Winter 2015-2016

ANCHOR LINES5 SMART

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS

www.navigatorcu.org

Navigator Credit Union

THRIVE BY FIVE: Teaching Your Preschooler

About Spending and Saving

Spotlight on the $10 Bill

In This Issue

This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Websites not belonging to this organization are for information only. No endorsement is implied. Images may be from ©iStock and/or ©Fotolia. ©2015 Bluespire Marketing I bluespiremarketing.com

Building a legacy of excellence for our members through

service, commitment and substantial value.

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Federally Insured by National Credit Union Administration

Consolidate to a Lower Rate . . . . . . . . . . 2

5 Smart Financial Resolutions. . . . . . . . . 2

Know Your Account Number . . . . . . . . . . 3

Build a Safety Net with Emergency Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Give Your Mood a Boost by Getting Out of Debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

5 Ways to Simplify Investing . . . . . . . . . . 5

2016 Retirement Plan Contribution Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

6 Secrets to Traveling Like a Local . . . . 7

Spotlight on the $10 Bill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

A Healthier You This Winter. . . . . . . . . . . 8

Recipe: Broccoli Potato Soup . . . . . . . . . 8

Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

5 Maneras de Simplificar la Inversión . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Mobile Deposit Adds Convenience to Online Banking

In addition to saving time, Navigator Credit Union’s Online Banking offers free, unlimited account access from the convenience of your home. This highly secure electronic

service is especially helpful after hours and on the weekends while ensuring that your personal information remains confidential and protected.

Perhaps you’ve started using online banking to check the balances on your accounts or see a record of your transactions.

But you may not be aware of all the ways that online banking can simplify your life. Here are a few additional features you can use to take full advantage of online banking.

Mobile deposit. Depositing checks has never been easier. Use Navigator’s mobile banking app and the camera feature on your smartphone or tablet for 24/7, convenient check deposit to your credit union accounts.

e-Statements. View your Navigator statements online when you enroll in e-Statements. A notification will be sent to your e-mail address when your statement is ready to view. Plus, e-Statements are stored electronically so you can look back at previous statements when you log in to ’N Touch Online Banking.

Online bill pay. Use online bill pay to pay your bills from the convenience of your home. This can remove the need to physically write checks and mail out your bills, saving paper, stamps and time.

e-Alerts. Sign up for customizable e-Alerts based on your preferences and receive messages straight to your phone or e-mail letting you know about specific account activity such as:

• ATM withdrawals• Spending that exceeds your balance• Changes to your ’N Touch Online Banking ID or password • Daily balance updates and so much more

Address change. Avoid a trip to the credit union and update your address and other contact information right from your home when you log in to Navigator’s secure online banking system.

If you would like to learn more about using online banking to its full potential, visit Navigator Credit Union and a Member Service Representative will be happy to offer enrollment assistance and answer all your questions. You can also visit our website at www.navigatorcu.org to explore all of our online banking features.

Respectfully,

Robert A. Fertitta President & CEO

Flurry of holiday bills?

Consolidate to a Lower Rate

T he gifts have been opened, holiday cheer shared with loved ones and the last of the eggnog finished. But

wait! Before you face the mailbox full of holiday bills, here’s one more gift — one you can give yourself!

A VISA® credit card from Navigator Credit Union can help you consolidate your holiday bills with a low interest rate. You may have some credit cards — especially store charge cards — with a high interest rate. If you transfer those balances to a Navigator card with a lower rate, you enjoy the flexibility to:

• Pay down debt faster. When you pay less in interest charges, you can whittle down the balance quicker without increasing the amount you pay each month.

• Enjoy smaller monthly payments. Maybe your budget needs a little breathing room. Consolidating credit card debt can mean that you only make one payment instead of several. You can pay the minimum amount, the full balance or anything in between. It’s up to you!

• Simplify bill-paying. Instead of a pile of bills all with different due dates, you have just one payment to make each month, one due date, one log-in and password. Simple!

• Improve your credit rating. The amounts you owe on your accounts make up 30% of your FICO credit score, so paying down balances (and not racking up more debt!) can boost your credit score.

