News & Views for the Members of Notre Dame FCU

How are you protecting yourself & your credit union

27 Mar

If It Walks Like a Duck and Quacks Like a Duck, It's a Duck

Have you ever been preoccupied when the phone rings or an email arrives in your inbox requiring urgent attention? These messages can seem very important and urgent when something like your account information is needed immediately to bring your account current or your tax liens must be paid immediately to avoid jail. After providing information to the caller or the email, you may begin to realize you have just been the target of a scam.

Does it look like a duck? Fraudsters are becoming more and more creative in their attempts to

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05 Mar

Why Choose a Home Equity Line-of-Credit?

A Home Equity Line-of-Credit (HELOC) allows you to borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral. It is the most flexible, valuable, and safest type of consumer loan a homeowner can get by unlocking your home’s purchasing power. You can borrow money when you need it, without having to apply for a new loan every time you need money.

Top Reasons to use your HELOC: Home Improvement – Making improvements to your home is a very common reason to use a HELOC. Home improvements can add value to your home and certain upgrades can even give you tax benefits and

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25 Feb

Change a Life a Day

There’s a phrase I often hear bandied about the back hallways of Notre Dame FCU. It’s not an advertising slogan. I’ve never seen it on any billboard or printed on any brochure. It is a mantra that began with Chief Retail Officer, John Wilkening and has been repeated quietly and consistently for several years throughout the organization: “Change a life a day.”

At Notre Dame FCU, our employees are called “ partners” because they are partners in the mission of this Catholic-inspired credit union. By reminding ourselves of this phrase, “Change a life a day,” our partners keep focused

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01 Feb

Budgeting for Your New Year

With the new year, comes the tradition of setting resolutions, and for many, have already been broken. For many of us, prioritizing our spending is key to having the funds to do the things we need or even want to do. Unfortunately, creating a budget can be an unpleasant experience, just like visiting a dentist.

Individuals can often be hesitant in creating a budget because there is the belief it will limit the extra-curricular activities we enjoy. While a budget can be an eye-opening experience, the goal is to set priorities and eliminate the unnecessary expenses in our lives. A

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Health Savings Accounts. One of the best kept secrets for savings and retirement!

22 Oct

Do You Understand Your Health Savings Account?

Medical expenses add up quickly—braces, glasses, contacts, co-pays, doctor visits and prescriptions. Then you must consider the healthcare expenses that are unexpected—broken bones, illness, ER visits, and ambulance rides. All of this can add up to be quite overwhelming, putting a financial strain on your budget.

Approximately 19% of Americans are enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with a corresponding Health Savings Account (HSA) while there are almost 24.5% of HDHP holders that are NOT utilizing an HSA*. The statistics speak for themselves—there are far too many

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26 Jan

Executive Spotlight - Thomas J. Gryp

Thomas J. Gryp President/CEO

Q: What led you to the credit union sector and to Notre Dame Federal Credit Union? A: Prior to joining Notre Dame FCU, I spent most of my career in the community bank and financial services sector. Through those experiences, I gained an extensive education in how to look objectively at financial solutions through the eyes of my clients. This "outside-in" perspective provided invaluable throughout my career. My job at Notre Dame FCU brought me back to my hometown and gave

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01 Nov

When is it time to refinance my vehicle?

If refinancing could leave you with extra money in your pocket, it may be a good time to do it. Here are some of the times when it may prove worthwhile to look into it.

1. LOWER PAYMENT

If refinancing can lower your regular monthly payment, it may free up money for other needs in your budget.

2. LOWER RATE

Lowering your rate will often lower your payment and allow you to pay far less interest over the life of the loan.

3. BETTER CREDIT SCORE

A better credit score often means a lower interest rate.

4. SHORTEN TERM

While you may end up with higher monthly

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01 Nov

How can I payoff my car loan faster?

We've put together a few great tips to help you with some ways to help you pay down your car loan faster.

1. BI-WEEKLY PAYMENTS

Paying bi-weekly will actually allow you to pay less interest over the life of the loan. And since there are 52 weeks in a year, you will end up making 26 payments—paying more than you would with monthly payments.

2. EXTRA PAYMENT

Make an extra payment to your loan whenever you can to help pay down the balance. Decide whether you'd like to take money from a bonus or tax return to put towards this. You could also divide your regular payment by 12

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