Member Newsletter, Spring 2022
President's Message
Living Our Corporate Values Every Day

Our journey through the pandemic is ongoing with lingering questions about how or when our lives and businesses will return to “normal.” With the introduction of additional uncertainty in supply chains, the interest rate environment, and the economy in general, we find ourselves asking more questions about our collective future. And then there is the invasion of Ukraine and the possibilities that global conflict entails. Stability is the fundamental need of the moment and there is no debating that there are plenty of challenges for us individually and for our community. Regardless of the specific headwinds we face, I want you to know that American Eagle is here to support you. We take great pride in delivering on our mission at a time of great need for the community. Our ability to be there for you is rooted in our values at American Eagle. Our values of caring, trust, and dependability give us inspiration, hope, and a sense of renewal in pursuit of supporting you, our members. 
 
Caring. Our team at American Eagle is committed to caring for our community in meaningful ways. Naturally, we continue to work hard to keep employees and members safe during the pandemic. In the spirit of caring and giving, American Eagle and our employees donate our time and treasure to nonprofit organizations within our field of membership through direct donations and volunteerism. Moreover, in response to the real-time conflict in Ukraine, Connecticut Credit Unions raised more than $50,000, including a donation of $10,000 from American Eagle, to support Ukrainians and refugees affected by the conflict. An estimated 20,000 Ukrainian-Americans live in Connecticut, making it the tenth-largest Ukrainian population in the United States. If you would like to contribute to the cause, please visit www.ctcreditunions.org
 
Trust. Relationships are the currency of life and they are deeply rooted in trust. We value the relationship with our members and your trust in us and we are dedicated to protecting you and your money. A relevant example at American Eagle includes our team’s proactive approach in anticipating and addressing any potential cyber issues or threats that may pose a risk to our members or the Credit Union. This action is essential with the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. As a not-for-profit on the financial services platform, we are in a unique position to put the membership at the center of every decision we make. Know that we are dedicated to doing the right thing for you, your family, and our membership.
 
Dependability.  We want to help create and sustain stability in the financial lives of our members. One of the key ways we deliver consistent value is through our products and services and their alignment to the market’s needs. Our team recently piloted a new program called the Credit-Builder, intended to help consumers build a relationship with American Eagle and (re)establish credit, understand fundamental financial principles, and save for a rainy day or future purchase. Moreover, we are here to consult with members regarding your credit to ensure low rates when you need a loan. Be aware that we will have a loan promotion starting in April that will allow members to refinance a car loan(s) to help create cash flow and decrease finance costs over the remaining term of the loan. This promotion is an excellent opportunity for members to save money in a rising rate environment. Members can also count on us to have relevant technologies in response to changing consumer demands, illustrated by ongoing online and mobile banking investments. Finally, you can depend on us to find increasingly meaningful ways to anticipate your financial needs.
 
Despite various challenges in the environment, we are resilient with considerable energy as we chart the course into the balance of 2022. Our talented team at American Eagle is prepared to serve our membership and meet your individual financial needs. Our employees and volunteer Board of Directors are excited about the future and committed to delivering on our values of caring, trust, and dependability. Our ability to be there for our members and community gives us purpose and renews us in our daily work. Thank you for your engagement at American Eagle; we truly value our relationship.
 
Regards,
Howard Brady
President & Chief Executive Officer
Credit-Builder Program
Designed to Help You Build or Rebuild Your Credit
American Eagle's new Credit-Builder program is designed to help people who have little to no credit history, or damaged history, build their credit. Key aspects of the program include:
 
  • Credit score less than 640.
  • Annual gross income less than $50,000.
  • Loan amounts from $500 to $5,000.
  • 0% APR loan secured by a Certificate account.
  • Applicant must have enough income to make monthly payments.
  • Option to take financial education courses and get up to a $500 bonus.

It's time to begin building a positive credit history... and American Eagle is here to help.
Credit Union Announces Executive Promotions
Brian Kennedy
Executive VP, Chief Strategy
and Revenue Officer
Teresa Knox
Executive VP, Chief Operations and Experience Officer
Ann-Marie Katzer
Senior VP, Retail Delivery
Dara Macchi
Senior VP, Marketing and
Data Analytics
Larry Michaud
Senior VP, Finance
Pam Villanova
Senior VP, Digital Solutions
Strengthens Commitment to Continued Growth and Member Focus
American Eagle Financial Credit Union publicly announced the promotion of six executive-level employees following several C-suite retirements over the last year as well as Howard Brady’s official ascension to President & CEO at the start of 2022.

These new appointments align with American Eagle’s strategic vision, and they will fuel the organization’s commitment to continued growth as well as several key, member-focused areas—including data, digital, payments, and member experience.
Get Help Filing Your 2021 Taxes
TurboTax and H&R Block Offer Credit Union Member Discounts
Filing your taxes doesn't have to be taxing. American Eagle members have more choices and more savings. We've partnered with TurboTax and H&R Block to help you file your taxes and get special member savings.

