UFirst Wants to Help Your Kids Picture their Future!

We often look at pictures to remember the past, but are you ready to picture their future?

If you ask your children, they can likely picture a future they would like to live in. Some dream to become doctors and help people, others want to be known for their talent. My daughter Hannah (who is posing for this year's youth month) wants to be an elementary school teacher. For children and teenagers, their future brings limitless possibilities. But no matter what their dream is, financial education can be instrumental in helping them to achieve their goals.

The theme for this year's Youth Month is "The Future is yours...Picture it! Save for it! Share it!. Together, we're encouraging youngsters to express themselves through photography, sharing their visions for their own financial futures so we can help them get there.

Check out how your credit union is celebrating youth during the month of April!

• Open a new youth savings account and we'll cover the $5 deposit. Plus we'll give your child a cute little piggy bank to give them a place to start saving their coins!
• Click here and have your child complete the "Future is Yours" drawing page. Bring it back in to us, send it to us via Facebook messenger or email it to Meg at mpelkey@ufirstfcu.net by April 30th. Our staff will vote for their favorites and the top three drawings will win a prize!
• Stop by one of our branches with the kiddos on Friday, April 26th for some treats and fun take-a-ways!

As your trusted financial partner, we want to help teach your children the importance of good financial habits. Together we can help them fulfill their dreams, no matter how big or small. After all, the future is theirs.

And coming soon...the Burghy Jr. app!! Our new app is just for our junior members! It teaches kids good money habits using what they know best, technology! It's a fun and interactive way for your children to learn the basics of spend, save and share. Keep watching for more details coming soon!

Spring is the perfect time for a fabulous home makeover and UFirst is just the place to help make it happen! UFirst FCU is your local, full-service home loan provider. Whether you're buying a new home, refinancing an existing one or just updating a few things here and there, we make the process of securing a loan for your home needs a pleasant one. Our personal service and local-decision making provides convenience and peace of mind every step of the way.

Check out what we offer!

Home Mortgages

We offer a variety of loan terms and rate options to meet your needs to finance single family homes or multi-unit homes with up to 4 units as long as one is occupied.

Home Equity Loan

A Home Equity Loan allows you to borrow against the equity in your home so you don't have to dip into your savings to cover things like home improvements, renovation projects, educations or consolidating debt.

HELOC

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving lien of credit secured against your home. Instead of loaning a set amount of funds all at one (like a car loan), you simply borrow as you go, up to the credit limit.

Home Improvement Loan

If your home is in need of a little TLC, but you lack the equity in your home, then a "No Equity" Home Improvement Loan could be what you need. With a UFirst Home Improvement Loan, your interest rate is typically lower than a credit card or home improvement store card. Plus, you'll have a set monthly payment and can pay your loan off faster - all while increasing your home's value.

eLoan

Improving your home's energy efficiency can help you save money on your utility bills for years to come. UFirst FCU is proud to partner with Triangle Electric to offer solar and energy efficient products for your home that will help save you money.

Take advantage of local mortgage experts, right around the corner. Contact our Certified Home Loan Specialist, Chantal Davenport, at mortgages@ufirstfcu.net to learn more about the product that's right for you!

The right vehicle financing means affordable payments, a great interest rate and peace of mind. If your auto loan terms are not working well for you, then maybe it's time to refinance your auto loan with UFirst Federal Credit Union. We can help you determine whether a change to the term, the payment or the rate is what you need.

Benefits of Making the Switch:

• No strings attached - direct deposit, checking or automatic payments not required
• Terms available up to 84 months
• Competitive rates
• No payments for 45 days
• All the benefits of financing an auto loan apply to refinancing too!
• Have a checking account or other services here with us too? Ask about our special member auto loan discounts.

Isn't it time you and your auto loan switched to UFirst? Apply easily online today or contact one of our friendly lenders at 518.324.5700 option 2 with any questions.

The feature that everyone has been waiting for has finally arrived! Mobile Deposit is an easy and secure way for you to deposit checks using your mobile device. In just a few steps, you can make your deposit without ever having to go to a branch! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Is there a charge to use Mobile Deposit?

No, it's completely free!

How do I properly endorse my check(s)?

