Your Health. Your Money.

Information & Resources:

Updated Wednesday, 07.01.20

WCTFCU's Emergency Relief Resources: To learn about all of the Resources now available to Members, visit the COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page on this website.

06.10.20 Branches open by-appointment only: See letter (of 6.04.20) below regarding protocols.

CT State Travel Advisories & COVID-19 Info Visit the CT State website for details & Executive Orders.

The WCTFCU Annual Meeting will be held June 25th at 10am, as a conference call with video-stream option (Zoom). Advanced registration is required. Please consult our News Page for pre-registration details & updates.

College Student & Family Resources - Visit our Student Loans page to find important resources, very helpful information, and opportunities for College Students and their families.

Economic Impact Payments Info Payments will be made by direct deposit, by check, and by pre-paid debit cards. The pre-paid debit cards were issued by Metabank. NOTE: The debit cards require activation directly through Metabank (see Q.45*). *Visit the IRS Economic Impact Information Center website for detailed answers to all your questions and to make sure you are using the valid website for Metabank activation of this pre-paid debit card.

IRS "Get My Payment" tool Use it to check your payment status, check your payment type, track your payment, and enter your direct deposit information, if your direct deposit information was not included in your 2018 or 2019 taxes (your most recent). Visit IRS.gov/EIP for more information.

Scam Phone Calls Alert. Never give account numbers, date of birth, or passwords to anyone who calls. WCTFCU never calls Members for this info & will never ask your password.

Cyber-criminal Scams Unfortunately times of crisis become a time of opportunity for criminal activity, especially cyber-criminals. Unsure about a link in an email? Hovering over links in an email will show the actual URL at the bottom, but a good fake can still steer you wrong. Only click on links in emails sent to you by those you trust.

Your Email Address & WCTFCU Updates. Are you using your work email address for your Credit Union emails? For your privacy, and to ensure you receive Credit Union alerts & communications; we suggest you use your personal email address (ex. gmail, yahoo, etc.). Simply update your email address, in your Online Banking profile, or call Member Service for assistance.

Sent via email 06.04.20

Moving Forward Together, a WCTFCU Update.

Hello Member,

As the State of Connecticut begins to cautiously relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions, effective Wednesday, June 10th WCTFCU will begin to offer our Members select, in-branch services on an appointment only basis.

Protecting the health and safety of our Members and our staff, remains our top priority. In order to comply with state and federal directives, as well as CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, there are certain restrictions we will all need to follow.

Please note the following protective measures will continue until further notice:
• Appointment Only. For the time being all in-branch visits must be scheduled in advance as appointments.
• Health Status. Please do not schedule an appointment/come to the branch if you have a fever, flu like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.
• Masks & Distancing. In accordance with state law, you MUST wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines when visiting a branch for an appointment. If you do not have a face mask, we will provide a paper one. There will be no exceptions to this policy for the foreseeable future.
• ID Required. For security purposes we may ask you to present ID and lower your face mask for proper identification prior to entering the building.
• No Loitering. We look forward to seeing you, and helping you with all your financial needs. Out of caution we encourage you to keep your visits as brief as possible and limit who comes into the (branch) to only those who need to be present.

Please note appointments will not be taken for:
• Withdrawals, deposits, transfers, loan or visa payments and loan applications.
• Cash Withdrawals can be done at an ATM, and our Drive-thrus.
• Deposits can be made through the WCTFCU ATMs, Drive-thrus, our branch Night-Drops, and mobile deposited through the WCTFCU App.
• Loan & Visa Payments can be made by mail, WCTFCU Night-Drops, our Drive-thrus, set up as a transfer through your online banking, and made as a bill pay from another bank to your WCTFCU loan.
• Transfers can be done through online banking, telephone banking (Call 24), and by calling a branch.
• Loan Applications can be done online 24/7, or call 800-992-2226, ext. 2077 during business hours.

