Is Cutting Corners Worth it?

You're running late for work and the outfit you want to wear is wrinkled. Do you run and get the iron, or do you stick it in the dryer with a damp wash cloth for a few minutes to get the wrinkles out? I would opt for the dryer option. Actually, I always opt for the dryer option. I haven't touched an iron in years! My mom tells me that the electricity company loves me because my little dryer trick drives up my electricity bill. I know my bill would probably be lower if I ironed, but who has time for ironing? Plus, I don’t like doing it - at all! I would much rather pay a few more dollars on my electricity bill each month than hassle with an iron!

I have a friend who pays a babysitter for about two-three hours on Saturday to watch her children so she can get her household chores done without having kids running all over the house while she is trying to clean. She knows the babysitter is an added expense, but says she prefers getting all her house stuff done in two-three hours, rather than taking five hours to get it done with a houseful of kids.

Do you prefer saving money or saving time?

Chao for now, Leslita

... do you know the Paris Marchant story?

Tomorrow concludes the credit union's campaign to raise awareness and funding for the Children's Miracle Network. On behalf of the entire team at the credit union, thank you for taking an interest in these kids, and doing whatever you could to support children's research at MUSC.

I almost hate to quote a Whitney Houston song lyric, but it just seems to fit ... "I believe the children are our are future; Teach them well and let them lead the way; Show them all the beauty they possess inside; Give them a sense of pride to make it easier; Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be..."

In the final story of this blog series, I am pleased to introduce you to the Paris Marchant story...

Paris in February of 2008 was a 20-month old when she was sent home early from day care with a low grade fever and a double ear infection. While at home, her parents noticed her shallow breathing, shivering and purplish legs, feet, arms and hands. Paris was immediately rushed to the emergency room in Augusta, Georgia.

When her condition did not improve, Paris was airlifted to the MUSC Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with Respiratory Failure due to Influenza A & B plus bacterial pneumonia and two days later put on a heart lung bypass machine, called the Extra-corporeal Membrane Oxygenation or ECMO machine.

Paris remained on the ECMO machine for 32 days. During this time, Paris had chest tubes inserted to remove massive amounts of body fluid she was retaining. After being taken off the ECMO machine on Easter Sunday in March of 2008, Paris’s lungs collapsed and trachea and feeding tubes were inserted.

In June of 2008, after 129 exhausting days at MUSC Children’s Hospital, Paris was sent home to her twin sister, Mattie, two older sisters, Keeley and Luci, and her parents, Amy and Wayne. In August of 2008, Paris was removed from the ventilator and in October her trachea tube was removed. While Paris still struggles with eating and endurance, her parents see her as a normal and sassy 3-year old who loves the water and is enjoying her swim lessons this summer. And, in the winter something a Charlestonian knows little about ... she loves to make Paris-sized snow people.

No matter what the season $1 makes a difference and for those who would like to contribute through the credit union program, I have included some instructions below. Be in love with life. Count your blessings this Thursday ... and talk back with Troy.

Special Announcement ... in addition to buying the $1 balloons in our branches, members can now purchase $1 Electronic Balloons with secure e-mail (iTeller), through on-line secure chat (iTeller), or via phone (843) 797-8300. Since these are secure channels of communication, simply use the links provided to log-on. Once connected, select either e-mail or chat. In the text area include your member number and the amount of your balloon purchase. A special on-line page acknowledging your first name will be posted on the web.

Wouldn't you like to be a ...?

It recently has come to my attention that I am a brand snob. Yes,admittedly I love Diet Dr. Pepper ... not Diet Coke, nada to Diet Pepsi, no-no to Diet Dew, and definitely not those Diet knock-offs. And, let's just eliminate Tab, Fanta, and Shasta from the list as well. (Do they still make 'Tab'? OM-Gosh ... showing my age.)

