HAPPY & SAFE HALLOWEEN

Now that my kids are grown, I find myself longing for the days when I had little princesses and baby dragons to take trick-or-treating. Times have changed, now bearded Duck Dynasty look-a-likes and zombies have taken over.  Kids don’t even say, “trick-or-treat” anymore! 

For many, many years, our cul-de-sac gathered up all the kids and went to the nearby mall where each merchant passed out candy and commented on the cute costumes, all while the moms shopped, credit card in hand of course, and the kids happily compared goodies.  Bags of candy overflowing, we then returned to our block where Herman sat in the front yard in a corner draped in a white sheet and read age appropriate stories as our little ghosts, goblins and princesses listened in awe.  The moms served lemonade and supervised the bobbing-for-apples contest, and the dads cooked the hotdogs.  It was always a fun night for all, talking with the neighbors, meeting the kids’ friends, laughing, dancing and eating. 

Even though many Halloween traditions have changed for us now that my kids are older, I will still be making my annual batch of witches fingers, the kids will still scream, EWWWW!, and then eat them all up!  My kids now go to Halloween parties but I am hoping they will be back early; after all, it is a school night. 

If you and your children are going house to house, remember, Safety First!

·         Never enter a stranger’s house

·         Careful crossing the street

·         Stay with your group

·         Stay in well-lit areas

 

What to do with your kids candy stash?  After you’ve treated yourself to a few pieces, check out The Great Halloween CandyBuy-Back program where local dentists agree to buy back the candy in return for cash, services or other goodies.  The candy is then sent to Operation Gratitude, an organization that accepts donations and sends it to the troops overseas,  which is  A Sweet Way to Make Everyone Smile!

Let’s make Halloween a fun, safe and memorable day for everyone!

^Kat

DEBIT OVER CASH

If you're like me you take your debit card where ever you go. But if you're going to use it to make any big purchases or if you're going out of the country you need to let us know ahead of time to make your transactions seamless.

^Amy

REWARD YOURSELF!

 With all the shopping you do this time of year, did you know that TFCU is rewarding you while you shop?

That’s right!  When you use your TFCUVisa Platinum Rewards Card, and TFCU’s Visa Debit Card you are earning Rewards points!   How hard is that??  Effortless!

There are 3 ways you can earn rewards…

1.  With the VISAPlatinum Rewards Credit Card  you earn one point for every dollar you spend.  To view and redeem your points just register your card at:  www.CURewards.com  or login to Online Banking and click on the Credit Card tab.  Even if you haven’t registered yet, you’ve been earning points so register today to see how many points you’ve accumulated. 
I have a few options I’m eyeing…let’s see, there’s

• INDY Car Ride Along  -only 19,700 points – wouldn’t  someone you love, LOVE this??
• Traveling to NYC for the holidays– how about 2013 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, 2 nights in the Hilton included  – only 94,500 points   ( I can dream can’t I??)
• 2014 Rose Bowl Game in Pasadena, CA & 2 nights in a hotel all for only  130,000 points!
• Gift Cards – Closeouts – Vacations –Experiences - Electronics
• And MY all-time favorite – CASH – 10,000 points equals $100 in CASH!!

2. You are also earning rewards when you use TFCU’s VISA  Debit Card.   You earn one point for every $5 you spend, but  don’t forget you have to sign for your purchase by choosing the credit option.  To view and redeem your TFCU Visa Debit Rewards, you just register your card at: www.UChooseRewards.com
I’m checking out my Debit Rewards points and I’ve got about 25,000 points!  Hmmm, here’s what I’m thinking…I can start my holiday shopping with a few of these pretty sweet options:

• Spa Day for HIM  or HER -  5,330 points
• Key West Pub Crawl – 3,442 points
• Perfume – Starting at 2,300 points
• Clearwater Beach Day Trip and Deep Sea Fishing – 11,499 points
• Gift Cards always work for me -  starting at 2,500 points Dave & Busters  - Applebees – Gasoline-  AMC Theatres  I think I can take care of all my ten nieces and nephews with this one!

3.  Here’s a bonus, if you have a TFCU checking account and debit card, TFCU also offers  PURCHASE REWARDS!  These offers are available to view on the main page of Online Banking.   You will see cash back offers from various merchants, all you have to do is check off the offers you plan to use and go for it!    

So there you have it…3 easy ways to get rewarded.    Now go shop and prosper…and don’t forget to sign for your purchases!  

~Kat

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY!

TODAY is International Credit Union Day.  The theme this year is"Credit Unions Unite for Good” Credit unions throughout the world will be celebrating the day with open houses, refreshments, picnics and parades.

That's right, throughout the WORLD. Many people believe that credit unions are unique to the United States, but the reality is that credit unions didn't even start here - the first credit union was actually established in Germany in the 1850s.  The idea was simple, a group of people who were hit with hard times and wanted to avoid high-priced loans by the lenders of the day so they simply worked out a way to lend to each other.  That model remains at the center of how credit unions operate today as not-for-profit, member-owned cooperatives.