Don’t let holiday bills wipe out the warm glow of holiday cheer. Manage them more easily with a Navigator VISA® credit card. Stop in, call 800-344-3281 or apply online at www.navigatorcu.org.

www.navigatorcu.org 2

5 Smart Financial Resolutions

“M anage finances wisely” is a popular New Year’s resolution. But it can be tough to stick to a goal this vague. Here are some specific ways to help

you be money-smart in 2016.

1. Maintain an emergency fund. Many financial experts recommend having three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid savings account. Set up automatic transfer to your Navigator Credit Union savings account to help make saving easy, as well as easy to access.

2. Save for retirement. Making regular contributions to an employer-sponsored retirement plan or an individual retirement account (IRA) can make a big difference when you reach your retirement years. Automatic paycheck transfers, if available, can help you stick to this resolution with ease.

3. Pay off debt. If “pay off” seems too lofty, focus on whittling down debt by paying more than the required minimum amount. Refinancing to a lower interest rate (such as for a home or car loan) may also help you pay down debt faster.

4. Build great credit. Making on-time payments and handling credit responsibly will raise your credit score, a number that is considered for a large loan such as a mortgage, or even getting a job or apartment in some cases. Navigator’s online bill pay service can help you make payments on schedule.

5. Talk about estate planning. It’s not the most fun topic to think about, but it is important for your family’s future. Make it a goal to talk about estate planning with aging parents and/or your spouse to help you make decisions and form a plan.

Look to Navigator Credit Union for more ways to save, pay off debt, manage loans and prepare for your future. Visit www.navigatorcu.org, stop by or give us a call at 800-344-3281 today.

Do You Know Your Navigator Account Number?

1. Routing Number 3. Account Number2. Account Prefix 4. Check Number

JANE JOHNSONPH 228-123-4567101 WINNER CR.BILOXI, MS 39532

1234

Pay to theOrder of

Dollars

Date

$

For

P.O. Box 1647Pascagoula, MS 39568-1647

MP

SecurityFeaturesDetails onBack.

A123456789A 1021234567890 C1234

If you do not already know your Navigator account number, look no further than your book of

checks you have on hand. The “anatomy of a check” graphic shown here can be used as a

convenient guide anytime you need your personal account information:

1. Routing Number: this unique nine-digit number is used to identify the financial institution in a transaction. When using your account for purposes of payment or when receiving funds, you can find the routing number on a Navigator check or at www.navigatorcu.org.

2. 3-Digit Prefix: your Checking Account number contains a three-digit prefix to use before your 10-digit account number. This prefix indicates you are using your Checking Account when paying bills by phone or online and to facilitate ACH transactions (any payments such as direct deposit, payroll and vendor transactions.)

3. Account Number: your 10-digit account number is the number for your primary account and should be used for all transactions at a branch or when using ’N Touch Audio.

4. Check Number: this is used as a reference number which will help you track any payment made by check.

Important tip to remember:

When using any account other than your Checking (such as Savings or a Sub Account) to pay bills by phone,

online or by ACH, please contact Navigator Credit Union to be sure you have the correct 3-Digit Prefix to use

in front of your account number so there is no delay. Navigator Member Service Representatives are available

for assistance Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

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Build a Safety Net with Emergency Savings

If you’re like many young Americans, a large chunk of your income goes toward paying down debt such as

student loans and credit card payments. Paying off debt as soon as possible is a smart move — it can help you save on interest payments and improve your credit score. However, neglecting to build an emergency savings fund can be a potentially dangerous oversight. A financial cushion can see you through rough patches like a job loss, medical emergency or car repairs.

What if a couple of crises happen all at once and you don’t have enough cash to float you through? You might be forced to take out a loan, increase your credit card debt or dip into your retirement fund. Resorting to any of these options could end up costing you more than if you had just kept building up your emergency savings over time.

How to Build Your Rainy Day FundFinancial experts suggest having three to six months of living expenses in

emergency savings. This includes food, rent, insurance and other necessities. If you’re single and don’t have kids, this can be a few thousand dollars. If you’re a married homeowner with children, you’ll need much more.

