Dauphin Plains Credit Union Spokester

Did you know?

2012-02-11T18:22:00.000-08:00

So now that I'm on the mend and recovering from whatever illness I had...for 4 days! I figure we need a new blog. I found myself searching around my twitter a bit tonight and I came across the MB Credit Unions tweets. It is the 75th anniversary of Manitoba Credit Unions in 2012!!! Now that's exciting stuff.

Here is some background information thanks to the MB Credit Union page:

"2012 International Year of Co-operatives/
75th Anniversary of Manitoba Credit Unions

The United Nations has declared 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. It also marks the 75th anniversary of financial co-operatives in Manitoba.
These two events are significant milestones for the Manitoba credit union system and throughout 2012 Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM) and the province's 41 credit unions will be celebrating them in a variety of ways.
We'll be using Facebook and Twitter to share information on events and activities related to both the International Year of Co-operatives and the 75th anniversary. We would love it if everyone would like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and help us spread the word about both events."

You can find them at these social connections:
facebook.com/ManitobaCreditUnions
twitter.com/ManitobaCUs

That's a big number of Credit Unions....41 are out there and giving their members the service they deserve! I wonder what everyone will be doing to celebrate? I've checked out the facebook page and the twitter and both are very good! Check them out for your self and see what you think!

Watch for my new video coming soon: Why Credit Union's are the smart choice!

TTYL

Whitney

When is the right time to start an RRSP?

2012-02-06T17:08:00.000-08:00

Young or not, I am sure we've all heard about or have been told about RRSP's and saving for our retirement. Today I read a great article in the Brandon Sun regarding views of University students on starting RRSP's when your young and the benefits.

I myself found it a hard thing to understand when I first obtained my professional career, but nonetheless I started one. I figured out how much I could afford a month and opened up an account for my RRSP to go into at my local bank. I now continue to contribute to it every month, I don't really miss the contribution from my paycheck as it comes out at the start of every month. I suppose you get used to it I could say, I forget about it but I know in years to come it will be there and it's growing!

I think most young adults find it hard to part with their money for an RRSP at this age because the end is so far from where we are now. However, saving for retirement will be beneficial in the future when you can take a cruise to somewhere warm or maintain the home you live in and don't want to part with.

There are other options than an RRSP, most banks have Tax-free savings accounts, or TFSAs, which allow Canadians to save up to $5,000 each year with all earnings and withdrawals exempt from taxation. Most students in the article said they would prefer this option at a young age. I never thought about it at the time, but I do have one now for my smaller savings!

(Bruno Delorme, the students' business teacher, said young people want and need more financial literacy in the classroom, including information about RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts.
"One of the key success factors in finance is that compounding effect of money, the compounding value," Delorme said.
"If the students begin to invest, albeit a small amount like $500 annually, if they should start at the age of 16, 17, 18 by the age of 50 or 55, they could be rich people.") Brandon Sun

I think that if it's right for you then you should do it, if it's not seek something that is. Your local DPCU branch can guide you in the direction that's best! Drop by and see them today!

If you are interested in reading the article from the Brandon Sun you can check it out here:
http://www.brandonsun.com/business/breaking-news/teens-say-rrsps-are-for-after-university-when-its-time-to-get-serious-138582389.html?thx=y

TTYL

Whitney

Valentine's Day Contest!

2012-02-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

So gone is January and we say "hello" to our new friend this month February! The month of groundhogs seeing or not seeing their shadows, chocolates and overpriced stuffed animals. That's right the count down is on to Valentine's Day. It is pretty fitting then that today I announce our new contest for February!

We want you to post your BEST "money saving ideas for valentine's day" on our facebook page. Give us some great ideas to share with all our fellow facebookers and tweeters on how to save a few bucks during one of the most expensive holidays of the year. What can you win? Well, you have a chance to take home a $100 gift certificate to a Dauphin Area restaurant, you can treat your special someone to a great dinner with this prize!

