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A p r i l 2 0 1 4As sure as the snow melts and the mud thickens, a Vermont homeowner’s thoughts naturally turn to home improvement in the spring. Whether you’re considering a simple roof repair, a bathroom remodel, or a major expansion, the question of financing is key.

To start your project out right, evaluate your loan options and set your budget before you start interviewing contractors. NEFCU offers several ways to finance a renovation project. Choosing the right one for you depends on a couple of factors.

If you have equity in your home, you can use it to get a reduced interest rate. A Home Equity Loan gives you a fixed-rate loan that is drawn in a single lump sum. A second option is a Home Equity Line of Credit, which allows you to draw variable amounts as you need them. Because both products use your home equity as collateral, the rates are lower and you can potentially deduct the interest under the home mortgage deduction on your taxes.

If you don’t have equity, NEFCU still has great financing options for you. We offer a special Home Improvement Loan that features a discounted interest rate and flexible repayment terms. Funds are paid directly to the contractor, so it’s a convenient way to tackle a targeted home improvement project.

Even if you are planning a smaller project such as installing new carpet, bathroom fixtures, or kitchen appliances, the Home Improvement Loan may be a better option than a credit card or store credit. Many retailers offer their own financing, which can be a good deal if you read the fine print carefully. It’s important to check out your options and compare them to the loans available here at NEFCU. It’s a decision that can save you money.

Learn more about how to save on your home improvement projects by calling NEFCU at 866-80-LOANS.

Affordable Financing for Home ImprovementsKEEPING UP TO DATE

Results of the Big Change RoundupOn Monday, March 10, NEFCU presented a check for $26,770.89 to Vermont Children’s Hospital. Funds were raised during the annual Big Change Roundup, in which Change Bandits in Vermont collected loose change and donations from their friends, family and members of the community. Thank you to everyone who supported this amazing event! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

STEM Scholarships AvailableNEFCU’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarship program promotes education in the sciences while supporting students’ career goals. NEFCU will award three $3,000 scholarships to NEFCU members who are in good standing and are applying to or enrolled in one of the following fields of study:

Biological sciences, Physical sciences, Mathematical sciences, Computer and Information sciences, Geosciences, Engineering or Technology areas associated with the preceding fields of study.

Applications are available at any NEFCU office or online at nefcu.com, and must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2014.

Holiday ClosingThe Harvest Lane drive-up will be closed on Sunday, April 20, in observance of the Easter holiday. You can access your accounts 24/7 with Mobile Banking, NEFCUOnline, ATMs or by calling Accountline.

2014 Shred Fest Dates!NEFCU's 2014 Shred Fests have been scheduled for the following dates:

Saturday, May 10 Saturday, July 19

Saturday, September 13

All Shred Fests will be held at our 141 Harvest Lane office in Williston from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Limitations: maximum 5 boxes, personal documents only, no business material. No three ring binders. No general recycling, only documents containing personal or sensitive information.

Items that can be recycled with your documents: paperclips, staples, plastic spiral holders, rubber band, file folders, and hanging file holders.

Info at Your FingertipsNext time you’re at our Shelburne Road or St. Albans branches, check out the interactive touchscreen kiosks for information on everything from the latest interest rates, loan options, accounts and financial tips. Just touch the screen to get started.

Pick Your Rate with MyChoice Mortgage™

What if you could set your own mortgage payment? Or choose your interest rate? You can, with NEFCU’s MyChoice Mortgage.

Here’s how it works. You get to select your interest rate OR the length of your loan. If you choose to pick your own rate, you can select from our great fixed rates. Or, you can choose your loan term – anywhere from one to ten years. The shorter your term, the lower your interest rate! That’s financial power!

The MyChoice Mortgage puts you in control. Tailor your loan payments to your budget. Pay off your mortgage on your own schedule. Save money by reducing your interest rate. Best of all, the MyChoice Mortgage is quick and easy to set up. No appraisal is required (in most cases) and closing costs are typically limited to $150. Take control with the MyChoice Mortgage – contact us at 866-80-LOANS.

Power Your Business with NEFCU Business Lending A thriving business never stands still. That’s why many local firms turn to the Business Lending Team at NEFCU. We keep loan decisions local, which means faster turnarounds and more flexible lending criteria. So whether you’re looking to finance new equipment or real estate, we have options. NEFCU finances up to 90% of the value of business transportation vehicles (delivery vans, 18-wheelers, etc.). We also offer commercial real

estate loans, and business equity loans to fund working capital needs. And we

can help you manage your expenses with our NEFCU ATIRAcreditTM Business MasterCard®, which comes with powerful online tools to help you track expenses and master your cash flow. Ready for powerful business lending solutions? Talk to the NEFCU Business Lending Team at 866-80-LOANS.

Seminars at nefcuTRANSITIONS IN EMPLOYMENT

Wednesday, April 2

ALL ABOUT ELECTRIC CARSThursday, April 17

ESTATE PLANNINGWednesday, May 7

INTERNET SAFETY - AVOIDING FRAUDS, SCAMS AND HOAXES

Tuesday, May 13

MASTER YOUR CREDIT RATINGHOW TO BECOME MORE

CREDITWORTHYWednesday, May 14

VT DISTINGUISHED WRITERS' SERIESREEVE LINDBERGH

Thursday, May 225:30-6:30 pm

These seminars will be held at NEFCU, 141 Harvest Lane, Williston. Seating is limited and reservations are required. All seminars are from 5:30-7 pm unless otherwise noted. Register at nefcu.com or call 800-400-8790.

I N S U R E . I N V E S T. R E T I R E .

Available through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (Member FINRA/SIPC)

Five Steps to an Early RetirementEarly retirement may not be the easiest goal to achieve, but it is possible. These steps can help lead you in the right direction.

• Schedule a financial check-up – Make an appointment with our CFS* financial consultants and bring account statements and tax returns, and make a list of retirement goals.

• Assess your current situation – Make a list of your assets – everything from savings bonds to your 401(k) plan – and calculate how much of your total portfolio is invested in cash, stocks, and bonds.

• Make the most of your employee benefits – Find out exactly what retirement benefits your employer offers and figure out where they fit into your early retirement plan.

• Own your home – If you haven’t bought a home yet, start saving for the down payment and contact your credit union to learn how to make homeownership a reality.

• Plan for semiretirement – Start preparing for a retirement “encore career.”

The CFS consultants at NEFCU Financial Group can help with your retirement goals. Let’s take a look and see what they can do for you. Call 800-400-8790 today.Copyright 2014 Credit Union National Association, Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

Lyn Tober, AAMS®, CFS®Financial ConsultantCUSO Financial Services, L.P.

tober.cfsinvest@nefcu.com802-764-2626 • 800-400-8790

Jonathan WhitehouseFinancial ConsultantCUSO Financial Services, L.P.

whitehouse.cfsinvest@nefcu.com802-764-2626 • 800-400-8790

SEMINARUnderstanding Social Security

Wednesday, April 23 - 5:30 - 7 PM

*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. New England Federal Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members. CFS and its Registered Representatives do not provide tax or legal advice. For such advice, please consult with a qualified professional.

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Reservations

Call 802-879-8790 or 800-400-8790 to reserve your seat today or reserve online at nefcu.com. Seating is limited.

All Seminars are held at NEFCU, 141 Harvest Lane, Williston, VT.

Join us for this educational seminar where you will learn key facts about the Social Security Retirement program including:

• How benefits are calculated • Full retirement age and choosing the right time to file • Receiving benefits while working • Provisional income and tax implications • Options for spouses and ex-spouses