Spring2011

SERV I NG ANOKA , CH I S AGO , D AKOTA , H ENNEP I N , R AMSE Y & WASH I NG TON COUNT I E S

Some monthly expenses you can prepare for and some take you by surprise. Either way, when it’s time to spend you’ll know your PCU Blue, Blue Rewards or Gold Visa Credit Card is giving you something in return.

PCU has the right card for your personal and/or business use. Personal lines start as low as $500 and can go as high as $30,000. Enjoy a variety of perks and benefits depending upon the card you choose, including:

�■ Low standard rates*�■ Built in fraud protection�■ Cash back or CU Rewards �■ No annual fee**�■ Local representatives to assist you over the phone or in person�■ Online account management through PCU Online Banking

Apply 24/7 online at www.postalcu.org or by phone at 651 770-7000 or 800 247-0857. Or, visit any PCU location and one of our friendly Member Service Representatives will assist you.

Because Real Life Spending Isn’t Always Planned, There’s PCU Blue, Blue Rewards & Gold Visa

*Ratessubjecttochange.Forcurrentratesanddisclosureinformationvisitwww.postalcu.org.**TheBlueRewardsCardwillhaveanannualfeeafterthefirstyear.

Pg. 3 – Annual Meeting Dinner Tickets on Sale

Pg. 4 – PCU Commits to Meals on Wheels

Pg. 4 – A Better Way to Save for Retirement

Pg. 5 – Meet the Board Candidates

Pg. 6 – Thinking About Starting a Business in Minnesota?

Pg. 7 – Frequently Asked Questions About MEMBERS Financial

In This Issue:

Joinyourfellowmember-ownersatthisyear’sAnnualMeeting,setforSunday,May1atthePromCenterinOakdale.Seepage3fordetails.

When your credit union first opened in 1926, we offered only savings accounts. A short time later, loans were added to the product line up. Fast forward to 2011 and it’s evident PCU has come a long way since those early days. Now, 85 years later, your credit union is a full-service financial center, offering a wide range of services to meet your ever-changing financial needs.

We live in a time of great opportunity, where advancements in technology and new product development enable us to serve you better, faster and more efficiently. These advances provide the means to take existing products and services and enhance or replace them to make them more beneficial to your life today.

With that in mind, I would like to share just a sample of what’s new at PCU: To provide you with a more cost-effective way to manage life’s expected and unexpected expenses, your credit union recently introduced the new PCU Blue and PCU Blue Rewards credit cards, featured in this issue of Dollars & Sense. To help you better manage your daily finances, we will soon roll out a streamlined and enhanced checking account line up, designed to capture the best features and benefits of our current offerings, including free checking. Also in the works is a new Online Banking and Bill Pay system, a new and

improved website, Mobile Banking and more.

In addition to these exciting changes, PCU continues to offer exceptionally low auto and mortgage loan rates. If you are in the market to buy, now is the time to lock in a great rate and save!

The future holds many exciting things for your credit union, as we continue to expand and improve the many ways we serve you. Of course, none of this would be possible without your ongoing support. We are proud to be your financial partner and are committed to providing you with sound financial solutions and unparalleled service.

Attend the Annual MeetingTickets are now on sale for your credit union’s Annual Meeting on May 1 at the Prom Center in Oakdale. Join your fellow owner/members and take part in democracy in action. See page 3 for details. I look forward to seeing you there.

2 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g 6 5 1 7 7 0 - 7 0 0 0

Dollars & Sense is published quarterly for members of Postal Credit Union.