It is extremely important to ensure that you endorse your check(s) correctly so they don't get rejected. Here is what to do:

• Sign your name as it appears on the front of the check
• Write the account number you want the check deposited in underneath your signature
• Some checks have a box that you can check for mobile deposit, so you can just mark that. (Image coming soon)
• If there isn't a mobile deposit box, write Mobile Deposit

If proper endorsement isn't provided, then the deposit will be rejected.

When can I expect my deposit to appear in my account?

Deposits made prior to 2:30pm will be deposited into your account around 4:30pm. Anything after 2:30pm will be considered next day.

Are there limits to how much or how many checks I can deposit?

Yes. The maximum amount per deposit per day is $5,000 per account. Maximum amount for one check is $2,500 per day. There is not a limit to the number of checks that you can deposit in a day as long as you are within the daily limit.

Will there be a hold on deposit?

Deposits made through Mobile Deposit are subject to the UFirst check hold policy that is currently in place for all deposits made by check.

How do I access Mobile Deposit?

Mobile Deposit is only available with our UFirst Mobile Banking app which can be downloaded for free using iTunes or Google Play. The mobile application works with iPhone and Android smart phone platforms. To use the app, you must first be enrolled in online banking.

• After logging in to the UFirst app, select "deposits" from the home screen
• Select and account for deposit
• Enter the check amount. Please note: per check limit is $2,500; per day limit is $5,000
• Take a photo of the front and back of the check (Make sure it's a clear image and captures the whole check)
• Make sure the back of the check includes proper endorsement (see how I properly endorse check above)
  • Signature
  • Account Number
  • Check of "for mobile deposit" or write Mobile Deposit
• Confirm deposit details
• Retain check until cleared

This information will all soon be permanently available on our updated website once it goes live. Mobile Deposit is a great new service that we are proud to offer and one we hope you will enjoy! If there are any questions regarding mobile deposit, please contact us at 518-324-5700 option 1.

UFirst FCU has some exciting news! We've joined a CO-OP ATM Network that allows our members access to nearly 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs from coast to coast! That's convenience even some of the biggest banks can't match. And it's one of the benefits of being a member of UFirst FCU.

What does this mean? It means that you can use any ATM where you see the CO-OP logo. So, whether you're across town or away from home for business or pleasure, finding the closest surcharge-free ATM is easy, using your phone, mobile app, text messaging or internet access.

What is a surcharge fee? A surcharge is a fee that may be assessed by an ATM owner for using the machine. Our members can use ATMs within the CO-OP Network and avoid these fees.

Find ATMs near you:

• Visit CO-OPatm.org
• Download the mobile app (search CO-OP ATM and look for the CO-OP logo)
• Text your current address to MYCOOP (692667)
• Call 1-888-748-3266

Please feel free to contact us at 518-324-5700 option 1 with any questions about the CO-OP ATM Network!

Co-op ATM Video

Coming Soon: CO-OP Shared Branch!!

Mark your calendars for the UFirst Shred It & Forget It Event!  

Protect yourself from identity theft by bringing your unwanted personal documents to the UFirst Shred It & Forget It event. If a document contains your signature, social security number, account number, medical or legal information, it should be shredded when you no longer need it. Adirondack Mobile Shredding will be on site to shred your documents safely and securely, free of charge!

Join us:

Saturday, April 27th, 2019

9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Plattsburgh Main Branch - 274 Rugar Street

Remember to keep a few things in mind:

• There is a maximum of 5 file boxes or trash bags per car. We can only accept paper - please no electronics, hardware, etc.
• Shred Day is open to the community; however, we do restrict businesses from dropping off. We simply cannot accommodate large quantities of shredding and we appreciate the cooperation.
• Check over the documents you are going to shred to ensure that you are not getting rid of anything of importance like birth certificates, social security card, marriage licenses, etc.
• Please look for UFirst personnel to greet you and direct you on where to park. We will come to you!
• Can't make it? A secure drop off bin will be available at the Plattsburgh Main branch beginning April 3rd.
• Shred Day is FREE; however, donations to benefit Camp Ta Kum Ta are kindly accepted.

We look forward to seeing you at our Shred It & Forget It event on Saturday, September 7th, 2019!!

Shred Day is first come, first serve. While Shred Days are scheduled to last three hours, the actual length of the Shred Day depends on how full the truck is. If the truck is full before the scheduled end time, the remainder of shred day will be canceled.