The fact is I will go out of my way to get a Diet Dr. Pepper, especially a cold one. You know the kind ... slushy, smooth, and cool to the throat ... just a few degrees shy of becoming solid ice. My all-time favorite is Diet Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper. I even have a homemade Dr. Diet Pepper Christmas ornament we put on the tree at work. (TMI, huh?)

Companies go to great lengths to build a brand that is recognizable, popular, and selected by consumers when they have a choice. Like the credit union, it is important to create a unique experience that can be replicated every time the consumer comes in contact with the product or the organization. Businesses would consider themselves lucky to have a fan club, a following ... even a brand snob.

Now, I am surely not alone. There must be others like me out there reading this blog who are loyal to their special brands. So, 'fizz' up and let me know what's your brand of choice? Does it deal with food, travel, clothing, people, or an organization? Thursday is your time to talk back with Troy. Are you a pepper, too?

What's for Dinner Tonight?

As a follow up to Do Unhealthy Food Ads Target Minorities? I thought it would be fun to share some healthy recipes. Corey, one of my recruiters enlightened me to a great site, www.myrecipes.com/recipes where you can view a host of recipes from various cooking magazines. My favorite is Cooking Light because it provides you with a break down on the nutritional information so you know exactly what (calories, fat, cholesterol, etc.) you are feeding your family.

Check out this grilled chicken with white bbq sauce recipe ...yummy...enjoy! http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1893642_1810070_1717650,00.html

Do you have a favorite receipe you would like to share?

Clipping Coupons

Most Sunday’s my wife and I scour the paper for two different reasons. I’m a news junkie who reads the paper front to back. My wife pulls out the thick coupon section and pages through each one with scissors in hand. She meticulously organizes each coupon in one of those expandable file folders and then she’s off to the stores.

Once at the stores, my wife goes up and down each isle, coupon folder and list in hand, picking items and further reorganizing coupons for checkout. The payoff? On most shopping trips she saves 10-15 percent. Let’s say we average $100 per week in groceries. This represents $10-15 per week saved or approximately $750 per year.

So, what do I think of this? I’m very appreciative of the time and energy she spends each week to save us money. In fact, it made me want to bring my lunch more often (more on that in next week’s blog post).

Clipping coupons, eating in more, sharing meals at restaurants. Perhaps it’s the economic climate right now. Whatever the reason, I think these simple behavioral changes make a big enough dent in our bottom line that we’ll stick with them long after this current recession is just a memory.

What positive changes have you or your family made that you plan to retain even after times aren’t so tough?

The Old School-Way to Get What You Want

It was no ordinary dishwasher; it was practically an antique. When we bought the house, it was high on our list of items to replace -- and we wanted it done yesterday. The problem was the thing refused to die. For four long years it chugged away mercilessly, leaving us practically-minded folk reluctant to chuck it for cosmetic flaws alone.

See, we believe in being old school: saving for what we need and want until we can pay cash. The old school-way is something our grandparents practiced: a method of saving supported by three important questions:

• What will you need/do you want in the future?
• How much are you willing to pay for it?
• How long must you/are you willing to wait for it?

From there, everything else falls into place. Know, for example, your car needs a tune-up that costs $100 and you’re able to wait three months. Easy math: you need to save $33.33 each month in order to pay for it. Then, budget accordingly.

You’re probably wondering what ever happened to the nasty dishwasher. Since it had so much life left, we saved a very little at a time until we were able to replace it the old school-way.

So, let’s debate. Is "old school" the way to go or do you more frequently make a case for instant gratification?

How much do you keep in your emergency savings?

¡Emergencia!

If you have some money in savings, don't tie it up in accounts that will charge you a fee to make a withdrawal (i.e. certificate of deposit early withdrawal fee) unless you have at least 6 months worth of expenses liquid in a savings account. That way you can have immediate access to it in the case of an emergency. Don't try to keep a specific emergency amount in your checking account-open a seperate savings account and make that your emergency savings account. Keeping your checking account and this emergency fund seperate will help you stay organized - your savings and spending money won't get mixed up. If you have dependents, you may want to keep at least 12 months worth of expenses in your emergency fund to offset the greater risk.

