Newsletter - October 2023

Your Ticket to Holiday Cheer 

Fa la Llamas Holiday Loans

This holiday season, the Fa La Llamas holiday loan is here to ensure that your celebrations are more vibrant and less stressful. Whether you're thinking about a perfect gift for your mama or dreaming of a vacation in the Bahamas, we've got you covered!

Cut your rate
To make things even merrier, a discounted rate ensures you can enjoy the festivities without the added stress of high-interest rates.

No Payments for 60 Days!
Once you've secured your Holiday Loan with us, there's no need to worry about payments for the next two months. Our 60-day no payment period allows you to indulge in the holiday spirit and start the new year afresh.

Shop, Travel, Celebrate
Whether it's ticking items off your holiday shopping list, securing those plane tickets, or even planning a surprise for a loved one, the Fa La Llamas are here to support your festive endeavors. Let's make this season unforgettable!

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Credit restrictions apply. See credit union for details. Rates are based on creditworthiness so your rate may differ. All loans are subject to approval. The promotion begins on October 15, 2023 and ends on December 30, 2023. Payment example: $2500 personal loan for 25 months at 6.50% APR will result in a monthly payment of $111.37. A Prime Share account (membership) with a minimum deposit is required upon loan approval. Interest will begin to accrue on the date the loan is funded. The first payment after the 60-day no payment period will first be applied to the interest accrued from the date the loan was funded through to the first payment date and then applied to the principal due. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

 

Score a Great Deal

Smarter shopping for your next vehicle

Baylands and AutoSmart have joined forces to provide you with a hassle-free car shopping experience, helping you save both time and money. With Baylands AutoSmart, you can browse through prices, specifications, and features online, all from the convenience of your home or office. 

Whether you’re looking to upgrade or trade-in your current vehicle, we’ve got you covered. Test out this member-exclusive tool today by scanning the QR code below or speak with a Baylands staff member for more information.

  • Research and compare new and used vehicles
  • Build a new vehicle to your precise specifications
  • Search inventory at participating local and nationwide dealerships

Winning Playbook

Make the right money moves with Share Certificates

When it comes to investing, market downturns and fluctuations in interest rates can be a real obstacle to achieving growth. That’s why Baylands Share Certificates are the perfect play. Since Baylands Share Certificates are federally insured up to $250,000 you can rest easy knowing your deposits are secure. Plus, with a variety of terms available, you can choose the option that best aligns with your goals.

Predictable Returns
Unlike the stock market, where returns can be volatile, share certificates offer fixed rates for the term of the deposit. This predictability makes them an excellent option for risk-averse investors looking for stable returns.

Lower Minimum Deposits
Baylands offers Certificates with as little as a $500 minimum deposit. This makes it easier for everyone to start earning competitive rates.

Flexibility
Baylands offers share certificates with various term lengths allowing you to choose a term that aligns with your financial goals.

CU In The Community

People Helping People

Make the right money moves with Share CertificatesBaylands Family Credit Union believes in the value of community and strives to invest in and support the dreams of local youth and community organizations. We would like to take a moment to congratulate a young local, whom Baylands has supported in their pursuit of becoming a professional NASCAR driver.

Congratulations to Chase and the Burrow Racing family on their spectacular victory at Langley Speedway! Chase, your remarkable win is a testament to your dedication and skill on the track. We are thrilled to be a part of your journey and look forward to supporting you as you continue to chase your dreams in the world of racing. Keep up the fantastic work, and here's to many more triumphant moments ahead!

Mortgage Huddle With The Home Team

Make the right money moves with Share CertificatesLet’s huddle over some common misconceptions about mortgage loans

Is renting more economical than owning?
Rather than paying rent to a landlord with no return on investment, contributing to your own home's equity can be a smarter financial decision. Especially as rental prices continue to rise, a mortgage payment may end up being more affordable than you think.

Does a down payment cover closing costs?
A down payment is merely the initial payment you make when you purchase your home, separate from the closing costs. Closing costs are additional fees associated with the cost of your mortgage.

Do I need flawless credit to apply for a mortgage?
While credit is a significant factor in mortgage approval, a perfect score is not a prerequisite for homeownership. The Baylands Home Team can help you figure out what your credit needs may be. 

How much should I have in savings to cover my down payment?
Contrary to popular belief, you don't necessarily need to put down 20% to buy a home. There are many different options depending on the type of loan and your budget and savings.

Rising Star Spotlight

Meet Destinee B

Meet Destinee Brooks!
Destinee is a Member Service Representative at our West Point Branch.

Destinee helps train new Baylands member service staff and is an eager learner, a true team player and a real MVP of member service.

When not at work, Destinee enjoys spending time with family and attempting to play classical and contemporary R&B hits on the clarinet.

Destinee says she enjoys being able to connect, bond and help each member she meets.

Today's Tip

One simple but effective way to keep an eye on your financial activities and security is by setting up account alerts. By setting up these alerts, you can take immediate action if something looks amiss, to reduce fraud.

Tackling Fraud

How to protect yourself from scams

Fraud is as old as humanity itself, but with the advent of the digital age, the methods by which it is carried out have become increasingly sophisticated.

With just a few key pieces of information, criminals can impersonate you to gain access to your accounts, commit crimes, or even take out loans in your name.

One common scam is phishing which involves sending emails or messages that appear to be from a trustworthy source in an attempt to gain sensitive information, such as login credentials or credit card numbers.

Be Informed
Knowledge is the first line of defense. Familiarize yourself with the various types of fraud and how they operate.

Secure Your Information
Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts and enable two-factor authentication where possible.

Be Skeptical
Question unsolicited requests for your personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of the request by contacting the organization directly through official channels.

Monitor Your Accounts
Regularly check your financial statements for unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts for large withdrawals or suspicious activity.

Use Technological Aids
From anti-virus software to specialized apps that encrypt your data, there are various technological solutions designed to safeguard your information.

What To Do If You Are A Victim Of Identity Theft

Report Immediately: Contact the credit union to inform us of the fraud.

Contact Authorities: File a report with your local police especially if the fraud involves significant amounts of money or identity theft.

Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your financial statements for any further unauthorized activity.

Check Your Credit Reports: Regularly reviewing your credit reports can help you spot any suspicious activity before it escalates. Consider putting a freeze on your credit report to prevent further identity theft. To obtain a free copy of your credit report, visit annualcreditreport.com

It’s important to know that Baylands Family Credit Union will never ask you for confidential information, such as your full social security number, your account number, debit or credit card numbers, CVV or PIN in an email or via a website link or from an unsolicited phone call.