Whether you file on your own with TurboTax or get help from an H&R Block tax pro, you’re guaranteed to get your biggest possible refund.

The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file is Monday, April 18, 2022. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 17, 2022, to file.
American Eagle Is Soaring in the Community
First Quarter Cash Back to the Community Winners Announced
American Eagle Financial Credit Union announced the recipients of $25,128 in donations from its participatory funding program, Cash Back to the Community.

Congratulations to Hartford County 4-H Camp of Marlborough, Boxes to Boots of Berlin, and Free Center of Middletown. Each nonprofit organization received an $8,376 donation for earning the most votes in AEFCU’s fourth quarter Cash Back to the Community program. A total of 189 organizations were nominated and 2,360 votes were cast by AEFCU members and the general public.
Hartford County 4-H Camp
Based in Marlborough, CT, Hartford County 4-H Camp, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides a fun, safe, healthy, and enriching outdoor experience for young people, with a “Learning by Doing” philosophy. Through 4-H principles, the organization endeavors to foster personal growth in an atmosphere of stewardship for the individual, the community, and the Earth. You can learn more about Hartford County 4-H Camp at hartfordcounty4hcamp.org
Boxes to Boots
Based in Berlin, CT, Boxes to Boots works to bring smiles to soldiers who cannot be home with their families for the holidays. The organization and its volunteers work throughout the year to raise funds and create, package, and ship care packages to deployed U.S. military personnel serving overseas. In November 2021, the organization sent 1,200 care packages to Connecticut National Guard soldiers stationed in Africa, Poland, Kuwait, and Kosovo. You can learn more about Boxes to Boots at boxestoboots.org
Free Center
The Free Center’s Middletown Branch is a community impact incubator that provides access to space, information, and event support for community-oriented gatherings and workshops—including community and public programs, performances, film screenings, and art showings. More can be learned about the Free Center at freecenter.us
Second Quarter Nominations Will Begin April 25 through May 15, with Voting June 6-19.

During 2022, AEFCU is donating one percent of its credit and debit card interchange income to three nonprofit and/or 501(c)(3) organizations each quarter through the Cash Back to the Community program. Funding for the program is generated each time members use an American Eagle credit or debit card. At the end of each quarter, one percent of the total interchange income–the fee paid for credit and debit card transactions–is distributed to the top three nonprofits receiving votes. Since the program's inception in 2020, the Credit Union has donated $216,916.
Credit Unions Help Provide Humanitarian Aid for People of Ukraine
Ukrainians, at home and abroad, are enduring the devastating effects of the military invasion of their homeland. Giving back to the community is baked into American Eagle’s mission and values—and Connecticut has a very large Ukrainian community, an estimated 20,000, the tenth largest in the United States.

Unfortunately, when crises like this occur, there are bad actors waiting to take advantage of the situation and the people who want to help. We’re educating our members to be mindful of these types of scams and want to provide them, and all members of our community, with a safe and secure method to contribute.

How to Help
Connecticut’s credit unions, including American Eagle Financial Credit Union, have partnered with Credit Unions Building Financial Independence (CUBFI) to offer anyone interested in contributing—individuals, businesses, or organizations—a safe place to donate in support of our Ukrainian neighbors and those who may come to Connecticut as they flee the ongoing violence in Ukraine.

Ways to Give Safely and Securely
  • Visit: ctcreditunions.org
  • Venmo: @CUBFI
  • Check payable to: CUBFI Ukraine Fund, mailed to: 1064 East Main Street, Suite 201, Meriden, CT 06450.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union Cares
American Eagle stands with the people of Ukraine. We are making a donation of $10,000 on behalf of the Credit Union and our employees. We’re proud to come together with our fellow Connecticut credit unions and the Credit Union League of Connecticut to cooperatively support these efforts.
CU Leaders Join in Solidarity for Ukraine
CT Senator Richard Blumenthal met with American Eagle President & CEO Howard Brady, Credit Union League of Connecticut President Bruce Adams, other credit union leaders, and members of the Ukrainian community at the Ukrainian Selfreliance Credit Union in Wethersfield. The group gathered in support of Ukrainians enduring the devastating effects of the military invasion of their homeland.
Hartford Yard Goats Penny Press for Charity
The American Eagle souvenir penny press is back for the Hartford Yard Goats 2022 minor league baseball season.

During every home game from April 8 to September 18, fans can donate 50 cents and use the penny press to stamp from four Yard Goats logo designs. The penny press is located outside the American Eagle Production Booth at Dunkin Donuts Park.

