A Message from the CEO

As Police Officers, you know full well what it means to rely on your partner.  When you function as a team, you are stronger and more productive than you would otherwise be on your own.
 
If you are really fortunate, your partnership extends beyond just the person sitting next to you in the squad.  You certainly need a great team around you at all times if you are going to achieve consistent results.
 
As your credit union, we understand this concept and we are proud that you have chosen us as your financial partner.  We don't claim to understand what it is like to be a Police Officer, but we are experts at understanding the financial needs of Police Officers and all of the employees of your credit union have chosen to make a career out of assisting each and every one of you so that you may realize your life's goals.
 
Much as you continue to face tough and uncertain times, your credit union continues to navigate through turbulent and confusing economic times.  Yet, together, we have created a credit union that is strong and vibrant, as evidenced by the outstanding year that we enjoyed in 2016.
 
In some ways, it was an all-time record year.  We achieved all of our main goals and objectives, while expanding our reach and creating the basis for steady and responsible growth going forward.  We certainly would not have reached these heights without your continued support and, for that, we thank you!
 
Keep an eye out for new products, special rates, and the stellar service that you deserve as we head into 2017 and please remember that we stand with you and we always will.
 
Thank you for your continued loyalty and support!
 
Scott Arney
CEO

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, January 9, 2017
 
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (LEAD) is January 9th. Because we stand with you 100%, we are showering you with our gratitude and appreciation 100 different ways! 

Here's how:
 
10 raffle prize giveaways*
Effective now through January 9th, members are invited to enter a raffle to win prizes including an Apple Watch, an Amazon Echo with Alexa, a Fitbit, an Apple iHome, and a Kindle eReader.**
 
To enter, please pick up a National LEAD flier at any branch location or send an email with your name, address and phone number to  [email protected], with the Subject line: LEAD Raffle. 
 
40 $10 Visa gift card giveaways*
Starting at 8 a.m., on January 9th, the fi rst ten people in the teller line at all CPFCU locations will recieve a $10 Visa gi ft card. 

40 different kinds of treats
On January 9th, all CPFCU locations will serve ten different treats throughout the day.
 
10 $100 Visa gift card  giveaways* 
On January 9th, at  1407 W. Washington Blvd. , we will give away a $100 Visa gift card to the first ten people who find a hidden "We Appreciate You" note. 
 
We Appreciate You!
                                                                       
*The aforementioned prizes are available exclusively for active and retired sworn officers. **No purchase necessary. Only members of CPFCU are eligible. Members are limited to (1) entry. Employees of CPFCU are not eligible for this promotion. Deadline to enter raffle is 4:59 p.m CST, January 9th, 2017. Winners will be drawn on January 10th, 2017. Prizes are non-transferable, not redeemable for cash, nor exchangeable for any other prize. 

5 Things We Can Do For You!

With a New Year comes an open slate to assess the past, tie up loose ends, and reinforce your financial portfolio to meet your current budget and any unforeseen expenses that may come your way. 

As your financial partner in helping you realize your life's goals, here's what we can do for you right now:

Financial Planning

The credit union offers financial planning through our exclusive alliance with MAF CompaniesMAF is  knowledgeable about the specific challenges and obstacles that police officers and their families face, and their team builds upon that expertise to find solutions for your individual needs.  You can contact MAF by phone at 312. 499.8888, or email at  [email protected] .

Credit Repair

CPFCU's trusted business partner and credit guru Gwen Hawkins  specializes in developing signature debt repair programs, with services including Credit Improvement, Debt Restructuring, Mortgage Qualification and Establishing Credit for the first time. To schedule a confidential meeting,  which  is free of  charge  for CPFCU members, you can contact Gwen by phone at 312.499.8813, or email at [email protected]

Debt Consolidation

Signature Loans  allow you to borrow on your signature alone! No collateral is needed and you can use the funds however you like. Rates are as low as  3.90%* APR**, and you can borrow up to  $20,000. Click here to check rates. Click here  to apply for a loan. 

*Subject to credit qualification; additional restrictions may apply.  **APR = Annual Percentage Rate.

Increase Your Savings

Share Certificates   are a safe and secure instrument for members looking to earn a greater rate of return.  We offer 6*-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month term certificates with competitive rates starting at  0.19% APR**.  Members 55 years of age or older receive an additional 0.20% APR, and  E-Users receive an additional 0.05% APR***.  For more information, visit our website  or call 312.726.8814.

