Personal Loans

<img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/financial-checklist-blog-body-image-1.png?sfvrsn=f9bcc10b_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h3>Set Financial Goals</h3><div><p>Define clear financial goals by prioritizing short-term and long-term&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">objectives, such as saving for a home or retirement. Break these&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">goals into actionable monthly or quarterly targets and track your&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">progress regularly to stay motivated and focused. With consistent&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">effort and evaluation, you can achieve your financial goals.</span></p><h3>Analyze Your Spending</h3></div><div><p>Small, habitual expenses can quickly add up. Spend a month&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">tracking your spending patterns to identify unnecessary purchases&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">and areas where you can free up cash for your financial goals.</span></p><h3>Create a Realistic Budget</h3><div><p>Setting a realistic budget helps you allocate your money effectively&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">before you even receive it. Start with a simple 50/30/20 framework&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">(50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings or debt repayment) and adjust&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">as needed to align with your financial priorities.</span></p><h3>Focus on Reducing Debt</h3><div><p>Debt can hinder your path to financial freedom. Adopt a repayment&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">strategy, like focusing extra funds on high-interest debts while&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">maintaining minimum payments on others. This approach can help&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">you reduce debt more efficiently.</span></p><h3>Review Your Spending</h3></div><div><p>Periodically review your expenses to uncover opportunities for&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">saving. Consider switching from cable to streaming, canceling&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">unused subscriptions, or finding more affordable options for phone&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:transparent;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">and insurance plans.</span></p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/financial-checklist-blog-body-image-2.png?sfvrsn=7d9dd7a6_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Review Your Insurance Policies</span></h3><div><p>Ensure your health, life, home, and auto insurance policies meet your current needs. Life&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">changes like a new job or having a child can impact your coverage requirements and costs.</span></p><h3>Review Your Retirement Contributions</h3><div><p>Review your workplace retirement plans to ensure you&rsquo;re maximizing contributions, especially&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">if your employer offers a match. If possible, aim to increase your contributions each year to s</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">tay on track for retirement.</span></p><h3>Check Your Credit Score and Report</h3></div><div><p>Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining loan approvals, interest rates, and&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">financial opportunities. Take advantage of Metro&rsquo;s updated <a href="https://my.metrofcu.org/FicoScore" data-sf-ec-immutable="">FICO<sup style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&reg;</sup><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"> score feature</span></a>, available&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">quarterly via <a href="/services/online-banking" target="_blank">online banking</a>. Regularly monitoring your credit score can help you identify&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">areas for improvement and set goals accordingly.</span></p><h3>Update Your Will</h3></div><div><p>Keep your will up to date to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. If you&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">don&rsquo;t have one, now is the time to create it. Review and update beneficiaries on all accounts,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">including pensions and life insurance policies, and consider establishing a power of attorney&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">to designate someone to make decisions on your behalf if needed.</span></p><h3>Build an Emergency Fund</h3><div><p>An emergency fund provides a safety net for unexpected expenses. Start small by setting&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">aside a portion of each paycheck and aim to save enough to cover 3&ndash;6 months of living&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">expenses. Automate your savings with regular transfers to maintain consistency and keep&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">the funds in an easily accessible <a href="/accounts/savings-accounts" target="_blank">savings account</a>.</span></p><h3>Educate Yourself on Personal Finance</h3><div><p>Empower yourself with financial knowledge to make informed decisions. Explore resources&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">such as <a href="https://save-and-succeed.metrofcu.org/login" target="_blank" data-sf-ec-immutable="">Save and Succeed</a>, Metro&rsquo;s personal finance program. You&rsquo;ll find financial blogs&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&ndash; like the source of this article - and an array of other member education tools. Learn the&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">essentials of budgeting, saving, credit management, and debt reduction to take control of&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">your financial future.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div>

