In This Issue:
Energy-Efficient Homes Pay Off At Tax Time
Buying home appliances with the ENERGY STAR label in 2009 and 2010 may qualify you for a tax credit that is equal to 30% of the cost of the home improvements. The improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer's principal residence in the United States to qualify.*
The following items are eligible for the $1,500 tax credit:
- Windows & Doors
- Insulation
- Roofs (Metal, Asphalt)
- HVAC
- Water Heaters (Non-solar)
- Biomass Stoves
Please note: The maximum total credit for both the 2009 and 2010 tax years is $1,500.
For instance, if you file for the full $1,500 tax credit in 2009, you are not eligible for
any further credit in 2010.
For More Information
Visit www.irs.gov or www.energystar.gov/taxcredits to learn more about
this money-saving option.
*For exceptions and more information, visit www.energystar.gov/taxcredits.
Nominations And Election Information
The Credit Union Annual Meeting will be held January 22, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. on the 2nd Floor of Liberty Hall. This is also the deadline for submitting names to Nomination Committee for election to the Board of Directors.
If you are a member and interested in being elected to the Board of Directors, contact a member of the Nominating Committee before the Annual Meeting event. Please provide a brief summary expressing your motive(s) for seeking a position on the Board of Directors at the time you submit your name.
Members of the Nominating Committee:
Gene Molino, Chairman (570) 824-3521 ext: 7206
Christine Caputo, Co-Chairperson (570) 824-3521 ext: 7479
Jane Maxwell, Co-Chairperson (570) 824-3521 ext: 7218
The following Board Members' Terms of Office will expire: Archie Weyhenmeyer and Jeff Held.
TOPPresident's Message
Best wishes to all of our credit union members in the New Year!
On behalf of the entire VAntage Trust FCU staff, I would like to thank you all for your continued patronage and loyalty to the credit union throughout 2009. We hope the New Year brings you much health and happiness in the months to come. As the financial institution you can trust, we will continue to provide you with products and services that save you time and money all year long.
If you haven't already shared the gift of VAntage Trust FCU membership with your loved ones, this is the year to do so. With the economy still on the mend, Americans nationwide are searching for affordable loans and more rewarding savings vehicles. Our low interest rate lending programs and higher-yield investments can help you and your family members, co-workers and neighbors save money throughout 2010.
Remember, you can always check
our website for the latest rates and
information about the products and
services we offer. Log on to www.VAntagetrustfcu.org anytime,
day or night, and you'll find the
information you're looking for - if not,
you can submit your question to us
online and receive a response within the
next business day. Please don't hesitate
to contact us with any questions or
comments about your membership.
After all, we're here to help!
Thank you for choosing VAntage Trust FCU as your primary financial institution. We look forward to meeting your financial needs throughout the New Year!
Regards,
Robert M. Burton
President/CEO
We Make Home
Upgrades Affordable!
Feeling a draft? Now is the time to replace those old windows with new, energy-efficient ones! You can claim a tax credit of up to $1,500 for certain energy-efficient home upgrades. Save even more by taking advantage of our low interest rate Home Equity Loan offer!
That's right - enjoy the rate shown here and buy new appliances, upgrade the bathroom, and so much more. You can also consolidate your high-interest bills into one affordable payment with this fixed-rate option. Make it easier to manage your finances by writing only one check every month and save yourself some cash!
Make Renovations And More!
Our low interest rate Home Equity Loan is also an excellent option for
college tuition, travel expenses, a new car or any other good reason. As
an added bonus, the interest you pay may be tax-deductible (consult
your tax advisor for details).
Apply Today!
Call us at (866) 564-5305, apply online, or stop by to apply for your loan.
Hurry - This Offer Ends February 28th!
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates subject to change without notice. Contact credit union for complete loan details.
Let Us Help You Retire Comfortably
The economy has changed over the past year or so, but financial experts still agree that saving for retirement should be a top priority. The IRAs at VAntage Trust FCU can help you invest safely and securely for a better future. It's easy - take a look:
Traditional & Roth IRAs Available
Choose between a Traditional or Roth IRA for retirement, and earn dividends
faster than you would at most other financial institutions. Ask your tax advisor
which type of IRA is right for you.
Make Saving Automatic
Take advantage of Payroll Deduction or Direct Deposit, and watch your IRA start
growing immediately! The funds will automatically be distributed into your IRA
as you choose.
Plan Ahead For College, Too!
With the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA), you can save for your
child's education while enjoying a tax deduction on your investment. The
funds in an ESA can be used for qualified educational expenses without federal
income taxes and penalties. Anyone can make contributions to this account:
grandparents, godparents, companies, other family members, friends and more.
Enjoy Safety & Security
Your retirement funds are never subject to the ups and downs of the stock market
when you invest at VAntage Trust FCU. In fact, the National Credit Union
Administration, an agency of the U.S. government, insures your IRA funds for an
additional $250,000. Plus, your contribution may be tax-deductible upon deposit
or withdrawal! (Consult your tax advisor for details.)
Get Started Today
Stop by or call (570) 819-3337 for more
information. Start now to save more for your future!
Holiday Closings
Christmas Day - Friday, December 25, 2009
New Year's Day - Friday, January 1, 2010
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Monday, January 18, 2010
Presidents' Day - Monday, February 15, 2010
It's The Perfect Time To Buy A Car Or A Home
With the passage
of the American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act of
2009, there has never been a better
time to purchase a new house (for
first-time homebuyers) or a new car.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides a tax deduction for new car purchases (used car purchases are not eligible). Consumers who purchase a new car between February 17, 2009 and December 31, 2009 can deduct the value of the sales tax from their 2009 tax bill, as long as the car's value is under $49,500.
The new law also offers up to an $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers. Since the asking price of homes has decreased significantly in the past couple of years and it is currently a "buyers' market," this tax credit is another incentive for people who have not owned a home of their own in the past three years.
To learn more or to review our current loan rates, please stop by one of our branches or call us at (570) 819-3337.
Enjoy Greater Convenience
Sign up for our convenience services today, and you'll enjoy no-hassle access to your money 24/7!
MasterMoney® Debit Card - Link this convenient card to your Checking Account and use it wherever MasterCard® is accepted. You can also use it at thousands of ATMs nationwide.
Direct Deposit - Have your paycheck deposited electronically. You can also set up automatic Payroll Deduction to pay your loans every month.
Virtual Branch/Online Banking - Log on anytime to access your accounts. View your current balances, transfer funds and much more.
Online Bill Pay - Choose your own bill payment schedule, and rest assured your bills will be paid on time, every time.
E-Statements - Eliminate paper, receive statements online each month. It's a quick, secure and convenient way to review your account - and it's free.
Start Today
Call us at (800) 749-5290 to enroll in these services or enroll online today!