Chaffey FCU Spring 2025 Newsletter

Happy Spring, Chaffey Members!

This is one of my favorite times of year: the weather is perfect for spending time outside, and the evenings (at least for a few months) are still cool enough to enjoy wrapping up in something cozy. I am excited that my lemon tree at home looks like it will bear some fruit for the first time this year! The promise of fresh lemons is enticing, yet that tree has deceived us a few times over the past years since we planted it.

There are a number of other circumstances where something might look promising and turn out to be a disappointment. It is important that we educate ourselves on the full story and try not to take things at face value. One example of this in Chaffey FCU’s world is the current potential threat to federal credit unions’ tax exempt status. While efforts are being made at the federal level to increase income and reduce expenses (what business or individual would not want that??), the removal of our tax-exempt status would have a minimal impact on the federal budget, yet it would cause a significant shift in how Chaffey FCU operates. I urge you to visit donttaxmycreditunion.org and submit a letter to your local representative in favor of protecting your credit union’s tax status. This would be a major help in turning lemons into lemonade!

Another area to be mindful that things are not always as they seem comes in the form of fraud attempts. Rest assured, Chaffey FCU does everything in our power to protect our membership from fraud, yet there will always be those that work to breach those protections. No one is immune to receiving fraudulent phone calls, text messages and e-mails from scammers; as the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense. Read below in the newsletter for things you can do to identify messages from scammers and protect yourself and your funds from loss.

For this quarter’s newsletter recipe, I want to share a family favorite, and I’ll pivot from talking about lemons to another type of citrus: try this delicious key lime pie. It is my husband’s favorite, and a staple at his birthday every year. I do not think I had ever tried key lime pie before I made this for him the first time, and I have to say, the results are worth it!

From the team at Chaffey FCU, enjoy the spring weather! As always, thank you for your membership.

Diane Kotlewski

Chief Executive Officer

Illuminating our Community with the Power of Financial Wellness.

Chaffey FCU is proud to announce that we are now a Community Charter Credit Union!

In our mission to light the way for our community to reach their financial goals, Chaffey FCU is now a Community Charter Credit Union. We are proud to offer our services to everyone who lives, works or regularly conducts business in, attends school, or worships in select parts of our southwestern San Bernardino and eastern Los Angeles County communities.*

Chaffey FCU was established by the Chaffey Unified School district in 1964 - and our dedication to education during this change remains unwavering. Chaffey FCU will continue to work directly with schools in our community to provide hands-on student financial education, specialized products for school staff, and scholarships. Now, we are able to share the light of financial wellness with more individuals and families in our community. Our free and low-cost financial services, education resources, W.I.S.E. Financial Coaching, and more are available to all of the schools, businesses, and families in our Community Charter Membership Field.

FIELD OF MEMBERSHIP

The Schools and Select Employer Groups (SEGs) previously included in field of Membership are not effected by this change. Now, employees and families of those organizations can easily refer friends and family to Chaffey FCU Membership!

Introducing Auto Alliance

An exciting new car shopping experience for Chaffey FCU Members.

As opposed to a traditional dealership, which tends to push the cars they have in stock, AutoAlliance helps you find the car that fits your lifestyle. From family vehicles to rare sports cars, AutoAlliance’s bespoke shopping experience and decades of expertise will put you at ease — and behind the wheel!

Get to Know AutoAlliance

W.I.S.E. Workshops Introduced at Ontario City Library

In May and June, our Certified W.I.S.E. Financial Coaches illuminated the Ontario City Library with financial education. We welcomed young adults to enhance their financial wellness, with tools and education covering a variety of topics: building a budget for your lifestyle, methods to reduce debt, and how compound interest can build funds in your savings account (or make your loan more expensive!).

Keep an eye out for future public W.I.S.E. workshops from the City of Ontario Magazine of Ontario City Library Events Webpage.

W.I.S.E.

Back to School Resources

Late nights, beach days, and vacations - there’s nothing quite like the freedom of Summer Break.

Make the most of summer while it lasts, the first day of the new school year will be here before you know it! As you get ready for your family to jump into a new school year, Chaffey FCU is prepared to help. With exclusive services to assist all school and district staff, and opportunities to help families save on school expenses, Chaffey FCU is your stop for back-to-school finances.