How close are you to having 6 months worth of expenses in your savings account?

Chao for now, Leslita

Do you know the Kristin Patrick story?

This is week three of bringing awareness of the Children's Miracle Network to our blogging community. The out pouring of love and support we have received through individual blog comments, balloon purchases, and feedback with the branch folks has been refreshing, especially during these hard economic times. Everyone is feeling the pinch, but now more than ever CMN needs our support.

Since you've already met Chase Ringler , and JoJo Greenwood, I'd like for you to know about this remarkable young lady.

Kristin Patrick story...

On January 25, 1997 - a few days after developing a common cold - 15-month-old Kristin Patrick of St. George, SC was rushed to a local hospital with a high fever, labored breathing and a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. When local physicians were unable to treat or diagnose her condition, Kristin was rushed to MUSC's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. There, physicians found one of the most severe cases of pneumonia they had ever seen, one that had caused both of Kristin's lungs to rupture. Her prognosis, for a while, was precarious.

For seven long days, Kristin's heart and lungs struggled to oxygenate her blood, exhausting her body to the point where it was unable to fight the life-threatening virus. Meanwhile, her overworked lungs continued to develop new perforations. Despite her daughter's deteriorating condition, Susan Patrick says that the pediatric specialists at the Children's Hospital made her feel confident that her daughter would somehow recover. "It was just unbelievable to experience that level of knowledge and care," she says. "The doctors, nurses, everyone. I could tell they knew what they were doing. Not only were they knowledgeable about what they were doing, but they also cared about what they were doing. They cared about Kristin, and they were genuinely interested in getting her better. I felt like we got the best care we could have gotten anywhere."

After several days of researching and consulting with each other, MUSC physicians decided to place Kristin on a revolutionary new heart/lung bypass machine, which would pump blood out of her body, supply it with oxygen and return it, allowing her lungs to regain strength while the virus ran its course. Kristin remained on the heart/lung bypass machine for 10 days. During that time, her heart and lungs regained their strength while the virus was successfully purged from her body.

"When she got better and we were finally able to hold her it's very hard to describe the feeling we had," says Susan Patrick. "When she was a little baby, we'd think what a miracle it was to have her to begin with. Now we see her as even more of a miracle." Today, Kristin is a beautiful, intelligent 13 year old who loves life. She enjoys playing the piano, swimming, reading and spending time with her friends and family. Kristin graduated from the 8th grade in May 2009 and was in the top 10 of her class. She is dedicating to helping others. She loves being involved with the events that benefit the MUSC Children’s Hospital and also was a member of a local Relay for Life team for the American Cancer Society. She knows what a gift life is and wants to help others realize it as well.

The picture of Kristen as she is today helps me to realize just how much difference even $1 makes. For those who would like to contribute through the credit union program, I have included some instructions below. Celebrate life. Give thanks this Thursday ... and talk back with Troy.

Special Announcement ... in addition to buying the $1 balloons in our branches, members can now purchase $1 Electronic Balloons with secure e-mail (iTeller), through on-line secure chat (iTeller), or via phone (843) 797-8300. Since these are secure channels of communication, simply use the links provided to log-on. Once connected, select either e-mail or chat. In the text area include your member number and the amount of your balloon purchase. A special on-line page acknowledging your first name will be posted on the web.

When Granny Is Your Nanny!

I recently read an interesting article in the Wall Street Jornal, which speaks to the complexities of having an arrangement where grandparents are involved with the daily care of their grandkids. 

This article hit home for me because currently my mom watches my two girls with the assistance of a relative. The dynamics of this arrangement can be “interesting” to say the least since my mom stays with us three nights out of the week; conflicting points of views arise with regard to various child-raising philosophies with my mom being a baby-boomer and my husband and I Gen Xers, however the pros out weight the cons by far.

