31 Aug

When is the right time to buy?

When Is The Right Time to Buy?

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting milestones. It’s also one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. As with any major decision, the first step is to determine if it’s the right time. Navigator Credit Union offers these tips to help you know if buying a home now makes sense for you.

Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the main factors determining your eligibility for a mortgage and your ability to get the best rate. A healthy score is usually considered 740 and above. American consumers are entitled to one free credit report per year from the three big credit rating agencies. The government’s official website to order these reports is annualcreditreport.com.

Watch Your Cash Flow
Along with having money saved up for your mortgage down payment and emergency expenses, it’s essential to determine that you can afford a monthly mortgage payment. After all, no one wants to be “house poor.” One strategy is to calculate your estimated mortgage payment and then subtract the rent you’re paying now. Take the difference and put it into a separate saving account for at least six months. At the end of that time, you should be able to determine if you can afford the extra expense. It’s also important to take stock of all your monthly bills, such as rent, utilities, car payments, groceries and other day-to-day costs. Whether you rent or own, it’s best to keep your monthly housing costs below one-third of your monthly income.

Meet Your Local Mortgage Team
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you probably have plenty of questions. Along with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you’ll need an experienced, attentive mortgage specialist who can answer those questions. You can set up a free, no-obligation consultation with one of Navigator’s friendly mortgage professionals. A mortgage banker will take time to understand your needs, go over your credit report with you and - when you’re ready to move forward – guide you through the application process.

Get Pre-Qualified
To help you know how much house you can afford, Navigator’s Mortgage Services offers free pre-qualification. This will show you how much financing you qualify for based on your current circumstances and give you a realistic price range to guide you as you start house hunting. You will also be provided a pre-qualification letter, which can show sellers you’re a serious buyer.

Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?
Give Navigator Mortgage Services a call today at 800-344-3281, option 5, email mortgage@navigatorcu.org or visit navigatorcu.org/mortgage.

31 Aug

Seared Beef Sirloin and Grilled Peaches

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Seared Beef Sirloin and Grilled Peaches

Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of the fruit, a perfect complement to bitter greens like arugula and the savory flavor of the steak.

Servings: 4; Calories: 270 Per Serving; Protein; 28g Per Serving; Fiber: 2g Per Serving

Ingredients:

1 pound boneless top sirloin steak (about 1 1/2 inch thick), all visible fat discarded
4 medium peaches, halved
1 tablespoon canola or corn oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, freshly ground preferred
1 tablespoon honey
2 cups spinach, spring mix greens, arugula, kale or other greens
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons sliced basil leaves
2 tablespoons fat-free feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

Preheat the grill on medium high.

Put the beef and peaches on a large platter. Using a basting brush, brush the oil over the beef and peaches. Sprinkle the salt and pepper over the beef. Drizzle the honey over the peaches.

Grill the beef for 8 to 10 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.

Place the peaches on the grill with the cut side down. Grill the peaches for 3-4 minutes on each side or until fork-tender.

Let the beef stand for 10 minutes before slicing it.

Arrange the greens on a large platter. Top with the grilled peach halves. Drizzle the peaches with the vinegar. Sprinkle with the basil and feta. Serve with the beef.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association.

31 Aug

Common Retirement Investment Mistakes

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Common Retirement Investment Mistakes

Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm
Vice President, Wealth Management

Only one in four Americans (27%) feel very confident that they will have enough money to live comfortably when they retire, according to the 2020 Retirement Confidence Survey Summary Report.^⁠1 While the number is up slightly from the 2018 survey (23%), it underscores a pervasive sense of uncertainty among those approaching retirement age.

While there is no single action that can boost the collective confidence of retirees, there are several key investment mistakes that, if avoided, can help maximize retirement savings and provide confidence to those who are entering their Golden Years.

Pitfall #1: Failing to Maximize Your Contribution
If you can afford to do so, contributing the maximum amount to your employer-sponsored retirement plan will increase your chances of reaching your investment goal. The earlier you start, the better; it will allow your investments and any potential earnings to grow on a tax-deferred basis.

Pitfall #2: Failing to Develop a Concrete Plan
Establishing clear goals that incorporate a time element (number of years until retirement) is necessary to create a relevant investment plan. Without such a plan, it is difficult to understand whether your savings will provide you with the living standard to which you’ve grown accustomed and for each year of your retirement.

