Make Your House A Home

When you come home after a long day of work, you want to relax. Yet when you look around, it’s easy to spot all the areas that need touching up and parts that need repairs. It’s difficult to find both the time and the money for home improvements – or so we think. There is actually a great variety of projects that can be done on a small budget, in a short amount of time.

The entryway can be a source of stress. How do you make it nice not just for guests, but for those who live in the house and have to see it every day? To start out, get a boot tray that’s easy to clean – or create your own with a rimmed baking sheet – so that dirt won’t be tracked inside. A shelf with pegs is easy enough to add, allowing for organization of your jackets, hats, umbrellas, and more! You can also keep the Arizona essentials on top: sunglasses and sunscreen, so you’re prepared for every sunny day.

Reorganize your rooms with plastic bins. Don’t spend any more time digging through all the baking supplies and canned goods and cereal boxes to find that one jar of unopened peanut butter you’ve been craving. Have your kids sort their toys so that they can see which one they want through the clear plastic rather than having to pull out every single one to find their favorite teddy bear. Get your crafting supplies categorized with labels, allowing for your next project to be completed much more quickly.

Restoring parts of your home that seem like little details can make a big difference while still being inexpensive. Painting your front door is a great way to refresh the look of your house from the outside. Make sure to remove it from its hinges and clean it well before priming and painting it. Moving back inside, start in the bathroom, where almost everyone who visits will spend some time. Check around the sink, bathtub, and shower for caulk looking cracked or discolored; this can lead to mildew or water damage from leaks. Remove it, clean well, and replace it with a new caulk seal that can last up to 10 years. Another important part of your house is the trimwork, which can subtly change the whole feel of a place depending on the state it’s in. Paint or replace any scuffed, damaged, or missing moldings, end caps, or baseboards. You’re sure to feel a difference after completing these changes.

Home projects can add up quickly in time and money, turning a simple decision of where to start into an overwhelming obstacle. While there are plenty of undertakings that will require certified professionals, or a lot of effort and funding on your part, you can always start small. This feeling of accomplishment will make your efforts snowball, and soon your house will be turned into a home you can fully unwind in.

For the bigger projects, there are options such as refinancing your house. Take advantage of competitive rates now so you can breathe easy sooner!

What’s the Scoop?

We have all had our lives upturned by the COVID-19 pandemic, but small businesses have been hit harder than most. The mom-and-pop stores that rely on local customers to sustain them, that participate in neighborhood events, that support the community supporting them, struggled to continue business-as-usual operations while following social distancing guidelines. Even if their products and services could be sold online, their customers were likely unable to make their usual purchases due to their own financial hardships. In response, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created.

The PPP loans are intended to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. The Small Business Association will forgive the PPP loans if businesses follow the requirements in keeping their employees on the payroll and in how they use the money. Understandably, people flocked toward financial institutions to claim their loan so they could keep their company and staff afloat.

Unfortunately, the PPP loans process disappointed many small businesses when the program started. Nindi Wadhwa was one of these business owners seeking assistance. With his wife Carissa, he founded Scooptacular amid the housing crash 10 years ago. Nindi recalled, “Our vision was to be a beacon of hope to the community during that time. What also motivated me was to create a family-friendly place where I could take my kiddos on daddy dates.” While living in Laveen, they found there wasn’t much for families to do, and this was a great way to contribute to the neighborhood. They’ve grown a lot since then, becoming a staple in the small town, and anyone who walks in will feel at home.

Because Scooptacular relies heavily on their community, they needed to apply for a PPP loan to sustain their business. However, Scooptacular struggled to obtain a loan before the funding ran out. Yet Nindi and Carissa refused to give up, and were bolstered by the outpouring of support they received from their loyal customers. Once the next round of applications began, they applied again through SunWest, and “were finally able to secure funding through the PPP Program. After speaking with [SBA Arizona Deputy District Director] Shivani last week we reached out to SunWest Credit Union. I was amazed at how quickly they pulled it off. We filled out the application at 11:30 am. The very next morning we were approved.”

