All One Credit Union is collecting new and gently used books during the month of April in association with the Cooperative Credit Union Association’s Annual Book Drive. The books will be donated to local organizations providing an educational resource for many children. The books may be dropped off at any All One Credit Union Office by April 30, 2016. For more information contact Kathy Hurley at 978-466-7242 or khurley@all-onecu.com.
Car Buying Made Easy
LCU helps you pick your perfect vehicle in just five simple steps
Finding the “perfect” vehicle sounds cut-and-dry, but the process is actually much more involved than just pinpointing the best-looking car you can find. In fact, there is no such thing as a “perfect” vehicle, but there very well could be one that is perfect for you. Follow the tips below for finding a new or used car, truck, SUV or van that will best suit you for years to come.
1. Assess your needs. Think “practical,” not “pretty” (although ideally your “perfect” car would be both). Consider your current and future answers to questions such as:
- How many passengers do you need to carry?
- What type of driving do you do—highway, city, off-road, all-weather?
- Do you have a long commute necessitating better fuel economy?
- What safety/cargo features are important to you?
- How much garage or parking space do you have?
2. Set a budget. Before you even lay eyes on a vehicle you will need to discern your overall financial plan. Figuring out how much you pay per month for other things (i.e. rent, utilities, groceries, etc.) compared to your income will give you an idea of what you can afford toward a car payment.
You also shouldn’t just take the price written on the windshield at face value. Just like with any big purchase, there are long-term costs you need to think about. Before signing on the dotted line for anything, estimate ownership costs for the long haul, including depreciation, insurance, maintenance and fuel costs overall.
3. Look at other cars in the class. Be flexible. If you see a car on the street that strikes your fancy, check out auto retailers’ websites for tools to help you identify, research and compare similar vehicles. There may be one that is a better fit for you.
4. Set up a test drive. This is one of the most important parts of your vehicle search. After you scour the internet for local availability, call or e-mail the dealership to schedule a test drive. While you’re there, drive the car how you would during your everyday life, be that in mountainous terrain or stop-and-go traffic. Try out each seat for comfort that meets your standards. Feel carefully for the smoothness of the ride, and keep the radio off while driving so as to listen for the engine hum.
5. Make your choice. If your decision isn’t clear after test driving several cars (never try out just one; you need to compare), sleep on it. If you still can’t decide, go back to the drawing board and re-think your priorities.
With any luck, after following steps 1–5, you will have found your “perfect” car! Not only will you be able to drive easier knowing that you did your homework, but if you finance your auto through direct lenders like us here at LCU, you can remain confident that you got a great value by saving with our great low rates!
In contrast, dealers and manufacturers often promote eye-catching rate offers, like 0% financing, but be cautious—there may be hidden fees built into the invoice in order not to lose money on the promotion. Often times, these low rate offers are available in lieu of customer cash rebates. Autotrader.com cautions that these low dealer rates may also cause them to be more tightfisted while negotiating; and Kelley Blue Book states that further stipulations may apply, as well, such as requiring a shorter-term loan (meaning higher monthly payments) or an unblemished credit report to qualify. Meanwhile, at LCU we know that nobody is perfect, so we work with all of our loan applicants to find the best possible deal and a better auto financing package overall for everyone.
For more advice from LCU’s friendly and helpful auto loan professionals, or to start the process of taking advantage of what we offer, don’t hesitate to call 1-800-649-4646. You can also find more information, and even apply for a loan, on our website: leominstercu.com/loans/auto-loan.
All One Credit Union has its Crasher!
Leominster, MA – All One Credit Union is pleased to announce that Nicole Legere, Compliance Officer has been selected to “Crash the GAC” and attend the Government Affairs Conference, the nation’s premier advocacy event for America’s credit unions. GAC is an annual event by The Cooperative Trust in partnership with Credit Union National Association (CUNA). One Credit Union professional under the age of 35 from each state is selected and given the chance to participate in the CUNA event, as well as to meet veterans of the system.
“I am honored to be selected as a ‘Crasher’ for the 2016 GAC, and I truly look forward to what I know will be a once in a lifetime experience. My hope is to bring the highlights of my experience back to All One Credit Union and share it with everyone here.” – Nicole Legere
Crash the GAC will bring young credit union professionals together, running a tailored program alongside the main event and allowing for mentor sessions with key individuals; previously from the likes of National Credit Union Foundation, Credit Union National Association, Filene Research Institute and CUNA Mutual Group.
All Crashers selected receive a complimentary registration to attend GAC, from Credit Union National Association.
“We are extremely pleased that Nicole was selected from an exemplary field of professionals to participate in this year’s event,” commented John O’Brien, LCU President & CEO. “Not only is this an honor for Nicole to be chosen, but it will be a great opportunity for her professional development.”
“The commitment from both CUNA and The Cooperative Trust to the Crash the GAC program says a great deal about the importance of young adults in the credit union system” says James Marshall, Manager of The Cooperative Trust, “looking at the advocacy issues that face credit unions early in one’s career helps set our young professionals up with the right knowledge to help support their credit unions as they become our CEO’s of the future. With a reach across the whole of the United States, Crash the GAC brings a diverse group of future leaders to the forefront of credit unions at the industry’s premier event.”
The Crash the GAC is brought to you by The Cooperative Trust and CUNA, in association with Credit Union Leagues/Associations.
LCU Team Shares Holiday Spirit
Leominster, MA, – Employees of All One Credit Union shared their holiday spirit by purchasing toys, clothes and gift cards for two local families. In addition to the gifts, the staff donated bags of food for each family.
From L-R: Todd Sibley, Sue Force, Ruthie Pisciotta, Ellen Coughlin, Mao Yang, Bryon Goguen,
Ann Marie Walker, and Ann Younie were getting ready to load the gifts into the LCU Van
All One Credit Union donates to Community Harvest
Leominster, MA – John O’Brien, President/CEO and Gary Abrams, EVP/CEO/CFO of All One Credit Union presented Jodi Koeman, Executive Director of Community Harvest with a check in the amount of $2,000. This donation is a result of a grant by Bankers Bank that was awarded to LCU to help support local non-profit organizations. BBN raised the funds for the grant through their annual golf tournament and then distributed the funds to attending participants based on the states represented. Community Harvest was selected by LCU as one of the recipients to receive monies from the grant. Community Harvest estimated they would donate over 1.2 million serving of fresh fruits and vegetables to hunger relief agencies throughout Worcester County in 2015.
(L-R) John O’Brien, President & CEO/LCU; Jodi Koeman, Executive Director, Community Harvest; Gary Abrams, Executive Vice President /LCU
All One Credit Union Receives $5,000 towards Charitable Donations
Leominster, MA – Bankers Bank Northeast recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Leominster Credit to help support local community organizations BBN raised the funds for the grant through their annual golf tournament and then distributed the funds to attending participants based on the states represented. The financial institutions then donated to non-profit organizations of their choice.
“We are grateful to BBN grant for providing us this opportunity to help make a difference in our local communities,” commented John O’Brien, LCU President and CEO. “Our goal was to assist charities that provide assistance to people in need.”
According to O’Brien, the grant will be allocated to; Kylee’s Kids, Leominster Mayor’s Heating Fund, Habitat for Humanity/Worcester, Sholan Farms, and Community Harvest.
Bryon Goguen, Assistant Controller, LCU; Randy Harris, AVP Treasury, LCU; John J. O’Brien, President & CEO, LCU; John Davey, SVP/Sales and Marketing BBN; Irene Tann, VP, Business Development, BBN