An   Individual Retirement Account (IRA)  is  a strong product with benefits designed to  help build a secure financial future. We offer NCUA-approved Roth, Traditional, and Educational IRAs at competitive rates. Account Relationship Pricing is  available on 12-, 24-, and 36-month IRA Share Certificates. Click  here  for  current rates. For more information, visit our  website  or call 312.726.8814.

Start saving for the holidays with  our   Christmas Savers Account , which  allows you to deposit funds through payroll deduction into a special account that matures October 1, 2017.  This Account pays you a higher interest rate than a regular, low-balance Savings Account. For more information, visit our website  or call 312.726.8814.

*6-month Share Certificates do not qualify for Account Relationship Pricing. **APR=Annual Percentage Rate. ***Must be E-User for at least 60 days. Additional restrictions may apply.

Offer You Hassle-Free, Free-of-Charge Products

CPFCU's totally free  checking account features no monthly service charge, no minimum balance requirements, overdraft protection, online bill pay, monthly E-statements, and a free Visa Debit Rewards Card, which can be tied to your CPFCU Blue Line Rewards Card. Click here for current rates. To get started, please talk to a Branch Representative or call 312.726.8814.

You  want your credit card to work for you, not the other way around, right? Then be sure to peruse our many different CPFCU Visa Credit Card options , all of which feature  no annual fee , a 25 day interest-free grace period for  purchases, and the same low, non-variable APR* for purchases, cash advances and balance transfers. Click here to apply for a CPFCU Visa credit card. 

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate.

New Year, New Car
car-sales-lot2.jpg

Auto Loans

If you are thinking of buying a new or used car, let us help you navigate the process and ease the expense. CPFCU offers competitive rates , extended terms, and an easy application process. For a limited time only, we are offering rates as low as 1.49% APR* on both new and used auto loans !
 
We may be able to beat 0% financing by combining our low rates with dealership rebates! Check with the credit union before committing to any financing. We'll always tell you what will save you the most money -  even  if it's not with us.
 
Write Your Own Ticket Auto Loan

Qualified members can take advantage of our "blank check" program called Write Your Own Ticket. This allows you to complete all your loan paperwork before you select your new vehicle, and you get to take your blank check directly to the dealership of your choice. You can negotiate with the confidence of a cash buyer and we handle the remaining documentation directly with the dealership.

CARPay Diem

CARpay Diem is the credit union's lease-alternative program for new and pre-owned cars.

Like a lease, this signature program offers payments considerably lower than conventional financing on your new or pre-owned vehicle. Yet, unlike leasing, you own the vehicle, so you still receive all of the flexibility and benefits of ownership!

Benefits of CARPay Diem loans**: 

*    100% financing with NO MONEY DOWN
*    No security deposit
*    No up-front first or last payment
*    Option to sell, trade, or refinance the vehicle at anytime
*    Option to return vehicle at loan maturity and simply "walk away"
*    No early payoff penalty
*    Mileage options of 12,000, 15,000 and 18,000 per year available

Click here to calculate your CARpay Diem payment.
 
Click here to check our rates.

Don't miss out! Apply online for an Auto Loan, Write Your Own Ticket Auto Loan, or CARPay Diem by clicking here, or by calling us at 312.726.8814.
 
We look forward to helping you get the New Year off to a great start!
 
*Subject to credit qualification; additional restrictions may apply; APR = Annual Percentage Rate. **Available for auto loan amounts of $15,000 or more. 

Home Buying Made Easy With First Chicago Mortgage Services

When it comes to the home buying process it is critical to work with an experienced team who has access to the latest technology and can deliver service with a personal touch. Contact the mortgage team at First Chicago Mortgage Services today at 312.499.8877, or click here to visit them online t o obtain your free pre-approval from the home loan experts you know and trust.
 
With nearly $100 million in loan originations and a combined 40 years of lending experience, the team at First Chicago Mortgage Services has you covered to assist you from A to Z in your home buying journey.  They have access to the latest technology to get you pre-approved in minutes, all the while offering extremely competitive interest rates and terms.
 