Please remember that most transactions normally done with a Member Service representative can be easily completed online, by phone or by using our branch ATMs, WCTFCU App, Night-Drops & Drive-thrus.

Appointments for other matters may be made by calling the:
Middlebury Branch 203.758.9500 x2078 Danbury Branch 203.791.1117
Middlebury Loan Dept. 203.758.9500 x2077 Danbury Loan Officer 203.791.1117 x103

We will continue to monitor developments concerning COVID-19, and will update you via email, wctfcu.com, and social media regarding any changes to our status or procedures. Thank you for your patience during this evolving situation.

WCTFCU Remains Secure. Throughout our 86 year history we have weathered many challenges. We continue our unwavering commitment to our Members, staff and community while keeping you safe and informed. Thank you for being a valued Member of the Waterbury Connecticut Teachers Federal Credit Union family.

Sincerely,

Jack
Jack Cronan
Chairman, Board of Directors

Marty
Marty Misset
President/CEO

Found Money 2.0
Sent via email Friday, 05.15.20

Happy Friday, Member!

Over 3,500 Members found last Friday's Found Money email, to be very helpful.

So, this morning we've updated it with 5 new tips, along with the original suggestions below.

+ Shred-It! Our April Shred Hunger! event had to be cancelled. So, make sure you are safely disposing of your personal documents & mail. While some of you may be using the back-yard fire-pit option, we suggest an at-home paper-shredder. Use this link for thewirecutter.com in order to research, compare options and order the right paper-shredder for your home.

+ Credit Check. Identity theft is a big concern. Sure, you are shredding your personal documents, using eStatements instead of paper monthly statements, and frequently checking your credit cards & other account(s). But, how often do you check your Credit Report and Credit Score? Do you have alerts set on your Credit Report? WCTFCU Members, who use online banking, can opt-in for access to their free Daily Credit Score, Monthly Credit Reports and to set up Credit Alerts. Get on top of your credit, set alerts, freeze your credit and more. Visit wctfcu.com to learn more, or call Member Service.

+ Contactless Payments. Now one of the preferred and healthier methods of payment; contactless payment can be done when you add your WCTFCU Visa Credit Card &/or Debit Card to your smartphone's Mobile Wallet. Use it for in-person & online purchases - to avoid touching card-processing systems, and for convenience. Plus, use the WCTFCU App to check your accounts, transfer funds, mobile deposit checks, and make person-to-person payments (P2P).

+ Money-Wise! Use this time at home to do some quick-learn Money-Wise! financial-literacy modules @ wctfcu.com. Choose a playlist by topic and enjoy quick-learn lessons & videos. Learn more about credit, managing your money, and more, then opt-in for our free Credit Reporting (in online banking), and apply your learnings to manage your credit.

+ Kids Get A Head-Start. Sign your child (under 18) up for a Head-Start Youth Savings Account. They will earn 5% interest on savings up to $1,000. For details, visit wctfcu.com for details, or call Member Service.

Found Money
Sent via email Friday, 05.08.20

Hello Member!

We are living and spending differently right now.

Here are a 8 ways to capture savings, and re-purpose & optimize your money today.

1) Auto Insurance Are you working from home instead of commuting. Contact your car insurance company & tell them your daily mileage has been reduced to zero. A lower daily mileage rate = a lower monthly premium = you pay less per month. Plus, many auto insurers are giving refunds & credits. Is yours?

2) Gas Savings If you are driving less, you are saving on gas fill-ups. Capture your savings from this smaller fuel expenditure and reassign it.

3) Memberships Whether it is a monthly gym fee, or a car wash monthly subscription... some services may be inaccessible to you right now. So, why are you still paying for them? Resume these subscriptions when you can actually use them again. In the meantime, cancel them. Save and re-purpose this found money.

4) Points to Cash Does your credit card offer points? Who needs airline miles now?! Turn your earned credit card points into cash, and apply that cash to your credit card balance or elsewhere.

