Auto Loans as low as

2.49% APR¹

Plus, no payment is due for the first 90 days!²

Compare and Save!

³APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as of 4/20/12 and taken from

Bankrate.com. Rates, payments, total interest, and fees based on new

auto, 66-month term, and $20,000 starting loan balance. All rates assumed

for top-tier credit. Restrictions apply.

Call for a Quick Payment Quote!

Ask us about refinancing your existing auto loan with another lender! Apply online 24/7 for a fast response! Or, call us at 818.993.6328 or visit a branch today!

¹ APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as of 04/20/12 and are subject to change at any time. Must meet credit and income criteria. Rate quoted is the preferred rate with a 66-month term. Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Other rates and terms available. Restrictions may apply. Existing MCCU auto loans cannot be refinanced. Membership required.

² Interest accrues from date of funding.

MCCU is the exclusive lender for Los Angeles County’s Energy Upgrade California program!

Energy Upgrade California is an innovative program for  homeowners to improve their home’s energy efficiency, save water, lower utility bills and create a healthier and more comfortable home. Energy Upgrade California connects homeowners with participating contractors  who can help plan and complete their projects— and with rebates and incentives to help pay for them.

The “one-stop shop” guides you through the process:

1. Select an upgrade package that suits your needs
2. Decide whether or not to pursue a Whole-House Home Energy Rating
3. Find a participating contractor to complete your upgrade and maximize your savings
4. Get rebates, incentives and financing to help pay for your upgrade

About Energy Upgrade California in Los Angeles County

Energy Upgrade California Los Angeles is administered and overseen by an alliance among L.A. County, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas Company and the City of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Los Angeles County was one of the first counties in California to roll out this program.  Locally, county officials are coordinating with Southern California Edison, the Southern California Gas Company and L.A.D.W.P. to provide homeowners with information on home upgrade benefits, financing, incentives and home energy ratings and help with finding participating contractors. For more information, consumers can visit Energy Upgrade California today!

Cleaning up your finances?

Planning for an upcoming adventure?

Spring is the perfect time to get your house in order—as well as your finances. If you’re a homeowner, you can access the equity in your home to secure one of the lowest rate loans available – as low as 3.99% APR*. MCCU’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a smart loan because interest is usually tax deductible (check with your tax advisor). The interest you pay on credit cards and personal loans is not.

So whether your Spring dreams are to pay off debt, reduce your payments, make home improvements or just get extra cash for a little fun, MCCU’s HELOC makes it all affordable.

Dream big with MCCU

The credit union offers low rate HELOCs with no closing costs with a minimum $30,000 initial draw. Once your loan is approved, your money is easy to access, whenever and wherever you need it. It’s that simple.

Click here for more information on a Home Equity Line of Credit that can provide a quick and economical way to borrow cash.

 *APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Variable rate based on minimum 740 FICO Score and the Prime Rate plus .74% as published in the Money Rates table of the Wall Street Journal. Rate cannot go .50% below your initial rate. Actual interest rate offered may be higher depending on credit score and underwriting factors. Maximum combined loan to value (CLTV) of 70% up to $500,000 limit. Home Equity line available on primary California residence only. Subject to terms of membership. Equal opportunity lender. Consult your tax advisor for more information.

The 7/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Alternative

Enjoy a low interest rate for a seven-year initial payment period

If you’re looking for a “boost” to your finances, MCCU’s special 7/1 ARM may be for you. By financing with a low seven-year initial fixed rate, you can free up extra money and save thousands of dollars in interest.

7/1 ARM features:

• fixed rate of 3.5% (3.19% APR)* for the first seven years
• max lifetime rate of 6%
• max loan amount of $1 million.

After the initial seven-year fixed rate period, the rate can adjust annually but will never go higher than our special 6% lifetime rate ceiling.  This is one of the best ARM programs that is offered nation-wide and qualification includes conservative credit, income and home value requirements.

For many home owners, life events often lead to them refinancing their mortgage or selling their home within the first seven years of a mortgage loan.  If you know of such an event in your future, that it one more reason why this may be the perfect product for you.

