentP.O. Box 6730North Augusta, SC 29861

Recipe Corner

SRP Online is the new way to access your accounts online. Click the “SRPOnline” icon on the top right of any page on our website and simply login withyour username and password information. Login today to enjoy the new look andnew features! Learn more on our website or by visiting your local branch. To enrollin SRP Online, visit a branch and simply see a Member Service Representative.

On October 2, 2011, 56 SRP employees participated in the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk in downtown Augusta. This walkraises funds for lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer.SRP employees proudly raised $10,000 for this worthy cause!

SRP employee Abby Reeves with her son, DaveyReeves. Davey was a honored hero at the walk.

SRP team members get ready to start the walk

Light the Night Walk

Join the Augusta Credit Union Chapterfor the 2nd Annual Member EducationSeminar and get the answers you need

from the people you trust!

February 11, 2012Augusta State University • Allgood HallRegistration at 9am, Seminars begin at 9:30

with last session ending at 12:30 (45-minute seminars)

Check FraudIf you receive a check in the mail appearing to be drawn on SRP Federal Credit Union and made payable to you and you do not know why you are receiving the money nor do you know the sender, please contact us immediately.This may be a fraud. Be cautious of any checks madepayable to you that you are not expecting from any business or individual.

Balance InquiriesWhen you call SRP Federal Credit Union, we are unable to provide balance or deposit information over the phone.This is for your security. You can check your account anytime with SRP Online or SRP Mobile. To learn more,visit any of our branches and speak with a Member ServiceRepresentative.

The credit union’s 52nd Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at the James Brown Arena. Registration will be from6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by the business meeting.

52nd Annual Membership Meeting at the

James Brown Arena

Mark your calendar!

March 13, 2012

REMINDERS

We scoured the shelves (orwebsites) for that perfect gift,and we all hope our effortswere appreciated. If not,many of us assume that ourpresent can always bereturned to the store for aquick refund or easyexchange. Assume otherwise! Some stores give refunds;some issue store credits only;some consider all sales to befinal. A store is not legallyrequired to accept items forrefund, exchange, or creditunless the merchandise isdefective or was misrepresented.Bring a gift receipt, if you have one,with you when returning gifts. Also,don’t remove electronics or similarproducts from their boxes as the origi-nal packaging may be required for areturn.Do not assume the regular returnpolicy applies to sales or clearanceitems. Some merchants consider salesitems to be final, so ask.Some merchants charge a restockingor “open box” fee for returns of elec-tronics products or large-ticket items.Ask if that is their policy. Look for a posted return policy whenshopping online. If returns are permit-ted, ask what procedures and time-frame need to be followed.Do not assume you have the right toreturn or exchange an unwanted pre-sent. Like the shopper, you are boundby the merchant’s return policy.Health regulations, which can prohibit

the return of hats and intimateapparel, also apply. To help ensure a positive outcome,save your gift receipt. Keep the itemin its original packaging and be awarethat some merchants charge “openbox” or restocking fees. You don’t haveto brave the crowds the day afterChristmas, but don’t wait too long toreturn the item. Pick a time when thestore is not likely to be crowded andbe polite when talking to customerservice. If you are a regular customer,or have a store credit account, men-tion that fact as you discuss yourreturn options. Merchants are usuallywilling to accommodate loyal cus-tomers. Following these tips will help you tokeep your holiday spirit just a little bitlonger!

Source: Better Business Bureau of CentralGeorgia & the CSRA, Inc.

It’s time for our Annual Calendar Contest to begin andwe want your photographs! In thepast, we have had some trulywonderful submissions and wehope this year is no different.Each year we try to incorporatephotographs showcasing ourscenic seven county service area.From Edgefield, Barnwell, Allendale, and Aiken Counties in South Carolina, and Columbia,McDuffie and Richmond Counties in Georgia, there are a lot of pictures to be seen!Here are the details:1. All credit union members,including employees who arecredit union members, are eligible to enter their pho-tographs.

2. Deadline is Friday, March 30, 2012.

3. Photographs will be chosenaccording to quality, subjectmatter, composition and overall presentation.

4. Enter photographs of localsights, events, or scenes thathighlight the positive featuresof our seven county areas. Portraits of family members,pictures of friends and neigh-bors posing or themes of a

similar nature should not besubmitted for this particularcontest.

5. Horizontal images work bestdue to the calendar’s layoutlimitations. Photographs needto be printed on good stockpaper if submitting a hardcopy. If reproduced from a digital image, be sure the qual-ity of the reproduction is high.

6. Photographs will not bereturned.

To enter your submissions:1. Electronic images can be

e-mailed to marketing@srpfcu.org. Please include yourname and photograph locationon each file sent.