5) Dining In Prior to this, you may have enjoyed a regular take-out lunch &/or gone out for dinner more frequently. Now you see significant savings in this area. Sure, you are buying more groceries (& TP when you can find it!). But, note this savings in your budget, and carefully apply it.

6) Gift Cards Today, that stash of gift cards for stores and restaurants is basically a pile of cash. Use them now for online shopping, holiday gift-buying, and restaurant take-out/curb-side pick up or delivery. If the establishment closes, your gift cards will be worthless.

7) Refi your car loan (no fees, from 2.75%APR*!). Why pay more interest than you have to for the same car's payments? Use our Auto Loan Refi Calculator, give us a call, or visit wctfcu.com for details.

8) Grooming Missing those regular mani/pedi's, hair cuts & color appointments? We all are! Yet, the savings adds up while we await the eventual mad rush to the salon. Until then step away from the Zoom video, and call-in with the audio-only option (lol).

This all adds up over 1-3 months, to some noteworthy, real-time found-money!

We are all spending differently now. Make sure you are not still spending on those services you cannot use at the moment. In fact, you may need to purchase different services right now; like a boosted wifi subscription!

Apply your found-money from this momentary savings, to your new/current needs, your debt, an emergency savings account or CD, or pre-pay to get ahead on next month's mortgage.

We are here! Visit wctfcu.com or call us to discuss ways you can save, reconfigure debt, and improve your home today with current specials from 3.00%APR*!

A different look at your usual budget will help you to adjust accordingly.

Take care,

WCTFCU

Your Credit Union *Annual Percentage Rate

Stimulus Checks Information
Update sent via email: Tuesday, 04.14.20

Hello Member,

Nothing is more important to WCTFCU than the health, safety and financial security of our Members.

We are committed to helping you navigate through these uncertain times, by providing reliable information, products, services and resources on which you can depend. Below you will find timely, relevant information with regard to Economic Impact Payments which are part of the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

On Friday, April 10, the Internal Revenue Service issued 75 million Economic Impact Payments by direct deposit to qualified Americans, with the funds to be available in accounts on April 15. Additional electronic payments will be released throughout April.

These payments are based on 2018 and 2019 tax filings. Individuals who did not file for electronic returns for 2018 or 2019 filings will not receive direct deposit payments via ACH. Instead, these qualified individuals will receive payment by check in the mail in the coming weeks.

Best Resource For all available information on these payments, including details on how to calculate the amount of your potential payment, please visit the online IRS Economic Impact Payment Information Center at https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payment-information-center

With this in mind WCTFCU provides to you the following FAQs, tips and helpful information for your security and convenience.

FAQs

Q. How will I receive my Payment? Paper or Digital?

A. If you qualify for a payment, and filed a 2019 or 2018 tax return, your payment will be deposited directly into the same account used for tax filing purposes. You have until July 15, 2020 to file for 2019. So, you do not need to be concerned if you have not yet filed your 2019 taxes. For most tax payers, payments are automatic and no action is needed. For example, if you receive your Tax Refund through a direct deposit to your WCTFCU Share Savings Account, this is how you will receive your Economic Impact Payment. If you receive your Economic Impact Payment as a paper check, you can deposit this check using all of the usual methods other than in-branch lobby visits. Options include mobile deposit using the WCTFCU App, a deposit through one of our 3 branch-based ATMs, or during business hours at our Drive-Thru’s.

Q. When will I receive my Payment?

A. Economic Impact Payments are being distributed by the IRS in waves. If someone you know has received theirs, but you have not yet received yours, it is not a cause for concern.

Q. Will I have to pay this money back?

A. No. You will not have to pay this money back. It is paid by the US Treasury, from our tax dollars.

Q. What is the best way for me to use my Economic Impact Payment?

A. Only you will know what is best for you right now. Take into consideration your immediate needs, prioritize them and then apply your Payment where it will address your most pressing concern(s) which might include: shelter (rent/mortgage), food, medicine, medical care, monthly bills, paying your 2019 taxes (due July 15, 2020), debt reduction, emergency savings, home improvement, an IRA, or a donation to a legitimate charity.