Editor: Cindy KurtzContributors: Shannon Garrity

Operating under supervision of the Minnesota Department of Commerce

Member of River Cities Chapter Minnesota Credit Union Network and CUNA, Inc.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJames C. Bryan, Chairman Keith E. Hauge, Vice Chairman Daniel L. Blees, Secretary Allan J. Brennan Laurie M. LudwigRoger L. McClure Judy A. SchadewaldRobert E. Vance Jr.Mary A. White

SUPERVISORY COMMITTEELisa M. Liddell, ChairpersonJim Carrier

STAFFRussell M. Plunkett, PresidentDennis R. Bauer, Executive Vice PresidentBrian G. Sherrick, Executive Vice PresidentJeanine S. Swanson, Senior Vice PresidentLawrence J. Miggler, Senior Vice President Alisha J.R. Johnson, Vice PresidentKelly R. Johnson, Vice PresidentMichael C. Rush, Vice President

All Offices8-5:00 pm ..................................... 651 770-7000

Toll Free* 8-5:00 pm ..................... 800 247-0857

TTY Deaf or Hard of Hearing 8-5:00 pm ..................................... 651 773-2808

PAL Local ........................... 651 773-2PAL (2725)

PAL Toll Free* ................................ 800 223-1933

Fax ................................................ 651 773-2901

Fax, Toll Free* ............................... 800 494-4980

VISA TTY Deaf or Hard of Hearing ... 800 221-7728

Investment Center ......................... 651 773-2876

Mortgage Center ............................ 651 747-4663

Business Services ......................... 651 747-8900

* Except Alaska and Hawaii.

www.postalcu.org

Founded in 1926 as St. Paul Postal Employees Credit Union.

President’s Corner

What’s New at PCU

8 0 0 2 4 7 - 0 8 5 7 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g 3

Join fellow PCU members at this year’s Annual Meeting, set for Sunday, May 1, at the Prom Center in Oakdale, just north of I-94 at 484 Inwood Avenue/Radio Drive (County Road 13 – see map). All members are invited to attend the Business Meeting and enjoy a good meal. A sign language interpreter will be available for the deaf or hard of hearing, with designated seating near the front of the ballroom. The center features plenty of free parking.

Learn about PCU’s many opportunities!

The Annual Meeting’s popular “tradeshow” gives you the chance to learn more about PCU’s Mortgage & Title services, Business Services, Consumer Services, MEMBERS Financial, and the PCU Community Foundation.

Prizes and gifts – A total of 20 door prizes will be given away, and everyone in attendance will receive a free gift.

Dinner – Enjoy a delicious dinner of Homemade Pot Roast, loaded mashed potatoes, carrots and pea pods, gourmet salad, assorted breads with sweet cream butter, Tiramisu cake for dessert, and coffee, decaffeinated coffee or tea. Milk is available upon request. A cash bar will be available. Please note: Tickets

will be collected prior to serving the meal, so be sure to bring yours!

Tickets – Seating is limited, so buy your ticket early! The cost is $10.00; tickets must be purchased by Monday, April 25 or before they are sold out – whichever comes first! You may purchase tickets four ways:

ONLINE – Use the convenient form on our website at www.postalcu.org.

BY MAIL – An order form is included in this newsletter.

IN PERSON – From any Teller.

BY PHONE – Call 651 770-7000 or 800 247-0857. Payment will be deducted from your account.

There will be NO REFUNDS on ticket purchases. You do not need a dinner ticket to attend the Business Meeting only.

Registration information

YOU MUST BE REGISTERED BEFORE the Business Meeting begins at 1:00 p.m. to vote, obtain your gift or be entered into the door prize drawing! You will be asked for identification at the Annual Meeting to establish your membership for voting. Your

driver’s license, account statement, or this copy of DOLLARS & SENSE showing your name on the address label, will be sufficient. All primary members age 18 and older with at least $1 in a Share Savings account are eligible to vote. Additional joint owners of an account do not qualify. A member must be present to vote. An organization, society, or corporation having a membership in the credit union may cast its vote by one person upon presentation of written authority.

Nominations for the Board of Directors are not allowed from the floor at the Annual Meeting. The following candidates have submitted letters of intent to run, and will appear on the ballot at this year’s meeting. Three candidates will be selected to serve on the Board of Directors for a three year term. (See candidate biographies on page 5.)

