March 2025

Refer-a-Friend, Get $50

Don't Keep a Good Thing to Yourself!

Do you love the great features and benefits of your REGIONAL account? Do you want everyone to experience the REGIONAL difference, and find out why REGIONAL is your first choice of financial institution?

Would you like to earn $50* for every new member you refer?

There are two ways to spread the word. Stop by any REGIONAL location and ask for a Refer-a-Friend card, or refer friend online at the link below.

Refer anyone you think might benefit from REGIONAL's commitment to our members, our great rates, and our five-star service. Thanks!

*Promotion subject to change without notice. Money will be credited to current member account on April 30, 2025. Current member must have an account in good standing and must have not previously caused a loss to REGIONAL. New deposit accounts and loans are subject to approval. “Refer-a-Friend” bonus will be credited to referring member’s savings account after new member’s savings and checking account has been opened or after member’s savings account and VISA credit card has been opened.

Vote REGIONAL for Best Credit Union

The Times annual Best of the Region voting is now open!

It's your chance to let everyone know who the best credit union in Northwest Indiana is.

Already voted? Do it again! You can vote up to once per day, now through March 23rd.

Follow the link below, or text 479 to 219-915-8767 to cast your vote for REGIONAL today!

2025 Annual Meeting

REGIONAL federal credit union's 64th Annual Meeting is coming soon. Be sure to save the date!

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Location: REGIONAL, 0909 Randolph St., Winfield, IN 46307

Time:

Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

Drawings start at 5:00 p.m.

Annual Meeting starts at 5:25 p.m.

Directors up for re-election this year are Teddian Jackson and Carol Rusich.

Monthly Financial Tips

Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts

In the workplace, you will hear about “Flexible Spending Accounts” (FSA) and “Health Savings Accounts” (HSA). Both are types of savings accounts that allow individuals to set aside money for qualified medical expenses. However, there are key differences between the two.

• Eligibility: To open and contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and not be enrolled in Medicare.
• Ownership: FSAs are owned by your employer, while HSAs are owned by the individual.
• Rollover: FSA funds are typically lost at the end of the year, whereas HSA funds roll over indefinitely.
• Contribution Limits: HSA contribution limits are generally higher than FSA limits, and HSAs also allow for catch-up contributions if you’re over 55.
• Use of Funds: Both can be used for medical expenses, but an HSA offers more flexibility in terms of long-term savings, as funds grow tax-free and can be used for retirement after age 65 (though they may be taxed if used for non-medical expenses.)

In short, FSAs are more flexible for short-term medical needs but have limitations around annual rollover, while HSAs offer more long-term benefits and investment opportunities, especially for those with a high-deductible health plan.

Small Business Spotlight

Kolasa's Polish Peasant

Meet Mark and Amanda, the dynamic duo behind Kolasa’s Polish Peasant, a cherished local restaurant that has been serving up delicious Polish cuisine since 2003. Their journey as small business owners took a significant turn in 2019 when they became members of REGIONAL, a partnership that has helped fuel their continued success. We sat down with them to learn about their experience and how REGIONAL has been integral to their growth.

Q: Why did you want to start your own small business?

A: Both of us had a love for the culinary arts and serving people, and we’ve both worked as chefs in the service industry, it’s all we’ve known. We wanted to start working for ourselves instead of for others.

Q: What kind of services does your small business offer?

A: We are a restaurant and provide on-site catering in our party room. We also offer carry-out catering and small off-site catering (think small corporate outings, house parties, etc).

Q: Why did you choose REGIONAL as a financial institution?

A: We loved the personnel. Even before we opened our business account, we did our personal banking there and enjoyed the services that were offered. Plus, with the different representatives that would come to speak with us, we thought it would be a good fit for us and our business.

Q: How has REGIONAL helped your business grow?

A: REGIONAL gave us loans that have really helped improve our business, to the point where we gained enough equity to expand our business and change locations in 2024.

Q: How would you describe your company’s success so far?

A: It has exceeded our expectations. We are consistently growing and REGIONAL has been a great partner in that endeavor.

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give those wanting to start a small business?

A: Have a good plan in place and know where you want to go and how you want to progress. You don’t have to know everything and it’s best to surround yourself with those who can offer you great advice and opportunities.

Kolasa’s Polish Peasant can be found at 801 Franklin St. in Michigan City.

If you’re a small business and want to experience the REGIONAL difference, reach out to us today at 1-800-762-7419. If you’d like to be featured in the Small Business Spotlight, reach out to us at marketing@regionalfcu.org