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PresidentsCornerPresident's Corner
As a lifelong UCLA fan and later alumnus, I studied their long-time basketball coach John Wooden. Basketball coaches generally don't see beyond the 94 by 50 chunk of wood in front of them. But Coach Wooden was different. He saw basketball as an analogy for life. One of my favorite quotes from Coach was, "Failure is not fatal, but failure to change might be."
 
I hear conflicting wants and needs from members. Some members want us to expand our branch network and add or expand services they want. Other members want us to do nothing and stay the same. Unless I'm missing something, both cannot happen.
 
A marketing technology firm survey revealed that one in five credit union members feel their credit union is failing to provide needed services and adequate information to help them reach their personal financial goals. The survey suggested there is still a wide gap between what people want and what credit unions and banks actually deliver.
 
In order to provide those services that our members want, we need to change and not because of our name change, as some members have suggested. We recently upgraded our credit cards so that they now show on a consolidated account statement, which makes it easier to make payments. By the end of the year, we will have introduced digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Android Pay, and Samsung Pay; moved our data center to a more secure location which has state of the art security; and painted and carpeted two of our branches.
 
After hearing member input on our East Contra Costa branches, we are planning on consolidating the Pittsburg and Antioch branches next year. Then, we will be looking for a branch location in Brentwood. While these changes may sound overwhelming, be assured we analyze all changes with the best interest of all of our members in mind.
 
Changes can be painful. You may have been unable to activate your credit card or were inadvertently charged a fee at one of our surcharge-free ATMs. We are getting those items corrected as quickly as possible. Our entire staff has been working hard to ensure a minimum of disruption while these changes are being implemented.
 
Apple founder Steve Jobs said years ago, "For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something." Agreed.

David M. Green
President/CEO
(925) 335-3802
statofthemonthStat-of-the-Month


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firstalerts1st Alerts
  • Remember, if you are traveling with your 1st Nor Cal debit or credit card, please contact us ahead of time at (925) 335-3855 to ensure your card(s) work(s) properly wherever you are.
     
  • As part of our debit and credit card security enhancement, our fraud department will now contact you by phone, e-mail, or text to confirm card transactions. If you have any questions, please contact us at (925) 335-3855.
autoloans
*Annual Percentage Rates (APR) are subject to change. Rate, maximum term, maximum loan amount and advance amount are based on credit qualifications. Maximum terms vary based on loan amount. We reserve the right to determine collateral value based on industry recognized guidelines or full appraisal. Must be 18 years old or older to apply for a loan. Loans are subject to all Credit Union policies and procedures. Auto loan at 2.24% APR requires a minimum FICO® 750 Credit Score. 72 months term at 2.24% APR is $14.86 per $1,000.00 borrowed.
tipsforteensTips for Teens
Think Before You Shop

The internet has become a modern day genie. Searching for cat videos? Boom! 146,000,000 results in 0.73 seconds! What year was the White House built? You'll have the answer in 1.24 seconds. Shoe shopping? You only have 622,703 pairs to choose from on Amazon. While this access to basically everything is pretty cool, at the same time it can create a problem for impulse shoppers. The web makes it incredibly easy to quickly convince yourself that you need that teapot because it's on sale and dares you compare prices from different stores. As an added bonus, it throws in free two-day shipping on orders over $25 dollars, which is what finally convinced you to buy that extra phone case. At the end of the day, you have spent $25 or more on stuff that you really didn't need, but you were made to think you did. How do you avoid this?

Stop
 
Unless it's a necessity, like food, petrol, or school related stuff, it can wait. Even if you're convinced that you have to have it, don't buy it just yet. Do some price comparison and see which seller gives you the best deal.

Wait
 
If it's something more expensive, like in the $100+ range, wait a week or two before making your purchase. Waiting will make you certain that it's something that you really want and not being made to think that you want it.


Decide
 
Say two weeks have gone by since you first saw that new $16 fidget spinner. You have waited this long and even did some price comparison to see if you're getting the best deal. However, you're still unsure if you should get it. My advice: Don't. If you're still unsure, it probably means that you're going to keep it in your desk drawer and never use it again. Why not instead use those $16 for something else?

Summer is a great time to go out with your friends and shop, but remember to save your hard earned money whenever possible.


Luis Dominguez
Student Social Media Intern
1st Nor Cal Credit Union


youthmemberships  
insuranceFourth of July Safety 
10 Ways to Keep You and Your
Family Safe This Independence Day

For many of us, summer truly begins when the Fourth of July arrives. It's a holiday full of fireworks and food, barbecues and boating, family and friends. It can also be full of danger - and we're not only talking about the fireworks.
 
