Quarterly Newsletter – Jan 2022

If either of these reasons is what stops you from saving, don’t worry, we have the products to help you, and tips to make it happen.

First of all, realize that you don’t have to save a large amount. If you set aside just $50 per month, you will save $600 in one year. That could cover the cost of an unexpected doctor bill, an appliance, a car repair, or a trip to your cousin’s wedding.

When to start saving money

You’ve heard the expression, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now”. We believe the same could be said about saving money – the sooner, the better! And if you haven’t started yet, don’t put it off any longer.

Decide to start saving

January is a perfect time to start saving, because many of us are in the “New Year’s Resolution” mood. So take advantage, and make a plan – right now! The great thing about this New Year’s Resolution is that you only have to do it once, then it’s done – and you’ll be saving all year long!

Making it happen

Choose a day in January and write it on your calendar and setup a reminder on your phone. Take a look at these popular savings options, then give us a call or stop in to get started. It will be worth your time!

No matter which option you choose, once it’s set up, it’s automatic! You won’t have to touch it again until you want to make a change.
* Source: Bankrate Emergency Savings Survey, June 22-27, 2021. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/savings/emergency-savings-survey-july-2021

No action is required on your part. Your account will automatically switch to the new account. Your current checking account number and access to your account will remain the same. You may continue to use your ATM or Visa debit card and checks.

To view the new account features and benefits, visit our Checking website page. Our checking accounts are loaded with excellent features and benefits, plus a brand-new feature called Round-up Savings, which can help you easily save money.

Of course, our new checking accounts will still include the bank-from-home features you would expect from any checking account: free* online/mobile banking, surcharge-free** ATMs all over town, remote check deposit, and electronic statements.

If you have any questions after reviewing the information sent to you, please give us a call at 402-492-9100, Ext. 838.

* Text, data and other wireless carrier charges may apply.

** For each non-FNCU branch ATM transaction over four, per account, per month, an ATM Transaction Fee of $2.50 will be assessed. Other bank, credit union, and ATM operators’ surcharges may apply. Cash withdrawals subject to daily limit.

“When I saw First Nebraska was looking for a mascot, I knew I’d be the perfect fit! I represent good fortune, happiness and longevity. I am also a symbol of peace, wisdom, fidelity and goodwill to others, which are all characteristics of the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” and complements FNCU’s company values. Plus, Nebraska is a special place for Sandhill Cranes. Each year, 400,000–600,000 of us stop to rest and refuel in Nebraska during our migration.”

Savvy Crane became the First Nebraska mascot on January 1, 2022. You’ll see Savvy in the branches, on our website, and in our marketing campaigns, as well.

To help you get to know Savvy, we are giving away a Henry Doorly Zoo & Wildlife Safari Park package! For details, visit https://firstnebraska.org/savvy-crane

GOOD FORTUNE • HAPPINESS • LONGEVITY • PEACE • WISDOM

• On December 31, 2021 at 5 pm, our branch lobby at 120th and I Street closed permanently. Our drive-thru will remain open as usual, Monday-Friday from 8 am to 6 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm.
• Coming in Spring 2022! Our new ITM (Interactive Teller Machine)/ATM will open in the 120th and I Street parking lot.
• In early Fall of 2022, we will close the drive-thru and all future transactions will be serviced by the ITM, another branch location, or by using our electronic services.

What can you expect from our new ITM? An ATM and Drive-thru Teller all in one! These services include:

24/7 service with access to a live FNCU teller Mon-Fri 8 am – 6 pm and Sat. 9 am – 12:30 pm.

Choose $1, $5, $20 & $50 bills.

Choose specific cash withdrawal amounts, such as $23, $57, etc.

Transfer money between your Savings and Checking accounts.

Check your Savings and Checking account balance.

Deposit up to 50 checks/cash all at once.

Make a Loan or Credit card payment (during business hours; with the help of a teller on-screen).

Want to speak to an FNCU teller? Simply touch the screen to see and speak with one of our tellers just like in the drive-thru. You can ask them questions, perform account maintenance, or conduct transactions the same as you would with a teller at a branch. Our ITM tellers are FNCU employees, located at our main branch.

Don’t forget the many other ways you can transact your business, such as:

• Online Banking and Mobile Banking
• Remote Check Deposit
• Bill Pay
• Online Loan Applications
• Online Payments (make a payment or transfer funds from another financial institution)
• eSigning (Sign electronically for loans and new accounts. All you need is an email address)
• Phone Banking – Call (531) 600-6797, anytime, anywhere!
• Give Us a Call – an FNCU representative will be happy to assist you over the phone

If you would like to come into a branch to transact your business, we are happy to serve you at one of our three locations in the Greater Omaha area.