Q. What scams should I be aware of? And what is legitimate?

A. The IRS and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are warning of scam solicitations related to COVID-19 and the Economic Impact Payments. These scams are designed to steal your personal information and/or money. The IRS will not send you an email regarding your Payment. The IRS will send a paper letter to your last known address, within 15 days after your payment is paid. The letter will provide secure information on how your payment was made, and how to report any failure to receive the payment. Learn more at the IRS.gov link provided above.

Here are some examples of scams:

• Telephone Calls or emails that fraudulently ask you to pay a fee, or supply private personal information, in order for you to get your Economic Impact Payment. The government will never ask you to pay up front to get your payment.

• The funds are distributed by the US Treasury. You will receive your payment the same way you receive your Tax Refund. The government will never call you, or email you, and ask for your Social Security number, PayPal account or credit union/bank information.

• There are no rush jobs. Nobody will have early access to this money. Anyone who tells you they can get you your money faster is a scammer.

Call WCTFCU if you have questions, and before you click through to any offer that seems too good to be true…

Here for You. WCTFCU remains open to serve you. Although the branch lobbies are temporarily closed, our drive-thru’s are open, and our Lending Department and our Member Service Department remain fully staffed. Additionally, our 24/7 digital resources (wctfcu.com, mobile app, online banking, ATMs, etc.) are always available.

For more information on WCTFCU’s response to COVID-19, including special products, services and assistance for our Members, please visit our website COVID-19 Information pages found at https://www.wctfcu.com/About/news/covid-19-wctfcu.

Take care,

WCTFCU

Your Credit Union

Update Thursday, 04.09.20 11:18am

To our Waterbury CT Teachers FCU family,

We understand. These are uncertain and overwhelming times for many. WCTFCU is committed to doing everything we can to help you stay safe, manage your finances, and get the financial help you need.

You can rest assured, knowing that your money is secure with us. WCTFCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration, and backed by the full faith of the United States government.

Your Credit Union is extremely well capitalized, financially strong, and well positioned to meet all of your financial needs.

Resources. In order to offer immediate assistance to our Members during this challenging time, WCTFCU has developed new resources, and made adjustments to standard resources; all of which are now available.

For complete details visit the WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page, and the Emergency Relief Resources page, on wctfcu.com.

1) ATM Withdrawals Daily cap increased to $750.

2) Share Accounts No transaction limits on regular Share (savings) Accounts.

3) Money Market Accounts No withdrawal limits on Money Market accounts.

4) Loan Late Fees For the month of April, WCTFCU has suspended charging late fees on all loans.

5) Visa Credit Card Late Fees For the month of April, WCTFCU has suspend charging late fees on all WCTFCU Visa Credit Cards.

6) Checking Account Overdraft Fees For the month of April, WCTFCU has suspended charging overdraft fees on checking accounts.

7) Loan Payment Relief Application Click here to apply for approval to skip your March, April, May &/or June 2020 payment(s) on your Auto Loan, Personal Loan, Graduate Studies Line of Credit, Visa Credit Card.

8) Emergency Relief Loan Application With a maximum of $3,000, and a maximum term of 12 months, the standard rate for this loan is 1.99% APR*. Payments are deferred for the first 60 days. Click here to apply.

9) Visa Credit Line Increase Application Click to securely apply to increase the credit line on your WCTFCU Visa Credit Card.

10) Visa Credit Card Application - 3 VISA® Credit Cards: Low Fixed Rates from 8%APR, & No Fees! Learn more about our Visa Credit Cards with our simple Compare Credit Cards Chart. Then, securely apply online for a WCTFCU Visa Credit Card.