2. Submit hard copy entries to:Marketing Department, SRP Federal Credit Union,P.O. Box 6730, North Augusta,SC, 29861. Or you may dropoff your submissions to anybranch in an envelopeaddressed to the MarketingDepartment.

3. Include a label with yourname, address, telephonenumber, and any pertinentinformation about the photo-graph, such as location. Donot write on the photograph.

432

Why REITs Are AttractingInvestors Again

In a dismal real estate market, some see a prime opportunity

Presented by Les BransonThis may be a great time to get into an REIT.If you’re trying to sell commercial or residen-tial real estate today, you face quite a chal-lenge. On the other hand, buyers are seeingall kinds of opportunities to pick up proper-ties at depressed prices.You may want to seize these opportunities,but you may not want to manage property. Isthere a way you can invest in real estate with-out turning into a landlord?There is. REITs (Real Estate InvestmentTrusts) allow you to get into the commercialreal estate sector without the hassles of prop-erty management. With reduced real estate valuations andstricter credit terms, the present commercialreal estate market has many distressed own-ers and properties, so now may be a primetime to get into a REIT in pursuit of dividendsand long-term appreciation. What do you own when you invest in a REIT?An equity REIT offers investors an opportu-nity for fractional ownership of a real estateportfolio. The portfolio commonly includeshigh-quality commercial properties-shoppingmalls, apartment buildings, office complexes,sometimes even things like golf courses orresorts.REITs have no investment minimums, sothey allow the small investor an easy entryinto the “major leagues” of commercial realestate.While investors own common shares in theREIT, there is a wrinkle that distinguishes aREIT from a corporation. A REIT doesn’t getto decide what to do with its after-tax profits.It must pay out 90% of its taxable profits asdividends. This exempts a REIT from havingto pay corporate income tax.3

What kind of investment income does aREIT provide? The monthly dividend incomefrom a REIT is often around 7-8% – not badin a dire real estate market, and better thanmany bonds and CDs. REITs offer another way to diversify. If youown a bunch of stocks and funds, they giveyou a chance to broaden your portfolio. If youown real property already, they still offer youa nice avenue for diversification.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, andinvestment advisory services offered through CUNA Bro-kerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , aregistered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Nondeposit investment and insurance productsare not federally insured, involve investment risk, maylose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by thefinancial institution. CBSI is under contract with thefinancial institution, through the financial services pro-gram, to make securities available to members.

2013 Calendar Contest Build Killer Credit

Photo by: Angela Cotton

Your credit score could be one ofthe most important numbers tied toyour financial name. Whether you’reapplying for a loan, buying a house,determining interest rates, or evenjob-searching, your credit score carriesserious weight.A credit score is a three-digit num-ber ranging from 350 to 800 thathelps lenders, landlords, or potentialemployers assess your credit risk. It’sgenerated by information in yourcredit report from each of the threemajor credit bureaus: Experian, Tran-sUnion, and Equifax.A score above 700 generally willmean you’ll be granted credit at agood rate.To build credit the right way, hold atleast three open and active lines ofcredit—a mix of credit cards and fixedpayment loans. Use a credit card withsome degree of frequency, as theactivity creates the information for thecredit report and subsequent score.More ways to boost your credit:

• Pay bills on time. This canaccount for up to 35% of your creditscore.• Keep a low credit utilization ratio.Don’t charge more than you can payin full when the bill arrives, anddon’t use more than 30% of youravailable credit.• Don’t open a flurry of newaccounts in a short time period.This can send a red flag to lendersthat you are taking on new debt—and temporarily lower your score.• Don’t close existing credit. Even ifyou are not regularly using a creditcard, do not close it. Closing cardscan shorten your credit history andaffect your credit utilization score—thus lowering your total credit score.• Pay your fines. Whether it’s a park-ing ticket or a library fine, pay up. Ifdebts are reported to a credit report-ing agency, they can knock your creditscore.The professionals at SRP FederalCredit Union can help you under-

stand your credit score and answerany questions you may have aboutopening a SRP credit card. Stop by orcall today at 803-278-4851 or 800-237-9829. Or visit us atwww.srpfcu.org to find informationabout a SRP credit card.

Copyright 2011 Credit Union NationalAssociation Inc. Information subject to change

without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

300 400 500 600 700 800

Member Money TipsPlastic Card Safety TipIf your credit or debit card has a PIN(personal identification number),memorize it. Skip easily recognizablePINS such as the last four digits ofyour Social Security number, yourhouse number, or family memberbirth dates.