Pitfall #3: Short-Term Investment Mindset
The stock market fluctuates; that’s a fact. And in the short term, they face a relatively high risk of price volatility. But in the long-term stocks have historically delivered relatively stable earnings. So selling off your holdings whenever the market takes a dip is a sure way to incur losses that impact your long-term goals.

Pitfall #4: The Quest for Perfection
Buying low and selling high is evergreen advice, but trying to time investment decisions on when the market will be at its lowest or highest is risky business, often leading to missed opportunities. As per #3 above, investing for the long-term can provide a more stable investment mindset.

Pitfall #5: Eggs All in One Basket
Some investors make the mistake of investing in just one fund or asset type, thereby subjecting it to high risk should the market impact their specific holding. Spreading your investment risk over a mix of assets can help manage potential loss during these sharp market swings. The key here is diversification to offset losses in a particular asset category.

With these pitfalls in mind, you are well-positioned to avoid the common mistakes of other investors and maximize opportunities for your retirement plan.

Jeff Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427.

Learn more about NCU Wealth Management.

This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

There is no guarantee that a diversified portfolio will enhance overall returns or outperform a non-diversified portfolio. Diversification does not protect against market risk.

This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC.

¹https://www.ebri.org/docs/default-source/rcs/2020-rcs/2020-rcs-summary-report.pdf?sfvrsn=84bc3d2f_7

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Navigator Credit Union and NCU Wealth Management are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using NCU Wealth Management and may also be employees of Navigator Credit Union. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Navigator Credit Union or NCU Wealth Management. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency

Not Credit Union Guaranteed

Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

25 Jul

Digital Banking Frequently Asked Questions

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Digital Banking Conversion – Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I not able to make internal transfers on the mobile app?

To perform internal transfers using our mobile app, iPhone users need an operating system of iOS 15 or higher, and Android users need an operating system of 12 or higher. If your phone cannot update to a newer operating system, you can complete internal transfers using online Digital Banking. Log in to online Digital Banking here.

Why is my current location not correct in the mobile app?

Your location is generated by your phone and not our mobile app. There are several factors why it may be incorrect. The location may reflect your cell phone network and not your physical location. The signal bounces off a satellite and chooses the nearest IP location. Also, when signing in with a mobile device, you may be routed through an IP address that doesn’t reflect your actual location.

How does an existing online banking user sign into the upgraded site for the first time?

Current online banking users will enter their existing username and password on the new site. After the initial log in, you will be asked to provide the last six digits of your SSN, last name and date of birth. Once validated, you will be prompted with multi-factor authentication to complete enrollment and choose a new password. If the current username does not meet the requirements, you will be prompted to update your username. Check out our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

PASSWORD Requirements:
- Must be 8 – 32 characters in length;
- Must contain one letter;
- Must contain one number; and
- Must contain one special character
- Cannot include spaces, your name or any personal identifying information
USERNAME Requirements:
- Must be 8 – 32 characters in length;
- Must contain one letter;
- Must contain one number; and
- NO special characters

How do I download the upgraded mobile app?

iPhone users: A banner will pop up when you open the old app with a link to update the app. If the link does not work, you will need to go directly to the App Store to manually update to the new version. If you still have issues, we recommend you delete the old app and then install the new app.
Android users: When you open the old app, you will get a message that it’s no longer supported. Please visit the Google Play Store to download the new app. You will need to delete the old app.
Please note: Look for our new app icon to ensure you have the latest version.


Old App Icon	New App Icon

Has my bill pay information moved to the new system?
Your existing Bill Pay setup will migrate to the new system. You do not need to take any action.

Will my current scheduled transfers move to the upgraded system?

Scheduled transfers within Navigator accounts will move to the upgraded platform.
External transfers to and from another financial institution will move if it has been set up in the last 90 days. Anything prior to 90 days will need to be set up again.
Members are encouraged to check all scheduled transfers after logging into the upgraded system for the first time.

Do I need to take any action if I use Quickbooks, Quicken or similar software?
Yes. Please review the specific instructions for steps to take to reconnect your accounts with our new digital banking platform once it goes live in August. Please note that this may take several days to process.

