It seems I just can’t escape work. MCU@Home sent an email alert to my mobile phone today that my payroll check had been deposited in my account. Pretty neat, eh? On vacation last month, I was able to check my checking account balance toll-free from a pay phone. Super cool! So far this year, I have paid 117 bills online with eBill@MCU – saving me nearly $60 in stamps and envelopes (not to mention the time it would have taken to seal and mail the payments). Cha-ching! Since signing up for eStatements, I get my credit union statement sent to my email inbox three days before I would have with paper statements. FAN-tastic!

No matter where you are – Members Credit Union can be. We have capitalized on modern technology to develop products and services that have given you quicker, more convenient access to your account than ever. Frankly, every phone, internet connection, or ATM you see in your daily life is a direct connection to your credit union. Best of all – these services are 100% free!

As cool as that is, I get the most satisfaction knowing that we offer all of these “bells and whistles” while maintaining the level of personal service that first gave members goosebumps back in 1953. In many ways, Members Credit Union is a throwback to the good old days of financial institutions. When you call, a human being still answers the phone. When you come to a branch (a whopping 17 branches and counting), you see a smiling face that is eager to help you. When you check our rate and fee schedules, you know you are getting a deal as good or better than you will find anywhere else. That’s who we are, and who we want to be.

Members Credit Union could not be more proud that we have been able to couple the traditional service approach of yesteryear with the all-access, all-the-time benefits of next generation technology. Convenient. Accessible. Small town. Big city. Traditional. Modern. All at the same time. I should email the bankers to tell them it CAN be done. Of course, they wouldn’t care (we had them at “free”)!

Driving home a new or pre-owned automobile can feel great! That new car scent - hmmmm. That overwhelming feeling of freedom – ahhhh. That pump-up-the-volume-because-I’m-going-to-sing-along-with-every-song-that-comes-on-the-radio-whether-I-know-the-words-or-not sensation – YEE HAW!

Without doubt, a positive vehicle purchase experience can put you on the proverbial Cloud 9. A bad deal, however, can bring that exhilaration to a screeching halt.

So what makes a great deal? Typically, there are three important things to look at: 1) the price you paid relative to the vehicle’s fair market value in your geographical region; 2) the interest rate on your loan; and 3) payment terms that fit your budget.

Planning, saving, and research can go a long way in minimizing the risk of a bad deal…or you could save yourself the hassle and take advantage of the tools that come along with your credit union membership. Our loan officers are trained to make sure you get a great deal. We can guide you on pricing, even what dealership to go to. Negotiating a fair price on your vehicle sets the groundwork for a successful purchase.

The key, however, is in the rate…

This is where Members Credit Union really comes through! With low loan rates on both new and pre-owned vehicles, you can end up with “Best in Show” financing to go along with your rock bottom low purchase price. Now you are well on your way to a great deal!

Last, you can take advantage of Members Credit Union’s outstanding loan terms. With repayment plans stretching as long as 84-months out, we can make your vehicle purchase fit into almost any budget. Want the comfort that comes with optional extended warranty and supplemental insurance coverage? We can make that happen, too! It is just our way of making this honey-roasted deal even sweeter.

We want you to take advantage of all the money saving benefits your membership entails. With our help, we know you will be humming Bobby McPherin’s Don’t Worry, Be Happy in your new vehicle – not moaning the blues.

Credit unions are going through an identity crisis. No, our employees aren’t blowing their retirement savings on hairpieces, plastic surgery, and fancy sports cars. This crisis has more to do with us maturing as a segment of the financial services industry. We still like to think that we are your grandfather’s credit union. I mean, we still exist with only one purpose – service to our member-owners (read: you). We still operate according to the guidance and wishes of our volunteer Board of Directors, who are elected by our member-owners (read: you). We still operate under tight budgets so that we can provide the highest account returns, the most favorable loan terms, and the fewest/lowest fees possible. We are still Members Credit Union.

My, how we have grown, though…

Your grandfather’s credit union probably offered a share (savings) account of some sort, a secured loan, and some variation of a signature loan. Certainly, this cannot be construed as full-service banking, but during a great part of last century credit unions did savings accounts and small loans better than anyone. Therein lies part of the problem. When you do something so well for so many years, the public ends up knowing you just for that.

Imagine if John Deere developed the best performing bicycle ever. Bicycles and tractors are both pieces of machinery. Both have wheels. Both have steering mechanisms. Both could even be painted green. Would John Deere be able to sell these bicycles? Maybe. Maybe not. The simple fact is John Deere is known as a tractor and farm machinery manufacturer. Even if their engineers were perfectly qualified to design and build bicycles, they would have a tough time convincing consumers like you of that (although, a John Deere green bike may be pretty neat)!

My point is simply this: Members Credit Union still offers the best savings accounts, vehicle loans, and personal loans you can find. Period. What we need to do a better job of, though, is letting you know about the vast portfolio of personal finance solutions we have developed that can truly see you through every step of your life. From share certificates to mortgage loans, investment services to free checking accounts, online bill pay to online account access, retirement accounts to trust services – Members Credit Union offers all the products and services of a goliath bank, with the member-centric mission and structure of a credit union.

So help us with this identity crisis. Help spread the word that it certainly is possible to combine the family feel of your grandfather’s credit union with the multitudes of modern personal finance conveniences that now grace our growing product and service offerings. In the meantime, try to look the other way if you see a grown man riding a green bike while listening to an iPod. It’s just a spell!