Board of Directors Candidates

Expiring three year term:Allan J. Brennan*James C. Bryan*Keith E. Hauge*Peter S. Olsen

Tickets Now on Sale for 2011 Annual Meeting!

Sunday, May 1, 2011Registration 12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Business Meeting 1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Dinner 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Order FormPleasesendmeAnnualMeetingdinnertickets.

_______TicketsX$10.00=$__________PAYMENTENCLOSED

ChargemyPCUaccount:hSavingshChecking

Name_____________________________________________________________________

Address___________________________________________________________________

City_______________________________ State ___________ Zip ________________

DaytimePhone_____________________ AccountNumber_______________________

Mailto: AnnualMeetingDinnerTickets,PostalCreditUnion, 8499TamarackRoad,Woodbury,MN55125

*Incumbent

4 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g 6 5 1 7 7 0 - 7 0 0 0

An Individual Retirement Account (IRA) is a smart way to save for your future.

With disciplined savings and its tax advantages, an IRA can help you reach a more secure and comfortable retirement. The sooner you start, the better. PCU

offers both an IRA Money Market accounts and IRA Certificates of Deposit (CD). Unlike many financial institutions, PCU offers

no account setup fees, no minimum balance fees and no maintenance fees.

Simply open or add a minimum of $2,000 in new money to a PCU IRA CD or IRA Money Market and you’re automatically entered into a random drawing for one of 10 $100 gas cards.*

If you have an IRA or retirement funds at another financial or in a former employer’s 401k or pension plan, now is the perfect time to move it to PCU.

Opening your IRA is fast and easy. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing your IRA is insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA. Call today for more information or visit www.postalcu.org. Hurry, offer ends April 30, 2011.

PCU Commits to Meals on Wheels with Donation, VolunteersHow important is a warm meal to an elderly or disabled person unable to get out on a cold winter day? Ask any of the Meals on Wheels volunteers at PCU and they will tell you it’s very important – not just for the recipients, but for them as well.

Since their first delivery on July 3, 2003, the 10 volunteers and two backups have never missed a regular Thursday delivery. When volunteers heard about funding challenges the Ramsey County-based program faced, coordinators Jennifer Hanson and Michelle Youngquist approached the PCU Community Foundation for help. “Michelle and I serve on the Causal for a Cause Committee and felt the Meals on Wheels program was a perfect fit for the foundation’s mission of giving back to our local communities,” Hanson said. “There is such passion among the volunteers for this program and the relationships that we have developed are very special. It’s more than just food, it’s about friendship and making sure these neighbors are doing well.”

The request received overwhelming support, and Hanson and Youngquist recently presented a check for $1,000 to Meals on Wheels representatives Diane Everson and Gigi Fitzpatrick. Every other Friday, PCU employees wear casual clothes to work and contribute $2.00 to the “Casual for a Cause” fund. Proceeds are then donated to worthwhile local and national causes through the PCU Community Foundation.

Meals on Wheels helps people maintain a healthy lifestyle and remain living independently in their homes as long as possible. Volunteers deliver each hot meal at lunchtime, Monday

through Friday, also providing a daily safety check and friendly interaction. The Ramsey Country program serves an estimated 900 meals a day.

Established in 2005, the PCU Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) serving the greater Twin Cities metro area. Every dollar received by the foundation goes back into our local communities. If you are interested in supporting the foundation, consider making a tax-deductible donation. You can do so online at www.postalcu.org, at any PCU branch location, or by mail. Make checks payable to:

PCU Community Foundation8499 Tamarack RoadWoodbury MN 55125

PCUrepresentativesMichelleYoungquist(left)andJenniferHanson(right)recentlypresentedacheckfor$1,000tobenefittheRamseyCountyMealsonWheelsprogram.AcceptingthedonationwasDianeEversonandGigiFitzpatrick(center).PCUvolunteershavebeeninvolvedintheMealsonWheelsprogramsince2003andhavenevermissedaregularThursdaydelivery.

Save for Retirement and Win!