Today all our Branches will be offering refreshments to our members to celebrate and thank our members for being a part of our credit union family.  Stop by and chat with your representatives.  Ask questions and check out our what we can do for you!  Check out our mortgage rates,  car loan rates, as well as our variety of savings and checking accounts all designed with you in mind.  We now offer business accounts, student accounts, credit cards, and all types of loans.  Compare what we have to offer to what you currently have.  We are here to help you, we live, work and play in your neighborhood.  Visit us today and bring a friend so they too can benefit from the credit union difference. Remember at Tropical Financial Credit Union you're “Right Where You Belong”

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY!!

^Kat

NO FEAR

Christopher Columbus may be credited for finding America, but he represents so much more than a founder – he was an explorer.  He had the spirit and faith that there was more “out there” than what was right in front of him and he wasn’t afraid to try to find it.  People who go after their dreams with wild abandon are referred to by some as irresponsible, but to those of us who prefer to spread our wings; we refer to those people as visionary leaders.  A quality those people have is they aren’t afraid to fail.  Recognizing failure as simply the “isolation of that which does not work,” helps to alleviate so many fears we may have about doing new things or going after our dreams.

This Monday is Columbus Day.  In addition to being a holiday weekend with lots of sales on everything from mattresses to new cars, it should also be a day to stop and reflect on the explorers that live in us all.  What would you do, or try to do if that pesky little “fear of failure” wasn’t in the way?  Think about it and make a commitment to yourself to let go of your fears and really go for it.  Whether it’s public speaking, learning to scuba dive, or even to start a blog – throw caution to the wind and give it a try!

As a reminder all TFCU branches will be closed on Monday, October 14^th in observance of Columbus Day.  From all of us at Tropical Financial Credit Union we salute all the adventurers and explorers in South Florida who continue to bring us innovative new ideas by propelling themselves into a mindset of No Fear! 

^Amy

YOUR BUSINESS IS OUR BUSINESS

Do you, your friends, or one of your family members own a small business in South Florida?

When dealing with your business account, have you experienced a hard time with the big banks?

Is your business a little fish in a very big pond? If you answered yes, to any of these questions maybe it’s time you visited Tropical Financial Credit Union, where you come first!

We understand your needs because we've been serving South Florida for many, many years.  And, because we're a member-owned credit union, we will always act in your best interest.

Tropical FCU offers our small business owners a personal touch and the same friendly service you get with your personal accounts.  We offer a variety of savings and checking products as well as low interest business loans that will fit the needs of your business.  Our employees live and work in your area, they will get to know you and work directly with you to help your business succeed.

We offer Business credit cards, business loans, vehicle loans, equipment loans, commercial real estate loans, everything to help your business grow.…not to mention all at extremely competitive rates!   For more information on loans, check out this detailed interview with Frank Gallo, our commercial loan officer with NerdWallet.

Online Banking services are available immediately upon opening of the account which includes,  e-Statements, copies of cleared check items that remain online for up to 18 months, our Bill Pay Service which is FREE and we guarantee that your payments will arrive on or before the date specified.   We have Mobile Banking,  and you can EVEN scan your checks for deposit!!! How great is that??!!!

We have flat fee business accounts, interest-bearing accounts, we also offer Merchant Services, credit cards, low –interest business loans - everything you need to make your venture into the business world a successful one.

Visit your nearest Branch or give our commercial lending officer Frank a call at 561-603-6324, and let us help you become a successful entrepreneur!  With Tropical Financial, you are Right Where You Belong!

^Kat

USE THAT ATM SECURELY

ATMs are so commonplace and we’ve gotten so used to running up to the closest one and slipping our card in for some fast cash that we may not be thinking about the possible dangers around us.  At Tropical Financial we want to be sure that your money stays safe and you can help by taking a few precautions when you use your favorite ATM:

If you need help finding a nearby ATM throughout the country, you can plug in any address into our branch locator, check off the ATM box and pull up a list of surcharge-free ATMs! 

^Amy

 

FALLING FOR FALL IN FLORIDA

As a recent transplant to Florida, this is the one time of year I can honestly say I’m “homesick.” Back in Michigan flipping the calendar to October meant the crisp smell of leaves burning, fresh apple cider, hayrides, sweatshirts and football.  There’s something really magical about the changing color of the leaves from a tree-lined lake.  Memories of raking leaves just to have the kids or dogs jump into the piles dispersing them all over the yard…I can’t help but smile.   One of my husband’s favorite activities in the fall was to have evening fires in the backyard fire pit where the family would gather to share stories of the events of the day.  Much like many families do around the dinner table, we took it to the outdoors along with a bag of marshmallows, chocolate bars, and a box of graham crackers to make the best dessert – Smores. 

Now that we live in Florida the flipping of the calendar to October doesn’t trigger the beginning of the end of the summer…not when you live in the land of endless summer!  I love that as the days progress toward the end of the year we can still enjoy outdoor activities like seafood festivals, Oktober festivals, Zombie runs, and for the folks who really like to let loose there’s always Fantasy Fest in Key West!  A few hours to the north the teens enjoy Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios, while the parents can enjoy the International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot.  No need to switch the wardrobe to long sleeves and unpack the parkas, t-shirts and shorts are still the preferred clothing of choice throughout October.  I still get to enjoy football, but I can enjoy it poolside!  

Florida is a paradise and even though I may miss the beauty of a tree blazoned with brilliant colors of red and orange leaves, I can’t help but be incredibly thankful that I get to enjoy the beauty of palm fronds swaying in warm gentle breezes….all year long.

Happy Florida Fall!

^Amy