Tip for Cash TippersDo you sometimes use your debit or credit card at restaurants or thehairdresser, and then leave a cashtip? Make it a habit to always writeCASH in the gratuity line, and fill in the total amount shown on thereceipt. Most service providers arehonest and earn their tips, but itmakes sense to thwart those whowould take advantage of your trustingnature.

Debit Cards TipMillions of consumers now enjoy theconvenience of debit cards instead ofchecks. But when you use your debitcard, save your sales slips and recordall transactions in your checkingaccount register as soon as possible.That way you'll avoid overspendingand costly overdraft fees.

IMPORTANT CHANGE TOU.S. SAVINGS BONDS

Planning to buy a savings bond?Paper savings bonds will no longer be sold at financial instituitions after December 31, 2011

Buy they’re not going away—electronic savingsbonds can be purchased online through TreasuryDirect.

Already have paper savings bonds?Existing paper bonds are still valid and will earn interest for 30 years from the issue date or untilredeemed. You can continue to cash savings bonds here.

Learn more at www.treasurydirect.gov.

Tips for Happy Holiday Returns,Refunds and Exchanges

We scoured the shelves (orwebsites) for that perfect gift,and we all hope our effortswere appreciated. If not,many of us assume that ourpresent can always bereturned to the store for aquick refund or easyexchange. Assume otherwise! Some stores give refunds;some issue store credits only;some consider all sales to befinal. A store is not legallyrequired to accept items forrefund, exchange, or creditunless the merchandise isdefective or was misrepresented.Bring a gift receipt, if you have one,with you when returning gifts. Also,don’t remove electronics or similarproducts from their boxes as the origi-nal packaging may be required for areturn.Do not assume the regular returnpolicy applies to sales or clearanceitems. Some merchants consider salesitems to be final, so ask.Some merchants charge a restockingor “open box” fee for returns of elec-tronics products or large-ticket items.Ask if that is their policy. Look for a posted return policy whenshopping online. If returns are permit-ted, ask what procedures and time-frame need to be followed.Do not assume you have the right toreturn or exchange an unwanted pre-sent. Like the shopper, you are boundby the merchant’s return policy.Health regulations, which can prohibit

the return of hats and intimateapparel, also apply. To help ensure a positive outcome,save your gift receipt. Keep the itemin its original packaging and be awarethat some merchants charge “openbox” or restocking fees. You don’t haveto brave the crowds the day afterChristmas, but don’t wait too long toreturn the item. Pick a time when thestore is not likely to be crowded andbe polite when talking to customerservice. If you are a regular customer,or have a store credit account, men-tion that fact as you discuss yourreturn options. Merchants are usuallywilling to accommodate loyal cus-tomers. Following these tips will help you tokeep your holiday spirit just a little bitlonger!

Source: Better Business Bureau of CentralGeorgia & the CSRA, Inc.

It’s time for our Annual Calendar Contest to begin andwe want your photographs! In thepast, we have had some trulywonderful submissions and wehope this year is no different.Each year we try to incorporatephotographs showcasing ourscenic seven county service area.From Edgefield, Barnwell, Allendale, and Aiken Counties in South Carolina, and Columbia,McDuffie and Richmond Counties in Georgia, there are a lot of pictures to be seen!Here are the details:1. All credit union members,including employees who arecredit union members, are eligible to enter their pho-tographs.

2. Deadline is Friday, March 30, 2012.

3. Photographs will be chosenaccording to quality, subjectmatter, composition and overall presentation.

4. Enter photographs of localsights, events, or scenes thathighlight the positive featuresof our seven county areas. Portraits of family members,pictures of friends and neigh-bors posing or themes of a

similar nature should not besubmitted for this particularcontest.

5. Horizontal images work bestdue to the calendar’s layoutlimitations. Photographs needto be printed on good stockpaper if submitting a hardcopy. If reproduced from a digital image, be sure the qual-ity of the reproduction is high.

6. Photographs will not bereturned.

To enter your submissions:1. Electronic images can be

e-mailed to marketing@srpfcu.org. Please include yourname and photograph locationon each file sent.

2. Submit hard copy entries to:Marketing Department, SRP Federal Credit Union,P.O. Box 6730, North Augusta,SC, 29861. Or you may dropoff your submissions to anybranch in an envelopeaddressed to the MarketingDepartment.

3. Include a label with yourname, address, telephonenumber, and any pertinentinformation about the photo-graph, such as location. Donot write on the photograph.