*Aminimumof$2,000ormoreinnewmoneyfromoutsidePCUrequiredtoopenoraddtoexistingaccount.ThefollowingAnnualPercentageYields(APYs)areeffectiveasofMarch1,2011:IRAMoneyMarketupto$2,500=0.30%APY.IRACDyieldsrangefrom0.15%-2.02%APYdependingoninitialinvestmentandterm.Forcurrentratesandofficialrulesvisitwww.postalcu.org.Apenaltymaybeimposedforearlywithdrawal.Feesmayreduceearnings.PCUreservestherighttodebittheaccountforvalueoftheGasCardifclosedwithin90daysofaccountopening.Nopurchasenecessary.OfferexpiresApril30,2011.

8 0 0 2 4 7 - 0 8 5 7 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g 5

The following candidates are running for election to the PCU Board of Directors at this year’s Annual Meeting.

Allan J. Brennan

Allan J. Brennan has been a PCU member since 1952. He has been on the Board of Directors since 1996 and prior to that served on the Supervisory Committee for two years. He is chairperson of the Technology

Committee and a member of the Asset & Liability and Policy committees. Al states “As credit unions are continuing to survive the current conditions of the economy it is imperative that our credit union is competitive, and continues to service our members’ expectations.”

James C. Bryan

James C. Bryan joined PCU in 1949 and has served as Chairman of the Board for the past 15 years. He attends all board committee meetings and participates in credit union planning sessions. Jim

is actively involved in the credit union movement and regularly attends chapter, network, national events and programs to stay on top of changes in the industry. He also volunteers his time and talents to help with civic, church and community activities. Jim firmly believes in the cooperative spirit of credit unions big and small working together.

Keith E. Hauge

Keith E. Hauge has been a PCU member since 1956. Keith has served on the Board of Directors since 1980 and is currently Vice Chairman. He is Chairman of the Asset & Liability committee, and a member

of the Policy, Executive/Investment, and Technology committees. Keith was a letter carrier for 37 years before he retired. He was the treasurer for the Branch 28 National Association of Letter Carriers Union for 18 years. He enjoys fishing, gardening and walking.

Peter S. Olsen

Peter S. Olsen has been a practicing Certified Public Accountant for over 10 years and has lived in the Twin Cities and worked for the same CPA firm, Wipfli, LLP, for the last six years. As a manager in Wipfli’s Nonprofit

and Governmental Practice, he is in charge of approximately 30 annual audits of nonprofit organizations in seven different states. Peter is also a trainer in the company’s external training group. He specializes in accounting topics covering preparing for an audit, knowing the current changes to accounting rules, how to hire an auditor and establishing internal controls in a small accounting office. In the last year Peter has presented at conferences in Atlanta, Syracuse, Las Vegas and Wisconsin along with conducting numerous webinars for participants all over the country. Peter states he hopes to be a resource for PCU and provide financial-related expertise to the Board of Directors.

Meet the Board Candidates

If you’re a borrower with less than a 20% down payment, you should consider Single Financed Mortgage Insurance (SFMI). It offers lower monthly payments and less paperwork, the all–in–one solution. You even get the security of involuntary unemployment insurance at no additional cost.

Additional benefits:

�■ No monthly borrower–paid mortgage insurance�■ Maximum tax deductibility.*�■ Safeguards on your home investment.

For more information, contact PCU Mortgage at 651 747-HOME (4463) or visit www.postalcu.org.

Thinking About Buying a Home But Don’t Have 20% Down? That’s OK

*Checkwithyourtaxadvisorforadviceontaxdeductions.Programsavailableonlytoqualifiedborrowers.Programssubjecttochangewithoutnotice.Underwritingtermsandconditionsapply.Somerestrictionsmayapply.**LoanmustoriginateandclosewithPCUMortgageandPCUTitlebyApril30,2012.Purchasesonly,notvalidonrefinance.CannotbecombinedwithanyotherPCUoffer.