First action date: August 8, 2022

Second action date: August 10, 2022, or after

Quicken Conversion Instructions

Quickbooks Desktop Conversion Instructions

Quickbooks Online Conversion Instructions

Mint Conversion Information

General Questions

What is Navigator’s routing number?
Navigator’s Routing Number is 265377950

How do I find my account number?
Select the account (share or loan) you want to find the full account number. Click the Details tab then it will be under the “Account Number” column. Account numbers are used for deposits and payments.

How do I update my contact information?

From the dashboard, select the profile icon on the top right and click the Profile
In the Personal Details tab, you can update your phone number and email address. Click Save to update your information.
To change your address, select the Address tab and make the necessary changes then click Save.

How do I add or change my account nicknames?

Select the account (share or loan) from the left-hand menu you want to modify.
On the Account Details page, click on the Details tab
At the bottom, you can add or change your Account Nickname then click Save.
- Note: There is a 16-character limit.

How do I view and download my documents and statements?

From the dashboard, click the ellipsis menu (…) on the top right.
Select Documents and Statements in the dropdown menu.
You will be given the option to view credit card statements, tax statements and more.

How do I place a stop payment on a check?
You can place a stop payment on a single check, a series of checks or an ACH transaction.

From your dashboard, click on the ellipsis menu (…) at the top right.
Select Stop Payment from the dropdown menu.
Follow the instructions to submit a stop payment.

Where do I find my credit card rewards?
Click on the Credit Card Rewards link in the Quick Links tile of the dashboard.

Where do I find my credit card statements?

Click on the Credit Card Statement link in the Quick Links tile of the dashboard. You can log into the statement portal if you’re already enrolled. If you need to enroll, click on the Enroll button at the bottom of the screen.

Where can I find my credit card balance and minimum payment due information?

Currently, Members can initiate a transfer inside Digital Banking to view this information without logging into a separate site. Here’s how:

Select Make a Transfer from the menu bar
Select the account the money will be transferred from
Select VISA Platinum CC from the dropdown menu
The minimum payment due as well as the current balance will populate as shown below
Click away from the transfer menu to avoid making a transfer

How do I reorder checks?

On the Quick Links tile on the dashboard, click Order Checks.
You will be redirected to the Main Street check order site.

How do I make a loan payment using a debit or credit card?
Loan payments using another financial institution’s debit or credit card can be made by clicking on the Make a Loan Payment via Credit or Debit Card link on the Quick Links tile.

How do I connect with another financial institution to view?

From your online banking dashboard, select +Connect a Financial Institution at the bottom of the left-hand menu.
Select the financial institution you wish to connect with. You may need to search for it using the search bar.
Enter your financial institution’s online banking credentials.
A random code will be sent to your preferred delivery method.
Enter the code and select Submit.

Once verified, you will have access to only view your account’s balances and transactions.

How do I file a debit or credit card dispute?

From your online banking dashboard, select the ellipsis menu (…) on the top right.
Select Secure Forms in the dropdown menu.
Select Dispute Request and enter all required information

What if I forgot my password?

On the login page, click the Forgot Password link.
Enter your Username.
Select if you would like to receive a secure access code via text or call.
Enter the secure access code in the text box field.
Enter your new password and confirm.
You will be logged in to Online Banking and your new password will be in place.

How does the joint account holder on my account get access to my Online Banking account?
Only primary account holders can sign up for online banking. Use the following steps to grant access to your joint account holder:

From the online banking dashboard, click Manager Users then Add New User
Fill out the necessary information including the new user’s name and contact information; create a username and password; and set the permissions you want the user to have.
Once the profile is created, the joint account holder can log in using the credentials you created.

Note: As the primary account holder, you may edit or remove any users’ access to your account at any time.

Can I customize the titles and accounts seen on my dashboard?
Yes. On the dashboard, click Customize on the same tile as the welcome message. Select which tiles you want to see by toggling them on or off. You may also choose which accounts are on display on the left-hand menu. Click Save to update your dashboard.

How do I deposit a check using mobile banking?
Members will need the Navigator mobile app to use the mobile deposit feature.

Properly endorse the back of the check you are depositing
- Sign your name
- Write “For Mobile Deposit Only”
- Include your Member number
Log in to the mobile app using your online banking username and password
Click the Deposit icon
Choose the Deposit Account and Amount of the deposit
Take a photo of the front and back of the check
Click Submit Deposit

Can I log into Digital Banking when I’m traveling abroad?
Navigator’s digital banking services are available in most countries allowing you to access your account information in the same way you do here at home. However, some countries require the use of a VPN, a “virtual private network” that protects your internet connection and privacy online. To use a VPN, download a VPN program or smartphone app such as NordVPN and point to a U.S. VPN to log in. Countries that require Members to use a VPN are:

Brazil
China
Cuba
Iran
North Korea
Malaysia
Philippines
Russia
Syria
Ukraine
Vietnam.