432

Why REITs Are AttractingInvestors Again

In a dismal real estate market, some see a prime opportunity

Presented by Les BransonThis may be a great time to get into an REIT.If you’re trying to sell commercial or residen-tial real estate today, you face quite a chal-lenge. On the other hand, buyers are seeingall kinds of opportunities to pick up proper-ties at depressed prices.You may want to seize these opportunities,but you may not want to manage property. Isthere a way you can invest in real estate with-out turning into a landlord?There is. REITs (Real Estate InvestmentTrusts) allow you to get into the commercialreal estate sector without the hassles of prop-erty management. With reduced real estate valuations andstricter credit terms, the present commercialreal estate market has many distressed own-ers and properties, so now may be a primetime to get into a REIT in pursuit of dividendsand long-term appreciation. What do you own when you invest in a REIT?An equity REIT offers investors an opportu-nity for fractional ownership of a real estateportfolio. The portfolio commonly includeshigh-quality commercial properties-shoppingmalls, apartment buildings, office complexes,sometimes even things like golf courses orresorts.REITs have no investment minimums, sothey allow the small investor an easy entryinto the “major leagues” of commercial realestate.While investors own common shares in theREIT, there is a wrinkle that distinguishes aREIT from a corporation. A REIT doesn’t getto decide what to do with its after-tax profits.It must pay out 90% of its taxable profits asdividends. This exempts a REIT from havingto pay corporate income tax.3

What kind of investment income does aREIT provide? The monthly dividend incomefrom a REIT is often around 7-8% – not badin a dire real estate market, and better thanmany bonds and CDs. REITs offer another way to diversify. If youown a bunch of stocks and funds, they giveyou a chance to broaden your portfolio. If youown real property already, they still offer youa nice avenue for diversification.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, andinvestment advisory services offered through CUNA Bro-kerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , aregistered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Nondeposit investment and insurance productsare not federally insured, involve investment risk, maylose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by thefinancial institution. CBSI is under contract with thefinancial institution, through the financial services pro-gram, to make securities available to members.

2013 Calendar Contest Build Killer Credit

Photo by: Angela Cotton

Your credit score could be one ofthe most important numbers tied toyour financial name. Whether you’reapplying for a loan, buying a house,determining interest rates, or evenjob-searching, your credit score carriesserious weight.A credit score is a three-digit num-ber ranging from 350 to 800 thathelps lenders, landlords, or potentialemployers assess your credit risk. It’sgenerated by information in yourcredit report from each of the threemajor credit bureaus: Experian, Tran-sUnion, and Equifax.A score above 700 generally willmean you’ll be granted credit at agood rate.To build credit the right way, hold atleast three open and active lines ofcredit—a mix of credit cards and fixedpayment loans. Use a credit card withsome degree of frequency, as theactivity creates the information for thecredit report and subsequent score.More ways to boost your credit:

• Pay bills on time. This canaccount for up to 35% of your creditscore.• Keep a low credit utilization ratio.Don’t charge more than you can payin full when the bill arrives, anddon’t use more than 30% of youravailable credit.• Don’t open a flurry of newaccounts in a short time period.This can send a red flag to lendersthat you are taking on new debt—and temporarily lower your score.• Don’t close existing credit. Even ifyou are not regularly using a creditcard, do not close it. Closing cardscan shorten your credit history andaffect your credit utilization score—thus lowering your total credit score.• Pay your fines. Whether it’s a park-ing ticket or a library fine, pay up. Ifdebts are reported to a credit report-ing agency, they can knock your creditscore.The professionals at SRP FederalCredit Union can help you under-

stand your credit score and answerany questions you may have aboutopening a SRP credit card. Stop by orcall today at 803-278-4851 or 800-237-9829. Or visit us atwww.srpfcu.org to find informationabout a SRP credit card.

Copyright 2011 Credit Union NationalAssociation Inc. Information subject to change

without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

300 400 500 600 700 800

Member Money TipsPlastic Card Safety TipIf your credit or debit card has a PIN(personal identification number),memorize it. Skip easily recognizablePINS such as the last four digits ofyour Social Security number, yourhouse number, or family memberbirth dates.

Tip for Cash TippersDo you sometimes use your debit or credit card at restaurants or thehairdresser, and then leave a cashtip? Make it a habit to always writeCASH in the gratuity line, and fill in the total amount shown on thereceipt. Most service providers arehonest and earn their tips, but itmakes sense to thwart those whowould take advantage of your trustingnature.

Debit Cards TipMillions of consumers now enjoy theconvenience of debit cards instead ofchecks. But when you use your debitcard, save your sales slips and recordall transactions in your checkingaccount register as soon as possible.That way you'll avoid overspendingand costly overdraft fees.

IMPORTANT CHANGE TOU.S. SAVINGS BONDS

Planning to buy a savings bond?Paper savings bonds will no longer be sold at financial instituitions after December 31, 2011

Buy they’re not going away—electronic savingsbonds can be purchased online through TreasuryDirect.