I am interested to see what tips are out there! I shared mine today on facebook: cook dinner for yourselves, its way cheaper to buy your ingredients than it is to cram yourselves in a busy restaurant on the actual day of Valentine's. Just think a lobster tail is about $9.99 and potatoes a 5 lb bag for $6.00. Add some french bread for $1.00, a bagged salad $2.99 and a bottle of mid-range wine $15.00...what do you get?

You get a great meal for about $46.00 and some change- if you don't know how to cook, google can become your best friend! Plus you get a wonderful evening at home, together without waiting 20 minutes for your reservation! Pop in a movie or play a fun board game after and continue your night together!

I hope you post- and we'll help you wine and dine if you win!

ttyl
Whitney

Banks vs Credit Unions...what's the difference?

2012-01-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

For this next blog I am going to explain a few differences between credit unions and banks. Just in case you don't know- and a review for if you do! It's fairly easy to assume that since both institutions deal with money they should be called "banks", however there are some big differences.

1.Credit unions are not like banks. Credit unions do not have customers or clients, not in the sense that a bank would have customers or clients. Credit unions have members, which own shares in the credit union, and are, essentially, the owners of the credit union.

2. Credit unions are formed based on a bond of association. Usually, this bond of association is a commonality that joins people by employment, membership in an organisation such as labour union, or just the mere fact that people live in a particular community.

3. There are many reasons for choosing a credit union for your financial needs as opposed to a bank. Some of these reasons include:
-the fact that credit unions generally offer a better interest rate on deposits, and charge a lesser interest rate on loans than do other financial institutions.
-Credit unions also charge fewer service fees and provide more free services than a conventional bank or trust company. (who wouldn't want better service fees and free services?)

4. Credit unions, like other financial institutions, are closely regulated. All deposits, including interest, are guaranteed without limit by the Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Manitoba.

5. Credit unions try provide many services. In addition to traditional financial services, members can also access various types of investment, insurance and trust services either directly or indirectly, through one of many financial service co-operative affiliates. Here are some of the services available to members at credit unions:

savings and chequing accounts
term deposits
investment and retirement planning
personal, business and agricultural loans
lines of credit
mortgages
Credit Union MasterCard credit cards
MEMBER CARD® debit cards for INTERAC† Direct Payment & ATM transactions
insurance
trust services
brokerage services

6. I found that they adhere to the Seven International Co-operative Principles that are listed below:
1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Membership
2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
3rd Principle: Member Economic Participation
4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
6th Principle: Co-operation among Co-operatives
7th Principle: Concern for Community

Overall, I would say that becoming a credit union member will provide you with many options and alternatives to suit your financial needs. If you need more information, check out Manitoba's Credit Unions site at http://www.creditunion.mb.ca/about/index.htm !

Head Start Account!

2012-01-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

To continue on with my last blog on budgeting I thought that the Headstart account for teens aged 13-19 would be a great thing to talk about!

Learning how to manage your money is not an easy thing to do- but is possible with some help and guidance. And it is never too early to start teaching your children to understand this responsibility. The Dauphin Plains Credit Union offers 13 to 19 year old members an interest bearing chequing account designed specifically for this purpose. It is a great way to get them to start saving and learning how to manage their accounts and money.

The Benefits of this account include:

Free personalized cheques and cheque processing
Free CU@Home & CUbyPhone
Free Interac Direct Payment transactions using MemberCard
ATM access using MemberCard
Interest calculated on the closing daily balance and paid monthly

Think of all the great advice that DPCU can give your son/daughter or you! Drop by the branch today and check out the Headstart account today! Set your child up for success!

But, wait....it gets even better! DPCU offers Pay for A's. What is that? Well, here's how it works: you take your original report card to your local Dauphin Plains Credit Union Branch or Clipper Credit Union and receive $10 and a laptop draw entry for every final A you earn! Sweet right? If your not a member yet, don't worry. You can still participate-join today! It pays to get good grades- stop and see us today!