Our SunWest team was ready and willing to offer aid as soon as they could, and Nindi was extremely grateful. “I just wanted to give my kudos to Jay and Joseph for their help,” he said of their service. “I was able to call SunWest and speak to a human right away. They were awesome to work with.” Jay, our Direct Lending Manager, and Joe, our Director of Risk Management – and their dedicated teams – have been on fire assisting small business owners in successfully applying for the PPP loans. Scooptacular was no different.

We at SunWest view assisting local entrepreneurs like Nindi and Carissa to be not just our job, but our duty. Nindi’s gratitude hammered home just how important this work is. “Without you all, I don’t think we would have been able to pull this off. Thank you all for your help through this process,” he told us. As a financial institution that is from and for Arizona, SunWest Credit Union is proud to contribute stability to the community that, in turn, carries us forward through hard times like these.

Anyone who tastes the efforts of this family-run business is sure to be thrilled it has received the support it needed. Scooptacular is worth a trip whenever you’re in the Valley: “We make all of our ice cream in-house and have won blue ribbons from the national ice cream association!!! Currently we have our flagship store in Laveen. We also wholesale to several Valley restaurants like Lou Malnati’s Pizza and have a few dessert places that carry our ice cream! Tropical Sno Glendale, Tropical Sno Mesa and Scooptopia!” They have many unique flavors that are sure to delight adults and kids alike. Plus, you can enjoy your ice cream and stay safe by ordering online!

Not only was Nindi relieved to finally receive his PPP loan, he was also excited about our youth accounts. “My kids are 5, 10 and 12. We plan on coming in once the branches are open to have them open accounts!!!” he let us know. We can’t wait to be able to see and give prizes to our Pounce Accounts members again – but in the meantime, we still have fun, free, at-home activities to participate in!

From little kids to small business owners, SunWest is here for you when the big banks aren’t. Strengthening our community so we can all get through tough times together is our top priority. Nindi, Carissa, and their kids deserve to feel cared for during this time, and local Arizonan businesses deserve to survive. We will always believe that our members are more than just a number.

Economic Impact Payments

Good news! The Internal Revenue Service has sent out the first wave of economic impact payments. The direct deposits are expected to hit accounts on April 15th for those who already filed taxes for 2019 and have their bank account information on file with the IRS. This is great news and welcome assistance for many, but you may still be left wondering, what do I need to do to access the payment? What’s the best use of this money?

First, it’s important to remember that most taxpayers will not need to take any extra steps to receive their payment. If you’re not sure how much you should be getting, here’s a simple breakdown. If you do still need to file, there are some great resources available, including free electronic filing if your adjusted gross income is $69,000 or less. As you likely have heard by now, the deadline to file your taxes this year has been moved from April 15 to July 15. Even though the deadline has been extended, the sooner you file, the sooner you are able to receive your economic impact payment.

Once you receive your payment, your first thought may be to spend it on things to keep you busy during quarantine. While it’s easy to get a little carried away with spending when it comes to a large sum of money, be sure to prioritize your highest needs: food and shelter.  If you need even more relief from your financial obligations, contact the utility company, your auto loan provider, cell phone provider, and other companies you owe money to and see what they can do to lower your bills or waive fees. Most organizations are working with customers during these difficult times so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance! For a more visual guide regarding ways to use your stimulus payment, check out this excellent chart provided by the National Credit Union Foundation.

Talking with your credit union or other lenders can also help you determine the programs available to you that would provide the most financial relief right now. Setting aside a little money in your savings is another way to help you manage and plan for future obligations. Lastly, if you know you owe the government money to pay your taxes, set aside some money to ensure you have enough to cover that payment. The less debt you have now, the easier it will be to manage your finances once things return to normal.

One thing to keep in mind is that your money is safe with SunWest so there is no need to hoard cash once you receive your stimulus payment. We also want to remind you to be on the lookout for scams as we are seeing a rise in COVID-19 related fraud.