Already have paper savings bonds?Existing paper bonds are still valid and will earn interest for 30 years from the issue date or untilredeemed. You can continue to cash savings bonds here.

Learn more at www.treasurydirect.gov.

Tips for Happy Holiday Returns,Refunds and Exchanges

We scoured the shelves (orwebsites) for that perfect gift,and we all hope our effortswere appreciated. If not,many of us assume that ourpresent can always bereturned to the store for aquick refund or easyexchange. Assume otherwise! Some stores give refunds;some issue store credits only;some consider all sales to befinal. A store is not legallyrequired to accept items forrefund, exchange, or creditunless the merchandise isdefective or was misrepresented.Bring a gift receipt, if you have one,with you when returning gifts. Also,don’t remove electronics or similarproducts from their boxes as the origi-nal packaging may be required for areturn.Do not assume the regular returnpolicy applies to sales or clearanceitems. Some merchants consider salesitems to be final, so ask.Some merchants charge a restockingor “open box” fee for returns of elec-tronics products or large-ticket items.Ask if that is their policy. Look for a posted return policy whenshopping online. If returns are permit-ted, ask what procedures and time-frame need to be followed.Do not assume you have the right toreturn or exchange an unwanted pre-sent. Like the shopper, you are boundby the merchant’s return policy.Health regulations, which can prohibit

the return of hats and intimateapparel, also apply. To help ensure a positive outcome,save your gift receipt. Keep the itemin its original packaging and be awarethat some merchants charge “openbox” or restocking fees. You don’t haveto brave the crowds the day afterChristmas, but don’t wait too long toreturn the item. Pick a time when thestore is not likely to be crowded andbe polite when talking to customerservice. If you are a regular customer,or have a store credit account, men-tion that fact as you discuss yourreturn options. Merchants are usuallywilling to accommodate loyal cus-tomers. Following these tips will help you tokeep your holiday spirit just a little bitlonger!

Source: Better Business Bureau of CentralGeorgia & the CSRA, Inc.

It’s time for our Annual Calendar Contest to begin andwe want your photographs! In thepast, we have had some trulywonderful submissions and wehope this year is no different.Each year we try to incorporatephotographs showcasing ourscenic seven county service area.From Edgefield, Barnwell, Allendale, and Aiken Counties in South Carolina, and Columbia,McDuffie and Richmond Counties in Georgia, there are a lot of pictures to be seen!Here are the details:1. All credit union members,including employees who arecredit union members, are eligible to enter their pho-tographs.

2. Deadline is Friday, March 30, 2012.

3. Photographs will be chosenaccording to quality, subjectmatter, composition and overall presentation.

4. Enter photographs of localsights, events, or scenes thathighlight the positive featuresof our seven county areas. Portraits of family members,pictures of friends and neigh-bors posing or themes of a

similar nature should not besubmitted for this particularcontest.

5. Horizontal images work bestdue to the calendar’s layoutlimitations. Photographs needto be printed on good stockpaper if submitting a hardcopy. If reproduced from a digital image, be sure the qual-ity of the reproduction is high.

6. Photographs will not bereturned.

To enter your submissions:1. Electronic images can be

e-mailed to marketing@srpfcu.org. Please include yourname and photograph locationon each file sent.

2. Submit hard copy entries to:Marketing Department, SRP Federal Credit Union,P.O. Box 6730, North Augusta,SC, 29861. Or you may dropoff your submissions to anybranch in an envelopeaddressed to the MarketingDepartment.

3. Include a label with yourname, address, telephonenumber, and any pertinentinformation about the photo-graph, such as location. Donot write on the photograph.

432

Why REITs Are AttractingInvestors Again

In a dismal real estate market, some see a prime opportunity

Presented by Les BransonThis may be a great time to get into an REIT.If you’re trying to sell commercial or residen-tial real estate today, you face quite a chal-lenge. On the other hand, buyers are seeingall kinds of opportunities to pick up proper-ties at depressed prices.You may want to seize these opportunities,but you may not want to manage property. Isthere a way you can invest in real estate with-out turning into a landlord?There is. REITs (Real Estate InvestmentTrusts) allow you to get into the commercialreal estate sector without the hassles of prop-erty management. With reduced real estate valuations andstricter credit terms, the present commercialreal estate market has many distressed own-ers and properties, so now may be a primetime to get into a REIT in pursuit of dividendsand long-term appreciation. What do you own when you invest in a REIT?An equity REIT offers investors an opportu-nity for fractional ownership of a real estateportfolio. The portfolio commonly includeshigh-quality commercial properties-shoppingmalls, apartment buildings, office complexes,sometimes even things like golf courses orresorts.REITs have no investment minimums, sothey allow the small investor an easy entryinto the “major leagues” of commercial realestate.While investors own common shares in theREIT, there is a wrinkle that distinguishes aREIT from a corporation. A REIT doesn’t getto decide what to do with its after-tax profits.It must pay out 90% of its taxable profits asdividends. This exempts a REIT from havingto pay corporate income tax.3