 I have to say I look forward to the time when grandma can visit for just good ole fun visits! Any one in a similar situation or would just like to share your thoughts?

How secure is online banking?

As a manager with the Contact Center, I often have an opportunity to talk with members. Recently, a hot topic has been security related to online banking. We received candid feedback from blog readers about a recent post that talked about the security of eStatements. In subsequent emails and conversations, a number of members cited security concerns as a primary reason they do not use online banking or subscribe to electronic statements. “Hmmm,” I said, “let’s see what some expert publications have to say about online banking security.”

"Online access helps improve your financial security, rather than detracting from it.  Use online bill pay.  It's faster, safer and easier to track than putting checks in the mail." ~  US News & World Report, "Simple Savings Steps"

“If you're worried about online identity theft, relax. Paying bills online is actually safer than sending checks through the mail.” ~ Consumer Reports, “10 easy steps to the simple (financial) life”

“Go paperless...Even easier is to receive and pay bills online, which ensures that info can't be lifted from stolen mail.” ~ Money, “The Easy Way: Protect Your Identity”

OK, the experts argue that online bill payment and electronic statements are secure. So I wanted to see what the folks in our Information Technology group had to say. When I asked about how to ensure the security of transmitted bill payments and electronic statements, they cited the virtues of “secure socket layer” technology and “128-bit encryption.” Bottom line: security related to data transmission at South Carolina Federal is “solid” and “proven.” The evidence suggests managing your banking online is more secure than paying bills through the U.S. Postal Service and relying on paper statements. If you’re concerned about online banking security, perhaps this information helps.

Note: For more information regarding online banking security and to read more quotes like the ones above, check out www.ebillplace.com.

Timeless style on a budget

Ladies, don’t we all love our clothes, shoes and bags?

Times may be tight but if you’re like me you can still be wooed by the allure of a boutique window, a sale sign, or that catalogue that just arrived in your mailbox. Penny pinching has led me to get more and more into European women’s approach to fashion: reduce your inventory but keep/buy the best, well-fitting pieces you can afford. For your casual needs, be aware that cotton is cotton and that same tissue tee you see at J. Crew goes for a third the price at Target.

I once read that when the legendary style icon Coco Chanel passed away, her friends were amazed to see just how few things she had in her closet. Turns out the famous fashionista believed in quality, not quantity, and made very few classic items go a long way with the use of unique and defining accessories, such as scarves, shoes and costume jewelry.

As school shopping season approaches and the weather begins to change, do what you must to overhaul your kids’ wardrobes if their hemlines are becoming high waters. But if you have options, consider Coco’s timeless fashion sense and go without, augmenting your wardrobe with some carefully chosen standout pieces to take you into the next season and beyond. It could mean more money in your pocket and perhaps more style to boot (no pun intended).

Ciao vs. Chao

Am I mispelling the Italian salutation or greeting "Ciao"? I've had some people ask me why I spell it Chao and not Ciao.  I'm glad they asked! "Chao" is how we say and spell "goodbye" in Chile. It's my way of sharing a little bit of my culture with my readers :-)

Chao for now,

Leslita

Saving for the next generation…

My neighbor and I were chatting the other day…She was talking about how her parents were great savers and wise spenders. She thinks it was because they had to save for what they wanted instead of instantly putting it on a credit card like in today’s times.

She told me a story about her mom walking several miles to the swimming pool in the summer, taking a full 25 cents with her – 15 to get in the pool and 10 for a soda and snack! Wow! I wish 25 cents went that far today! She knew at an early age that when her mom and dad bought her something special, they were making a conscious decision to spend hard-earned and long-saved money.

In today’s society where credit cards are so widely used and advertised, she wants her grandkids to know that working and saving for what they want is the best way to reach their financial goals. Every payday, she puts a little money in their savings accounts. Not a lot – just $25 per kid per pay day. But when the day comes for her grandchildren to manage that money, they’ll know that it’s special money – when Grammy got paid, they got paid – and she prays they will use it wisely.