<div><p>Tax season can be stressful, and scammers often take advantage of this time to target individuals.&nbsp;<span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Staying informed and vigilant against evolving fraud tactics is essential to recognizing common&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">schemes and protecting yourself.</span></p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/beware-tax-scams-blog-body-image4d124cfe-9376-4f01-81d5-d0f5539365e5.png?sfvrsn=dd2de6b5_1" sf-size="100" alt="" /><h2>1. Phishing Emails and Texts</h2><div><p>Scammers send fake emails or texts pretending to be from the IRS or other trusted sources. These messages often include urgent requests to verify personal information or settle a tax debt, with links or attachments designed to steal your data.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS never contacts people by email or text. Don&rsquo;t click on links or share personal details in unsolicited messages.</em></h5><h2>2. Phone Scams</h2><div><p>Fraudsters impersonate IRS agents, making threatening calls and demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest or legal trouble. They may ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS doesn&rsquo;t demand payments over the phone or threaten taxpayers with police action.</em></h5><h2>3. Identity Theft</h2><div><p>Scammers use stolen personal details to file fraudulent tax returns and claim refunds. Victims often discover the fraud when their legitimate tax return is rejected.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Protect your Social Security number and consider filing your taxes early to beat fraudsters to the punch.</em></h5><h2>4. Fake Tax Assistance</h2><div><p>Dishonest tax preparers promise big refunds but may alter your tax return without your knowledge, leading to audits or penalties.</p></div><div><h5><em>Tip: Check your preparer&rsquo;s credentials using the IRS directory of authorized tax professionals.</em></h5></div><h2>5. Social Media Scams</h2><div><p>Scammers use social media to spread false information about tax credits or refunds, or they may impersonate the IRS to steal personal details.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Trust only official IRS resources for tax-related information and report suspicious activity.</em></h5><h2>6. Charity Fraud</h2><div><p>Scammers pose as legitimate charities during crises or disasters, soliciting fake donations they claim are tax-deductible.<em></em><em></em></p></div><h5><em>Tip: Verify charities through tools like the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.</em></h5><h2>7. Evolving Cryptocurrency Scams</h2><div><p>With the rise of cryptocurrency, scammers use it for fraud, including fake tax payment requests or investment opportunities.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: The IRS does not accept cryptocurrency for tax payments. Be wary of unsolicited investment offers.</em></h5><h2>8. Tax Refund Fraud</h2><div><p>Scammers use stolen information to file fake tax returns and divert refunds to their accounts. Some send fake checks, later demanding repayment.</p></div><h5><em>Tip: Use the official IRS &ldquo;Where&rsquo;s My Refund?&rdquo; tool to track your refund safely.</em></h5><hr /><div><h3>In summary, remember these steps to protect your privacy during tax season.</h3><ul><li>Be Skeptical: Question unsolicited calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from the IRS. The IRS typically contacts taxpayers through mail. Suspicious calls or emails? Report them.</li><li>Verify Contacts:&nbsp;Use official IRS contact numbers to confirm any communication.</li><li>Secure Your Information: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your Metro accounts regularly. Protect your Social Security number and file taxes early to reduce the chance of identity theft.</li><li>Report Scams: Notify the IRS of any suspicious activity via their fraud reporting page.</li></ul></div><div></div><p>&nbsp;</p></div>