What kind of investment income does aREIT provide? The monthly dividend incomefrom a REIT is often around 7-8% – not badin a dire real estate market, and better thanmany bonds and CDs. REITs offer another way to diversify. If youown a bunch of stocks and funds, they giveyou a chance to broaden your portfolio. If youown real property already, they still offer youa nice avenue for diversification.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, andinvestment advisory services offered through CUNA Bro-kerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , aregistered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369-2862. Nondeposit investment and insurance productsare not federally insured, involve investment risk, maylose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by thefinancial institution. CBSI is under contract with thefinancial institution, through the financial services pro-gram, to make securities available to members.

2013 Calendar Contest Build Killer Credit

Photo by: Angela Cotton

Your credit score could be one ofthe most important numbers tied toyour financial name. Whether you’reapplying for a loan, buying a house,determining interest rates, or evenjob-searching, your credit score carriesserious weight.A credit score is a three-digit num-ber ranging from 350 to 800 thathelps lenders, landlords, or potentialemployers assess your credit risk. It’sgenerated by information in yourcredit report from each of the threemajor credit bureaus: Experian, Tran-sUnion, and Equifax.A score above 700 generally willmean you’ll be granted credit at agood rate.To build credit the right way, hold atleast three open and active lines ofcredit—a mix of credit cards and fixedpayment loans. Use a credit card withsome degree of frequency, as theactivity creates the information for thecredit report and subsequent score.More ways to boost your credit:

• Pay bills on time. This canaccount for up to 35% of your creditscore.• Keep a low credit utilization ratio.Don’t charge more than you can payin full when the bill arrives, anddon’t use more than 30% of youravailable credit.• Don’t open a flurry of newaccounts in a short time period.This can send a red flag to lendersthat you are taking on new debt—and temporarily lower your score.• Don’t close existing credit. Even ifyou are not regularly using a creditcard, do not close it. Closing cardscan shorten your credit history andaffect your credit utilization score—thus lowering your total credit score.• Pay your fines. Whether it’s a park-ing ticket or a library fine, pay up. Ifdebts are reported to a credit report-ing agency, they can knock your creditscore.The professionals at SRP FederalCredit Union can help you under-

stand your credit score and answerany questions you may have aboutopening a SRP credit card. Stop by orcall today at 803-278-4851 or 800-237-9829. Or visit us atwww.srpfcu.org to find informationabout a SRP credit card.

Copyright 2011 Credit Union NationalAssociation Inc. Information subject to change

without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

300 400 500 600 700 800

Member Money TipsPlastic Card Safety TipIf your credit or debit card has a PIN(personal identification number),memorize it. Skip easily recognizablePINS such as the last four digits ofyour Social Security number, yourhouse number, or family memberbirth dates.

Tip for Cash TippersDo you sometimes use your debit or credit card at restaurants or thehairdresser, and then leave a cashtip? Make it a habit to always writeCASH in the gratuity line, and fill in the total amount shown on thereceipt. Most service providers arehonest and earn their tips, but itmakes sense to thwart those whowould take advantage of your trustingnature.

Debit Cards TipMillions of consumers now enjoy theconvenience of debit cards instead ofchecks. But when you use your debitcard, save your sales slips and recordall transactions in your checkingaccount register as soon as possible.That way you'll avoid overspendingand costly overdraft fees.

IMPORTANT CHANGE TOU.S. SAVINGS BONDS

Planning to buy a savings bond?Paper savings bonds will no longer be sold at financial instituitions after December 31, 2011

Buy they’re not going away—electronic savingsbonds can be purchased online through TreasuryDirect.

Already have paper savings bonds?Existing paper bonds are still valid and will earn interest for 30 years from the issue date or untilredeemed. You can continue to cash savings bonds here.

Learn more at www.treasurydirect.gov.

Tips for Happy Holiday Returns,Refunds and Exchanges

6

Local Phone Numbers:(803) 278-4851(803) 649-5305(803) 259-2781

Toll Free:1-800-237-9829

Web Address:www.srpfcu.org

TYME Line803-278-5590803-648-93401-800-554-TYMEMEMBERS and Counting...