Whether you're lighting your own fireworks at home, going to a community show or heading somewhere else, here are 10 ways to help ensure a happy and healthy holiday:
 
  • Stay protected - and hydrated. If you're going to be outdoors during the day, use plenty of sunblock (and bring extra). You'll also want to drink water throughout the day, particularly if you're drinking alcohol (in which case don't drive). It's easy to get dehydrated in the heat.
  • Watch what you eat. We're not talking about counting calories. We're talking about making sure your food is fully cooked. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meats (steaks, roasts or chops) need to be cooked to 145 degrees Fahrenheit, ground meats to 160 and poultry to 165.
  • Watch what you serve. If you're heading to a party and bringing food, put it in an insulated cooler with ice or ice packs so it doesn't grow harmful bacteria between the time you leave your house and the time people dig in. Pull it from the fridge right before you leave for the party.
  • Don't drink and drive. We shouldn't need to tell you this, of course, but the period around the Fourth of July holiday is a deadly one for drunk-driving fatalities.
  • Don't drink and boat. Alcohol is a factor in about one-third of recreational boating deaths, says the Coast Guard, so boating under the influence is never a good idea.
  • Make sure everyone's got a life jacket. If you're going to be near or on the water, life jackets are a must. On a boat, there should be enough life preservers for everyone, and remember that kids need an appropriately sized jacket.
  • Lighting fireworks? If your city allows for fireworks -- be prepared. Keep a hose or bucket of water close by, and make sure you're not aiming at people, animals, homes, plants or cars.
  • Supervise the kids. Youngsters shouldn't be lighting fireworks at all, and older kids need to be watched closely. Even sparklers get much hotter than you think.
  • Keep your distance, too. Thousands of people show up in the emergency room this time of the year with firework injuries. Don't be one of them!
  • No matter what you're doing, keep safety in mind at all times.
As an added benefit of your 1st Nor Cal membership, we at Lou Aggetta Insurance will help you review the things that are important to you and provide you with options for reducing risk in your life. We are an independent insurance agent and can provide you with home, auto, life, health, business and many other types of insurance coverage.

Contact me today to schedule your free review.

Denia Aggetta Shields
Lou Aggetta Insurance, Inc.
2637 Pleasant Hill Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
(925) 945-6161
 
License #OK22281

Like us on Facebook at Lou Aggetta Insurance
Follow us on Twitter @LouAggetta


 
By Jason Vitucci, CFP & Gene A. Schnabel

Most portfolios are constructed based on an individual's investment objective, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Using these inputs and sophisticated portfolio-optimization calculations, most investors can feel confident that they own a well-diversified portfolio, appropriately positioned to pursue their long-term goals.1

However, as a retiree, how you choose to live in retirement may be an additional factor to consider when building your portfolio.

Starting a Business?

Using retirement funds to start a business entails significant risk. If you choose this path, you may want to consider reducing the risk level of your investment portfolio to help compensate for the risk you're assuming with a new business venture.

Since a new business is unlikely to generate income right away, you may want to construct your portfolio with an income orientation in order to provide you with current income until the business can begin turning a profit.

Traveling for Extended Periods of Time?

There are a number of good reasons to consider using a professional money manager for your retirement savings. Add a new one. If you plan on extended travel that may keep you disconnected from current events (even modern communication), investing in a portfolio of individual securities that requires constant attention may not be an ideal approach.2 For this lifestyle, professional management may suit your retirement best.

Rethink Retirement Income?

Market volatility can undermine your retirement-income strategy. While it may come at the expense of some opportunity cost, there are products and strategies that may protect you from drawing down on savings when your portfolio's value is falling - a major cause of failed income approaches. We implement these strategies in the years leading up to retirement and continue them through the retirement years for our clients.

At Vitucci Integrated Planning, we would love the opportunity to take a look at your current financial plan as it relates to your tax situation. If you are yet to formulate a plan, we would love to help you do just that. As a valued 1st Nor Cal member, we invite you to contact us for a complimentary financial analysis. We also invite you to attend any of our Retirement Planning workshops that we hold. For more information about our practice, our workshops, or to make an appointment, please call us at (925) 370-3750 or visit our website at www.vitucciintegratedplanning.com

Vitucci Integrated Planning  
1330 Arnold Drive, Suite 249
Martinez, CA 94553
info@vitucciplanning.com 


 
Securities through First Allied Securities, a registered broker dealer, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through First Allied Advisory Services, Inc. Registered Investment Advisor. Investments not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured, not insured by Credit Union, may lose value. Products offered are not guarantees or obligations of the Credit Union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. 1st Nor Cal CU, Bay Area Retirement Solutions and First Allied are all separate entities. Jason Vitucci CA Insurance Lic.: 0F59894, Gene A. Schnabel CA Insurance Lic.: 0663016

Citations:
  1. Diversification and portfolio optimization calculations are approaches to help manage investment risk. They do not eliminate the risk of loss if security prices decline.
  2. Keep in mind that the return and principal value of security prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And securities, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Individuals cannot invest directly in an index.
FinancialCounselingFREE Financial Counseling
Are you in need of financial counseling?
1st Nor Cal is here to help. Timely and honest debt advice is available to our members at no cost or obligation. Learn how to manage your finances.

Make your appointment TODAY!

Just a reminder, you can annually request FREE Credit Reports from all 3 credit reporting agencies online by going to:
For FREE Financial Counseling, don't hesitate to contact:

Shelley Murphy
Senior Vice President of Lending & Collections
(925) 228-7550 Ext.824


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