Home Buyers Seminar Planned for HugoLet PCU’s home loan specialists answer your questions about purchasing your dream home. Learn about current market conditions and develop a plan to reach your goals. Receive $250 off your closing costs when you finance and close with PCU Mortgage and PCU Title.**PCU Hugo Office14750 Victor Hugo Blvd. N, Hugo MNTuesday, April 12 – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.Saturday, April 16 – 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Refreshments will be served. Space is limited so reserve your seat today! Sign up at www.postalcu.org.

6 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g 6 5 1 7 7 0 - 7 0 0 0

(Editor’snote:Ifyouarealong-timecreditunionmemberandproudofit,pleasecallCindyKurtzat651747-8962orsendanemailwithyournameandphonenumber{pleasedonotincludeaccountnumber}tockurtz@postalcu.orgtobeincludedinafutureissueofDollars&Sense.)

Transcript of Annual Meeting available. If you aren’t able to attend the May 1 Annual Meeting, you can still find out what happened by ordering a transcript of the event. Simply address your request to: Annual Meeting Transcript, Postal Credit Union, 8499 Tamarack Road, Woodbury MN 55125.

Need cash but can’t always run to an ATM? Your PCU Cash & Check Card enables you to get cash back at the grocery store, gas station or other participating retailer. Just choose “DEBIT”, enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number) and indicate the amount of cash you would like to receive back. Please note cash-back options depend on merchant guidelines and are not determined by your credit union.

As a PCU member, there’s never been a better time to save money on your wireless service. Enjoy exclusive discounts on Sprint’s wireless plans, including 10% off most regularly priced Sprint individual service plans and 15% off most regularly priced Sprint business service plans. Get started today at www.sprintsave4cu.com or call 877 728-3428.

Time for a little spring cleaning? Don’t forget to set aside your gently-used children’s coats for collection this fall. PCU will once again take part in the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids drive. For over 25 years the Coats for Kids program has provided more than 277,000 winter coats and accessories to Twin Cities’ children. Watch for more details in the next issue of Dollars & Sense.

Contributions to Casual for a Cause. Thank you to the following member(s)for contributing to your credit union’s “Casual for a Cause” fundraiser for local charities: Shared Branch member Gary McDaniel. Upcoming causes in 2011 will be:

�■ April – June: Meals on Wheels

�■ July – September: Local Area Food Shelves

�■ October – December: Salvation Army Coats for Kids

Please reach into your hearts and wallets to help make a difference in our community.

§§

§

Take Control of Your Financial Future, Start a Business.Do you have an exciting hobby or specialized skills you’d like to turn into a profitable business?

Are you eager to start a new venture but not sure where to begin? Starting a new business may seem like a daunting task, but don’t let that stop you. PCU has resources that can help.

Pick up “A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota” at any PCU location. This comprehensive resource is a great place to answer initial questions for a new business owner. Within the guide you’ll find a wealth of information for starting a new business including:

�■ How and where to obtain licenses and permits in Minnesota

�■ Resources to help develop and fine-tune business plans

�■ Organizations that offer accounting and tax assistance

�■ And much more!

Stop by and pick up this FREE guide or contact the Business Services Department to have one sent at 651 747-8900, 800 247-0857 or by email, BusinessServices@postalcu.org. Visit www.postalcu.org for more information on PCU’s full line of Business products.

Be sure to stop by our booth at your credit union’s Annual Meeting on May 1.

Q. What is the MEMBERS Financial Services Program?

A. The MEMBERS Financial Services Program is a full-service financial advisory program located at Postal Credit Union offering members retirement, insurance and investment services. Our goal is to help our members achieve their financial goals for themselves and their families.

Q. How does the MEMBERS Financial Services Program work?

A. A full-time MEMBERS Financial Services Representative is available to meet with you to evaluate your financial needs offer recommendations and coordinate your investment and insurance choices.

You may want to tackle just one financial issue today. We can help you:

�■ Roll-over your 401(k) or pension plan if you’ve changed jobs.