11) Overdraft Protection Application Click to securely apply for this line of credit, which is designed to protect a checking account from overdrafts, while giving you increased buying power.

Available 24/7 for your secure convenience, to get cash, apply for a loan, deposit checks, check your balances, pay bills, access your statements, transfer funds and more:

• ATMs, Online Banking, the WCTFCU Mobile App, Telephone Banking (Call 24) and eStatements. Visit wctfcu.com for details.

• Deposits can be made through our App’s mobile check deposit, our 3 branch-based ATMs, and WCTFCU branch night-drops.

• Loan Payments may be made through WCTFCU branch night drops, set up as a transfer through your online banking, or as a bill pay from another bank to your WCTFCU Loan.

• Apply for a loan online 24/7 or call 800-992-2226, ext. 2077 during normal business hours.

Beware.

Scam Phone Calls Never give account numbers, date of birth, or passwords to anyone who calls. WCTFCU never calls Members for this info & will never ask your password.

Cyber-criminal Scams Unfortunately times of crisis become a time of opportunity for criminal activity, especially cyber-criminals. Unsure about a link in an email? Hovering over links in an email will show the actual URL at the bottom, but a good fake can still steer you wrong. Only click on links in emails sent to you by those you trust.

Your Email Address & WCTFCU Updates. Are you using your work email address for your Credit Union emails? For your privacy, and to ensure you receive Credit Union alerts & communications; we suggest you use your personal email address (ex. gmail, yahoo, etc.). Simply update your email address, in your Online Banking profile, or call Member Services for assistance.

For complete details, and updates to WCTFCU services, visit this WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page, and the Emergency Relief Resources page, also here on wctfcu.com. Or call us at 800-992-2226.

Take care,

WCTFCU

Your Credit Union

* Annual Percentage Rate

UPDATE: Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Based upon the recently elevated health and safety measures, and for the health of our Members and employees, effective Monday, March 23 Branch Access will be limited to Drive-up only (no in-branch service).

We strongly encourage you to utilize one of the many resources available to you to get cash, apply for a loan, deposit checks, check your balances, pay bills, access your statements, transfer funds and more.

Resources Available 24/7 include ATMs, Online Banking, the WCTFCU Mobile App, and Telephone Banking (Call 24). Visit wctfcu.com for details.
Deposits can be made through our App’s mobile check deposit, our 3 branch-based ATMs, and WCTFCU branch night-drops.
Loan Payments may be made through WCTFCU branch night drops, set up as a transfer through your online banking, or as a bill pay from another bank to your WCTFCU Loan.
Apply for a loan online 24/7 or call 800-992-2226, ext. 2077 during normal business hours.

In order to help our Members during this challenging time, WCTFCU is now providing additional adjustments, services and products. Learn more on our new COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page at wctfcu.com. Furthermore, if you are facing a financial challenge, or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 800-992-2226 x2079 or visit our COVID-19 Emergency Relief Resources page at wctfcu.com.

WCTFCU remains committed to providing our Members with uninterrupted service, and fully meeting your needs, even under these restricted operations. We have made all necessary preparations to ensure that WCTFCU policies, processes and infrastructure are securely in place; through off-site business services and support for an extended duration, if required.

Events note: Shred Hunger! and the Pre-Retirement Workshop have been postponed.

We will continue to monitor the evolving situation, and provide further updates as necessary to you by email &/or on our WCTFCU Covid-19 Information page @ wctfcu.com.

Sincerely,

Jack Marty

Jack Cronan Marty Misset

Board Chairman President / CEO

UPDATE: Monday, March 16, 2020

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve and impact communities with the closure of schools and some businesses, we want to assure you that the Credit Union is financially strong, well-capitalized and fully prepared to meet your needs during these uncertain times.