To Budget or Not to Budget?

2012-01-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Well I hope you got a chance to check out my latest video on how to create a budget. It is an important skill to learn as you will need to manage money throughout your life- well unless you win the lottery and never have to worry about money again, that is.

I suppose the first time I learned about saving or budgeting my money was when I was quite young. I had a young savers account (like Fat Cat) and learned to put a little away when I had some money or received some as gifts. I believe that you can never learn this skill too early in life- after all, if you watch the show "Until Debt do us Part" you will relate when I say some people learn this skill too late in life.

I would say that one of the first steps if you are still in school or living at home would be to stash some cash away for when you do move out or away from your parents. Most jobs pay minimum wage when you are in school working so it's hard to save up that hard earned money- not impossible, just hard.

Next, I would look at what your expenses might be when you move out. (If you are moved out then what bills do you have to pay each month?) Make a list of all the possible items you will have to budget for. Here are some examples: Car payment, Gas, Rent, Hydro, Water bill, Tuition?, Food, Taxes, Phone bill...and so on. How much do you think is reasonable to pay each of these bills? How often will you have to pay them? There are many questions you will have to ponder while creating your budget.

Do be sure to track your spending, call service providers to check rates, bundle items together on a plan to save some cash and shop sales to save on groceries!

Don't spend frivolously, underestimate how much a bill will be, buy out of season items (they usually cost way more), or go out every night to eat takeout, these can all add up to trouble!

Budgeting can be hard and it will be different for everyone. So make sure you make a plan that will work for you. It's not easy- you may have to work those extra hours to afford luxuries but it will be worth it in the end!

Go ahead, Get calculating!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KYUGc6moIg

You Could Win!

2012-01-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

TGIF! I am sure we all feel that way today, but we did make it through another week, a COLD one!

Today I am reminding everyone that there are some really cool contests going on that you should totally take part it!

1. Just for visiting our FACEBOOK page and posting your New Year's Resolution, you could win yourself a $50 Mastercard Gift card to put towards your goal, nothing wrong with that! So head over to our page (DauphinPlainsCreditUnion) and LIKE US today! This is super easy and super simple, plus I have a link on the blog homepage (top right hand corner) so just click and post!

2. If you follow us on TWITTER from now until Feb 15/12, you have a chance to win a Canon Digital Camera! That's totally awesome don't you think? All you have to do is visit us on Twitter @dauphinplainscu
Click "follow" and your entered to WIN! (I must say the camera is pretty sweet...nice blue colour, small, easy to carry...)

3. How about joining us for our $200 million in Assets celebration? -In recognition of this milestone, the Board invites you to join us in celebration on Thursday, January 26th for coffee, donuts and PRIZES at your local branch. Come see us!

4. Have you signed up for our Mobile Web yet? If not don't wait....log on to our website http://www.dpcu.ca/, click the mobile web banner and get connected today! You could WIN and IPAD!! You heard me right, an Ipad!

I guess I should end this blog so you can get yourself linked, clicked and entered for all these great contests that DPCU has to offer! Good luck! If you have any trouble, you can always ask me about them by commenting below!

TTYL

Whitney

What's up with this today?

2012-01-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

As I was searching for answers online today I found myself wondering, Why no Wikipedia? First I was frustrated, next just wondered...then I remembered this article someone I know was reading last week about SOPA. So if you too found yourself searching for answers you could not find today these links explain what might be the reason why!

http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/17/tech/web/wikipedia-sopa-blackout-qa/index.html
http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/17/why-is-there-going-to-be-a-wikipedia-blackout-and-what-is-sopa/

I think those sites sum it up quite well. As for you Wikipedia...I'll be looking for my answers again tomorrow.

