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SPRING 2 0 0 9

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Main office1500 River Drive N.

Phone: 727-7300

east office2815 10th Avenue South

Phone: 761-3008

© CUAdvantage.com • 877.799.0784

IN THIS ISSUE –I-Bonds – A Good Investment?

First Time Home Buyer Program

Your Credit Union VISA – A Good Deal!

We’ll Provide the Tools...You Provide the Dreams!

Home Equity Loans

4.49%

Fixed APR*

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Fixed Rate based on 5-year term. $199.00 Closing Costs. If appraisal or title insurance is required, those fees will be charged. Property insurance is required. Limited time offer.

Ask one of our Financial Service Officers about other terms available

at GREAT low rates!

Everyone is feeling overwhelmed by the continuing dismal economic news and watching retirement funds (and dreams) slip out of reach. Recently, we have had to give some bad news to hundreds of our members in the wake of the largest credit card compromise in history, so we have been adding to the misery.

I want to reassure all members, and not just our cardholders affected by this latest national security breach, that we take those events very seriously.

Our practice is to close any member card if there is a chance that card information will be used fraudulently. It is also our practice to attempt to personally phone each affected member to discuss the situation. We avoid the “form letter” notifications used by many financial institutions as we find that most members have some questions when confronted with the possibility of compromised personal or financial information. Our experienced staff members, Amity and Janice, monitor card usage reports daily in addition to the monitoring done by our card issuing company.

I also want to reassure members that these card compromises have not involved or been caused in any way by the Credit Union. The breaches have occurred nationally at third party processors or institutions and have affected millions of card holder accounts across the U.S.

We plan to introduce some exciting enhancements to our credit and debit card programs this year. But, there is no reason to wait- our VISA credit card is a very attractive card right now. With average credit card rates now exceeding 13% APR* (after low rate introductory periods), our fixed rate 11.90% APR* is a good deal for most members. See more on our VISA card elsewhere in this newsletter.

Finally, if you find yourself financially squeezed or unemployed in these challenging times, please contact us right away. You might be surprised at the ways we can find to help you!

Want others to enjoy the same level of personal, local service that we provide? Refer them to us using the Member Referral Coupon shown here, and you’ll both benefit!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate.

Debra Evans

Share theWealth

When you refer a friend or family member to Teachers Credit Union, and they open a savings and a checking or loan account with us, you both benefit! We’ll deposit $25.00 to your account for each new member you refer to us! And, your friend or family member will enjoy all the benefits of being a member!

Name of CurreNt member GiviNG referral

Name of referred member

I understand that the member who referred me to open an account at GF Teachers FCU is receiving $25.00 for that referral.

1500 River Dr. North • 727-73002815 10th Ave. South • 761-3008

1-800-823-9595 • www.gfteachersfcu.com

A M e s s A g e t o o u r M e M b e r s

President’s Report

Stacey’s Suggestions

Smiles Abound at HolidayOpen HouseThe Credit Union welcomed children and adults of all ages at our Holiday Open House on December 4th.

Everyone was treated to cookies, candy canes and refreshments at both offices, and Photo Plus and the Credit Union added to the flavor of the holidays with a free photo with our life-sized teddy bear to all kids 12 and under at the main office.

Be sure to join us in 2009. It’ll put a smile on your face, also!

Employee CornerHelpful tips and insights from our staff on how to make your relationship with teachers credit Union easier and better. Enjoy!

GAP – A True AdvantageThe next time you buy a car, truck or rec-reational equipment, consider purchasing GAP Advantage from the credit union. GAP offers great protection and benefits, at a very reasonable rate.

Here’s how GAP works...

If your vehicle is totaled or stolen, GAP covers the difference between the value of your vehicle and your loan balance. Often, the value of your vehicle (which is what your primary insurance covers) goes down much quicker than your loan balance does. So, GAP kicks in and pays the deficiency on your loan.

Additionally, GAP covers $1,000 of your deductible if there is a “gap” between your loan balance and the amount of your pri-mary insurance settlement. And, that’s not all – you could be eligible to receive an ad-ditional $1,000 benefit to be used toward the purchase of a new vehicle, as long as you finance it through the credit union.

GAP is so affordable, you can’t go wrong. There is a one-time premium that covers the life of the loan, premiums are as low as $325*, and you can finance that premium into your loan, if you choose. So, there’s no out-of-pocket expense to you!

So, take advantage of GAP, and you won’t be left paying off the “gap” in your loan.