How are you teaching your kids and grandkids to make smart money choices?

Chao for now, Leslita

Do you know the Joseph Greenwood story?

Last week I had the pleasure of introducing you to Chase Ringler. This week, please meet Joseph (JoJo) Greenwood. He received a Heart Transplant at the Medical University of SC, five days before his 6th birthday. It is a privilege to tell about these children's miracles. 

JoJo's story ...

In March of 2006, with a virus that caused JoJo to have a high-grade fever.  The virus invaded and damaged his heart. JoJo was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, a rare weakening of the heart muscles. This eventually led JoJo to a long admission at MUSC in August 2006, with the implantation of an internal defibrillator. 

March 24, 2007 ... the defibrillator discharged appropriately and saved his life when JoJo collapsed on the family porch in Florence, SC. His father, Stephen, successfully performed CPR on JoJo. Within 3 hours JoJo was airlifted to MUSC.

March 25, 2007 ... JoJo was placed on a life saving heart and lung bypass machine (ECMO).  He was medically paralyzed during his 10 days on ECMO and was only allowed to become conscious when the doctors wanted to see if he was responsive. His family celebrated every movement or response JoJo gave. JoJo was placed on the Heart Transplant list on March 26, 2007. The medical team had decided immediately that he needed a ventricular assist device. They began working fervently to get him a device never used at this facility before. It has not been used much in the U.S. at all. It is not even FDA approved. It is known as the Berlin Heart Pump.

April 4, 2007 ... JoJo made history by becoming the first pediatric patient in South Carolina – and the 88th in the nation – to receive a Berlin Heart during the 10.5 hour surgery at the Medical University. Within hours of the surgery, he was alert and watching his favorite cartoon, “SpongeBob Squarepants,” from his hospital bed at the MUSC Children’s Hospital. He was able to sit up and talk with everyone. He began to smile, tell jokes, eat, drink, and walk within a few short days. His progress was an amazing experience to witness.

April 13, 2007 ... JoJo underwent a heart transplant only 8 days after receiving the Berlin Heart.  He progressed as well as anyone could possibly progress. The Berlin Heart made him a healthy candidate to receive his miracle heart transplant. He was released from the hospital only 2 weeks after his transplant. He began a regimen of taking transplant medications and physical therapy to regain some of the muscle tone he had lost. He even received tutoring in and out of the hospital. He was shown so much love that he had very mixed emotions about leaving the wonderful place that had saved his life.

Newspapers and television stations all over the country covered the Joseph Greenwood story throughout the entire process. Fundraisers and prayer chains spread across the country. Soldiers in Iraq even met to pray for this special little boy. Many people have been touched by his story and still get in touch with his family to say what an inspiration he is to them.

Special Announcement ... in addition to buying the $1 balloons in our branches, members can now purchase $1 Electronic Balloons with secure e-mail (iTeller), through on-line secure chat (iTeller), or via phone (843) 797-8300. Since these are secure channels of communication, simply use the links provided to log-on. Once connected, select either e-mail or chat. In the text area include your member number and the amount of your balloon purchase. A special on-line page acknowledging your first name will be posted on the web.

Thank you for allowing me a chance to share JoJo's story. Give thanks this Thursday and talk back with Troy.

How to Land A Great Job, Part 3: What Not To Wear

Click on the video and tell me what is wrong with this interview???

Although this commercial pokes fun of the idea of an interviewee arriving with a stain on his shirt the message certainly has a ring of truth! It can be extremely hard for an interviewer to concentrate on what the interviewee is attempting to relay if the job-seeker has on distracting clothing.