�■ Develop a savings and investment plan.�■ Create a retirement income plan to approach those

years with confidence.�■ Manage your investments better.�■ Protect your family with life insurance or long-term

care insurance.�■ Save for college education costs.

Or, you may be looking for help in managing your financial goals. We’ll help develop a comprehensive financial roadmap that addresses all the relevant financial issues that you face.

Q. Can the MEMBERS Financial Services Program help me with retirement planning?

A. Yes, whether you are already retired, getting ready to do so or are just beginning to save for retirement, our program has sophisticated planning software and a wide array of investment products to help you fund the retirement lifestyle you’re seeking. We believe everybody has a unique vision of their retirement years and we help you manage your money to support that vision.

Q. How do I get started?

A. To set a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, call Andy Barnick, the MEMBERS Financial Services Representative, at 651 773-2876 today. Be sure to bring any documentation that will help Andy understand your situation better such as account statements, tax forms and benefit information. If married, it’s best that both you and your spouse attend. Lastly, always bring an open mind and a willingness to discuss the details of your situation.

Andy Barnick is a Financial Advisor with MEMBERS Financial Services located at PCU. If you have any questions, or would like to provide feedback regarding the information presented in this article, you may contact Andy Barnick at 651 773-2876. Representative is not a tax advisor or legal expert. For information regarding specific tax situations, please contact a tax professional. For legal advice, consult an attorney.

Andy Barnick – Your MEMBERS Financial Services Representative

Representativesareregistered,securitiesaresold,andinvestmentadvisoryservicesofferedthroughCUNABrokerageServices,Inc.(CBSI),memberFINRA/SIPC,aregisteredbroker/dealerand

investmentadvisor,2000HeritageWay,Waverly,Iowa50677,toll-free866512-6109.Nondeposit investment and insurance products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution.CBSIisundercontractwiththefinancialinstitution,throughthefinancialservicesprogram,tomakesecuritiesavailabletomembers.

78 0 0 2 4 7 - 0 8 5 7 w w w . p o s t a l c u . o r g

Your Money

FAQs about MEMBERS Financial ServicesContentdevelopedbyCUNABrokerageServices,providedbyAndyBarnick

B2MM-1205-E092

PCU is the place to be during National Credit Union Youth Week April 18-23, 2011. This year’s theme is Money Rock$ at my Credit Union. Whether you’re saving for a new guitar, iPod or a college degree in music, PCU can lend a hand on your financial journey. The young and the young at heart are invited to visit PCU during Youth Week for fun, food, prizes and tips for setting and achieving your financial goals.

�■ Youth Week Coloring Contest �■ Product Specials & Great Deals�■ .now Facebook Photo Contest �■ Personal Finance Information�■ College Savings Planning Seminar

Visit www.postalcu.org for a complete listing of events and promotion details.

Printed on recycled paper containing at least 10% post-consumer paper fibers.

3225 Denmark Avenue Eagan, MN 55121

14750 Victor Hugo Blvd N. Hugo, MN 55038

2401 N. McKnight RoadNorth St. Paul, MN 55109

1725 S. Robert StreetWest St. Paul, MN 55118

8499 Tamarack RoadWoodbury, MN 55125

PCU OFFICE HOURS

Lobby 9:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Mon,Tues, Thurs&Fri

10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Wed

9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. Sat

Drive-thru 8:00a.m. – 6:00p.m. Mon–Fri

9:00a.m. – 1:00p.m. Sat

Call Center 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m. Mon–Fri

All offices closed:

Monday, May 30 – Memorial Day

Monday, July 4 – Independence Day

©2011PostalCreditUnion.Allrightsreserved.DS1103

MONEY ROCKS!

Something to Sing About

Join us at any PCU branch on April

21 & 22 for treats, refreshments,

give-aways, and much more in

celebration of Youth Week.

Your child doesn’t have an account

at PCU? No big deal. Thanks to

you, all of your family members are

eligible to become a member. It’s

that easy.