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What's New – November 2009
On This Page
 Today, retirement planning is more critical than ever.
Earn extra reward points with a new Ent® Visa® Credit Card.
We want you to know: When debit card fraud is suspected...
Let our knowledgeable staff help you develop sound saving habits.
Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers!
Don't let your personal financial information fall into the wrong hands.
Credit Problems? How Ent can help...
(Updated 10/22/09) An Update From Our CEO, Charles Emmer
As you re-evaluate your investments and your investment strategy, turn to the professionals at Ent Investment Services* to consistently deliver the tailored solutions you can depend on.
With years of experience and the financial tools you need, our investment representatives, registered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS), have been hand-selected to provide you with exceptional service, proven performance, and the personal attention you deserve.
No matter what your personalized retirement plan calls for, IRA options, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, or customized allocations, your representative at Ent Investment Services has the ability to provide the guidance you need with the member-first focus you trust.
For a FREE, no-obligation Ent investment services consultation, call (719) 574-1100 ext 6550 or 800-525-9623 ext 6550.
*Our investing and financial services are provided by representatives who are registered through our broker/dealer, CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (CFS). Investment products and services offered
through CFS are not NCUA/NCUSIF-insured, not guaranteed or obligations of the credit union, and may lose value. Ent is affiliated with CFS (Member FINRA/SIPC). Registered representatives are employees of Ent and registered through CFS.
Open a new Ent® Visa® Credit Card before November 30th and earn 25% more reward points!
For a limited time when you open a new Ent Visa Credit Card, you’ll enjoy extra rewards.
Here's How:
- Apply for an Ent Visa Signature, Visa Platinum Business Rewards or Visa Business Travel card between October 1 and November 30, 2009.
- Get 2,500 points with your first purchase - that’s enough for your first reward; or save them for even bigger rewards like travel, gift cards and more.
- Enjoy a 25% reward point bonus based on the sum of your net purchases made through March 31, 2010 (for example, $1,000 in purchases would earn you a 250 reward point bonus).
- Plus, you’ll continue to earn 1 reward point for each $1 spent.
Apply today to take advantage of this limited time offer! Apply online, by phone at (719) 574-1100 or 800-525-9623, or in person at any Ent Service Center!
Cardmember will receive a 25% reward points bonus calculated based upon net purchases made through 3/31/10. Total purchases are determined by totaling all new purchases that are charged to the account, then subtracting credits posted to the account for returned purchases or adjustments. In order to qualify, the Visa Signature,® Visa Platinum Business Rewards or Visa Business Travel account must be opened between 10/1/09 and 11/30/09, and the account must be open and in good standing (not over limit or past due) at the time the bonus is to be awarded. Bonuses will be awarded in May 2010. Cardmembers can redeem their points online (through the Rewards Center) or by calling Cardmember Service at 1-888-229-8864. Ask a Member Service Representative for full details. The creditor, issuer and service provider is Elan Financial Services.
When debit card fraud is suspected, Ent contacts impacted members to prevent further fraudulent charges. Members can help identify potential fraud by regularly monitoring their accounts for unusual
activity and signing up for Email Alerts to notify you about select transactions. If you suspect fraud, please contact our Member Service Call Center immediately at (719) 574-1100.
Remember, if fraud occurs on your account, Ent members have zero liability for unauthorized transactions and we offer instant issue debit card replacement at many service centers. It's one of the benefits you
receive as a member of Ent. More tips on keeping your account information protected...
No matter what you're saving for, Ent has the savings solutions to help you reach your goals.
It's only natural to think about how much you're saving and consider what you could be doing differently given today's economic environment. Ent offers a variety of savings solutions, both long term and short term, and our educated staff can help you
find the products to help you meet your savings goals. So whether you're saving up for something you need or want, now is a great time to find the savings solutions that are right for you.
In addition to a traditional savings account, you can develop your savings habits with:
Let an Ent Member Service Representative review the savings solutions available to you and help assess your needs.
