State Route 79 Construction In Heath

We know construction may make it a little challenging to access our Hopewell Drive location.  We want to assist you in any way we can to navigate around the ever changing traffic patterns on State Route 79.   We will post any updates we receive from the community newspapers or the city of Heath. 

 

Current News

According to the Newark Advocate from 8/31:

Work planned at Ohio 79, Hopewell Drive A storm water line tie-in will occur Thursday at the intersection of Ohio 79 and Hopewell Drive. The contractor will begin work at 6 a.m. and attempt to be finished by 11 a.m. During that time, only one of the westbound left-turn lanes on Hopewell Drive will be open. Should the contractor not be finished by 11 a.m., the intersection will be opened for midday traffic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., then be closed again from 1 to 3 p.m. http://www.newarkadvocate.com/article/20110831/NEWS01/108310341/Work-planned-Ohio-79-Hopewell-Drive

 How Do I Get to Hopewell Federal Credit Union in Heath? 

• Hopewell is accessible from additional access points.  Please see below for the Google Map options to navigate to Hopewell Federal from Heath and Newark.

I Don’t Want To Drive In The Construction, What Other Options Do I Have?

• We understand completely and want to assure you that the branch located on 1690 N. 21st Street, Newark, Ohio is a full service location that can assist you with all of your financial needs.  
• Shared branching in the area can also be utilized. 
• Online Banking and Mobile Banking offer a great solution during this challenging time. 

U.S. Credit Rating Slips: What (If Anything) Does It Mean to You?

For the first time in U.S. history, a major credit rating agency has downgraded the nation’s credit rating. Whether warranted or not, this unprecedented move might affect consumers over time. And only time will tell if any of the potential effects will actually happen.

Observers usually expect that lower credit ratings will lead to higher interest rates for bonds; if there’s even a slightly higher chance of default, buyers get paid more to take on the added risk. Then, because of higher interest on Treasury bonds, the rates that consumers pay for home and auto loans, keyed to Treasurys, could rise. That change could lead to higher prices—inflation—on other consumer goods, if things don’t get better.

So that’s what underlies concern for what might happen next, even if it takes several months for any changes to show up. Ironically, because of heightened concern in the market, recent demand for Treasury bonds has been so strong that their interest rates actually have dropped rather than risen. This reflects the fact that Treasury bonds still are considered among the safest and most liquid investments in the world; so even if the cost of borrowing goes up, most financial observers don’t expect big increases.

The good news for you is that, as a credit union member, you will continue to have access to the best borrowing rates. That won’t change, because HOpewell Federal Credit Union simply works on a different model than a consumer bank.

At a bank, owned by a few stockholders, business decisions are driven by a need to pay those stockholders dividends. At a credit union, owned by members, those dividends come to you directly in lower borrowing rates or slightly higher savings yields, or indirectly in better services and reduced fees.

In addition, at Hopewell Federal Credit Union we are committed to helping our members weather this economy, and your own personal financial challenges, in the best shape possible. The credit union is as healthy as our members, so we want to see you thrive. See us today to talk about your concerns; we can set your mind at ease.

Copyright 2011 Credit Union National Association Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved.

Eliminate Overdrafts: Set Up Automatic Transfer From Savings

Even if you have pristine financial habits, cash-flow timing issues can happen to anyone. To avoid overdraft fees, consider linking your Hopewell Federal Credit Union checking account to your savings account. This way if you don’t have enough funds in your checking account to cover a transaction, the money will transfer directly from your savings and you’ll avoid nonsufficient fund fees.

Be careful, though. These transfers can help you in a bind, but if you get in the habit of relying on too many automatic transfers, you’ll soon run out of funds in both accounts.

The best way to stay on top of your finances and prevent being overdrawn in the first place is to be aware of what you’re spending—every day. If you frequently use your debit card, stay in balance by frequently using Hopewell Federal Credit Union’s online or mobile banking features to monitor balances. Eliminate missed deposits by setting up an old standby—direct deposit.

For help setting up automatic transfers, contact a member service rep today at Hopewell Federal Credit Union.

10 Smart Money Moves for Your 20s

 

If you’re in your 20s, you have a financial asset money can’t buy–time. And time makes your money grow. “Making some smart money moves in your 20s pays off now and in the future,” says Bobbie Shocket Lazarz, CFP (certified financial planner). Here’s her list of 10 smart money moves for twenty-somethings:

1. Set financial goals, say, to take a vacation, go back to school, get married, buy a house, or start saving for an early retirement. Put your goals in writing, then calculate how much you’ll need to save each month to reach them.

2. Make a spending plan, limit your debt, and concentrate on paying off existing bills. Limit debt to your ability to repay. Monthly credit payments, excluding a mortgage, shouldn’t exceed 20% of your monthly take-home (after-tax) pay.