Skip-a-Pay: Qualified Members can skip a payment on their Chaffey FCU Personal Loan, Auto Loan, or Credit Card to keep some extra money in your wallet for back-to-school shopping!*

Back-to-School Personal Loan: If you need some additional help this school year, avoid high-interest rate debt and choose a Chaffey FCU Personal Loan with rates as low as 9.99% APR**. From laptops, school clothing, or moving costs - a Personal Loan offers the flexibility to cover your school season essentials.

For School Employees: When school employees have to turn to their own funds to support students, a 0% APR*** School Supplies Loan can provide extra support. The Chaffey FCU School Supplies Loan is available to any staff employed by a school or district. Apply today and borrow up to $1,000.

*Skip-a-pay Addendum amends your Loan Disclosure Statement and Agreement regarding your loan payment; Complete details at chaffey.com/skip-a-payment. Must pay a $20 fee on each loan skipped. Cannot skip consecutive months. Member must be in good standing with Chaffey FCU. Each loan is allowed a maximum of six (6) skips for the life of the loan.

**APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate accurate as of 6/24/25, estimated payment is $ for every $1,000 borrowed at 9.99% for 48 months. The rate and APR are subject to change without notice. Rates shown include 0.50% discount which is the maximum discount offered through our members Rewards Program. Your rate and term will be based on your credit history.

***APR: Annual Percentage Rate. Advertised rate quote as of 6/24/2025, estimated payment is $100/month per $1,000 borrowed. Loan subject to approval and income verification. No credit check required. Applicants must be individuals employed by a school/school district for approval, loan not available for use by organizations or businesses. Maximum loan amount is $1,000; minimum monthly payment is $50. Maximum loan term is 10 months, must be paid in full by end of school year (June 30, 2025). Members can only have one (1) school supply loan at a time. Federally insured by the NCUA.

Make waves with a Summer Savings Club Account

Your financial success is our passion. That's why the Chaffey FCU Summer Savings Club Account is available to all Members.* Enjoy effortless, high-yield savings with a Summer Savings Club Account.

All Members: The Chaffey FCU Summer Savings Club is available to all Members who meet the direct deposit/payroll deduction requirements.

High Dividends: Watch your savings grow with high dividends, paid out quarterly and at account maturity—just in time for your sunny summer adventures!

Effortless Savings: Set aside $50 to $2,000 each month via direct deposit or payroll deduction. Plus, you can make a one-time extra deposit of up to $2,000 anytime during the program year.

Fixed Rate: Earn 6.00% APY* (5.87% APR*) for the entire term!

Flexible Withdrawals: Enjoy the freedom to withdraw your funds anytime without penalties, as long as your account is in good standing.

*APY: Annual Percentage Yield, APR: Annual Percentage Rate. Rate advertised is for the 2025-2026 program year. In the event the account is closed or funds are withdrawn before maturity, dividends that have not been credited are forfeited. APY assumes dividends remain in account until maturity; early withdrawals reduce earnings. Dividends begin to accrue once funds are deposited into account. Dividends paid at the end of each calendar quarter and at account maturity on June 15, 2026. Balance computation method is as described in our Truth in Savings Agreement. Monthly direct deposit or payroll deduction of $50 - $2,000 must be set up for account; money transfer apps (i.e.: Zelle, Venmo) do not count as direct deposit. After 60 days of no deposits, Summer Savings Club account will be closed, and funds will be transferred to your regular savings account. Account will not be closed if there are no deposits during the summer months, but will be closed if deposits do not start by October 1, 2025. Earnings transferred to chosen savings account at account maturity. Account automatically renews at maturity with the updated rate for the new program year. Limit 1 Summer Savings Club account per Member. Federally insured by the NCUA.

That’s a Warp

Ending the 2024-25 School Year with Financial Education

The end of the academic year is always our busiest events season - jampacked with hands-on education before the start of summer break. Providing local students with meaningful financial education is at the center of our mission to guide our community towards healthy lives.

In the months leading up to the end of the school year, the Chaffey FCU team is proud to have worked with over 1,400 students in our community! From extensive 5-week courses, Bite of Reality budgeting simulations, and introductions to using financial services, we aim to ensure our students leave workshops with the tools to build lives centered around financial wellness.