0 9 9 9 7 7

5

2012 Holiday ScheduleMonday, January 2 ..................................................................New Year’s DayMonday, January 16 ................................................Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMonday, February 20 ................................................................Presidents’ DayMonday, May 28 ........................................................................Memorial DayWednesday, July 4................................................................Independence DayMonday, September 3 ......................................................................Labor DayMonday, October 8 ....................................................................Columbus DayMonday, November 12 ................................................................Veterans DayThursday, November 22 ........................................................Thanksgiving DayTuesday, December 25 ................................................................Christmas DayThe above scheduled holidays will be observed by the closing of all offices of SRP.

Winter 2011

In This Issue

Page 2

2013 Calendar Contest

Member Financial Services

Page 3

Tips for Holiday Returns..

Member Money Tips

U.S. Savings Bonds

Page 4

Build Killer Credit

Page 5

Light the Night Walk

Reminders

Join Credit Union Chapter

Page 6

Shred Schedule

Holiday Schedule

Key Financial Indicators

Blood Drive

Recipe Corner

Key Financial Indicators12/1/2011 ($000)Assets $580,961Loans $331,189Shares $234,837Share Drafts $127,690Share Certificates $165,873

www.srpfcu.org1/23 – Monday – Pine Log 1/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta 1/30 – Monday – Davis Road

4/23 – Monday – Pine Log4/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta4/30 – Monday – Davis Road

7/23 – Monday – Pine Log7/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta7/30 – Monday – Davis Road

10/22 – Monday – Pine Log10/23 – Tuesday – North Augusta10/29 – Monday – Davis Road

2012 SHRED SCHEDULEAvailable 4:00 - 5:30 PM

For branch locations visit us at www.srpfcu.orgPlease remember shredding is available to members for personal documents only. Thank you!

Blood Drive Scheduled for SRP

The Shepeard CommunityBloodmobile is scheduled to bein the Walnut Lane Branch(1070 Edgefield Road, NorthAugusta, SC) parking lot from9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. onFriday, January 6, to take blooddonations.

Give the gift of life! Be a blood donor.

CREAM CHEESE SQUARESIngredients: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese1 tsp vanilla1/2 c sugar1 eggBrown Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray9x13 casserole dish with non-stickspray. Unroll a layer of crescent rollsinto the bottom of the dish. In a seper-ate bowl, add softened creamcheese, vanilla, egg, & sugar. Mix untilcreamy. Add the cream cheese mix-ture to the top of the crescent rolls.Unroll the remaining package of cres-cent rolls. Sprinkle the top with brownsugar and bake until golden brown.Let cool before cutting.

Recipe submitted by Tina Canuette

For a chance to see your recipehere and to win a SRP umbrella,

submit your recipe by email to marketing@srpfcu.org

or mail to:SRP Federal Credit UnionAttn: Marketing DepartmentP.O. Box 6730North Augusta, SC 29861

Recipe Corner

SRP Online is the new way to access your accounts online. Click the “SRPOnline” icon on the top right of any page on our website and simply login withyour username and password information. Login today to enjoy the new look andnew features! Learn more on our website or by visiting your local branch. To enrollin SRP Online, visit a branch and simply see a Member Service Representative.

On October 2, 2011, 56 SRP employees participated in the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk in downtown Augusta. This walkraises funds for lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer.SRP employees proudly raised $10,000 for this worthy cause!

SRP employee Abby Reeves with her son, DaveyReeves. Davey was a honored hero at the walk.

SRP team members get ready to start the walk

Light the Night Walk

Join the Augusta Credit Union Chapterfor the 2nd Annual Member EducationSeminar and get the answers you need

from the people you trust!

February 11, 2012Augusta State University • Allgood HallRegistration at 9am, Seminars begin at 9:30

with last session ending at 12:30 (45-minute seminars)

Check FraudIf you receive a check in the mail appearing to be drawn on SRP Federal Credit Union and made payable to you and you do not know why you are receiving the money nor do you know the sender, please contact us immediately.This may be a fraud. Be cautious of any checks madepayable to you that you are not expecting from any business or individual.

Balance InquiriesWhen you call SRP Federal Credit Union, we are unable to provide balance or deposit information over the phone.This is for your security. You can check your account anytime with SRP Online or SRP Mobile. To learn more,visit any of our branches and speak with a Member ServiceRepresentative.

The credit union’s 52nd Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at the James Brown Arena. Registration will be from6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by the business meeting.

52nd Annual Membership Meeting at the

James Brown Arena

Mark your calendar!

March 13, 2012

REMINDERS

6

Local Phone Numbers:(803) 278-4851(803) 649-5305(803) 259-2781

Toll Free:1-800-237-9829

Web Address:www.srpfcu.org

TYME Line803-278-5590803-648-93401-800-554-TYMEMEMBERS and Counting...