All proceeds will be donated to the Hartford Yard Goats Foundation, which provides social, educational, and scholarship opportunities for area youth in connection with the Hartford Yard Goats Baseball Club.
Credit Union Sponsoring Popular Community Events in Newington, West Hartford, and New Britain
As we turn the corner into spring, American Eagle is pleased to sponsor a variety of upcoming community events. Come out to support and enjoy these activities.
Lucy Robbins Welles Library 5K Challenge
Sunday, May 15
The Newington 5K Challenge Road Race is an annual fundraiser presented by the Library Board of Trustees. This is the 25th year of the race with all proceeds benefiting the library and its future growth. The race is a popular community-wide event that offers a fun-filled morning of exercise and competition to spend with friends and family. Walkers are also welcome.
Celebrate West Hartford
Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12
Celebrate West Hartford is coming back live and in-person Saturday and Sunday, June 11-12, 2022. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at the two-day outdoor festival featuring artists, an international food court, live music, carnival games and rides, a business and nonprofit expo, and fun runs. American Eagle is pleased to be a continuing sponsor of this event. Stop by our booth at the business and nonprofit expo to say hello to our staff from the West Hartford branch.
Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Series
Saturday, June 18
American Eagle Financial Credit Union is sponsoring the Klingberg Vintage Motorcar Series on Saturday, June 18, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Klingberg Family Centers, 370 Linwood Street, New Britain, CT. See a collection of over 100 automobiles dating back from the late 1800s to present day. Klingberg is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the event with a special gathering of Connecticut-made automobiles and motorcycles. The entire family will enjoy an adventure in automotive history and the beautiful morning vistas from the hilltop on the 40-acre Klingberg campus. There will also be a kids' activity area with crafts, games, and an electronic scavenger hunt. All proceeds benefit Klingberg Family Centers, a private nonprofit providing help to thousands of children and families throughout Connecticut each year whose lives have been traumatized by severe family problems, abuse, and/or neglect.
Fraud Prevention and Identity Protection
Phishing Scams Are Targeting PayPal 
The world’s most popular digital wallet has also turned into one of the world’s most popular targets for fraud, as PayPal scams are abundant. While PayPal is a wonderful service and one of the most useful financial tools in existence, you have to be careful not to fall victim to PayPal scams. The latest PayPal scam involves unauthorized “prenote” activity from PayPal.
 
What is a Prenote?
A prenote is a test transaction that is used to validate an employee’s bank account information. These tests are sent and verified ahead of actual payments. The purpose of the prenote process is to verify the accuracy of account data, such as routing numbers and account numbers. Prenotes are also necessary for the payments to be processed.
 
How does the scam work?
The PayPal scam starts with an attempt to phish you in order to obtain your PayPal log in and password via a text message. The fraudster then opens a fake PayPal account. The prenotes are being originated to ensure accounts are accessible prior to the origination of live transactions. We expect that the prenotes will be originated throughout the months of March and April and this routine will be cyclical and occur every 4 to 6 months. The timing is right for scammers who stole credentials to start using them for fraud! Be sure to be extra vigilant and review your account activity frequently throughout the upcoming months!
 
Tips for preventing fraud on your accounts:
  • Members should verify all PayPal transactions for accuracy.

  • Never respond to emails generated from PayPal directly. Log on to your PayPal account to verify any messages or alerts they are trying to send to you.

  • Do not click on links provided in emails or texts.
 
  • Monitor your bank accounts, especially for small random transactions that appear in your transaction history for no reason. Scammers will try small amounts to verify your information before trying to deplete your account with larger transaction amounts. If you see a prenote or any other suspicious transaction in your AEFCU account that was not authorized by you, please call our Member Contact Center immediately at 800.842.0145.
 
  • Do not share email/passwords with anyone. This includes family members, significant others, or PayPal employees.
 
  • Change your login ID and passwords frequently, especially after a large known data breach. Try to use a different password for each of your online accounts.
 
Source: NEACH
2021 Annual Report Available Online
Maintaining Momentum for Another Successful Year
The Credit Union closed out 2021 with total assets of $2.355
billion, total loans of $1.678 billion, and total reserves of $199 million. We continue to work within our strategic plan to deliver increasing value for our members. Moreover, we are well-positioned to make additional investments in people, processes, and technology to ensure that the Credit Union is relevant in the financial lives of the community.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union's 2021 Annual Report is available on the Credit Union website.
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2022 Federal Holiday Closings
American Eagle Financial Credit Union will be CLOSED:
  • Monday, May 30, Memorial Day
  • Monday, June 20, Juneteenth Day
  • Monday, July 4, Independence Day
  • Monday, September 5, Labor Day
  • Monday, October 10, Columbus Day
  • Friday, November 11, Veterans Day
  • Thursday, November 24, Thanksgiving Day
  • Monday, December 26, Christmas Day Observed
Access your accounts 24/7 with online banking, with mobile banking, and at thousands of Allpoint and SUM ATMs across the U.S. Take the Credit Union with you wherever you go. We're never more than a call or click away.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union
860.568.2020 | 800.842.0145 | americaneagle.org
American Eagle Financial Credit Union will never solicit confidential information about your accounts through email. If you receive a suspicious email asking you to open an attachment or click on a link to provide personal information, do not take action. See privacy and security policy. Federally Insured by NCUA.