Our BECU newsletter keeps you informed on the latest and greatest news. It’s all part of our commitment to sharing information regularly with our members. Check out the current issue here or browse previous issues.
Looking for special offers, discounts and promotions exclusive to BECU members? You are in the right place. Every month we update our news center with special deals for BECU members. This month we have an exclusive 5-day Auto Event at over 80 participating dealers during Labor Day weekend. You can also take advantage of HP discounts on back-to-school electronics. Keep reading to learn about our special offers and other happenings around the credit union this month.
If you have a home equity loan or home equity line of credit at another financial institution, we invite you to transfer your balance to a BECU Equity Advantage Account–and we'll pay any pre-payment penalties up to $500.
Learn the Advantage
With BECU Equity Advantage, as you pay down your balance, your funds become
available again and there's no annual fee or prepayment penalties. If you
are concerned about declining house values, you can get even more borrowing
flexibility with up to 100% loan to value option.
BECU Equity Advantage is two home equity options in one account.
3.99% APR**
Variable Rate Home Equity Line of Credit–great for remodeling or
education costs where expenses may vary and you need access to funds over a
period of time.
5.74% APR**
Fixed Rate Home Equity Advance–great for projects when you know
exactly how much money you need. Receive funds in one lump sum, and enjoy
the comfort of knowing your rate will remain the same throughout your loan.
Learn More
Transferring your equity loan to BECU is easier than you may think, and we
are here to help you along the way. Call us at 800-233-2328 or visit
your nearest BECU
Neighborhood Financial Center.
*Prepayment Penalty Fee Credit
BECU will pay up to $500 of any early payoff/prepayment penalty fee imposed
by another lender when you open a new Equity Advantage Account (EA), June
through September 30, 2010, and use the loan proceeds to pay off a home
equity loan or close a home equity line with such lender. Borrower is
responsible to pay early payoff/prepayment penalty fee of more than $500 and
any other lender fees or charges. Offer cannot be combined with any other
offer or promotion and EA may not be used to purchase the collateral
property.
**Effective 7/1/10, subject to change, variable rate Equity Advantage Line of Credit (EALOC) up to 80% loan-to-value (LTV) as low as 3.99% APR/Fixed Rate Advances (FRAs) as low as 5.74% APR and variable rate EALOC up to 100%LTV as low as 4.99% APR/FRAs as low as 7.74% APR, based on LTV, owner occupancy, excellent credit qualifications and include .50% rate reduction for automatic payment from BECU account. Higher rates for non-owner occupancy, lesser creditworthiness, or non-automatic payment. APRs do not include costs. EALOC rate may vary monthly, unless FRA is locked, based on the prime rate and applicable margin, subject to minimum 3.99% APR (up to 80% LTV)/4.99% APR (up to 100% LTV) with automatic payment; maximum 18% APR. During the 10 year draw period, EALOCs provide for payments of interest, subject to lesser of $100 or balance, during which principal is not reduced. At the end of this period, payments will increase based on the principal and interest necessary to pay the loan balance over the remainder of the loan term. You may have to pay certain fees to third parties that range $0-$2,753 and BECU Loan Fee of $300 for property located outside of WA. Additional state or local mortgage fees or taxes may apply. Property insurance and, if applicable, flood insurance required.
BECU members can now enjoy special HP discounts and offers through the exclusive BECU member purchase program.
The BECU member purchase program offers HP consumer products at discounts up to 10% off retail prices. This is a great way to purchase back-to-school items, or maybe a scanner that you can use to conveniently make online deposits. You can also take advantage of national mail-in and instant rebates, coupons and exclusive deals on top of the member discount.
Choose From a Wide Variety of Products
Sign Up and Begin Saving
Set up your account online or on the phone...and start saving:
Online
It's easy to use, secure, private and only open to members of BECU.
On the phone
Call HP's toll-free number at 1-866-433-2018. The sales center is open from 8:30 am to 2:00 am (EST) 7 days a week.
BECU does not endorse or vouch for HP products or services and accept no liability for the use of such products and services. BECU member discount program rules and offer are subject to change or cancellation at any time. Restrictions may apply. See website for current program information.
MasterCard is offering BECU Debit MasterCard users the opportunity to win great prizes when you use your card between August 1 and September 15, 2010.
Sign when using your BECU Debit MasterCard and be automatically entered for a chance to win.* Grand Prize is a 3-day/2-night trip for the winner and three guests to a 2010 MLB® World Series® game. Ten First Prize winners will receive an MLB® Authenticated™ autographed baseball.
Now is the perfect time to use your BECU Debit MasterCard. Use it for making purchases online, in person or on the phone wherever Debit MasterCard is accepted. It's easy and it's safe– you'll have $0 liability for any unauthorized MasterCard transaction when the receipt is signed.