Members using TOR (The Onion Router), also require a VPN.

Transfers

How can I set up an external account to transfer money to and from another financial institution?
You can set up an external account using instant account verification if the primary account holder’s name is the same at both institutions.

On the Dashboard, select Make a Transfer from the top menu bar.
Select External Account then choose Another Account.
Find your other financial institution by using the search bar.
Enter your account information and select Next.
- You may also add the external account manually by entering your account number and routing number.
Trial deposits will be sent to that account within 24-48 hours.
Once those deposits are verified, you have access to initiate transfers to and from the external account.

How do I create a recurring transfer?

Select Make a Transfer from the top menu bar.
Select the accounts you wish to transfer between and enter the dollar amount.
Select the frequency in the Occursdropdown and select a Start Date and End Date.
Select Review and Submit to save your changes.

How do I cancel or revise a recurring funds transfer?

Click on Make a Transfer on the top menu bar.
Select the Scheduled Transfers tab
Select the transfer you wish to cancel.
You have the option to cancel only the next transaction (Cancel Next) or all remaining transactions indefinitely (Cancel Remaining).
Select Yesto submit your changes.

Can I make Member-to-Member transfers?

Yes, you can set up a Navigator Member to receive transfers in two ways.

On the dashboard, click Make a Transfer tab then add select Add a Member Account
Choose whether you would like to add the Member by using their Account Number or use a M2M Code.
If you’re adding using their Account Number, fill out all the fields including account number, suffix or loan number, account nickname and account type then click Add Account.
If you’re adding the Member using a M2M Code, fill in the Member Code and Account Nickname then select Add Account.
- You must get the M2M code from the Member you’re adding before starting this process. The code can be generated in the Create tab.

Alerts

What type of account alerts can I set up?
Account alerts let you know when certain events happen. There are four types of alerts:

Date Alert– Date Alerts are alerts that offer a convenient reminder of important dates or events.
Account Alert– Account Alerts are alerts triggered based on changes to your account details.
History Alert– History Alerts are processed transaction alerts triggered based on historical transaction details.
Transaction Alert– Transaction Alerts are transaction-based alerts triggered based on the type of online transactions.

How do I set up or change alerts?

From your dashboard, click on the ellipsis menu (…) at the top right of your screen
Select Alerts from the dropdown menu.
Review and confirm the alerts you want to be activated by toggling on and off then click Save.

How can I receive account alerts?
You can select the Alerts you would like to receive by choosing Alerts from the dropdown menu on the top right of the screen on the dashboard.

Alerts are delivered in the following ways:

Secure Message Notification– An alert will always be delivered to your secure Navigator mailbox under the Services > Secure Messages In the case that you fail to receive an email or miss a notification phone call, you can always confirm and review your alerts in your secure mailbox.
Email Notification– An email notification will be sent when your alert is triggered. Email notifications are sent at 5:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. CST.
SMS Text Message Notification – A text message will be sent to your mobile device. If you choose a text notification, you should enter the desired time you want to receive the text any day the alert triggers.
Push Notifications– A push notification is a real-time alert and message similar to a text/SMS that you receive on your Apple or Android device when you have the Navigator Mobile App installed. You can opt-in to receive push notifications of your security alerts.

Note: Depending on your mobile plan, you may be charged for text messages. Standard text messaging fees apply.

Where can I see my preferred alert delivery method?

You can edit and enable your preferred alert delivery method within the specific account alerts in your Profile, under Security.

Security Measures

Why am I being asked to register my computer at every login?

If you are being prompted to register your computer every time you log in, your browser might not be allowing cookies. Online Banking places a cookie on your computer when you register your browser. This lets our system know you have confirmed and trust the computer being used.
If you are not accepting cookies or deleting them, then you will be prompted to register your computer.

Note: If you have a security program that clears your Internet cookies, or if you clear them manually, you will be required to re-register your computer. You may choose to adjust this setting in your browser’s Tools or Internet Options settings. Please be aware that the system prompts for a code to be entered for security purposes when login behavior or your location changes. This is an enhanced security feature and cannot be turned off.