Whitney

eAdvantage

2012-01-17T13:55:00.000-08:00

Have you checked out the DPCU eAdvantage newsletter lately? If you have your probably aware of all the cool stuff you can check out, if not...find out what you've been missing! Visit your local branch and pick one up today.

The reasons why I think it is sooo great are:

1. You can catch up on the latest news from Dauphin Plains Credit Union- see what is new and happening at our branches.

2. Enter cool contests- did you know that if you see your account number in the newsletter you win a prize? WOW, that's what I thought too! All you have to do is contact the branch and tell them you have seen your number in that issue. Another great one is the Photo Contest- if you've got a picture that would be great for the front page banner of our next newsletter, SEND IT IN! You could get your fantastic photographic skills on the front page for all to see!

3. Check out what's happening with Fat Cat news! Cool events for the kids to attend and perhaps you too!

4. Updates from GreyOwl Wealth Strategies- see what's new and what they have to offer our members!

I think that the above speak for themselves- so if you haven't grabbed the latest issue get into your branch and get one today!

Look for the next issue coming soon in the Spring!

TTYL

Whitney

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

2012-01-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

We have all made them, let them slide or perhaps kept them. What am I talking about? New Year's Resolutions! Every year we make a promise to ourselves to do something good whether it be for our body, our mind or many other things. So I was interested to find out what are the top resolutions that people around the world are trying to follow, that prompted me to do a little research.

So this is what I've found....

#10 - Volunteer and/or Donate to Charity More ( give a little get a little, right?)
#9 - Travel Somewhere New (save up those pennies, trips can cost you sometimes)
#8 - Go To Church More (or get involved with your church)
#7 - Be Less Stressed (take time for yourself, de-stress at the end of a hectic day)
#6 - Learn Something New / Take a Class (learn a new language or yoga)
#5 - Spend More Time With Family (have a family fun night or game night)
#4 - Exercise More (this one always hits the list- and its on mine :0 )
#3 - Save More Money / Get Out of Debt- (easy to say, harder to do, however you can do it if you set your mind to it)
#2 - Quit Smoking (You can do it, I know you can)
#1 - Lose Weight (perhaps this fits with #4, but there are lots of ways to be successful with this)

Whatever you decide to try to do, set your mind to it and stick to it! Resolutions are hard but if you do them with someone (friend/family) they will be easier to achieve!

Whitney

DPCU Member Referral Program

2012-01-15T12:43:00.000-08:00

Dauphin Plains Credit Union takes pride in the satisfaction all of their members! That's why they want to give back to you when you refer a family member or friend to DPCU. It's super simple and easy to do. In fact, once you've referred someone and they have qualified, DPCU will give you a $50.00 gift certificate.

There are only 2 steps to this process and they are both easy to do:

1. Tell a friend or family member about Dauphin Plains Credit Union and all of the great advantages of being a member.

2. Fill in a card (you can get these at the branch) with your name, email, phone-number, and give it to the person you are referring to bring in with them when they open their membership at DPCU.

* 90 days after your referral opens a qualifying account ($5,000 in combined business- loans, mortgage, and/or investments) we'll give you a $50.00 gift certificate to a local business, it's that easy!

There is no limit to the number of referrals you can have-- DPCU will reward you !

Be sure to stop by your local branch and grab a referral card today! It's easy and quick to do so refer a friend!

Whitney

Great January exercises to help you keep fit!

2012-01-12T20:41:00.000-08:00

We all know that January can be a tough month for getting back into shape after those turkey dinners and sweet treats from the holidays. However, I have looked around and found some great tips to help you wear off those few pounds.

1. Go walking with a friend. It is easier to stay motivated when you have a pal by your side. Instead of meeting for coffee, gab while on the go and catch up over a brisk 30 minute walk! Plus....walking on ice is easier than running.

2. Shovel! I know we all hate that word, but it can be great exercise. Shoveling your driveway for 30 minutes is a great way to get fit. However, make sure you don't lift too much at one time; shovel small to medium sized loads so you don't strain your back.