Get More Details
Visit priceless.com/gameday.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. PIN-based/international transactions not eligible. Starts 8/1/10. Ends 9/15/10. Restrictions apply. Visit priceless.com/gameday for Official Rules and complete details. Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. Visit MLB.com.
The 6th Annual Everett Fall Home & Gift Show coming to the Comcast Arena in Everett, Washington October 22 - 24, 2010.
This is Snohomish County’s premier fall event featuring hundreds of local businesses ready to help you customize, update or design your home the way you have always wanted. Here’s what you’ll discover at the Everett Fall Home & Gift Show:
Get Your Ticket
Take advantage of this once a year Event and bring the whole family courtesy of BECU. To download
your free tickets (Online Only) go to Everett Fall Home Show
(Regular Adult Ticket Price at the Door is $7)
Questions?
Visit westlakepromo.com.

Help Support the BECU Foundation
Enjoy fantastic discounts on restaurants, movies, sporting events and more when you purchase a 2011 Entertainment Book through BECU. The purchase price is just $25.
You will have a choice of communities so you can purchase and Entertainment Book that’s relevant to where you live – Greater Seattle/Eastside, North Puget Sound and South Puget Sound. In these books, you’ll find discounts of up to 50% off, plus many two-for-one offers. Buy your book at our Tukwila or Everett locations or at entertainment.com. Proceeds go to the BECU Foundation.
Women today are more successful than ever, but still face many financial challenges. The key to financial independence doesn't hinge solely on marital or job status, but rather on taking control. BECU Investment Services* is sponsoring two free seminars on this topic:
| When: | Thursday, September 16 | When: | Thursday, September 23 | |
| Where: | BECU Everett Financial Center | Where: | BECU Tukwila Financial Center | |
| Time: | 5:30pm to 7:30pm | Time: | 5:30pm to 7:30pm |
This seminar will focus on the emerging role of women becoming financially empowered and will address the following topics:
The seminar is designed to provide sound financial strategies for women. Space will be limited and attendance is expected to be high. Please reserve your seat early by calling 206-439-5720 or 800-233-2328 ext 5720 or visit BECU Seminars today.
Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the mutual fund, or variable annuity contract and sub-account carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information. You can obtain prospectuses from your financial representative. Read prospectuses carefully before investing.
This seminar is not intended to provide tax, accounting or legal advice. As with all matters of a tax or legal nature, you should consult your own tax or legal counsel for advice.
Let Us Help
Now's the perfect time to contact one of the Financial Advisors* of BECU Investment Services to help you create an investment portfolio that will help you pursue your financial goals. While there's no doubt you could try the do-it-yourself approach, a Financial Advisor* has the experience, time, resources and knowledge at his or her disposal that you just don't have. A financial professional can also help you stick to your plan, even when the market seems shaky.
*Financial Advisors are with, and Securities, Advisory Services and Insurance Products offered through LPL Financial and its affiliates, Member FINRA/SIPC. BECU and BECU Investment Services is not a registered broker/dealer and has a brokerage affiliate arrangement with LPL Financial. Investments are: Not NCUA/NCUSIF Insured • May Lose Value • Not Credit Union Guaranteed • Not Obligations of BECU. Branch Office located at BECU, 12770 Gateway Drive, Tukwila, WA 98168.
Enjoy the many conveniences of on-the-go money management with two Mobile Banking options from BECU.
Download the BECU Mobile Banking App directly to your mobile phone–it's available and compatible with most mobile phones and most major mobile service providers.
Get the App–log in to Online Banking and look for the Manage Mobile Banking link in My Profile and follow the instructions to download the app.
What can you do with BECU Mobile Banking?
Start Banking on
the Go
BECU Mobile Banking is secure and uses industry-standard encryption to protect
account information.
Questions?
Visit BECU Mobile Banking or call us at
800-233-2328.
Low home loan rates are good news for home buyers. Many renters are taking advantage of the current housing market and looking to become first-time home buyers. If this is you, here are a few helpful tips to help you on the road to homeownership:
Good Credit Improves Your Chances of Getting a Loan
Your home-buying plan starts
with your credit report. Lenders use your FICO score, a numerical "grade" that reflects your
credit history, to determine if they'll lend you money and at what interest rate. Obviously,
your chances of getting a mortgage are better if you:
To prepare for the day when prospective lenders start checking your credit, request a copy of your report from all three bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian) as early as a year before your home search begins. This way you'll have enough time to correct any mistakes. All three reports should contain the same information, but an error in one could mean trouble for you. If you find a mistake, contact the credit bureau(s) to dispute the information.
The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act (FACTA) allows for all consumers to receive a free copy of their credit report from each of the three bureaus every 12 months. Reports can be ordered through Annual Credit Report or by calling 877-322-8228. You will not be able to receive a free annual report by contacting the credit bureaus directly.