0 9 9 9 7 7

5

2012 Holiday ScheduleMonday, January 2 ..................................................................New Year’s DayMonday, January 16 ................................................Martin Luther King, Jr. DayMonday, February 20 ................................................................Presidents’ DayMonday, May 28 ........................................................................Memorial DayWednesday, July 4................................................................Independence DayMonday, September 3 ......................................................................Labor DayMonday, October 8 ....................................................................Columbus DayMonday, November 12 ................................................................Veterans DayThursday, November 22 ........................................................Thanksgiving DayTuesday, December 25 ................................................................Christmas DayThe above scheduled holidays will be observed by the closing of all offices of SRP.

Winter 2011

In This Issue

Page 2

2013 Calendar Contest

Member Financial Services

Page 3

Tips for Holiday Returns..

Member Money Tips

U.S. Savings Bonds

Page 4

Build Killer Credit

Page 5

Light the Night Walk

Reminders

Join Credit Union Chapter

Page 6

Shred Schedule

Holiday Schedule

Key Financial Indicators

Blood Drive

Recipe Corner

Key Financial Indicators12/1/2011 ($000)Assets $580,961Loans $331,189Shares $234,837Share Drafts $127,690Share Certificates $165,873

www.srpfcu.org1/23 – Monday – Pine Log 1/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta 1/30 – Monday – Davis Road

4/23 – Monday – Pine Log4/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta4/30 – Monday – Davis Road

7/23 – Monday – Pine Log7/24 – Tuesday – North Augusta7/30 – Monday – Davis Road

10/22 – Monday – Pine Log10/23 – Tuesday – North Augusta10/29 – Monday – Davis Road

2012 SHRED SCHEDULEAvailable 4:00 - 5:30 PM

For branch locations visit us at www.srpfcu.orgPlease remember shredding is available to members for personal documents only. Thank you!

Blood Drive Scheduled for SRP

The Shepeard CommunityBloodmobile is scheduled to bein the Walnut Lane Branch(1070 Edgefield Road, NorthAugusta, SC) parking lot from9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. onFriday, January 6, to take blooddonations.

Give the gift of life! Be a blood donor.

CREAM CHEESE SQUARESIngredients: 2 cans of refrigerated crescent rolls2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese1 tsp vanilla1/2 c sugar1 eggBrown Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray9x13 casserole dish with non-stickspray. Unroll a layer of crescent rollsinto the bottom of the dish. In a seper-ate bowl, add softened creamcheese, vanilla, egg, & sugar. Mix untilcreamy. Add the cream cheese mix-ture to the top of the crescent rolls.Unroll the remaining package of cres-cent rolls. Sprinkle the top with brownsugar and bake until golden brown.Let cool before cutting.

Recipe submitted by Tina Canuette

For a chance to see your recipehere and to win a SRP umbrella,

submit your recipe by email to marketing@srpfcu.org

or mail to:SRP Federal Credit UnionAttn: Marketing DepartmentP.O. Box 6730North Augusta, SC 29861

Recipe Corner

SRP Online is the new way to access your accounts online. Click the “SRPOnline” icon on the top right of any page on our website and simply login withyour username and password information. Login today to enjoy the new look andnew features! Learn more on our website or by visiting your local branch. To enrollin SRP Online, visit a branch and simply see a Member Service Representative.

On October 2, 2011, 56 SRP employees participated in the Leukemia &Lymphoma Society's Light The Night Walk in downtown Augusta. This walkraises funds for lifesaving research and support for people battling cancer.SRP employees proudly raised $10,000 for this worthy cause!

SRP employee Abby Reeves with her son, DaveyReeves. Davey was a honored hero at the walk.

SRP team members get ready to start the walk

Light the Night Walk

Join the Augusta Credit Union Chapterfor the 2nd Annual Member EducationSeminar and get the answers you need

from the people you trust!

February 11, 2012Augusta State University • Allgood HallRegistration at 9am, Seminars begin at 9:30

with last session ending at 12:30 (45-minute seminars)

Check FraudIf you receive a check in the mail appearing to be drawn on SRP Federal Credit Union and made payable to you and you do not know why you are receiving the money nor do you know the sender, please contact us immediately.This may be a fraud. Be cautious of any checks madepayable to you that you are not expecting from any business or individual.

Balance InquiriesWhen you call SRP Federal Credit Union, we are unable to provide balance or deposit information over the phone.This is for your security. You can check your account anytime with SRP Online or SRP Mobile. To learn more,visit any of our branches and speak with a Member ServiceRepresentative.

The credit union’s 52nd Annual Membership Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at the James Brown Arena. Registration will be from6:00-7:00 p.m. followed by the business meeting.

52nd Annual Membership Meeting at the

James Brown Arena

Mark your calendar!

March 13, 2012

REMINDERS