Try these tips to boost your savings over time:

• Keep a record of your spending. Set aside money from your paycheck for your essentials, and then eliminate things you don’t need, such as a daily latte or an overlarge cable package. Put that extra money into your savings!

• Set up an account with direct deposit so part of your paycheck automatically goes into your savings. Don’t wait until the end of the month to try to scrape together whatever is left; there might not be anything left to save.

• Find a way to make money on the side, such as taking on a part-time job, a couple of shifts at a restaurant or freelance gigs.

Building up your emergency savings is well worth it for the peace of mind it brings! If you don’t have one already, open a savings account at Navigator Credit Union today!

Give Your Mood a Boost by Getting Out of Debt

K eeping yourself out of debt could benefit more than just your finances! According to a study

from the Center for Financial Security at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a 10% increase in short-term debt, such as overdue bills and credit card debt, was linked to a 24% increase in symptoms of depression.

Here are a few solid tips on how to decrease your short-term debt, which might also improve your mental health:

• Keep a record of everything you spend for a couple months. Then look for expenses to trim, like nights out, excessive fast food trips or pricey bottled water. Apply the savings to your debts.

• Ask your phone, utility and insurance companies to renegotiate your rates. They may be able to set up a payment plan, too, if you’re behind on payments.

• Set up online bill pay so bills are paid on time and in full (or at least the minimum for credit cards). You’ll avoid late charges!

www.navigatorcu.org 4

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5 Ways to Simplify Investing

If you, like many Americans, are not confident about your knowledge of personal finance, finding ways to

simplify your investments may serve you well. A survey found that a quarter of Americans believe they are “not at all knowledgeable” about investments and financial products, and only 6% rate themselves as “very knowledgeable.”* Try these ideas to make managing your investments easier.

1. Consolidate accounts. If you’ve changed jobs a number of times, you may have multiple 401(k) or similar retirement accounts. You can make it easier to see your overall portfolio by rolling them all into one account. If your current employer-sponsored retirement plan accepts rollovers and you’re happy with the plan’s investment selections and costs, you might want to consolidate them that way. Another option is rolling all the old plans into an individual retirement account (IRA).

2. Automate your investing. By setting up an automatic transfer each month (or whatever frequency you decide) from your bank account to an investment

account, you save yourself the hassle of having to make decisions over and over. You also take advantage of the benefits of dollar-cost averaging.** Investing a set amount at regular intervals, regardless of what the market is doing, can reduce market risk compared to investing a one-time lump sum, because you don’t risk buying all your shares at the “wrong time.” Buying fewer shares when prices are high and more shares when they’re low can also help you lower your overall cost of investing. If you invest through an employer-sponsored retirement plan with automatic payroll deduction, you already do this!

3. Use automated tools to track your investments. Online tools can give you a snapshot of your investments across multiple accounts. You can monitor your asset allocation across your entire portfolio and check your investment costs. Free tools are available, as well as ones for purchase.

4. Consider a target-date fund. Maintaining a mix of assets that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and investing time horizon is a major —

and profoundly important — aspect of investing. Target-date funds do all of that work for you. They start with a more aggressive mix of assets that gradually becomes more conservative as the target date nears. This spares you from choosing an asset allocation, rebalancing it periodically and adjusting it as your timeline diminishes. All you have to do is choose a fund with a target date that matches the date you’ll need the money, whether it’s for retirement, college costs or another goal.

5. Seek professional advice. An investment professional at Navigator Credit Union can review your portfolio and help you decide on a strategy for your investments. Call to arrange a consultation today at 228-474-3427.

* Source: LIMRA, April 29, 2013.** Dollar-cost averaging (systematic investing) cannot

guarantee a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. You should consider your ability to continue investing during periods of low price levels.