Contact

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate and is based on a loan amount of $417,000.  Payment example of $1,872.52 per month. Rate and terms are subject to change without notice. Loan subject to credit and income. Membership required.

Matadors Community Credit Union is an equal opportunity lender.

I happened upon this video today on CNN. And lo and behold…Clark Howard – CNN’s Money Expert – is talking about getting the best deal for a car loan at a credit union. I’m biased, but I agree. Especially if you already have a car, and a car loan. I can’t speak for all credit unions, but here at MCCU, we are offering rates as low as 1.99% APR*, with 90 days NO PAYMENTS**. So if you have a used auto and are making payments, call us for a quote! We may be able to save you money each month. And who doesn’t like saving money?

You can also apply online for a fast response – and with no application fees to boot!

So listen to Mr. Howard – he is the Money Expert after all! Go to a credit union for your next car loan or refinance!

* APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as of 01/01/12 and are subject to change at any time. Must meet credit and income criteria. Rate quoted is the preferred rate with a 24-month term. Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Sample Payment: $510.44 (based on 24 month new/used car loan, $12,000, 1.99% APR). Other rates and terms available. Restrictions may apply. Existing MCCU Auto Loans not eligible for refinancing. Membership required.
** Interest will accrue from date of funding.

Really?

Most of us can’t afford to buy a loved one a new car for the holidays, let’s get real. Especially a Lexus, Mercedes, BMW… However – there is something you can do for a loved one that involves a vehicle this holiday season. If they already have a car they love, or simply can’t afford a new car, talk to them about refinancing their loan! If their car is, let’s say, two years old – chances are their rate is fairly high, by today’s standards. If they refinanced at a lower rate, they may be able to save hundreds of dollars each month on their payments. What a wonderful gift, especially in this economy!

I’ll give you an example: Billy Jones bought his Nissan Altima in 2009. His rate was 5% when he got the loan, with a 48-month term and an original balance of $25,000. He now owes $13,000 and his monthly payments are $576. If he refinanced his loan now, at a rate of 2.99% annual percentage rate for 48 months, his new payment would be $288, cutting his monthly payment in half!

So how is this a gift, you ask? Maybe your family and friends didn’t realize they could refinance their loan, or just need that little nudge to do it. Show them this example and how much money they could possibly save. I think Billy would be ecstatic to save almost $300 a month!

MCCU has GREAT, low rates on auto loans, PLUS there are no payments for the first 60 days! Give the gift of Refinancing this holiday season – you and your recipient will have a very joyous holiday!

Do you have an auto loan with another lender – a bank perhaps? Would you like to lower your monthly payment? Of course you would. We’ve all been so preoccupied with checking accounts and debit cards that auto loans are being neglected. If you don’t already know your rate/monthly payment on your car loan, definitely find out what they are. You could be saving money!

Matadors Community Credit Union has great deals on new and used (refinances too!) auto loans right now, as low as 1.99% annual percentage rate!* We have other rates/terms as well. Let us quote you on your car loan and see if you can save money with us. Plus, you won’t have to make a payment for the first 60 days!**

Let’s call every day Auto Loan Transfer Day from now on. If you can save money each month, why not switch? Call us or go online and apply. We don’t charge any applications fees, so you have nothing to lose; only money to gain each month!

______________________________________________________

* APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rates as of 10/01/11 and are subject to change at any time. Must meet credit and income criteria. Rate quoted is the preferred rate with a 24-month term. Subject to credit approval and membership eligibility. Sample Payment: $510.44 (based on 24 month new/used car loan, $12,000, 1.99% APR). Other rates and terms available. Restrictions may apply. Existing MCCU Auto Loans not eligible for refinancing. Membership required.

** Interest will accrue from date of funding.

According to an article on CNNMoney.com:

Flooded vehicles are dangerous because the water damages the mechanical and electrical systems that control safety features. That means anti-lock brakes and turn signals can fail, airbags may not deploy in an accident, or — as in one unfortunate buyer’s case — the entire engine can simply blow up.  Health issues are another concern. Chemicals and filth can get into the seats and ventilation, and can result in a buildup of mold and bacteria.

