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.

A VIN is not merely a random set of 17 characters. Each digit signifies information about the vehicle. A VIN is a vehicles’ DNA; it is unique and unduplicated. For example, the first character identifies the country where the vehicle was made. Each country has a letter or number associated with it- the US is either 1 or 4. The second character identifies the manufacturer such as Toyota or Volkswagen. Each digit of the VIN provides more and more information on the vehicle.

VINs are also printed on several car parts to cut down on part theft. Car parts that are labeled with VINs include transmissions, front and rear bumpers, engines, hoods, right and left doors, sliding cargo doors, right and left quarter panels and side assemblies, pickup/cargo boxes, rear doors and hatchback/deck lid/tailgates.

VINs do not just assist the automotive industry in identifying their vehicles, but can help car buyers avoid fraud. A vehicle’s history is tracked by its VIN and can provide useful information to car buyers. Anyone can view a car’s history using the VIN. Simply enter the VIN into one of the many websites that offer this service (e.g. CARFAX, instaVIN, AutoCheck). Information that a VIN can disclose include:

• Vehicle registration
• Title information, including salvaged or junked titles
• Odometer readings
• Lemon history
• Total loss accident history
• Frame/structural damage
• Collision indicators, such as airbag deployments
• Service and repair information
• Vehicle usage (taxi, rental, lease, etc.)
• Recall information

Vehicle history reports not only help car buyers, but also assist dealers in their sales.  Sellers check the history of the vehicle they are trying to sell so they are prepared to answer any questions regarding the vehicle’s background. Dealers often buy vehicle history reports to provide to their customers to ensure the potential buyer that all information about the vehicle is being disclosed. Dealers also run vehicle history reports prior to acquiring vehicles at auctions to help ensure they are obtaining the vehicle at a fair market value.

What started off as just a tracking system, the VIN has become a useful tool in buying and selling cars. The next time you plan on purchasing a vehicle, remember the VIN is a valuable asset, so use it to look up the vehicle’s history and arm yourself with the tools to make a sound purchase.

For more information on VINs, vehicle history reports and the DMV, please visit www.DMV.ca.gov. Save Time. Go Online!

Need a new car or want to refinance the one you have? Check out MCCU’s low rates and apply today!

• Check balances and view account history and paid checks
• Transfer funds
• Make loan payments (consumer loans only)
• Make payments using Bill Pay
• Find a nearby branch or ATM  (including Co-Op ATM and Shared Branch locations)
• Check current rates

Access from any smartphone.

You can use MCCU’s Mobile Banking with any Internet-enabled smartphone and tablets including iPhone, iPad, Android, and BlackBerry devices.

Easy to use.

Simply go to www.matadors.org from your internet-enabled phone or tablet, and enter your current e-Branch Online Banking user name and password. That’s it! You can read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) here!

Not enrolled in our free e-Branch Online Banking? No problem! Visit www.matadors.org or call us at 818.993.6328 to get started today!

Enjoy banking with MCCU whenever you want, wherever you want with MCCU!

Where: Westfield Village at Topanga – 6360 Topanga Cyn. Blvd., Woodland Hills

When: Saturday, January 7th 9am to 2pm

Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the Topanga Police Youth Board and LAPD West Valley PALS, both 501(c)(3) organizations.

For more information, visit our Facebook page and print the flyer!

Did you know that in 2012, retail stores -including grocery stores- will no longer offer plastic bags? You’ll need to bring your own bags, or pay $0.10 per paper bag. If you have small children, did you know that unless they are at least 4’9″ or 8 years old, they still need to be in a booster seat or car seat? And have you ever quickly eaten your breakfast or put on make-up while driving to work? It’s not an official law, but you can get fined for that.

These are just a few examples of the new laws for Californians in 2012. Please check out this link for a more comprehensive list of all of the new laws for 2012 that may or may not apply to you. But you may know someone who may be affected, so I recommend you read it.

Remember to share this post with your friends and family so they are aware!

Let’s face it. The economy stinks right now. But the holidays are upon us and we want to buy our loved ones gifts, entertain, and possibly even travel. As we saw by the recent events at various Wal-Marts and other locations on Black Friday, shoppers are really stressed out and are doing anything they can to get a good deal.

If you’re like most Americans, your shopping list is a mile long, your social calendar is full, yet your patience is thin and your budget is stretched to the max. So what can you do to achieve your holiday shopping goals and stay sane at the same time?

If your holiday mantra is “Bah Humbug!” rather than “Ho Ho Ho”, try these tips to reduce your stress and enjoy the holiday season:

• Relax your expectations. You don’t have to find the perfect present. You don’t have to cook the perfect meal. Your family loves you for yourself, not for your Beef Wellington.
• Let your kids pitch in. They may turn out to be excellent gift-wrappers or table-setters!
• Stick to your budget. Overspending will add to your stress for months or even years to come. See tip #1.
• Plan ahead. Shop early. Watch for sales. Set up a savings account for next year’s expenses.
• Have a car loan? See if refinancing makes sense, and cents (and dollars) in your pocket!
• Potluck! If you’re entertaining, save money, time and stress by making it a potluck!
• Find time for fun. As they say, laughter is the best medicine!

Holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. Be thankful for what you have, and have fun!

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!

Enjoy live entertainment in the Magical Music Land with carolers, live bands and dance acts. Stop by Santa’s Sweet Shop for hot cocoa, candy, fudge, cookies and other holiday treats. The event raises funds to help Northridge Hospital purchase lifesaving equipment, technology and to support programs for the Richie Pediatric Trauma Center.

Opening Night
Thursday, Dec. 1
6:00 pm – Welcome & Reception
7:00 pm – Tree Lighting Ceremony & Silent Auction
21701 Prairie St., Chatsworth
Bid on exquisitely decorated trees, wreaths, centerpieces and quilts.
Tickets: $25. $15 presale before Friday, Nov. 18
For ticket sales information call (818) 885-5341 ext. 3

Festival Celebration
Friday, Dec. 2 & Saturday, Dec. 3
10:00 am to  9:00 pm
Entertainment & children’s activities, auctions on festival items.
Tickets: Adults - $5. Kids ages 3 to 12 – $3. Free for kids under 2.

For more information, call (818) 885-5341 ext. 3

It is hard to believe but there are close to 90,000 children, just in CCRC’s service area, currently living below the Federal poverty level.  And, as a matter of fact, a greater portion of families and children live in poverty in America today than three decades ago.  CCRC needs your help in making the holidays just a little brighter for some of these deserving children.

WAYS for YOU to GET INVOLVED:

• Host a collection  bin at your location (CCRC will supply the bin, postcards, and posters)
• Donate new, unwrapped toys or books for children ages 0-5 at MCCU’s Northridge branch.
• Make a cash donation and they’ll do the shopping for you

BOOK & TOY DISTRIBUTION:

• Books and toys will be wrapped and personalized for 2,000 children in CCRC’s Head Start Preschool, Family Child Care Home Education Network and School Readiness programs
• Every child in these programs will receive an age appropriate book and toy between December 11^th and December 24^th

ABOUT CCRC:

CCRC, a leader in child development for 35 years, serves over 25,000 children and families each month through its Resource and Referral, Head Start, Book, Toy & Resource Library, School Readiness Initiative, child care financial assistance, child development workshops, and child care provider assistance and training programs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  www.ccrcla.org. /1-818-717-1036 / readabook@ccrcla.org

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.