Plan for the Monthly Expense of Homeownership and Avoid Financial Surprises
How
much of a mortgage payment could you afford? Long before you buy, start tracking your monthly
expenses to see how much breathing room you have. Two months of information is probably
enough, as long as you're sure to prorate and include occasional and periodic expenses such
as auto insurance, birthday and holiday gifts, taxes, vacations, car repairs, and the like.
You should also factor in monthly deposits to a savings account. Saving is more important
than ever when there's no landlord to fix the leaky roof or replace the water
heater.
Buying a home provides some great tax benefits*; however, there are also costs of homeownership that might catch you by surprise. Things like homeowner's insurance, property taxes, repairs and landscaping can cost thousands per year. Be prepared.
Now that you've considered your budget and the costs of homeownership, use an online mortgage calculator to find out what your monthly payment would be on a particular loan amount at different interest rates or how much of a loan you might afford.
Work with BECU Real Estate Services
This exclusive program is offered at no cost
to BECU members and is designed to take the guesswork out of selecting a real estate agent.
BECU Real Estate Services strives to provide the highest quality services to our members, and
to eliminate the problems associated with a real estate transaction by devoting more
resources than usual.
This is accomplished through the efforts of a dedicated Member Advocate. Your Advocate will connect you with a CU Certified Real Estate Agent who is able to help you buy your home. The Advocate helps you through the entire process, working with the Agent so that all time-critical decisions are addressed correctly.
What do you get when use BECU Real Estate Services?
For more information about BECU Real Estate Services, contact a Member Advocate at 800-200-5618 or e-mail shiela.finley@primeallianceRES.com
*Consult your tax advisor regarding
deductibility of interest
**Certain restrictions apply
BECU Real Estate Services
provided by Prime Alliance Real Estate Services, LLC.
Source: Financial
Finesse
BECU is sponsoring a free shredding event where you can safely destroy your documents containing sensitive and personal information. A professional document destruction service with a mobile shredding unit will be at each location. Experts will also be on hand to offer effective tips on fighting identity theft and fraud.
Date
Saturday, October 23
Time
10:00am – 1:00pm
Where
BECU Tukwila Financial Center
BECU Everett Financial Center
BECU Federal Way Pavilions Neighborhood Financial Center
Visit our locations page for the address to these locations.
What's the cost?
It's free! You may bring up to three grocery bags or two banker boxes full of paper.
According to the Youth and Money Survey by the American Savings Education Council (ASEC), when it comes to money matters, 94% of kids look to their parents for financial guidance. This is why BECU offers the following financial products and services to help parents jumpstart their kids' financial future:
Early Saver Savings Account
With a higher rate of 6.17% APY* on their first $500, kids are quick to learn the power of saving with our Early Saver account. Any member under age 18 can open an Early Saver with a $5 minimum deposit**.
Free Financial Seminars
We want our members to be good consumers of our financial products. This is why BECU offers a variety of free online resources, webcasts, and in-person financial seminars and presentations for members of all ages. Visit BECU Seminars for more details.
Private Student Loans
BECU Private Student Loan can help students pay for college when federal loans, scholarships and other aid aren't enough to cover the full cost of education.
College Savings Programs
We know that saving enough for college education can be difficult. That's why BECU offers the Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) to help cover the cost of higher education. Contributions to the account are tax free when used to pay for qualified education expenses.
Also, Financial Advisors*** at BECU Investment Services can help you understand the following additional programs available to help you fund your kid's education: 529 Plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
BECU Foundation Scholarships
As part of our commitment to education, the BECU Foundation has been offering scholarships to high school and college-age members since 1995, recognizing outstanding students and supporting their learning goals. Visit BECU Foundation Scholarships for more details.
Learn More
For more details on financial education, products and services for kids and your adults, visit BECU Youth and Money or stop by your local BECU Neighborhood Financial Center.
*APY = Annual Percentage Yield; rates subject to change, fees may reduce earnings.
**Must have a parent or legal guardian as the joint on the account. If you are under the age of 13, you must enroll in person or by mail.