Here are some do's and do's and don'ts on interview attire:

Appropriate:

• Females – one set of earrings (appropriately sized), no visible piercings for males
• Clean clothing with no wrinkles, stains, or holes 
• Females - skirts at or below knee
• Lightly applied makeup for women, men should keep it natural and kept

Not Appropriate: 

• Facial piercings, tongue jewelry, visible tattoos, more than one set of earrings, extreme jewelry
• Unkempt clothing (wrinkled, stained, holes) Shorts, miniskirts, capris, bermuda shorts, jeans
• Heavy/extreme makeup

Any additional thoughts on what to wear or not to wear for an interview? Let me know! Thanks for viewing and don’t forget to comment!

Stretching your imagination

Our SVP of Marketing, Beth Jaskiewicz, shared the following story with me which I wanted to pass along.

Every once in a while a new technology comes out that seems really cool… but you have serious doubts that it’s really for you. Maybe you think you’re too old, too settled in your habits. Based on Beth's recent “Kindle sighting” you might change your mind about trying new technology.

Beth was recently in a hospital atrium, waiting on her husband to have x-rays. Beth noticed that an elderly lady nearby (we’ll call her Martha) had two items with her: a wheelchair and a Kindle (sound like an odd combination?). Being curious about Kindles anyway, Beth asked Martha how she liked her Kindle. What a story!

Martha said she absolutely loves her Kindle! She demonstrated all the features, shared some of her favorite authors, explained to Beth how to get free books, and even had a clip-on light in case she needed it! Hmmm, you wonder: did Martha buy the Kindle herself?

Actually, Martha is a life-long reader and had a vast personal library of books. She recently downsized into an apartment which meant downsizing her library, giving most of her books to local charities. Knowing her love for reading, Martha’s children bought her a Kindle for her 85th birthday and added some extra cash to purchase Kindle books. Apparently, that’s all it took. Now Martha is not only an expert Kindle user, she’s a raving fan!

We're not selling Kindles here – just using this story to stretch your imagination. Makes you wonder if there are new technologies to be sampled that might change your world like the Kindle changed Martha’s?

How about a chance at a priceless escape?

Have you heard? South Carolina Federal has partnered with MasterCard® International, Inc., for an amazing opportunity. One of our members is guaranteed to win a priceless escape nearly anywhere in the world. There is no hidden agenda and no fine print.

Here’s the deal: One member will win the Grand Prize in the Break in Your Jeans Sweepstakes: a $100 MasterCard Gift Card for a pair of jeans and the opportunity to “break them in” on a five-day, four night trip for him/herself and three guests to a destination of the member’s choice, not to exceed $15,000.

How can I qualify to win this priceless escape, you ask?

• Are you 18 or older? You qualify!
• Got a MasterCard debit card? Use it!  From now through Aug. 31, sign for every purchase and you automatically are entered into the Sweepstakes every time, not to mention the fact that you rack up CURewards^TM.
• Don’t yet have a MasterCard debit card? Get one! We issue debit cards instantly in our branches. That means you simply apply at a branch and walk out with your card in minutes. You can even choose your favorite color.

If you’re a member of South Carolina Federal who uses your MasterCard debit card, your chances of winning are actually pretty good. As of this posting, there are only about 67,371 active MasterCard users in the credit union.  (These are excellent odds, my friends.)

Alas, as an employee of the credit union, I am not eligible for the Sweepstakes, so I’m counting on one of you to win so I can live vicariously through you. In fact, I want to profile the lucky member’s trip in a future blog, so please, swipe and sign through Aug. 31…for me…or hey, for your own selfish reasons!  Click here for all the important details.

How do you give back to your community?

Where's the premium?

Recently management removed the 'dividend rate add-on premium' offered to Senior Service and Member's Choice Checking accounts for share certificates. This change has left some members scratching their heads and wanting to know, "Where's the premium and why did you make this change?"

For years the credit union used a 'dividends rate add-on premium' strategy for these checking products because the belief was that these 'premiums' meant that the member would be more 'loyal' to the credit union. This loyalty would translate into members having more products and services per household.