Why do we have to use multi-factor authentication and how does it work?
Multi-factor authentication is an added security measure to ensure that we are upholding our member promise of protecting member’s privacy. Members can complete this via text message, voice call, or email.

What does error 1020 mean?
Error 1020 means that your IP address is being blocked. This is common for those who use a VPN, Anti-Virus or WIFI blocker. For security, our system will block an IP if it cannot be verified. To address this issue, you must disable your VPN, Anti-Virus or WIFI blocker to gain access to our system.

09 Jun

Tuna Nicoise in Lettuce Cups

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Tuna Niçoise in Lettuce Cups

Try this version of a French classic salad for an elevated appetizer or light lunch paired with soup.

Servings: 8; Calories: 40 Per Serving; Protein; 6g Per Serving; Fiber: 1g Per Serving

Ingredients
2 tablespoons chopped red onion
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (lowest sodium available)
1 teaspoon olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
1/4 teaspoon dried dillweed, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 5-ounce can very low sodium chunk light tuna, packed in water, drained, and flaked
16 large Bibb lettuce leaves (about 2 heads)
2 tablespoons chopped black olives
Whites of 2 large hard-boiled eggs, chopped
4 cherry tomatoes, sliced

Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the onion, vinegar, mustard, oil, dillweed, sugar and pepper. Stir in the tuna. Spoon 1 tablespoon of the tuna mixture onto each lettuce leaf. Top, in order, with the olives, egg whites and tomatoes.

To eat as a wrap, fold the left and right sides of the lettuce leaf toward the center. Starting from the unfolded side closest to you, roll the wrap towards the remaining unfolded side to enclose the filling.

Recipe courtesy of the American Heart Association.

09 Jun

Summer savings ideas

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

09 Jun

How market cycles can impact retirement

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

How Market Cycles Can Impact Retirements

Sequence of returns can play a role in your overall portfolio.

Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm
Vice President, Wealth Management

A thoughtful retirement strategy may help you pursue your many retirement goals. That strategy must consider many factors, and here are just a few: your income needs, the order of your withdrawals from taxable and tax-advantaged retirement accounts, the income tax implications of those withdrawals and sequence of return risk.

Just what is the sequence of return risk? In brief, it is the risk that market declines in the early years of retirement, combined with steady withdrawals, could reduce your portfolio’s outlook.

A recent CNBC article mentioned how sequence of return risk can affect retirement accounts. It used a 20-year example – someone retiring in 2000 with $1 million in an account tracking the returns of the S&P 500, making withdrawals of $40,000 a year that increased 2% annually in view of inflation.

In 2000, a bear market began. The 37% pullback for the S&P 500 that occurred in 2000-02 would have reduced the $1 million account to about $470,000 by January 1, 2020, the end of the 20-year period. The balance reflects the annual withdrawals of $40,000 and the 2009-20 bull market.¹

Now, if the order of yearly returns were flipped, the portfolio would show much different performance. At the end of the 20-year period, the retiree would have had more than $2.3 million in that account after the exact same schedule of income distributions.¹

It’s critical to point out that investing involves risk, and past performance does not guarantee future results. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged index that is considered representative of the overall U.S. stock market. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index, and index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment.

In retirement, it is vital to address risk and volatility. You have less time and may have fewer opportunities to rebuild your savings. Fortunately, there are ways to address the challenge of sequence of return risk and manage your portfolio risk while looking for opportunities.

Jeff Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427.

Learn more about NCU Wealth Management.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Not Insured by NCUA or Any Other Government Agency

Not Credit Union Guaranteed

Not Credit Union Deposits or Obligations

May Lose Value

Citations

CNBC, January 21, 2022

09 Jun

Personal records: What to keep? What to shred?

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Personal Records: What to keep? What to shred?

Everybody has a paper trail – everything from utility bills and financial and tax records to receipts. With so many records it may be difficult to determine which you should keep and for how long. Navigator Credit Union has a breakdown of documents to save, based on the time they should be kept.

Save Forever
Keep documents related to major life events – birth, marriage, divorce, and death. Save in a secure, preferably locked, location:

Birth certificates or adoption papers
Social security cards
Citizenship papers or passports
Marriage or divorce decrees
Death certificates of family members

Also, keep auto titles and home deeds stored safely for as long as you own the property.

