Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/696411
JOIN AS A NEW MEMBER THIS SUMMER—OR REFER A FRIEND TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT—AND REAP THE BENEFITS. THIS SUMMER, BECOMING a member at North Alabama Educators Credit Union (NAECU) has even bigger benefits than usual as Membership Months begin. "In the past, we gave $10 credits for new members and members who referred new members," says Stephanie Ezell, Marketing Director at NAECU. "This year, we're increasing the amount to $15 credits for anyone who opens a new account or refers someone who does during the months of July, August, and September." WHY JOIN A CREDIT UNION? "As a credit union, we answer to our members, and our profits go right back into the credit union," Stephanie says. "It's one of the reasons why we're able to keep our interest rates low." Other benefits of choosing a credit union include: → No fees for checking accounts or debit cards → Lower interest rates on loans → Higher interest rates on savings accounts → Online banking and loan applications "When you're a member of a credit union, you're also part owner," Stephanie says. "Your share, so to speak, is your account, and you're an integral part of the credit union rather than being just an account number." Online applications for new accounts will be available by the end of July, something that NAECU is excited to offer. Applying for a new account is now even more convenient— you can do it from the comfort and convenience of your home computer or smartphone. NAECU membership is open to all school employees and teachers, students, parents of students, and PTA members in Madison, Morgan, and Limestone counties. If you fall into any of these categories and wish to open an account, or if you are already a member and know someone you can refer, this summer is a great time to do so! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? OPEN A NEW SHARE ACCOUNT AT NAECU.ORG JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER AND RECEIVE YOUR $15 CREDIT! It's not just the straightforward banking experience that keeps credit union members coming back—it's the people. "When I started teaching and was freshly out of college, married, and struggling to get to my next paycheck, I was referred to the credit union by my principal," says Waymon E. Burke, PhD, history and political science instructor at Calhoun Community college and North Alabama Educators Credit Union member for 43 years and board member for 13. "I borrowed $200—a lot of money back then—and made it through the month. We've been attached at the hip ever since." Not only has Dr. Burke financed vehicles and houses through NAECU over the years, his grown son still uses NAECU through shared branching locations, despite living in California. "NAECU employees are people from the community," Dr. Burke says. "They're people we know, and who know us, and their competency and honesty is something we value." MANIA MEMBERSHIP Member Moment: Waymon E. Burke 6 NOT FOR PROFIT, NOT FOR CHARITY, BUT FOR SERVICE NAECU.ORG