Investment products:Not federally insuredNot a deposit of this institutionMay lose value

www.navigatorcu.org 6

Jeffrey C. Hamm, CRPC®

Vice President,Wealth Management

2016 Retirement Plan Contribution LimitsTame yearly inflation means very little change.Provided by Jeffrey C. Hamm

Over the past 12 months, consumer prices have increased very little. The latest Consumer Price Index (September) shows 0.0% yearly inflation and only 1.9%

core yearly inflation. That means no cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security, and very few IRS adjustments to retirement plan contribution limits.1

Roth IRA & traditional IRA contribution limits stay the same for 2016. Those 49 and younger in 2016 can contribute up to $5,500 to their IRAs, while those 50 and older will be able to contribute $6,500.2

401(k), 403(b), 457 & TSP annual contribution limits are also unchanged. Savers will be able to defer up to $18,000 into these plans in 2016 with an additional catch-up contribution of up to $6,000 permitted for those 50 or older.3

SIMPLE IRAs? No COLA for those accounts either. The base contribution limit for a SIMPLE IRA stays at $12,500 next year, the catch-up contribution limit at $3,000.2

The same goes for SEP-IRAs & Solo 401(k)s. Small business owners have a maximum deferral amount of $53,000 for 2016. As for the compensation limit factored into the savings calculation, that limit will remain at $265,000. The compensation threshold for an employee to be included in a SEP plan stays at $600 (i.e., that worker has to receive $600 or more in compensation from your business in 2016).2,3

The phase-out range for Roth IRA contributions has been adjusted a bit. In 2016, you will be unable to make a Roth IRA contribution if your AGI exceeds $194,000 as a married couple filing jointly, or $132,000 should you be a single filer or head of household. Those figures are $1,000 higher than in 2015. Joint filers with AGI of $184,001-$194,000 and singles and heads of household with AGI of $117,001-$132,000 will be able to make a partial rather than full Roth IRA contribution next year. If you really want a Roth IRA but your AGI is too high, you can always open a traditional IRA and then convert it to a Roth.2

As for deducting regular IRA contributions, one phase-out range change has been made. The change is slight. If you contribute to a traditional IRA and your employer doesn’t sponsor a retirement plan, yet your spouse contributes to a workplace retirement plan, the AGI phase-out on deductions of traditional IRA contributions strikes when your combined AGI ranges from $184,001-$194,000. That is a $1,000 increase from the 2015 phase-out range.2

If you are a single filer or file as a head of household contributing to a traditional IRA and you are also covered by a workplace retirement plan, the AGI phase-out range for you remains at

$61,001-$71,000. If you file jointly, contribute to a traditional IRA and are also covered by a workplace retirement plan, your AGI phase-out range is the same in 2016 – $98,001-$118,000. Above the high end of those phase-out ranges, you can’t claim a deduction for traditional IRA contributions.2

If you are married, filing separately and covered by a workplace retirement plan, the phase-out range on deductions of traditional IRA contributions is $0-$10,000 (this never gets a COLA). 2

AGI limits for the Saver’s Credit will rise slightly. Americans saving for retirement on modest incomes will be eligible for the credit next year if their AGI falls underneath certain thresholds: single filers and marrieds filing separately, adjusted gross income of $30,750 or less; heads of household, AGI of $46,125 or less; joint filers, $61,500 or less. 2

ESOP dollar amounts are unchanged next year. The dollar amount used to figure out the maximum account balance in an ESOP subject to a 5-year distribution period will still be $1,070,000 in 2016, while the dollar amount used to determine the lengthening of the 5-year distribution period will remain at $210,000.3

Contribution limits for profit-sharing plans rise as per limits for 401(k)s. A participant in such a plan is looking at a 2016 elective deferral limit of $18,000 ($24,000 if she or he is old enough to make catch-up contributions). The yearly compensation limit on such plans stays at $265,000.4

Lastly, maximum yearly benefits for a defined benefit plan will remain at $210,000. The dollar limitation defining key employees within a top-heavy plan again stays at $170,000.3

Hamm may be reached at 228-474-3427.