Stop by an Ent Service Center today or call us at (719) 574-1100 or 800-525-9623. For more information on saving, or for helpful tips to get you started, visit Ent.com/SavingsTips.
Have you been thinking about buying your very first home? Now is the perfect time to take advantage of being a first time homebuyer. With the recent passage of the Economic Stimulus Plan on February 14, 2009, a new tax credit for first-time home buyers is now in effect. What does the tax credit mean to you?
First-time home buyers who purchase a home by November 30, 2009 may be eligible for the lower of two tax credits - $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home. A tax credit is very different from a tax deduction - a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will also have to repay the credit if they sell their home within three years. Remember, you should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhomes and condominiums. In addition, manufactured homes also qualify.
This new tax credit, along with Ent’s First-Time Buyers Program can make buying your first home easier. Our First-Time Home Buyers program offers a 30 year fixed mortgage with a starting rate of 1% below the 30 year fixed mortgage rate* for three years, discounted closing costs, and free pre-approval. Ent also offers other options for first time home buyers including FHA and VA loans and other conventional loan options.
For more information about the tax credit, our First-Time Home Buyers program or Ent’s other mortgage products and services, contact us at (719) 574-1100 x 5602 or toll-free at 800-525-9623 x 5602.
**30Year MyCommunity Mortgage published rate.
The security of your personal and financial information is a top priority to Ent. We want you to know that Ent will never ask you to verify your account number, Social Security Number, debit or credit card number, PIN or any other sensitive
financial information via email, telephone or SMS text message. Don’t fall for common scams, click here to learn how you can detect and prevent them!
Are you having trouble making your Ent mortgage or vehicle loan payments?
We understand that in today's economic environment more members than ever before are facing loan payment issues. Whether you're thinking you may start falling behind, or you're already behind, contact an Ent Member Solutions Specialist today via
email or by phone at 800-525-9623 x. 5610 for assistance with: protecting your credit, making payment arrangements, and potentially avoiding foreclosure and/or repossession.
(Updated 10/22/09) - From our CEO, Charles Emmer:
To all Ent Members:
The financial strength and sound practices of Ent have proven out as we continue through one of the most challenging years in our nation’s economic history. At the end of September, our balance sheet and income statement revealed a credit union positioned to withstand continuing challenges while helping members meet their financial goals.
The 3rd Quarter of 2009 brought more evidence of this unusual year for the credit union. We saw continuing growth in deposits and mortgage lending. But, the stark facts of the current economy – both nationally and locally – have members drawing back from debt.
Our member focus has helped preserve the strength of individual members and the credit union as a whole. Savings growth is about 3.5% ahead of our expectations for the year while lending – mainly consumer borrowing and home equity loans – is below plan about 7 percent.
So far, 2009 has been a year of evaluation and reinforcing our commitments to members in all of our lines of business. Our practice of objectively evaluating members’ circumstances during the loan application stage has helped keep many members out of financial difficulty. Yet, we still find a way to help members who have the ability and desire to repay a new loan.
For those who find themselves in trouble because of a job loss, medical expenses, or other reasons, we have worked with hundreds of members to find payment plans that preserve their credit and help get them through a tough stretch. As a result, loan delinquencies and charged off "bad loans" for Ent are well below the experience of comparable credit unions in Colorado and across the country.
No one is immune to the challenges of today’s economy. Like many businesses, we have postponed some plans until we see signs of a reviving economy. We continue to tightly control our operating costs, especially in those areas that do not directly affect member service. Our employees – the Ent staff who serve your financial needs every day - will continue to provide you with the expertise you need now more than ever.
As we begin our planning for 2010, we are guarded in our assumptions about where the economy may go in the next twelve months. It will be a difficult year for all of us, but we remain firmly committed to our mission of contributing to your quality of life through the very best in financial service.
Sincerely,
Charles F. Emmer
President and CEO
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