***Financial Advisors are registered with, and Securities, Advisory Services and Insurance Products are offered through, LPL Financial and its affiliates, Member FINRA/ SIPC. BECU and BECU Investment Services is not a registered broker/dealer and has a brokerage affiliate arrangement with LPL Financial. Investments are Not NCUA/NCUSIF Insured • May Lose Value. Not Credit Union Guaranteed • Not Obligations of BECU. Branch located at BECU, 12770 Gateway Dr., Tukwila, WA 98168.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| North of Seattle | |
| September 1 | Everett AquaSox Game |
| September 8 | Seminars at Boeing Everett (Boeing Employees Only) |
| September 10 - 12 | Mukilteo Lighthouse Festival |
| September 14 | Seminars at Boeing Everett (Boeing Employees Only) |
| October 1 - 3 | Everett Sausage Festival |
| Central Seattle | |
| September 28 - 30 | UW Dawg Daze |
| South of Seattle | |
| September 2 | Pacific Lutheran University New Student Orientation |
| September 14 | Business Examiner's Women of Influence Event |
| September 18 -19 |
Olympia Master Builders Home Show |
Government benefits such as Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be vital sources of support for and individual with special needs. Because these government programs are based upon economic need, your loved one will become ineligible for these benefits if his/her assets exceed $2,000, the limit that applies in most states. Even a small inheritance or gift may push your child's assets over the limit, resulting in the loss of government support. If you want to provide funds that can be used to supplement government benefits, while preserving your child's eligibility, consider establishing a Special Needs Trust.
Join us for a Seminar Hosted by BECU Trust Company
Date: Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Location: The Museum of Flight Northwest Aeroclub Room
The seminar will feature Attorney Joshua L. Brothers. He will address estate planning and special needs planning for individuals with special needs. Joshua belongs to groups such as The Arc of King County and Autism Society of Washington. For complete biographies on Joshua, visit Dussault Law Group.
RSVP Today
Space is limited. To reserve a seat, RSVP online or by calling BECU Trust Company at 206-812-5176 or toll-free at 800-233-2328 x5176. If you require special seating, please call us so we can make appropriate arrangements.
If you are age 62 or older, you may qualify for a government insured reverse mortgage loan where you could turn the value of your home into a source of income*. BECU offers Golden Gateway Financial** to help members compare and choose the right reverse mortgage.
Here are four things you should know when considering a Reverse Mortgage:
More Details
If you'd like to learn more, contact a Golden Gateway Consultant at 1-888-8CU-REVERSE or visit Golden Gateway.
*Subject to specific lender terms and conditions as well as appraised value of your home and any outstanding mortgage balance(s).
**Golden Gateway Financial provides a unique set of online tools and clear and unbiased communication to help seniors find the answers and resources relating to reverse mortgages. Golden Gateway Financial is an independent Reverse Mortgage Services provider and is not affiliated with BECU.
Now you have even more reason to use your BECU Debit MasterCard®. The MasterCard MarketPlace™ program has great discounts on the brands you love. Once you enroll in this free program and begin making purchases with your BECU Debit MasterCard, you can immediately start saving on hundreds of offers from up to 25,000 merchants–including Home Depot, Blackberry, Target, Best Buy, 1-800-Flowers, Saks Fifth Avenue and more.
Already have a BECU Debit MasterCard? Enroll and start saving today.
Don't have a BECU Debit MasterCard? Get yours today.
Get Great Convenience & Control with BECU Debit MasterCard
Using a BECU Debit MasterCard is a better option than check and cash transactions. You can use it everywhere MasterCard is accepted worldwide. PLUS, the BECU Debt MasterCard comes with free fraud monitoring protection that allows you to make purchases in person, on the Internet and by phone with confidence.
MasterCard MarketPlace Terms and Conditions: Participating merchants and offers are subject to change. Enrollment is required for the MasterCard MarketPlace. Certain restrictions may apply. The MasterCard MarketPlace program is available to eligible U.S. MasterCard consumer cardholders. For program terms and conditions and current offer details please see MasterCard MarketPlace. If you need additional assistance, please contact us at: customerservice@marketplace.mastercard.com.
MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks and MasterCard MarketPlace is a trademark of MasterCard.

Wild Waves Theme Park offers over 60 rides, slides, and attraction. Don't miss out on the fun.
Visit Wild Waves All Summer at a Discount
Use this coupon to receive $16 off admission anytime from June 5 through September 12, 2010.
Giving Back
$1 from every Wild Waves ticket purchased will be donated to the BECU Foundation by the PARC Foundation. The BECU Foundation was established in 1995 to encourage and
manage contributions for educational scholarships. Our scholarships recognize and award outstanding service by graduating high school seniors
and undergraduate students in community service. Scholarships are awarded based on a student's academic achievements, leadership abilities, and
demonstrated passion for helping others.
Doing your taxes is rarely fun. Here are a few helpful tips to help get you through this tax season:
To receive your discount, you must access TurboTax using the link below:
Get started with TurboTax.
Sources: IRS.gov
These days everyone is on Facebook, and we’re no exception. Come see what our fans are talking about.
Find articles, webcasts, and financial calculators designed to help you become financially fit.
BECU members are switching bank accounts over to BECU and saving hundreds of dollars.
Join the credit union that will save you money. Get benefits banks just can’t match.
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