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to be accurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations.1 - usatoday.com/story/money/2015/10/15/cpi-for-september/73957022/

[10/15/15]2 - forbes.com/sites/ashleaebeling/2015/10/21/irs-announces-2016-retirement-

plans-contribution-limits-for-401ks-and-more/ [10/21/15]3 - irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/IRS-Announces-2016-Pension-Plan-Limitations%3B-

401%28k%29-Contribution-Limit-Remains-Unchanged-at-$18,000-for-2016 [10/21/15]

4 - shrm.org/hrdisciplines/benefits/articles/pages/2016-irs-401k-contribution-limits.aspx [10/22/15]

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6 Secrets to Traveling Like a Local

SnippetsSPOTLIGHT ON … THE $10 BILL

A dventurous people love to travel, especially to foreign lands. You may choose to explore new

countries and cultures by tossing yourself into them. With preparation, traveling like a local can be easier than you might think. Try these tips:

1. Learn standard phrases in the country’s language. The courtesies — good morning, please, thank you, I’m sorry, excuse me, etc. — set the tone for friendly and helpful interactions with local residents. Your public library likely has resources for language study that can help you master phrases such as “Where is the _____?” and “How much for the ______?” A variety of apps can also help you break the language barrier, but be sure your smartphone is set up to operate in a foreign country if the app requires data to function.

2. Read travel books before you go to enhance your journey. Many travelogues contain a list of foreign words and phrases as well as notes about local customs. You’ll also learn about places to visit, hotels, restaurants and cultural events that tourists keeping to the well-worn path might never find. Travel books can also provide information you need about financial matters and transportation.

3. Seek opportunities to chat with the locals and ask about their favorite restaurants, stores, clubs, activities, etc.

Using public transportation provides plenty of opportunities to strike up a conversation. Public parks and coffee bars offer good chances to mingle, too.

4. Rent an apartment, home or room instead of staying in a hotel. When you live where the locals live, you have easy access to everyday life in the country you’re visiting.

5. Be flexible. A rigid schedule packed with too many “must-do” items can limit

you. Allow yourself the time and space to make your own discoveries and explore what interests you.

6. Pack your Navigator Credit Union VISA® credit card. With worldwide acceptance, it’s the convenient way to pay. Plus, you do not have to go through the hassle of exchanging currency at your destination. Be sure to notify us of your travel plans to avoid any trouble using your card away from home.

A makeover: A $10 note featuring a woman’s portrait

will be unveiled in 2020. That’s the 100th anniversary of passage of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

The theme: democracy. All new currency designs, starting with the

new $10 note, will share this theme. The current theme, freedom, is symbolized

on current $10 bills by the Statue of Liberty’s torch.

Time for a new look? The current design for the $10 note

entered circulation on March 2, 2006. The last time the portrait changed was between 1914 and 1928 when Alexander Hamilton replaced Andrew Jackson on the $10 note.

What’s behind the change? Security requirements to protect

currency from counterfeiting are the driving consideration behind any new design.

That’s a lot! According to the Federal Reserve, there were

1.9 billion $10 notes in circulation at the end of 2014.

www.navigatorcu.org 8

A Healthier You This Winter

BROCCOLI POTATO SOUPWarm up with a delicious, nutritious soup!

Number of servings: 4

INGREDIENTS4 cups broccoli (chopped)1 onion (small, chopped)4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, low sodium1 cup evaporated milk, nonfat1 cup mashed potatoes, instant (prepared in water)salt and pepper (to taste)1⁄4 cup cheese, shredded cheddar (or American)

DIRECTIONS1. Combine broccoli, onion and broth in large sauce pan.2. Bring to a boil.3. Reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 10 minutes or until

vegetables are tender.4. Add milk to soup. Slowly stir in potatoes. 5. Cook, stirring constantly, until bubbly and thickened.

6. Season with salt and pepper; stir in a little more milk or water if soup starts to become too thick.

7. Ladle into serving bowls.8. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon cheese over each serving.

Per serving: 200 calories, 6 g fat, 10 mg cholesterol, 350 mg sodium, 25 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 10 g sugar, 15 g protein.

Recipe courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, recipefinder.nal.usda.gov.

A s the weather gets cooler and colds and flu become more common, it’s important to do everything we can to

stay healthy. Here’s a list of easy things you can do to help keep yourself healthy.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and often.