Thank you for your membership with First Nebraska Credit Union.

Kayci has been married for 13 years and has 2 sons, Ezra (2.5 years old) and Levi (8 months old). She enjoys cooking, football, boating, and being with family. She plans to visit many college and pro football stadiums around the country to watch the Huskers or Seahawks play.

She looks forward to a long career with First Nebraska and continuing the credit union mission of people helping people.

What is a beneficiary?

Put simply, a beneficiary is somebody who receives your assets at your death. Generally, these are only available for certain types of accounts, such as individual retirement accounts and life insurance policies. According to certified financial planner Justin Pritchard, there are two different types of beneficiaries: primary and contingent. The primary beneficiary is your first choice, while the contingent beneficiary is a backup in case the primary beneficiary is no longer living.

However, you’re not limited to just one of each. “You can have multiple primary beneficiaries in some cases,” Pritchard says. “You could have three primary beneficiaries, all of which receive 33.3 percent of assets.” You can even name a trust or your estate as a beneficiary, though if you want to leave money to a minor, you should consult an estate planning attorney as that’s a more complicated matter.

Why is a beneficiary important?

Naming a beneficiary helps eliminate confusion after your death. By setting up a beneficiary for all of your accounts, you leave no doubt as to what should be done with your insurance proceeds and hard-earned money. This can save time and headaches over paperwork, as well as ensure the financial well-being of your loved ones in a timely manner — which is particularly important if the money in one of your accounts was meant to cover funeral expenses.

“If you pass away without naming beneficiaries…it can create legal entanglements for your heirs,” writes financial expert George D. Lambert. He explains that even if you have a will, your loved ones must still go through the probate process to get what you left them. This can be expensive and take a long time if they fight over your assets. Designating beneficiaries simplifies the whole process and leaves no room for argument. “You list who will get the money and what percentage each will receive,” Lambert says. “Then, after you die, your beneficiaries present a death certificate to the financial institution and fill out a form. The check arrives in a few weeks. There’s no probate, no court involvement, no expense.”

Life insurance and annuities

According to Julia Kagan, personal finance editor for Investopedia, life insurance proceeds are tax-free to the beneficiary. They are also not reported as gross income. Nonetheless, she adds that “any interest received or accrued is considered taxable and is reported as any other interest received.” Most life insurance and annuity companies have forms that allow you to decide how beneficiaries receive the death benefit. Typically, you would choose between three payment options: lump-sum, period certain and amortization over the beneficiary’s life expectancy. You may even combine payment methods; for example, you could have your beneficiary receive a portion of the death benefit as a lump sum, with the rest paid over time. Just remember that the standard form used by the financial institution might not be good enough for you, so it’s advisable to work with an expert to ensure everything is the way you want it.

Individual retirement accounts

Unlike life insurance and annuities, individual retirement accounts normally pay out based on the institution’s own policy, not what you dictate. Furthermore, only your spouse, if named as the primary beneficiary, can inherit your IRA and treat it like their own retirement account. They may be able to roll it into their existing IRA or leave it as an inherited IRA; and once they have inherited your IRA, they can also name their own beneficiaries for it. This can be a downside if, for example, your spouse remarries and passes along your IRA assets to someone else while leaving out your children. One of the ways to get around this is to name a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA, which can help protect your assets. However, this can also be costly and must be precisely drafted to accomplish what you want. As a result, it’s best to first explore your options and, if you are set on designating a fund as your IRA beneficiary, to do so with a financial attorney.

Setting up beneficiaries for your accounts is one of the most important parts of estate planning. And because there’s no way to know for certain when you will pass away, it’s also important to get it done right the first time, as well as every subsequent time you review your plans. Because of this, it can truly pay off — for your loved ones — to hire expert financial help.

New board members will be voted on at the meeting. The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who represent the entire membership. Phil Kottmeyer was appointed Nominating Chair for 2022.

The FNCU Nominating Committee has announced its nominations for the board positions. The nominees are: Nancy Wallace, Mike Hoskovec, and Julie Beers. These candidates are currently serving on the Board of Directors and have agreed to continue to serve if elected. Since the number of candidates presented by the Nominating Committee is equal to the number of positions to be filled, we are not seeking additional candidates at this time.

If you have questions about the election process, you may contact the Nominating Committee at: First Nebraska Credit Union, Attn: Phil Kottmeyer, Nominating Committee, 10655 Bedford Ave., Omaha, NE 68134.