*Premium is based on type of collateral and loan amount.

I-BondsA Good Investment?At a time when the word “invest-ing” conjures up a lot of uneasiness, investing in savings bonds could be the investment avenue for you.

I-Bonds look especially favor-able right now. Here’s a quick snapshot view on I-Bonds.

n I-Bonds purchased now through April 2009 bear an interest rate of 5.64%*.

n They are sold at face value, up to $5,000 per SocialSecurity Number.

n They are exempt from state and local income tax.

n They can be redeemed after 12 months; however, there is a 3-month interest penalty if redeemed during the first 5 years.

n Tax benefits are available when used for education expenses.

If I-Bonds sound like an investment worth your time and money, give us a call at (406) 727-7300. We’ll be happy to help you get started.

*Fixedratesandsemi-annualinflationratesarecombinedtodeterminecompositeearningsrates. An I-Bond’s composite earnings rate changes every six months after its issue date.

Teachers Credit Union can help you reach your dreams through a special matched savings account. Our members who reside in Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Glacier, Hill, Judith Basin, Liberty, Pondera, Phillips, Toole, or Teton counties are eligible for a $5 match and may receive the maximum match of $5,000. For every $1 saved, the First Time Homebuyer Program matches it with $5! Those who reside in Montana, but outside those counties, are eligible for a $4 match and may receive the maximum match of $4,000.

The program, sponsored by NeighborWorks Montana, the Federal Assets for Independence program, the Montana Board of Housing and Opportunity Link, requires small monthly deposits for at least six months. In order to qualify, prospective participants must:

n Meet certain income guidelines. For example, a householdof one, annual income must be $21,660 or less. For each additional household member, add $7,480.

n Have some regular source of earned income

n Be a first-time homebuyer

n In addition, all program participants will be required to take partin financial education workshops and first-time homebuyer training. NeighborWorks will assist participants in finding classes nearest them.

For more information, contact Amity Johnson at Teachers Credit Union or call Maureen Rude at NeighborWorks Montana headquarters in Great Falls: 761-5861 or 1-866-587-2244.

F i r s t t i m e H o m e b u y e r P r o g r a mHave you dreamed of homeownership but struggled to save money toward your dream?

The Latest in Mortgage NewsAmity is our new Mortgage Loan Coordinator, and she’s anxious to assist you with any home purchase or home refinance needs you have. Currently, we offer

these mortgage products:

n VA Loans n FHA Loans

n Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) First Time Homebuyer Loans

n Conventional Loans

n Individual Development Account (IDA) Programs

So, give Amity a call at 727-7300, or stop in and see her. She’ll be glad to answer any questions you have.

Notice to our members:Transactions placed in the main officenightdepositorypriorto8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m. at the East Office)willbeprocessedand credited to member accounts by the end of the business day. Transactions placed in the night depository after 8:00 a.m. (9:00 a.m.attheEastOffice)onanybusiness day, or on non-business days, will be processed and credited by the end of the follow-ing business day.

We cannot ensure that deposits made in the night depository will be credited prior to the posting of any outstanding checks or debit transactions.

Saturday, May 23 Monday, May 25

Memorial Day

Saturday, July 4 Independence Day

HolidayClosures

Your Credit Union ...

A Great Deal!If you’re carrying a Teachers Credit Union VISA card in your wallet, here are some great reasons why you should continue. If you’re not, here are some great reasons why you should:

n Local “real person” customer service

n 25-day “paid in full” grace period on all purchase transactions

n No Annual Fee

n Fraud Monitoring Service – identifies and confirms any suspicious activity on your account

To better assist us in providing you the best possible service on your credit card account, please contact us to verify the phone number(s) we have on file for you are accurate.

If you have questions or would like additional information on our VISA Credit Card Program, please call us at 727-7300.

GREAT FALLS TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is FeDeraLLy iNsureD

• National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) insurance is backed by the full

faith and credit of the U.S. Government, just like the FDIC

• NCUA insures accounts up to at least $100,000

• IRA and KEOGH accounts are insured separately up to $250,000

$250,000

Main Office:1500 River Drive North PO Box 2649Great Falls, MT 59403

727-7300 or 1-800-823-9595

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDGreat Falls, MT

Permit #151

annual Meeting

InvitationCome and enjoy the fun!WHEN: April 29, 2009 • 6:00 pm

WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn 2520 14th St. SW Great Falls, MT

There will be lots of great giveaways, prizes, food and company. There is no need to pre-register. We hope to see you there!