See full article from DailyFinance.

The best way to avoid purchasing a flooded vehicle is to take it to a trusted mechanic before you buy it. If you are purchasing the car online, find a mechanic who is not connected to the seller and have them check the car out for you.

If you do purchase a used car that is in good condition, finance it with MCCU! We have low rates, no application fees, and no payments for 60 days (interest will accrue)! You can even apply online for  fast response.
Good luck in your new car search – and remember, an informed shopper is a happy shopper!

One of life’s greatest conveniences is the automobile. It can, however, become quite cumbersome when not maintained properly and unexpected expenses arise due to necessary repairs.  All too often, required and preventative maintenance needs can easily fall by the wayside, resulting in a shorter life span for the car.  Unmaintained cars often break down faster than those that receive regular service and care, resulting in hundreds, even thousands, of avoidable repair bills. The California Department of Motor Vehicles would like to offer common maintenance tips that will certainly lengthen the life of your car.

The following represents a list of tips that provide a general overview of basic maintenance. Be sure to check your owner’s manual for more specific directions on how to properly maintain your car:

Belts

Through preventative care for your car, you can reduce the chances of it breaking down and leaving you stranded. Be sure to prevent engine failure by inspecting belts and hoses monthly. Replace worn, glazed or frayed belts. Take your car to a mechanic to tighten them when more than 1/2″ of slack can be depressed between the pulleys. Remember to replace bulging, rotten or brittle hoses and tighten hose clamps in order for your car to operate smoothly. If a hose looks bad, or feels too soft or too hard, it should be replaced. If not replaced, a belt or hose can eventually tear or snap apart which could lead to engine failure and possibly leaving you stranded, with a broken down car, at an inopportune time.

Brake Fluid

Don’t wait for the next time someone stops short in front of you to know if your brakes are working properly. Check brake fluid monthly to ensure your brakes have enough fluid to promptly stop. First, wipe dirt from the brake master cylinder reservoir lid. Pry off the retainer clip and remove the rubber cap or unscrew the plastic lid, depending on which type your car has.  If your car is low on brake fluid, you may not be able to stop immediately, potentially leading to a collision. If you need fluid, add the approved type and check for possible leaks throughout the system.

Power Steering Fluid

No one wants to work harder when they don’t have to and the same goes for your car. To keep your car from being over worked, check the power steering fluid level once a month. If the fluid levels aren’t regularly checked, over time the internal power steering components will tend to wear down and become filled with debris, forcing the power steering pump to work harder than it needs to.  Simply remove the reservoir dipstick to check the steering fluid level. If the level is down, add fluid and inspect the pump and hoses for leaks

Transmission Fluid

Check transmission fluid monthly while the engine is warm and still running – make sure the parking brake is also on. With your foot on the brake, shift to the “drive” position and then back to “park.” Remove the dipstick, wipe dry, reinsert it and remove it again. Make sure the fluid level is above the line marked “MIN,” or as recommended in the owner’s manual. Failure to keep transmission fluid at the minimum level can lead to car problems such as erratic transmission shifts or, at times, damage to the system. If needed, add only the approved fluid type.  Check your owner’s manual for the approved fluid type for your car.

Engine Oil

Check your oil at least once a month. Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean. Reinsert it fully and remove it again. You should be able to easily see the level of oil on the dipstick. If it is low, add the recommended oil type. The performance levels are dependent on the type of oil used.   To maintain peak performance, refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturers recommended mileage for oil changes.  Manufacturers typically recommend an oil change at 5,000, 7,000, or even 10,000 miles, depending on driving conditions. Replace oil filter with every oil change. Changing the engine oil in a car will keep the engine clean and lubricated; if ignored it could lead to an engine failure.