We know you are being bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information as guidelines and resources are constantly changing or being updated. Here’s a summary of the basics you need to know about the economic impact payments, including how to designate a direct deposit account and the garnishment process. If we can help to clarify any of the above information, or if you have any questions, you can ask us in the comments or call your nearest branch.

Your Money is Safe with Us

It’s easy to get swept up in panic during times of uncertainty. COVID-19 has left us with a lot of questions and anxiety. One thing is certain: your SunWest accounts are protected.

Our interests as a credit union revolve around what is best for our members. While it can be beneficial to keep small amounts of cash on hand for emergencies, experts strongly recommend against withdrawing large sums. It exposes you to major risk.

Hoarding cash only makes you a bigger target for those seeking to take advantage of the vulnerable during these stressful times. It’s much easier for a thief to grab your wallet or break into your home than it is for them to break into your account. As of March 19, Safewise.com reported 22% of Arizonans have experienced property crime, and 72% have no home security system. Once lost, cash cannot be recovered, whereas your credit union account is automatically insured through the NCUA of up to $250,000. With this insurance, you have one less thing to worry about.

Remember, “This is not a natural disaster like a hurricane or an earthquake where the electricity is out,” states Chief Financial Analyst of Bankrate.com, Greg McBride. You can still pay your bills – and even do your shopping – online. In fact, the more you do online the better, as it brings you into less contact with possible contamination. Digital payment technology is more widespread than ever, making it easier to quickly pay anything, whether it’s your mortgage or that friend you owe lunch to. Now is the time to keep your cash in the bank so you can put that tech to good use.

SunWest Credit Union is here for your financial needs and support. Our ATM and branch cash supply are continually replenished, and this will not change. We are honored to be your chosen financial institution. We’ve kept your accounts safe for over 83 years, and we will continue to protect your interests at every turn.

Refi For A Reason – COVID-19 Relief

Our Refinance for a Reason program has become a staple in our community and something our staff looks forward to every year. We enjoy supporting local organizations that better our community and know how much of an impact we can make in just a few short months. Our comprehensive refinance program has enabled us to give back to incredible organizations such as Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Special Olympics of Arizona, the Arizona Animal Welfare League, and others. This year, our donations are more important than ever.

The two organizations we have chosen to assist are The AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund and Valley of the Sun United Way. Each effort provides relief to the individuals most affected by COVID-19 as outlined below:

• The AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund supports organizations working to diminish the impact of COVID-19 here in Arizona. They fund personal protective equipment for medical employees, food banks, technology for low-income students, and more.
• The United for the Valley COVID-19 Fund was started to adapt to the emerging and fast-changing needs of health and human services organizations, schools, and the individuals and families they serve. Their support goes to child care, rent assistance, lost wages from business closures, and other pressing needs.

SunWest will make a contribution of $50 for every auto loan refinanced through the credit union. Once the program ends, we will donate half of the funds to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund, and half to Valley of the Sun United Way. We will also continue to do our part during these difficult times to protect both our members and our employees. From participating in social distancing to accounting for each person’s unique financial situation, SunWest wants you to know that we stand ready to help our community get through these challenging times with a little financial support and a whole lot of love.

Unfortunately, this pandemic has affected families and loved ones around the world, with many Arizonans facing adversity for the foreseeable future. As a local credit union, we know how critical it is to represent our communities as local people, which is why we are making it our mission to help those who need us the most right now. SunWest may just be another valley credit union, but our staff truly cares about our members, their neighbors, and the communities in which we serve.

Take this time to refinance your auto loan, save money, and give back to your community without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. In addition to the donations being made, we are offering up to 90 days of no payments, great low rates, and the ability to save up to 2.00% off your current rate.

For more details, and to apply online, go to our website.

Avoiding Scams in a Stressful Time

While the coronavirus outbreak has many people worried about their physical health, some are taking this chance to prey on others’ financial health. The news can be nerve-wracking, and many e-mails are being sent from retailers, doctors’ offices, utilities providers, and more. Amidst the overwhelming flow of information, it’s too easy for someone to sneak in a phishing e-mail – and if you’re not careful, you might get caught up in it.

The COVID-19 pandemic has many simply cautious, but there are those that are so affected by the hectic situation that they act irrationally, and aren’t as careful as normal. Since you may be waiting on information from your workplace, the media, or any number of other companies and people, it’s easier for scammers to use that sense of urgency to take advantage of your rush. Some try to lure victims by appearing to be a message from the CDC. Others may seem to be using legitimate software for work-related reasons. No matter what they tell you, you must be wary of all communication at this time.

Some tips to help you remain vigilant include avoiding clicking on links and opening attachments in e-mails you didn’t ask for yourself. Only go to trusted sources such as the CDC or other government websites for fact-based updates on the coronavirus situation. Don’t respond to e-mails asking you for personal or financial information. Before donating to a charity, make sure they are legitimate so you are helping those in need and not just scammers.

One of the best things you can do right now is to stay positive but vigilant. For more detailed information on what to watch out for, check out the PhishLabs Blog, CISA article, and Credit Union Fraud Prevention Center. By taking care of ourselves and each other, we can get through any situation, no matter how intimidating it may seem. If you have any questions, please leave us a comment so we can help!

 

Keep Your Finances Safe This Season

During the holidays, incidents of fraud increase. Scammers are on the rise as they do their best to take advantage of the busy time of year. Don’t let them sneak past your defenses – be aware of how they might try to trick you, and what you can do to protect yourself.

SunWest will never ask you to send your personal or financial information in response to or via a link in an e-mail. We will never initiate a phone call asking for financial information such as your account numbers, social security number, or account balances. We will only ask for specific information to verify your true identity when you initiate a call with SunWest, before disclosing any financial information to you.

Many fraudulent schemes also involve asking you to purchase gift cards. SunWest will not ask you to send any gift cards or other monetary equivalent if something is wrong with your account. Also be wary of giving money to online retailers or even charities (you can verify them here) you aren’t familiar with.

You should always be vigilant around any suspicious calls, e-mails, or even social media messages that seem to come from a financial institution. Elderly people have a higher chance of being targeted, but everyone should be on the lookout. The fraudsters will often try to frighten you into making a quick decision, while legitimate institutions are likely to give you time to think things over.

If in doubt, please call us for verification, or to report fraud or any suspicious activity, at 602-866-1100. For more ways you can prevent fraud, read these prevention tips. We would much rather you be safe than sorry this holiday season!

Being the Change We Want to See in AZ

Giving back to our community isn’t just some ploy to attract your attention—it’s ingrained in who we are. Here at SunWest, we have made it part of our mission to help those who need it most. And what better way to do that than through volunteering with organizations that directly affect our Arizonan community?

We want to go beyond helping just our members and work toward the betterment of the community our members live and work in. Volunteering allows us to uplift the community in different ways – at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, we prepared goody bags for families staying with their child that might otherwise not get a chance to have fun snacks. We’ve walked and washed dogs at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter that have been cooped up waiting for love. We’ve gone around Lake Pleasant in kayaks, scooping up trash so the lake can be enjoyed by people and animals alike.

While we have enjoyed helping out how we can, the gratitude of the places we’ve volunteered at motivates us to do more and go even farther. At Andre House, both the people organizing everything and the people coming for the food service were so grateful, we knew we had to come back more often. At the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, helping out with the children’s crafts and seeing their excitement at being able to participate in a simple, fun activity warmed our hearts.

The smiles of those we’ve directly affected are worth so much more than all the time and money we put into these projects. Plus, being able to volunteer together brings SunWest employees closer to each other and to the community – at the Phoenix Zoo, we helped clear so many weeds as a team that we were able to get a choked-up stream to flow freely again, and completely changed the look of the whole area.

At the House of Refuge, a whole branch and their family members helped put on a barbecue and movie night for single moms on their kids. Everyone had a ton of fun, but one of our favorite stories was that “after the movie was over one of the moms came over to thank my sister and I, it was her son’s 2^nd Birthday and she really wanted to do something special for him but that she only had $15.00 to her name, so she decided to buy a cake for him, and then she said to have over 50 people singing happy birthday to him, the dinner, the movie, the glow sticks and the treat bags, she said he thinks that this “party” was for him. She said I know he’s too young to remember, but I needed you to know that I will be forever grateful, this will be one the most spectacular memories for me.”

These are the events that will affect not just our community – but us at SunWest. Our employees will keep these memories in their hearts forever. We have already volunteered more than 430 hours so far in 2019 – and can’t wait to expand our volunteer program in 2020. We’re ready to make more connections and improvements and continue to care for our neighbor – because we know that the more we can do for those in need, the better our community will be as a whole.

Wherever You Go, We’re There For You

You’re on your way to work, and you need to deposit a check. There’s an event on campus today, and you want to withdraw cash to spend at some of the booths. You need to transfer some money to your roommate to pay the rent this month, and they need it right away. You’re on vacation across the country, and you realize you forgot to cash a check.

The hustle and bustle of everyday life is enough to keep anyone on their toes and we understand you don’t always have time to stop by one of our branches. Luckily, SunWest is part of the CO-OP Shared Branch program, which means you have a multitude of options when it comes to accessing your account. Even if you’re nowhere near a SunWest branch, you can still access your account through ATMs and other credit union branches that are part of the network.

Credit unions care about our members, so we work together to offer you more convenience. Take care of your finances at over 5,600 branches and 30,000 fee-free ATMs. That’s more than most banks! You can move away from our branches – you can even move out of Arizona. You can go on that vacation to Colorado or New York or Florida. There’s no need to worry about not getting to a branch – wherever you are, we’ve got you covered.

You can find a co-op near you with the CO-OP locator. Never stress about access to your account again!

More Than Just A Number

Finding a financial institution that fits your needs can be tough. Sure, you need a place that offers the basic accounts such as checking and savings. But your finances aren’t just for everyday purchases – they hold the key to your dreams for the future. You need an institution that understands who you are, not as a number that it can profit from, but as a person with unique needs and goals.

Credit unions are not-for-profit institutions that were created with people in mind. They are also owned by you, the member, rather than outside investors trying to squeeze every penny out of each customer. Plus, they’re much more inclusive than people might think – for example, anyone who lives, works, or worships in Arizona can join SunWest!

Credit unions are also located all over the world! Thanks to the credit union shared branching network, you have so many more locations to stop at in addition to our 8 local branches. We know that convenience is important to you, whether you need to complete a transaction on your way to pick up the kids after work, deposit a check before getting to campus for classes, or simply dealing with the hustle and bustle of daily life. The network includes more than 5,600 branches nationwide, so whether you’re a neighborhood away or traveling across the country, you’re covered!

Some places are constantly trying to sell you products you don’t need while credit unions are more transparent when it comes to your banking. Our goal is to improve your financial health and keep money in your pockets. Along those lines, SunWest doesn’t charge ATM or account maintenance fees, so you aren’t paying to access your own money. We’re also launching a financial education program to empower our members to take control of their financial journey and better their situation.

What else makes a community better? Volunteering! From the Phoenix Zoo to Ben’s Bells, Andre House to Casa Maria, our employees have volunteered at a wide variety of organizations. We’ve been brought to tears by the emotional stories of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and couldn’t hold back our smiles when taking care of dogs at the Maricopa County Animal Shelter. From people, to animals, to the environment, we want to aid in bettering our neighborhoods.

So why not bank with an institution that’s better than a bank? Our members matter not because of the money they bring us, but because of the people they are. We’re part of the same community as you, and we want us to all grow together. So the next time you’re in the neighborhood, stop by a branch so we can introduce ourselves, and prove to you: credit unions care about you.