Unfortunately the research has confirmed that 'dividend rate add-on premiums' do not translate to member loyalty. Today certificate shoppers buy strictly on rate. They will move their funds for as little as a fraction of an interest or dividend rate. And, when service used to be a factor, it isn't anymore. There is no correlation between giving a dividend add-on premium and the member using their credit union more. In fact, some members opened a Senior Service Checking just to get the dividend rate add-on premium and then never used the account. That is a formula for adding more expense to the operation of your credit union.

What management decided was to discontinue the 'dividend rate add-on premium' with the goal of offering more competitive rates for share certificates across the board. Now every member who shops the credit union for a great share certificate rate will get one without having to open another account to do so. This change, although difficult for some simply because it is a change, is really more cost effective and life simplified for the entire membership base.

So, if you find yourself asking, "Where's the premium?" then I hope this blog has shed a little light on your inquiry. BTW ... it's okay to disagree with the thought process and post your comment. Today is Thursday and time to talk back with Troy.

Do you know the Chase Ringler story?

Since 1994, South Carolina Federal Credit Union employees and members have raised more than $274,000 to support Children's Miracle Network. This is an important cause for us and because of this selfless giving many lives, like that of Chase Ringler, have been changed ... forever. 

Chase's Story ...

On October 2, 2007, Chase Ringler was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer called neuroblastoma. At diagnosis, the cancer had spread to his skull and bone marrow putting him at high risk.

In the United States about 700 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year. Of these, 45% will have advanced “high risk” disease. The survival rate of “high risk” is less than 40%. Chase underwent 8 rounds of high dose chemotherapy followed by a bone marrow transplant, 14 rounds of radiation and six months of Accutane.

His treatment continues with monthly antibody therapy, which is extremely painful. The treatments are very aggressive because currently there is no cure and there are very few effective treatments for relapsed neuroblastoma. While his treatments continue to ensure a relapse does not occur, Chase has shown no sign of disease since fall of 2008.

Special Announcement ... in addition to buying the $1 balloons in our branches, members can now purchase $1 Electronic Balloons with secure e-mail (iTeller), through on-line secure chat (iTeller), or via phone (843) 797-8300. Since these are secure channels of communication, simply use the links provided to log-on. Once connected, select either e-mail or chat. In the text area include your member number and the amount of your balloon purchase. A special on-line page acknowledging your first name will be posted on the web.

Let us celebrate life and whatever each day beholds. Give thanks today and talk back with Troy.

I will remember...

…Michael Jackson and his 1983 Motown 25 performance. It was just him and the microphone…no special lighting, no dancers, no stage props… I remember not even wanting to blink, thinking I would miss one of his dance moves. Like me there are millions of fans of all colors, shapes and sizes who share in the same sadness of losing a talent who comes only once in a lifetime. A friend of mine said, “It feels like I lost a member of my family.”

Over 750 million albums sold worldwide … thirteen #1 singles … , and countless acts of charitable giving … That is the Michael I know … and will always remember.

What's holding you back?

The Post and Courier on Tuesday, July 7, had an article entitled, “U.S. Postal Service: Stamped out?,” which discussed how the recession and widespread use of the Internet have compelled the Postal Service to consider closing many post offices around the country, including some in the Lowcountry and Midlands. The article included a quote from a postal official who said, “Customers can now go online and get 80 percent of the services they can get at a post office.”

Coincidentally given the angle of this article, South Carolina Federal Credit Union members will receive their quarterly statements this week. Many of you have opted into eStatements and are reading your statements online through iTeller; however, a small number still insist on receiving paper statements through the U.S. Postal Service.

I wonder why some members wait for a statement by mail when they simply could go online and avoid the $1 fee in the process? eStatements are safe, secure and arrive sooner than paper ones.