3. Build an emergency fund equal to three to six months’ living expenses, even if it takes years to build. Use this fund only for true emergencies, such as unexpected car repairs, illness, or unemployment.

4. Save at least 10% of gross income for your emergency fund, future goals, and retirement. If you can’t manage 10%, start with 5% and increase it over time.

5. Take advantage of the services Hopewell Federal Credit Union offers. You’ll earn more when you save and pay less when you borrow.

6. Make it a priority to get adequate health, disability, auto, personal liability, and tenants’ or homeowners’ insurance. If someone else depends on your income, you also need life insurance.

7. Once you’ve implemented your spending plan, built your emergency fund, and obtained appropriate insurance, make the most of your money by starting to invest. Lazarz says the key to making the most of your money is investing small amounts gradually and sensibly over time.

8. Use tax-advantaged savings plans your employer or the government offers to save money for your retirement, such as company 401(k) retirement savings plans and individual retirement accounts at Hopewell Federal Credit Union.

9. Keep job options open by keeping your job skills fresh. Get necessary training and education so your knowledge and skills stay up to date.

10. Maintain orderly financial files to keep track of your money and put your hands on important records when you need them.

Copyright 2007 Credit Union National Association, Inc. Information subject to change without notice. For use with members of a single credit union. All other rights reserved. 

Hopewell Federal…Going Mobile

Mobile Banking, a free service offered to all Hopewell Federal Credit Union members, offers you three ways to access your account information using innovative mobile technology.  Follow a few easy steps and take your financial needs mobile.

 

Android, iPhone or iPad Phone Users
In just a few moments, you can gain handheld access to your account.
Step 1:  Visit the Android Market or Apple Store
Step 2:  Search HOPEWELL
Step 3:  Download the application

Mobile Phones with Web Browsers 
You are just three easy steps to handheld financial access.
Step 1:  Visit m.hopewellfcu.org 
Step 2:  Select Option #1: Mobile Banking
Step 3:  Log in using your existing online banking log in information

Phones Without Browsers
No browser, no worries, text banking allows you to access your account information from any mobile device.
Step 1:  Using a computer enter:  m.hopewellfcu.org
Step 2:  Select Option #1: Mobile Banking.  
Step 3:  Log in using your existing online banking log in information.
Step 4:  Select Option #6: Text Banking. 
Step 5:  Select Option #1: Add a mobile number. 
Step 6:  Click on “Agree” to the terms and conditions of mobile banking. 
Step 7:  Enter the mobile number of the phone you wish to enroll and soon you will receive a Welcome” text message with a verification code. 
Step 8:  Enter the verification code into the website, In just few minutes you will receive a text messages containing commands  for you to verify balances, transfer funds and gain access to your account. 

Questions?  Contact Hopewell Federal at info@hopewellfcu.org or give us a call at 740.522.8311.

HOPEWELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S FIRST EVER CAR SHOW GREAT SUCCESS

Proceeds to Be Donated to Ohio Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

 Hopewell Federal Credit Union recently held its first ever Car Show in Newark, Ohio.  The event held Saturday, July 30th, 2011 at its branch office on North 21^st Street benefited the Ohio Children’s Miracle Network.   Nationwide Children’s Hospital is a founding member of Children’s Miracle Network (CMN), a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of health care for children.  100% of funds raised in central Ohio through CMN benefit Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  Hopewell Federal Credit Union’s Car Show event raised over $300 dollars for this worthy cause. 

The event, sponsored by This Week Licking County, Hasseman Marketing and Communications and Trinity Massage & Wellness Center LLC, was coordinated by Jim Matheny of Kar Shoz LLC and longtime Hopewell Federal Credit Union member John Wallace.   The event was host to sixty cars featuring a variety of years, makes and models.  The top winners for the day included:   

Employees Choice:  Tom Roberts of Newark, Ohio for his 1965 Ford Mustang

Directors Choice:  Graden Thomas of Frazeysburg, Ohio for his 1950 Ford Pick Up Truck

CEO Choice:  Jim Specziale of Pataskala, Ohio for his 1961 Corvette

DJ’s Choice:  Linda Kibler of Newark, Ohio for her 2005 Corvette

Attendees of the event enjoyed free admission, DJ music, 50/50 raffle and door prize drawings.  Food was available from The Grill on Twenty First Street with a portion of the food proceeds being donated back to Ohio Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.    “We were pleased that this first ever event was such a wonderful success.  The event was entertaining and provided an opportunity for community members to support a worthwhile cause.  We are hopeful that we can make this an annual event that continues to grow each year.”   Jim Johnson, President and CEO, reflected about the recent event.