2. Exercise regularly. It generates endorphins that strengthen your immune system.

3. Get enough sleep. Aim for at least seven hours a night.

4. Eat your veggies. Try to eat five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

5. Check your stress levels. Try to keep stress at bay, as long-term stress can suppress your immune system.

6. Ask your doctor whether you should take a multi-vitamin. It may help ensure your body is getting the vitamins it needs.

7. Sand your slippery walkways to help avoid slips and falls.

8. Drink plenty of water.

RECIPE

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Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About Spending and Saving

W hen do children start understanding the concept of money? It may be earlier than you think. The first time a toddler causes a scene in a store because they can’t

have a new toy may spark a teachable moment for many parents. Long before children start school, they watch adults use money as well as see products advertised. The preschool years are an ideal time for parents to teach basic money lessons — and if you have a preschooler, you don’t have to do it alone!

Activities Tailored Just for Little OnesHelping youth learn about money has always been an important credit union initiative — after all, wise money management is an important lifelong skill. To enrich the money-curious minds of young credit union members, the Thrive by Five program from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) provides fun and educational activities that are parent-and-child tested to teach how money works and what it can do.

Free instructions for a variety of activities are available in English and Spanish at www.cuna.org/thrivebyfive. Lessons include:• Waiting to spend money• Not losing money

• Helping with shopping• Earning money• Using money to buy something• Having fun does not have to cost money

Smart Saving with Navigator Credit UnionCommunicating with your preschooler about money now can help build the foundation for wise money management as they grow. A savings account at Navigator Credit Union is also a great way for young children to grow their knowledge about money. Plus, they’ll receive more financial education through our Navvi-Gator Super Savings Club. It’s never too early to open a savings account for your child or a grandchild. Learn more at www.navigatorcu.org, call us or stop by!

5 THINGS A 5-YEAR-OLD SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MONEY1. Spending, saving and sharing are ways to use money.

2. Buying (spending) means trading money for things.

3. People have jobs that pay money.

4. Paper money and coins are worth different amounts.

5. Saving money allows you to buy something in the future if you don’t have enough money today.

There are 12 more things the Thrive by Five task force recommends teaching preschoolers. See “17 Things a Five-Year-Old Should Know About Money” at www.cuna.org/thrivebyfive.

Navigator Credit Unionwww.navigatorcu.org

Main Number: 228-475-7300Lending Service Center: 228-474-3401Toll Free: 800-344-3281 Harrison County, MS: 228-539-6054Mobile/Baldwin County, AL: 251-602-6294

To report your lost or stolen VISA® Debit Card call: 800-472-3272 or 973-682-2652, 24 hours a day

To report your lost or stolen VISA® Credit Card call: 800-808-7230 from 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 800-991-4964 after 9:00 p.m. and weekends

To locate a surcharge-free ATM anywhere in the U.S. visit: www.CU24.com

To locate a CO-OP connected credit union to conduct a transaction free of charge anywhere in the U.S. visit: www.co-opcreditunions.org

Visit www.navigatorcu.org for hours of operation.

Alabama LocationsCottage Hill Branch | Daphne Branch | Hillcrest Branch | Midtown Branch

Mississippi LocationsAvara Building Moss Point BranchGautier Branch Ocean Springs BranchGulfport Branch Vancleave BranchHurley Branch Payment Services CenterJackson Ave. Branch

Anchor Lines is produced by the Marketing Department of Navigator Credit Union. For questions, comments or suggestions for future articles, please contact Kathy Scarbrough, Editor and Chief Communications Officer, at kathy@navigatorcu.org or call 228-474-3452.

Information Directory

www.navigatorcu.org 10

Find Us on Facebook!Go to www.facebook.com/NavigatorCU

Follow Us on Twitter!Go to www.twitter.com/NavigatorCU

Follow Us on InstagramGo to www.instagram.com/NavigatorCU

Holiday ClosingsMartin Luther King, Jr. Day – January 18Good Friday – March 25

Insta

See article in English on page 55 Maneras de Simplificar la Inversión

Si usted no se siente seguro sobre sus conocimientos sobre finanzas personales, como la mayoría de los estadounidenses, podría serle útil encontrar maneras de simplificar sus finanzas. Una encuesta reveló que

la cuarta parte de los estadounidenses creen que “no saben mucho” sobre inversiones y productos financieros; y solo el 6% se califica como “muy conocedor”*. Pruebe con estas ideas para administrar más fácilmente sus inversiones.