We continue to monitor updates from the WHO, CDC and the State of Connecticut closely so that we can take the necessary measures to support our continued operations. While our branches remain open today, we are considering operating in a drive-up only mode. Should we need to restrict branch services or close our branches, we are prepared to conduct business remotely, and will continue to deliver essential financial services without interruption. Updates will be emailed and posted here, on the WCTFCU COVID-19 Information page.

WCTFCU continues to take the necessary precautions to keep Members and employees safe including:
• Daily Professional Cleaning of our branches, including more frequent sanitizing of the ATM screens, keypads and high-traffic areas.
• Following the CDC’s recommendations for personal and workplace hygiene protocols.
• Social Distancing: In lieu of Staff Meetings, we are communicating by email & phone.

WCTFCU Members can manage their credit union accounts without visiting a branch through our free digital and telephone banking channels. Our Online Banking is a virtual branch, and the WCTFCU Mobile App offers mobile check deposit, person-to-person pay and much more. Our Digital Services, Telephone Banking system (Call 24), ATMs, and night-drop are available 24/7.

If you are not yet enrolled in our Online Banking or Telephone Banking system, we encourage you to do so now, in order to ensure uninterrupted access to WCTFCU services. Our staff is available to assist you with access to whatever level of online technology and digital services you feel most comfortable.

If you are facing a financial challenge or are unable to make your loan payments due to COVID-19, please call us at 203-758-9500 x2079 or 800-992-2226 x2079.

Sincerely,

Jack
Jack Cronan
Board Chairman

Marty
Marty Misset
President / CEO

Thursday, March 12, 2020

Dear Member,

As we all adjust to the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our daily lives, WCTFCU’s top priorities remain the well-being of our Members and employees. We want to assure you that your funds are secure, and ensure that you can continue to use the Credit Union for all your financial needs during this uncertain time.

Be assured your Credit Union has planned for this type of situation and as part of our internal pandemic preparedness plan we have instituted steps to ensure we continue to fulfill your financial needs throughout this event. We are actively monitoring the information, recommendations and directives provided by the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and Federal, State and Local agencies. As developments occur, we will provide regular updates on our website wctfcu.com to inform you of any potential changes to services which may include limited access to our branch locations.

Please remember that it is not always necessary to visit a branch to conduct your business. Our free Online Banking, Mobile App, Telephone Banking system (Call 24), and ATMs are available 24/7. If you are not yet enrolled in our Online Banking or Telephone Banking system, we encourage you to do so now, in order to ensure uninterrupted access to WCTFCU services. Please call us at 203-758-9500 or 800-992-2226, our staff is available to assist you with access to whatever level of online technology and digital services you feel most comfortable. There are no fees or charges for these services. This is not intended to alarm you. Rather our intent is to help you prepare for a possible worst case scenario.

You can rest assured, knowing that your Credit Union is open for business. We are committed to you, our Members, and to helping you be prepared as this event continues to unfold. Take the steps now, so that you can optimize access to your funds, through our secure Online Banking, Mobile App & Telephone Banking as necessary.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Waterbury CT Teachers Federal Credit Union thank you for your patience and understanding during these trying times. With your partnership, we all will get through this situation with little interruption or inconvenience.
Sincerely,

Jack
Jack Cronan
Chairman of the Board

Marty
Martin Misset
President/CEO

While you take care of your health:

The CDC - The Center for Disease Control & Prevention ( https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html )
The WHO - The World Health Organization ( https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 )
US Government - latest official announcements & policies ( https://www.usa.gov/coronavirus )
CT State Health Dept. - State Department of Public Health ( https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus )
- Coronavirus Infoline CT Residents can call 2-1-1, or Text CTCOVID to 898211

We will continue to help you take care of your money.

Your 24/7 WCTFCU Resources:

WCTFCU App with Mobile Check Deposit and Person to Person Pay (P2P)
Debit Card / ATMs
Online Banking & Bill Pay
Direct Deposit
eStatements
Telephone Banking
Free Online Personal Finances Learning Money-Wise!
Free Credit Score, Report & Alerts