Welcome to summer!
In this issue, we're bringing you tips on how to keep your finances on track this season.
5 Banking Tips to Stay Financially Cool This Summer
Summer promises fun, but also increased spending. Don't let it derail your finances! Here are five essential banking tips for a stress-free season:
- Craft a Dedicated Summer Budget: Plan for seasonal expenses like travel, dining, and higher utility bills. Track spending closely to prevent overspending. Pro Tip: Take advantage of our budgeting tools
- Utilize a Separate Savings Fund: Create a dedicated savings account, often called a "sinking fund" for big expenses like vacations. Automate contributions to build savings and prevent debt.
- Be Savvy with Credit Cards: Use them wisely and pay balances in full monthly to avoid interest. For small purchases, consider cash or debit for mindful spending.
- Conduct a Mid-Year Financial Check-in: Review your 2025 financial goals now. Adjust your budget and strategies as needed to finish the year strong.
- Seek Out Free & Low-Cost Activities: Enjoy summer without overspending. Research free local events, parks, and museum days, and plan larger purchases around sales.
Tariff uncertainty on imported passenger vehicles and parts is driving up manufacturing costs, and consumers will likely see a significant portion of these increases reflected in vehicle prices. Here are some tips for today’s car buyers:
- Secure your financing before you shop—Call us to get pre-approved. This gives you a firm budget and benchmark interest rate.
- Do your homework and research thoroughly—Know the fair market value of specific models you’re considering by using websites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds. Read online reviews and reliability/safety ratings. Test drive thoroughly and, for used cars, get history reports and independent inspections.
- New car inventory isn’t what you’d expect—If your heart is set on one specific model or trim, you’re likely to face limited availability and higher prices. Be flexible with a desired model, features, or even color. Consider similar vehicles to broaden your options and potentially find a better deal.
- Don’t expect to negotiate a deep discount—It’s a seller’s market due to limited new and used car inventory. Only expect a discount on less popular vehicles.
- Avoid the dealership stress—Learn about our convenient in-house auto-buying service!
Call us at 800-300-9728 for details.
Current offer: New car loan rates as low as 4.99% APR* for 36 months*
(includes 0.50% APR discount with automatic payments)
Planning to buy out your car lease? We can help.
* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. All loans are subject to credit approval. Rate shown as of 4/11/2025 is for a 36-month term and for qualified members with up to 125% financing, and includes 0.50% APR loan rate discount for automatic payment. Actual rates may vary based on member’s credit score and ability to pay. Loan rate discount of 0.50% APR is valid for new car loans only with automatic payment from a WPCCU account. Only one discount per loan allowed. Projected payments are for example only and are not inclusive all fees and costs. Automatic payment discount rep example: A $25,000 new vehicle loan financed at 4.99% APR (includes 0.50% auto payment rate discount) for 36 months would result in 36 payments of $749.16. Rates subject to change without notice. Other rates and terms available, including rates for vehicles older than 7 years. WPCCU will not finance cars that have more than 100,000 miles. For additional loan details and 90-day deferment, contact WPCCU. Discount may end at any time. WPCCU membership required.
Beware of Summer Scams
Don't get hooked! Water and Power Community Credit Union is on your side, helping you avoid Phishing Scams and keeping you and your finances secure. Learn more about typical Phishing Scams and how to stay safe.
- Be Skeptical of "Too Good to Be True" Deals: Verify travel, rental, or ticket offers on official sites. Avoid odd payment methods like gift cards.
- Verify Charities Carefully: Never feel pressured to donate or pay with untraceable methods.
- Watch for Job Scams: Be wary of offers asking for upfront payments or those involving sending money back from a check. Research the company independently.
- Protect your Information While Traveling: Don't overshare travel plans on social media. Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks and monitor accounts.
- Question Unsolicited Calls and Texts: Be suspicious of urgent requests for personal data or unusual payment methods from unknown contacts. Always verify.
Security Tips
- Fight fraud! Sign up for eStatements. To enroll, login to Online Banking, click the "Accounts" tab, and select statements. Follow the online instructions to view statements right away.
- Do we have your current contact information? Having your updated information on file is crucial to protect your accounts and reach you if necessary. Update your contact information and set up account alerts at any time via Online and Mobile Banking. We will provide security reminders in Digital Banking to help you protect your account.
Achieve financial wellness with our free webinars
Take control of your financial journey with our monthly webinars designed to empower you. From buying a home to managing debt, saving for retirement, or improving spending habits, we provide practical tools and guidance to help you build a brighter financial future.
Debt consolidation made easy
Consolidate your bills and other debt. Our Debt Consolidation Loan provides convenient funding to pay taxes, refinance a timeshare, or get some extra cash too.
Signature Loan rates as low as 9.99% APR*
Payment terms up to 60 months
* APR = Annual Percentage Rate. All loans are subject to credit approval. Rate shown as of 4/4/2025 is for a 12- to 60-month term and includes 0.50% APR loan rate discount for automatic payment. Loans are subject to income verification and ability to pay. Your rate may be higher based on your credit score. Loan rate discount of 0.50% APR is valid for new Signature Loans only with automatic payment from a WPCCU account. Only one discount per loan allowed. Discount may end at any time. Maximum loan amount is $40,000. Automatic payment discount rep example: A $15,000 Signature Loan financed at 9.99% APR (includes 0.50% auto payment rate discount) for 60 months would result in 60 monthly payments of $318.63. Restrictions apply for refinancing existing WPCCU loans. Ask us for details. WPCCU membership required.
Understanding Your Credit Score
Your credit score can have a major impact on your life. Not only do creditors typically check your score when deciding whether or not to approve your loan application and what interest rate to charge you if you are approved, but landlords, insurance companies, and even employers often check it as well. Having a good score can help you achieve your goals quickly and at the lowest possible cost. Learn more.
Additional resources: Achieve a healthy, financial lifestyle. Access our online tools and resources to learn about budgeting basics, building credit, paying off debt, protecting against Identity Theft, and more.
Debit Cards
Great news! We’re working behind the scenes to update WPCCU debit cards with convenient new features. Use your card all summer long without interruption.
Stay tuned as we provide additional details in the coming months.
Stay in the know!
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Previous Currents issues
Missed one of our digital Currents newsletters? No Problem! Access previous issues in our archive.
Featured offers
Planning to buy out your car lease?
Avoid the Dealership: We can help you buy out your lease. WPCCU has partnered with Lease Buyout Center to streamline the process.
Planning to renovate your home?
We can help finance your project with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).
Go solar with affordable financing
It's easy with WPCCU: We provide you a simple way to finance your solar project with fixed, low rate loans.*
More current offers
Check out all of our current promotions and special offers.
Restrictions may apply for new memberships.
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