1. Consolide las cuentas. Si ha cambiado de trabajo varias veces, es posible que tenga múltiples cuentas de jubilación 401(k) o similares. Puede hacer más fácil consultar su cartera global transfiriendo todas sus cuentas a una sola. Si su plan de jubilación actual patrocinado por su empleador acepta transferencias y usted está satisfecho con las selecciones y los costos de inversión del plan, le convendría consolidarlos de esa manera. Otra opción es transferir todos los planes viejos a una cuenta de jubilación individual (IRA).

2. Automatice sus inversiones. Al establecer una transferencia automática cada mes (o con la frecuencia que decida) de su cuenta bancaria a una cuenta de inversiones, se ahorra el inconveniente de tener que tomar decisiones una y otra vez. También puede aprovechar los beneficios de una inversión constante**. Invertir una cantidad fija a intervalos regulares, independientemente de cuál sea el desempeño del mercado, puede reducir los riesgos del mercado en comparación con invertir una suma global, porque usted no se arriesga a comprar todas sus acciones en el “momento equivocado”. Comprar menos acciones cuando los precios están altos y más acciones cuando están bajos puede además ayudarle a reducir los costos de inversión en general. Si invierte a través de un plan de jubilación patrocinado por el empleador con deducciones automáticas de nómina, ¡ya lo está haciendo!

3. Utilice herramientas automatizadas para dar seguimiento a sus inversiones. Las herramientas en línea pueden ofrecerle un resumen de sus inversiones en múltiples cuentas. Usted puede supervisar la distribución de sus activos o consultar sus costos de inversión. Hay herramientas gratuitas a su disposición, así como otras que puede comprar.

4. Considere un fondo de ciclo de vida. Mantener una mezcla de activos apropiada para sus metas, tolerancia al riesgo y perspectiva de tiempo de inversión es un aspecto decisivo —y sumamente importante— de la inversión. Los fondos de ciclo de vida hacen todo ese trabajo por usted. Comienzan con una mezcla más agresiva de activos que gradualmente se vuelve más conservadora a medida que la fecha objetivo se aproxima. Esto le evita elegir una asignación de activos, reequilibrarla de manera periódica y ajustarla a medida que su plazo se reduce. Todo lo que usted tiene que hacer es elegir un fondo con un ciclo de vida que coincida con la fecha en que necesitará el dinero, ya sea para la jubilación, los costos de la educación universitaria o para otra meta.

5. Busque asesoramiento profesional. Un experto en temas de inversiones de Navigator Credit Union puede examinar su cartera y ayudarlo a decidir la estrategia para sus inversiones. Llame para concertar una cita hoy mismo al 228-474-3427.

* Fuente: LIMRA, 29 de abril de 2013.** La inversión constante (la inversión sistemática) no puede garantizar ganancias ni protegerlo contra

las pérdidas de un mercado a la baja. Tenga en cuenta su capacidad para continuar invirtiendo durante periodos con precios de bajo nivel.

Los productos de inversión:No están garantizados por el gobierno federalNo son un depósito de esta instituciónPueden perder valor

Post Office Box 1647Pascagoula, MS 39568-1647

For more than 32 years, Navigator Credit Union has received a Five-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, the leading independent financial rating research firm in the nation.

www.navigatorcu.org

TurnKEY Mortgage Loan

APR = 3.375% as of 10/01/15 and subject to change without notice. Actual rate may vary based on credit history. An example of a $100,000 loan with a 3.375% APR will yield approximate monthly payments of $983.01/month for 120 months. Example does not include escrows, homeowner's insurance, flood insurance, or property taxes. Lender paid closing costs include appraisal, title, credit report, flood certification, lender title insurance and recording fees if required. Loans available on primary residences in Mississippi and Alabama. Minimum down payment for a new purchase is 20%. Membership eligibility requirements apply.