If one of your goals for 2017 is to find your dream home, then call John or Kristen at 312.499.8877 or visit their website to discover how easy it is to request a free consultation or apply online.  Don't get lost working with a stranger at a big bank; work with a company who is part of a 78-year old institution which has been serving the needs of police officers and their families since 1938.  We hope you have a happy, healthy New Year, and we look forward to hearing from you soon!

You've Made The Decision To Retire. Now what?

You have worked hard your whole life and you've made the decision to retire. Now, you need to manage your assets so your retirement savings last. 
  • Understand your retirement plan distribution options: The best place to start is with human resources. Discuss deadlines, how much is available to you, and your options for payout. 
  • Spend wisely: Don't assume that you will be able to live on the earnings generated by your portfolio for the rest of your life. How should you withdraw? (Professionals usually answer that question by saying no more than 4 - 6% of your portfolio.)
  • Plan for Required Minimum Distributions: The government requires you to withdraw annually from traditional IRAs and employer-sponsored retirement plans after you reach age 70 1/2. Ask us about Roth IRAs and Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts.
  • Plan your insurance: In retirement, insurance covers your long-term care needs and can play an important role in preserving your assets. Insurance can pass on your wealth or even create an income stream or resolve a pension gap.
Review your retirement plan at least once a year to ensure you are on track to meet your goals. Contact MAF Companies at 312.499.8888, or email  [email protected]

Featured Employee

My name is Akymmia Sutton and I am a Call Center Representative. I have been with the credit union for nearly a year and a half.
My daily duties include speaking with members regarding their personal share or checking accounts, as well as keeping them updated on new offers and promotions, such as balance transfers, Skip-A-Pay, interest rates, etc. I ensure members have all the information they need to make the best financial decisions for themselves and their families, and I work hard to assist each member to the best of my ability.
 
I went to Monmouth College, a private liberal arts college, where I majored in communication with a minor in women studies. Upon graduating in 2013, I was recruited by ISAC (Illinois Student Assistant Commission) to be a financial aid specialist. Following that one-year stint, I worked for ComEd in their marketing department, as well as the Chicago Transit Authority as a bus operator. I joined the credit union in 2015.

My hobbies include spending time with my family, reading books, traveling, shopping, and makeup. I love to play volleyball, and my favorite sports team is the Chicago Bulls. One day I'm going to open up a housing complex for the homeless so they can have shelter while trying to find a job and make a better living for themselves.
 
My favorite thing about working for the credit union is being able to help and interact with the members as well as my co-workers.

Check out previous Featured Employee bios by visiting  our website.

Did you Know?

CPFCU members can conduct basic transactions at participating credit unions that are part of the Co-Op Shared Branch Network! This benefit is offered free of charge to members.

Find a location by visiting our website and clicking on the "Location" button in the "About Us" section, or click here

CPFCU Event Corner
Save The Date:

National LEAD Day, January 9, 2017
See the above  newsletter  article for details.
 
CPFCU Job Fair, January 11, 2017
The credit union is hosting a Job Fair to introduce the organization and showcase our many job opportunities available to interested candidates. Open to everyone, this event is scheduled for Wednesday, January 11, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, at CPFCU Headquarters, 1407 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago. For more information or to RSVP, please email  [email protected].
 
"Valentine's for Veterans,"  February
Throughout the month of February, First Chicago Mortgage Services (FCMS) will be honoring veterans by hosting sessions to assist our military heroes with the home buying process and our VA Home Loan program. In addition, FCMS will be recognizing War Dogs Making It Home, a non-profit organization which helps veterans better manage the invisible and lifelong challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury (PTSD/TBI) by pairing them with dogs they help rescue and train as service dogs to be their "four-legged lifeline" wherever they go. Events include a VA Home Loan Seminar, scheduled for February 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and a "Meet and Greet" to become acquainted with the individuals and four-legged friends behind War Dogs Making it Home, scheduled for February 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Both events, which are offered free of charge and include refreshments, will be held at CPFCU Headquarters, 1407 W. Washington Blvd.

Holiday Closings

CPFCU will be closed during the following days:

Monday, January 16                                                 
Saturday, February 18
Monday, February 20

Chicago Patrolmen's Federal Credit Union

312-726-8814 |  [email protected] | cpdfcu.com
STAY CONNECTED:
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter