We Are PEFCU: What Makes Us Unique

Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) is a member-owned co-operative that was founded to meet the financial needs of Publix Super Markets Inc. associates and their family members.   George Jenkins (founder of Publix) wanted to ensure that he offered his customers the best choices in grocery products and services. Mr. George also fostered an internal culture that prioritized his associates’ personal needs. He wanted Publix associates and their immediate families to be at their best financially—at every phase of life. He envisioned them having lower loan rates, higher-yield savings plans, and other benefits that banks didn’t offer. In 1957, Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) was…

June 24, 2020We Are PEFCU 2 Comments

Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) is a member-owned co-operative that was founded to meet the financial needs of Publix Super Markets Inc. associates and their family members.   George Jenkins (founder of Publix) wanted to ensure that he offered his customers the best choices in grocery products and services. Mr. George also fostered an internal culture that prioritized his associates’ personal needs. He wanted Publix associates and their immediate families to be at their best financially—at every phase of life. He envisioned them having lower loan rates, higher-yield savings plans, and other benefits that banks didn’t offer. In 1957, Publix Employees Federal Credit Union (PEFCU) was…

PEFCU Values: Innovative

What does it mean to be innovative? To us, it means we are always looking for ways to remain an employer of choice. Below are a few ways that PEFCU stays innovative. “There’s no good idea that can’t be improved on.” – Michael Eisner PEFCU Values: Four Ways We Are Innovative The Vault: Our People Development team is dedicated to elevating our learning experience. The People Development team recently launched a learning platform called The Vault. The Vault contains educational and training resources that improve soft skills, fosters talent, and even certifies in specific business areas. It is more than on-the-job…

June 24, 2020We Are PEFCU No Comments

What does it mean to be innovative? To us, it means we are always looking for ways to remain an employer of choice. Below are a few ways that PEFCU stays innovative. “There’s no good idea that can’t be improved on.” – Michael Eisner PEFCU Values: Four Ways We Are Innovative The Vault: Our People Development team is dedicated to elevating our learning experience. The People Development team recently launched a learning platform called The Vault. The Vault contains educational and training resources that improve soft skills, fosters talent, and even certifies in specific business areas. It is more than on-the-job…

5 Tips on Saving for a Mortgage Down Payment

Mortgage. Down. Payment. The three scariest words in the home buying process. If saving up money for the down payment stumps you at every turn, keep reading. You may realize that you are closer to buying a home than you think. Find Unconventional Loan Options. A conventional mortgage typically requires a down payment of 20%. But there are several loan products with little or no down payments required. These include FHA-backed loans for first-time home buyers, VA loans for former and current military personnel and spouses, and USDA loans for buyers who want homes in “agricultural zones.”It is best that you thoroughly review these loan options with our PEFCU Loan Representative; as they may require a specific…

June 23, 2020Borrowing Basics 1 Comment

Mortgage. Down. Payment. The three scariest words in the home buying process. If saving up money for the down payment stumps you at every turn, keep reading. You may realize that you are closer to buying a home than you think. Find Unconventional Loan Options. A conventional mortgage typically requires a down payment of 20%. But there are several loan products with little or no down payments required. These include FHA-backed loans for first-time home buyers, VA loans for former and current military personnel and spouses, and USDA loans for buyers who want homes in “agricultural zones.”It is best that you thoroughly review these loan options with our PEFCU Loan Representative; as they may require a specific…

2020 PEFCU Branch Closures

All offices of PEFCU will be closed the following dates. You can always access our services online at https://www.pefcu.com or our PEFCU Mobile Banking app.     Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20 Monday   Presidents Day February 17 Monday   Memorial Day May 25 Monday   Independence Day July 3 Friday   Labor Day September 7 Monday   Columbus Day October 12 Monday   Veterans Day November 11 Wednesday   Thanksgiving November 26 Thursday   Christmas December 25 Friday   New Year’s Day 2021 December 31 Friday     If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Credit Union will be closed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Credit Union will be closed on the following Monday 

June 23, 2020PEFCU Perks, We Are PEFCU No Comments

All offices of PEFCU will be closed the following dates. You can always access our services online at https://www.pefcu.com or our PEFCU Mobile Banking app.     Martin Luther King Jr. Day January 20 Monday   Presidents Day February 17 Monday   Memorial Day May 25 Monday   Independence Day July 3 Friday   Labor Day September 7 Monday   Columbus Day October 12 Monday   Veterans Day November 11 Wednesday   Thanksgiving November 26 Thursday   Christmas December 25 Friday   New Year’s Day 2021 December 31 Friday     If the holiday falls on a Saturday, the Credit Union will be closed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, the Credit Union will be closed on the following Monday 

4 Investment Options You Should Know About   

The investment world can be as complex or simple as you would like to make it.  There are many options available from which to choose when you have your investment plan ready to implement.  Let’s look at some of the different investment tools available in more detail so you will have a better understanding of each.    1. Stocks Stock is purchased as an investment in a company with the understanding that the company will be profitable, and the stock price will go up.  The value of stock is dependent upon the market conditions at the time of purchase and the time of sale.  Most people hope…

June 22, 2020Future Planning 1 Comment

The investment world can be as complex or simple as you would like to make it.  There are many options available from which to choose when you have your investment plan ready to implement.  Let’s look at some of the different investment tools available in more detail so you will have a better understanding of each.    1. Stocks Stock is purchased as an investment in a company with the understanding that the company will be profitable, and the stock price will go up.  The value of stock is dependent upon the market conditions at the time of purchase and the time of sale.  Most people hope…

Saving for Your Child’s College Education

The minute you bring your little bundle of joy home, thoughts of their college education begin looming in the back of your head. You only want the best for them – good school, great education, a rewarding career. But between skyrocketing college prices and your need to prepare for retirement, how can you save enough for your child’s education? After all, you still have everyday expenses, too.  Keep reading to learn four baby steps to save for your child’s college education.   Start small, start early. For example, when your child is born, if you put aside $150 each month until they are ready for college, the balance would be over $32,000 by the time they reach 18. And that doesn’t even include all the compound interest you’ll be earning over 18 years.…

June 5, 2020Wallet Wins No Comments

The minute you bring your little bundle of joy home, thoughts of their college education begin looming in the back of your head. You only want the best for them – good school, great education, a rewarding career. But between skyrocketing college prices and your need to prepare for retirement, how can you save enough for your child’s education? After all, you still have everyday expenses, too.  Keep reading to learn four baby steps to save for your child’s college education.   Start small, start early. For example, when your child is born, if you put aside $150 each month until they are ready for college, the balance would be over $32,000 by the time they reach 18. And that doesn’t even include all the compound interest you’ll be earning over 18 years.…

Smart Tips for Investing in Your 401(k)

How can you make the most out of your 401(k)? Take a look at some ways to maximize this important investment:  Meet regularly with your financial advisor. The best strategy you can take to maximize any investment is to get professional assistance. A financial advisor will discuss growth strategies with you and encourage you to make smart choices with your 401(k). Furthermore, they can help you with any other current or potential investments you may have. Most advisors suggest meeting with them semi-annually or annually to review your entire investment portfolio. Be sure you understand the rules and contribute to the limits if you…

May 27, 2020Future Planning No Comments

How can you make the most out of your 401(k)? Take a look at some ways to maximize this important investment:  Meet regularly with your financial advisor. The best strategy you can take to maximize any investment is to get professional assistance. A financial advisor will discuss growth strategies with you and encourage you to make smart choices with your 401(k). Furthermore, they can help you with any other current or potential investments you may have. Most advisors suggest meeting with them semi-annually or annually to review your entire investment portfolio. Be sure you understand the rules and contribute to the limits if you…

Grow Your Savings or Eliminate Debt? 

Which would you rather do in the next few months? Pay off your credit cards, or build interest on the money in your savings? Most people would choose the latter option. Making more money on your savings appears to be the most stable financial option.   The problem with this scenario is that you may end up paying more interest on your credit cards than what you will make in interest on your savings. This can result in you losing more money overall by postponing paying off your credit card bill.  Understand Your Credit & Savings Interest  Most financial planners will tell you upfront to get rid of…

May 14, 2020Wallet Wins 1 Comment

Which would you rather do in the next few months? Pay off your credit cards, or build interest on the money in your savings? Most people would choose the latter option. Making more money on your savings appears to be the most stable financial option.   The problem with this scenario is that you may end up paying more interest on your credit cards than what you will make in interest on your savings. This can result in you losing more money overall by postponing paying off your credit card bill.  Understand Your Credit & Savings Interest  Most financial planners will tell you upfront to get rid of…

How to Create Financial Goals You’ll Actually Follow

Studies have shown that people who clearly define their goals, whether it’s losing weight or gaining a new position at their workplace, have a better success rate than those who just wing it.  There’s an easy acronym you can use as a formula for success in setting objectives for a big goal:  Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-Bound  It’s no different for financial goals. Do you want to own a new home, take a European vacation or put your kids through college? Whatever your personal financial goals are, preparing a plan is the first step toward achieving success. Here are some tips…

May 13, 2020Wallet Wins 2 Comments

Studies have shown that people who clearly define their goals, whether it’s losing weight or gaining a new position at their workplace, have a better success rate than those who just wing it.  There’s an easy acronym you can use as a formula for success in setting objectives for a big goal:  Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-Bound  It’s no different for financial goals. Do you want to own a new home, take a European vacation or put your kids through college? Whatever your personal financial goals are, preparing a plan is the first step toward achieving success. Here are some tips…

Remodeling vs. Selling Your Home: 5 Factors to Help You Decide

Big decisions like whether to remodel or sell your home can become clouded with unrealistic expectations. If you’re a homeowner and are considering whether to remodel your existing home or  buy a new home, here are some factors that you and your realtor should discuss:  Remodel Cost:  To perform the type and size of renovations seen on some cable shows, most people will use a Home Equity Loan. This means that there will be interest rates, closing costs, and other expenses associated with the remodel. It’s also important to get multiple estimates from reputable, licensed companies or contractors in your area for the best strategy. New Home Cost: There are several expenses the homeowners will incur if they a.) sell their existing home and b.) purchase a…

May 11, 2020Borrowing Basics No Comments

Big decisions like whether to remodel or sell your home can become clouded with unrealistic expectations. If you’re a homeowner and are considering whether to remodel your existing home or  buy a new home, here are some factors that you and your realtor should discuss:  Remodel Cost:  To perform the type and size of renovations seen on some cable shows, most people will use a Home Equity Loan. This means that there will be interest rates, closing costs, and other expenses associated with the remodel. It’s also important to get multiple estimates from reputable, licensed companies or contractors in your area for the best strategy. New Home Cost: There are several expenses the homeowners will incur if they a.) sell their existing home and b.) purchase a…