Smog

Going green has been the new trend and it applies to your car , too. Don’t get caught driving an environmentally hazardous vehicle. Cars registered in areas subject to the biennial smog certification programs are required to submit evidence of a smog certification every other renewal period. Owners of cars six or less model years old will pay an annual smog abatement fee for the first six registration years instead of being required to provide a biennial smog certification. The registration renewal notice mailed to you by the Department of Motor Vehicles will indicate if a smog certification is required. If a smog certification is required, and you have not had a smog inspection, you may still pay your registration fees to avoid any late fees. However, you will not receive your new registration or year sticker until the smog information has been received by the DMV. It is important to get smog checks to assess your car’s emission levels. Cars with excessive emissions are required to be repaired before returning to the road. For more information on smog checks and where to find a smog test station nearest you, check our website www.dmv.ca.gov

As you squeeze in that last summer or fall road trip, be sure to keep up the maintenance of your car to ensure that you will reliably, and safely, get to your destination. The DMV recognizes that some people may be less car savvy than others.  Auto repair shops and other businesses in the auto industry can assist you with the upkeep of your car. A well-maintained car will last years beyond its life expectancy and save you money over time. Remember to check your owner’s manual for specific maintenance needs and visit our site, www.dmv.ca.gov to watch videos about car maintenance.

If you need a new car, or simply want to refinance your well-maintained car, contact MCCU for a low-rate, no application fee auto loan! And, you won’t have to make any payments for the first 60 days (interest will accrue)!

Summer is here and we are going tropical! Visit any branch and enter to win a weekly drawing for either a $50 L&L Hawaiian Barbecue or Roy’s Hawaiian restaurant gift cards! While you’re here, enjoy Hawaiian music and find out more about all of the great products and services we have to offer, like:

• Free Checking
• Low-Rate Auto Loans
• MasterMoney Debit Cards
• Free Online Banking and Bill Pay
• No Annual Fee Credit Cards with Rewards

Visit us today and enter to win!

Aloha Days will run August 1-31, 2011. One gift card awarded weekly, with five winners total. One entry per person. No purchase necessary. Winners will be chosen by random drawing each Friday and the winner will be notified the following Monday.

 FHA Loans:  These loans can require as little at 3.5% as a down payment.  They are available for purchases and refinances (even if you have little to no equity in your home).  FHA loans are available up to $729,750 and you don’t have to be a first time home buyer to qualify for this type of loan.  The home needs to be your primary residence unless you cosign for a significant other or child and they are occupying the home as their primary residence.

VA Loans:  As the name implies, these loans are designed for veterans, and offer some terrific benefits, including no down payment requirement, and you may even be able to have the seller pay your closing costs.  You will be required to have your DD214, and you’ll want to check with the Veteran’s Association to determine your eligibility, or visit www.vba.va.gov, but you do not need to be a first time home buyer.

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac:  Two of the most popular government sponsored loans available, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer loans for purchases, refinances and even cash-out refinances.  They will require a minimum of a 5% down payment.  Their conforming loan limits max out at $417,000.  However, high balance conforming loans are available up to $729,750.  These are the typical loans you see advertised in the newspaper most often. Most borrowers are taking advantage of the low 30 and 15 year rates and you will typically save one-half percent for the 15 year loan.

Streamline Rehabilitation Program, aka Streamline 203(k):  This government backed program is also a great option for homeowners and homebuyers. Its appeal to homebuyers lies in the fact that you can purchase a home that is damaged, and needs repair, with the loan including the amount of money needed for the repairs, up to an additional $35,000. A down payment for purchases can be as little as 3.5%. Similarly, if you already own a home that desperately needs repairs, a refinance may be available to you above the current value of the home, including the cost of home repairs and improvements.

 CalSTRS:  The California State Teachers Retirement System is available to employees of California Public Schools and Community Colleges.  These 15-year and 30-year fixed purchase loans are offered through an exclusive program, and offer loans ranging from $417,000 to $834,000.  Check www.calstrs.com for eligibity.

Refi-Plus: This government sponsored refinance loan is available to allow homeowners to refinance with little to no-equity in their home (up to 125% of the home’s value) if the loan was previously owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

If you need more information on whether you qualify for a government sponsored loan, or have questions about whether any of these loans are right for you, contact the MCCU Loan Department at 818.993.6328 or go online for more information!