Back in May, my colleague Troy Hall posted a blog entitled, “Is a $1 monthly fee worth it?” In that posting, he explained how the credit union actively aims to reduce costs by encouraging members to enroll in eStatements, a far less expensive delivery method that ultimately benefits the entire membership. More and more members have chosen eStatements for the security that online statements offer, not to mention the simplicity of checking your statements at your convenience.

So, here’s the question for those who haven’t yet signed up for eStatements: what’s holding you back? Kevin the service-guy wants to know.

Cash for everything? Seriously?

For two years now, I've been fully on board with a cash-based budget system, but my husband's recent suggestion that we take the plan to the next level -- "an all cash system" in his words; paying cash for everything that isn't a bill or something payable through Payment Manager -- may be testing my limits.

Don't get me wrong.  The cash-based budget plan definitely works for us - in the small doses we've used thus far.  It's given us a huge measure of peace and security since we got married.  I remember the wakeup call that hit me like a ton of bricks when we decided on a weekly [cash] budget for groceries.  A set amount went into a white envelope each week.  When it was gone, it was gone.  With no more side trips to Whole Foods for chanterelle mushrooms or creme fraiche to garnish a soup (ridiculous!), the cash only-policy cut my grocery spending by a third.

Okay, so maybe he's got something here.  Has anyone else attempted this "all cash system" (ugh - even the phrase feels like solitary confinement) with any success?  I'm curious how this has worked for you.

Under 21?

The Credit Card Act of 2009 consists of several different components, but the one that caught my attention the most, is the section that is aimed to protect college students. This act will require students under the age of 21 to have a co-signer or show proof of income.

Most credit cards require proof of income, but most student credit cards do not. These cards usually have really high interest rates to protect the credit card company from the potential risk of non-payment. Credit card companies who have issued lines of credit to students previously with little or no regard to income, will now be required to obtain proof of income, or a qualified co-signer.

I think all credit cards should require proof of income. If you don’t know where you will get the money to pay the balance, you don’t need the credit card.

Why is this act specifically requiring just under 21 year olds to provide proof of income or a co-signer? I think all credit card applications, regardless of age, should require proof of income. Personally, I believe that each person should be responsible for his/her own transactions.

What do you think?  Do you think youngsters under 21 need special protection from the government in order to not fall prey to predatory credit card companies? Or do you think everyone 18 and over should be required to show proof of income in order to qualify for a credit card?

Chao for now, Leslita

Are you ready to 'pump' for the weekend?

The final chapter in the 'pay at the pump' hold saga can be told. The credit union has officially restored processing of MasterCard gas purchases, so they work exactly as they did before the change of June 16, 2009.

There are two more pieces of information I'd like to share:

1. At the end of this blog is an unedited, official apology from PSCU Financial Services, the credit union's debit/credit card processor.

2. This is a really big deal and I just couldn't hold back sharing this exciting news with you. Beginning the week of July 13, 2009, members will begin receiving announcements of a fabulous MasterCard vacation promotion. Management delayed this announcement pending the outcome of the 'pay at the pump' hold issue. Since that has been totally resolved, it is time to move full steam ahead and promote what will be (I'm letting more steam out of the bag here) a guaranteed $15,000 vacation prize for one South Carolina Federal Credit Union member.

... thanks again for blogging with me this past week. Yes, we are now on track as it is Thursday and time to talk back with Troy. BTW ... the credit union will be open regular hours on Friday, July 3 and Monday, July 6, 2009 for your convenience. Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

A letter of Apology to South Carolina Federal Credit Union’s Debit Cardholders:

As the debit card processor for South Carolina Federal Credit Union, PSCU Financial Services continuously strives to ensure our systems are working in compliance with changes in the debit card industry. Unfortunately, due to internal communication issues at our company, we made changes that had a negative impact on pay at the pump gas transactions. We understand this caused great frustration and inconvenience for you and the Credit Union and sincerely apologize for this error.

Sincerely, PSCU Financial Services