<div><h3>Saturday, April 19, 2025</h3><p>Each year Metro holds an Annual Meeting open to all members of the Credit Union. The 2025 Annual Meeting is currently planned for Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Marriott Regency Hotel in Omaha. This year&rsquo;s Annual Meeting will include only the business meeting, no meal or door prizes, and reports as required in the Credit Union&rsquo;s bylaws. There is no cost to attend but please call 402-551-3052 to reserve a seat.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span>Each year, three directors are elected to the Credit Union Board. In 2025, three incumbents, Directors John White, Erin Gubbels, and Marilyn McWilliams have each expressed a desire to serve an additional term and have been nominated to do so by the Nominating Committee. In accordance with our bylaws, nominations from the floor are not permitted. When the number of candidates equal the number of open positions, no ballot election will be held.</p></div><div><p>Current Metro members in good standing who have an interest in running for the Board after the Nominating Committee has submitted a slate of candidates may do so by submitting a petition signed by 1% of current members (approximately 440 as of writing), along with a statement of qualification and biographical information. This petition must be submitted to the Nominating Committee by March 5, 2025.</p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Metro Credit Union Directors serve as uncompensated volunteers elected from the membership to three-year terms. Directors are required to attend meetings at least monthly and be available for possible Committee assignments, special meetings, and trainings throughout the year.</span></p></div><div><p>&nbsp;</p><h3>Volunteer Director Biographies</h3><p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/john-whitec1cdef0f-d1f8-4929-8fdb-dd6aabed9129.png?sfvrsn=4b74482e_1" style="margin-bottom:15px;" sf-custom-thumbnail="true" width="300" sf-constrain-proportions="true" sf-size="100" alt="John White, Incumbent, Member for 20 years" /></p><p>John has lived his entire life in Omaha, attending Westside High School and the University of Nebraska, Omaha. John has owned and operated a small business for 41 years.</p><p>He has served as President of the Westside Alumni Association, President of the Omaha Chapter of Painting and Decorating Association, and Trustee for Lutheran Church of the Master. John and wife Carol have two children (David and Emily). John is an avid golfer, hunter and boater.</p><p>&ldquo;I first learned of Metro Credit Union years ago when I was providing service as a vendor. I was immediately impressed by the service provided by the staff and based on my experience, I later took the opportunity to become a member. I have served as a Metro Credit Union volunteer Director for the past 17 years and it would be my pleasure to continue serving in that capacity.&rdquo;<span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;color:inherit;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/erin-gubbels.png?sfvrsn=82654728_1" style="margin-bottom:15px;" sf-custom-thumbnail="true" width="300" sf-constrain-proportions="true" sf-size="100" alt="Erin Gubbels, Incumbent, Member for 29 years" /><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Erin first opened her checking account at Metro when she was fresh out of college, working at UNMC and needing to finance her first car (one of many through Metro!).</span></p></div><div><br /></div><div>Most of Erin&rsquo;s career has been in radio and television sales and sales management. After working in several other markets, Erin returned to Omaha - and Metro. Today she serves in a leadership role at a firm that provides technology solutions for radio and television stations, nationally and internationally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to joining the board, Erin had the opportunity to work with Metro as a vendor to develop a marketing campaign. &ldquo;I learned so much about Metro in that process and was endlessly impressed with the leadership team and their vision.&rdquo; Erin was proud to be invited to join the supervisory committee and, after seven years of serving on the committee, was equally honored to join the Board.</div><div><br /></div><div><p>Erin and her husband Chris enjoy working around their farm, managing their small vineyard and flock of chickens, traveling, playing with their rescue dogs and spending time with their daughter, Molly.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><img src="/images/default-source/blog-article-images/marilyn-mcwilliams.png?sfvrsn=f2bcce92_1" style="margin-bottom:15px;" sf-custom-thumbnail="true" width="300" sf-constrain-proportions="true" sf-size="100" alt="Marilyn McWilliams, Incumbent, Member for 50 years" /><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;"></span></p><p><span style="background-color:initial;font-family:inherit;font-size:inherit;text-align:inherit;text-transform:inherit;word-spacing:normal;caret-color:auto;white-space:inherit;">Marilyn&rsquo;s volunteer service to the Credit Union spans more than 30 years, including time serving as Membership Officer, Supervisory Committee member, and volunteer Director, the role she holds today.</span></p></div><div><br /></div><div>Marilyn cites the need for Metro to remain competitive by offering a full array of financial products and services to their members. To that end, she has been active in the development and implementation of many of the credit union&rsquo;s products and services enjoyed by members today. Marilyn says she is committed to the idea that each member holds a stake in the future of the credit union and would appreciate the opportunity to help keep that philosophy in place.</div><div><br /></div><div>She worked a total of 39 years for both Clarkson Hospital and Nebraska Medicine as an LPN, retiring in 2010. Marilyn has one son, Michael, living in California.</div>