Seven Years or Longer
When it comes to taxes, it’s best to keep any tax records for at least seven years. The IRS usually has three years to audit you but it has up to seven years under certain circumstances. Your best bet is to hang on to your tax returns as long as possible. It’s also a good idea to keep the supporting documents such as W-2 and 1099 forms, receipts and payments.

One Year
Most experts suggest that you can shred many documents after a year. Examples include:

Non-tax-related bank and credit card statements
Investment statements
Pay stubs after verifying with your W-2.
Receipts for large purchases
Paid medical bills – unless you have an unresolved insurance dispute

Immediately
Some documents don’t need to take up valuable space in your home for very long or at all. You can get rid of the following immediately:

Paid credit card and utility bills
Sales receipts – unless related to warranties, taxes or insurance
ATM receipts
Withdrawal and deposit slips
Credit offers
Expired warranties

If you have financial records or documents you aren’t sure you’ll need, err on the side of caution. Keep any documents until you are positive you won’t need them.

Organizing your records
Filing and organizing your records are critical to maintaining healthy finances. Keep a list detailing where your records are and how to access them. Store this in a safe place or with a trusted family member or friend. List each type of account, the identification number and contact information of the appropriate agent. Having this information would be helpful to your spouse and other family members should the unexpected happen to you.

Protect your identity. Shred any unwanted personal documents.
Navigator is committed to helping protect your privacy. The Credit Union is teaming up with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office for a free Community Shred Day. It will be Saturday, June 18, 2022, at the Walmart Supercenter located at 3615 Sangani Blvd., in D’Iberville, Miss. Team Members will be on hand from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. to help you get rid of your unwanted documents. There is a two-bag limit and available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the trucks are full. No businesses are allowed.

Your financial records are a treasure trove of information for identity thieves. The best way to protect yourself is to shred any unwanted personal documents.

09 Jun

Affordable Summer Vacations

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized

Affordable Summer Vacations

ENGLISH | EN ESPAÑOL

Summer is here. With the hot weather comes family vacations but getting away doesn’t have to break the bank. Navigator Credit Union has some affordable ways you can relax, unwind and recharge.

Explore the outdoors
Camping at a state or national park is a favorite summer vacation choice for families on a tight budget and, it doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Some campgrounds offer cabins, yurts, tree houses or even a caboose for overnight lodging, in addition to spots for RVs and campers. Generally speaking, there is usually a wide variety of things to do for fun as most parks offer marked hiking trails and have access to water for fishing, swimming, or seeking out small critters. Oftentimes they also offer playgrounds with swing sets or an area to play ball, frisbee or badminton.

Visit friends and family
Reach out to people you know or plan a trip to somewhere a family member lives – this could take you to places you’d never have thought before. Traveling to see family and friends can mean you don’t have to pay for lodging and can eat at least some meals at home. If staying with someone for a week is too long, consider booking a vacation rental for a portion of the trip. It can be less than the price of a hotel and gives you an authentic snapshot of life in the city. With the money saved on lodging and food, you can explore more of the local attractions.

Be open to the unexpected
Last-minute travel deals are a great way to get away at a manageable cost. Scour websites for destination ideas and special rate offers. While you may not be able to go on your dream vacation, if you remain flexible, you might find a hidden gem and wind up with your feet in the sand or explore an exciting new city.

Be a tourist in your town
Lace-up a pair of comfortable shoes, pack some snacks and pretend you’re seeing your surroundings as a visitor would. Connect with your local chamber of commerce or tourism office to find nearby events and attractions you have never visited before. Look for free or discounted admissions days to museums. Discover local parks and walking paths. Check out a new restaurant for lunch when the prices are typically lower.

If you need extra funds for something special this summer, consider a Vacation Loan from Navigator. Applying is easy. You can apply by phone by calling 800-344-3281, option 3, in-Branch or online. And if you want to take a break from regular loan payments, our anytime Skip-A-Pay may be right for you. Free up funds during the month of your choice, then use your cash for travel, entertainment, shopping or to just catch up. As a valued Member of Navigator Credit Union, you may be qualified to participate, and if you have more than one eligible loan, you can skip a payment on each one!

Terms and conditions apply. Visit navigatorcu.org for more details about personal vacation loans and the anytime Skip-A-Pay program.

25 May

Spring Clean Your Finances

by Linh Ha in Uncategorized