Mobile Banking Q&A

Q - I got a new phone for Christmas and I can no longer access my accounts on mobile banking.

A- Most likely you have too many devices registered for mobile banking. For security purposes, we limit the total number of devices you can access via mobile banking to five devices (per membership account).

Look how quickly the number of devices can add up:

1.    Your old phone
2.    Your spouse’s phone
3.    A tablet
4.    Mobile web browser for you
5.    Mobile web browser for your spouse

That’s five. Add a new phone (or a new tablet) and you will encounter problems trying to access mobile banking. By limiting the number of devices that can access your accounts we are protecting you from unauthorized access by identity thieves. Simply call the Credit Union and a Member Service Representative can remove an older device so you can use the new one.

It’s also important to remember that every time you register a new device you will be asked to add a one-time PIN (sent via email) to your existing password. This also helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. You only have a limited amount of time to use this one-time PIN. If you forget to use it before it expires, you will need to call the Credit Union to have it reset.

Your Path to Financial Success

Today’s world can be harsh. Every day we face obstacles that drain us emotionally, physically, and financially. We somehow seem to muster up enough strength to get through the emotionally and physically trying times, but what happens when there is just NO money left? Fear, depression, and avoidance are common ways to handle financial difficulties.  It doesn’t have to be that way. Taking control, making a plan and asking for help are the best ways in which to deal with financial problems. Below are some ways to make a financial crisis easier to manage and produce positive results:

Track Your Spending: If your budget continuously comes up short, take a week or two and log all your purchases and spending. This will highlight areas that are draining your wallet. You just might be surprised to see how much you’re spending in a week on unnecessary items.

Make a Priority List: Sit down and make a list of all your “Must Haves.” Make sure to include the due dates and weekly expenses for each.  This list should include housing, utilities, and any expense needed to secure a roof over your head. Account for a vehicle, gas, and related travel expenses so that you can make it to work to earn that next paycheck. Also, debts with monthly payments, like credit cards or loans, should be listed. Keeping these on track will ensure no added fees, no increased interest rates, and no aggressive collection action. Food and personal items will also need to be calculated. Be honest with yourself… it’s your list!

Construct a Plan: Your Priority List will allow you to start making a financial plan. You will know what needs to be paid and when. You can start to budget individual debts weekly or biweekly depending on your pay schedule. It helps to make a plan on paper. If you see it, it will happen!

Talk About It: If, after making a plan, you are coming up short, be open and honest about it. Every credit union, bank, and utility company has a Debt Resolution or Collections Department. People are in place to help you! Making contact with these people will ensure a productive working relationship. Most have programs or ways in which to make it easier for you to make payment. Establishing an open line of communication is a great way to work through budgeting shortages, past due balances and avoiding aggressive collection action. We all know how hard it is in today’s world and it is okay to ask for help.

Debt Management Companies: There are companies that extend their services to help you create budgeting plans. Be sure to research which company you choose to work with. One trusted company is Money Management International, with offices in Auburn, South Portland and Bangor.

Your Credit Union encourages a proactive approach to financial hardship. We understand the stresses of life and that there seems to never be enough money to go around. We have a knowledgeable Collection Department ready and willing to help you. Contact us with any questions or to discuss an appropriate course of action for you. You may reach our Collection Department at 207-353-4144.
Just remember, where there is a will, there is a way!

Article written by: Tracy (Lisbon Credit Union Loan Collector)

Simply Remarkable

Our 2011 Social Responsibility campaign was simply remarkable!

During the first half of the year, the Credit Union raised funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life. Each member of our 14-person team took and active role in the fight against cancer by walking laps around the Brunswick High School track—for 16 hours! With various fundraisers such as a bake sale, a car wash, employee dress down days and more, the team was able to raise an incredible $6,440—become the second highest fundraising team of the 2011 event!

The second half of the year was dominated by our Ending Hunger campaign. The funds raise during this campaign will be directly donated to the Lisbon Area Christian Outreach (LACO) at our Annual Meeting in March. Fundraisers included Member Appreciation Day raffles of an Adirondack chair and our Moxie Float lighthouse, a LACO bake sale, Lisbon’s Chili & Chowder Challenge and our annual Holiday Basket Raffle.  Due to our efforts, over $3,020 will be donated to LACO.

In the end, we are pleased to report that over $9,460 was contributed to our Social Responsibility campaign in 2011. The entire Credit Union would like to extent a special thank you to those Members who contributed to some, or perhaps all, of these fundraisers. Your generosity is very much appreciated. It is a critical goal of the Credit Union to support the various communities that we serve. Here’s to another successful fundraising year in 2012.

Building Futures. Preserving Dreams.

Lending Money…Responsibly!

We hope you have heard or seen the phrase Lending Money…Responsibly in some of our marketing materials so we’d like to take a minute and explain what it means.

The mission of the Lisbon Credit Union is to improve the financial well-being of all Members. In fact, our lending philosophy is centered on our ability to lend money responsibly. It is important to recognize that when an application is reviewed, our Loan Officers always have the Member’s financial well-being in mind. It is not in our best interest to approve a Member for loan with a monthly payment they cannot afford. In our experience, lending money responsibly means doing our best to help Members build a secure financial future.

As we lend money responsibly, we also lend money fairly. The Credit Union is proud to offer ALL Members the same rate on loans. When underwriting a loan, we look at the entire picture and no just your credit score. This lending practice truly makes us unique among area competitors.

Building Futures. Preserving Dreams.