3. Go skiing or snow shoeing. If there must be snow we may as well use it. Get together with a friend or your partner and spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors. You'll have fun and not even realize that you're burning off those calories!

4. Join that fitness class you've been wanting to try. It is a fun way to meet people and motivate yourself to get fit. Who knows, you may even find yourself going again...and again.

These are just a few ways I thought could spark that "get up and go" in us all. Whatever you choose to do, remember not to strain yourself and have fun while doing it!

Happy Exercising!

A contest for our Fellow Facebookers!

2012-01-10T16:13:00.000-08:00

So I couldn't leave you guys out on Facebook. So, this month if you post your New Year's Resolution on our facebook page, you could win a $50.00 Mastercard giftcard to put towards that new you! This is for all you DPCU members out there, so why wait? Get logged onto our page and comment with your resolution!

A few details for you are: that you must like our page to be eligible for this contest, be a DPCU member, and post your resolution in the post area! I will keep track of all who share with us!

Just in case you need our page link here it is:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Dauphin-Plains-Credit-Union/109392622449562

Good luck! Resolutions are always a tricky thing, I hope we can all stick to ours!

Follow to Win!

2012-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

I have some super cool news to share with you today! If you have been on facebook you've probably already seen the announcement, but, here it is anyways. If you are a DPCU member and follow me on Twittter between now and February 15th you have a chance to win a Canon Digital Camera! It's simple and easy to enter this cool contest.

1. If you have a twitter account all you have to do is follow me @dauphinplainscu, I can see who my followers are so I will enter you to win.
2. If you don't have twitter yet, sign up for an account at twitter.com! Once you've signed up, follow me @dauphinplainscu and your entered to win!

I will post the winner on facebook/twitter after the 15th of Feb....stay connected to see who wins!

Twitter is a great way to stay connected at home or on the go with your mobile phone.I post updates about cool things DPCU has going on and upcoming/current contests and videos.

Tell your friends! Spread the word!

tweet, tweet, tweet!
-Whitney

Mobile Web

2012-01-08T17:07:00.000-08:00

On the go banking—Go Mobile

Do you want the ability to bank anywhere, anytime? Well, I have some great news to tell you… now you can! Dauphin Plains Credit Union is proud to announce the introduction of Mobile Web. All you have to do is register your smart phone (or any web enabled phone), and start mobile web today!

I should mention that the coolest part is when you register you have the chance to win an Ipad. Yup. That’s right, an Ipad! There are two ways to enter:

1. Sign up for Dauphin Plains Credit Union's mobile web banking services (smartphone) by sending your smart phone a link to the mobile web app and automatically be entered between December 5th, 2011 and March 5, 2012.

2. Sign up for Dauphin Plains Credit Union's mobile banking services in branch between December 5th, 2011 and March 5, 2012 and fill out ballot.
There are a few things you have to remember… the contest is limited to one entry per person and all entries must be received on or before March 5th, 2012 by 5:00 pm.
So, what’s mobile web all about? Let me tell you some of the benefits of having this service. It allows you to access your accounts on any web-enabled phone and fits on your screen. It offers primary online banking functions; it fits in your pocket or purse and best of all, its free! You may want to check with your cellular provider (data rates etc.), but if you use a free Wi-Fi there is no cost to you
So, let’s get you signed up and using mobile web. You will need to visit www.dpcu.ca and follow the steps below:

1. Log in to Online Banking

2. Register your mobile phone

3. Select your accounts and confirm your Passcode.

* Don't have an Online Banking account? Just call 622-4500 to get started today.

Just visit www.dpcu.ca and click the “Mobile Web” banner.

Well I hope you have a little more background about Mobile web after reading this. However, if you want more information you can visit the DPCU website at http://www.dpcu.ca/public/products/serv-mobileweb.aspx to find out more! Good luck!