cunj e-newsletter summer/fall 2015

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CONNECTS C R E D I T U N I O N O F N E W J E R S E Y E - N E W S L E T T E R M A G A Z I N E SUMMER/FALL 2015 21 WAYS TO ADD MORE HOURS TO THE DAY THE BENEFITS OF NEW JERSEY BLUEBERRIES CHEAP AND EASY BACKYARD IDEAS

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Credit Union of New Jersey E-Newsletter Magazine Summer/Fall 2015

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Page 1: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

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C R E D I T U N I O N O F N E W J E R S E Y E - N E W S L E T T E R M A G A Z I N E

SUMMER/FALL 2015

21 WAYS TO ADD MOREHOURS TO THE DAY

THE BENEFITS OF NEW JERSEYBLUEBERRIES

CHEAP AND EASYBACKYARD IDEAS

Page 2: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

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CUNJ156041_PLAN_Coming Soon Conversion_branch sign_print.pdf 1 7/9/15 11:11 AM

Page 3: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Andrew L. Jaeger, CCEPresident/CEO

Dear Members,

In this issue, you will find articles that focus on enjoying time, how to do more with less and financial tips. Enjoy reading and please remember Credit Union of New Jersey exists for one main purpose, “To ensure its members and future members will have the knowledge and ability to be in control of their financial lives.” This is accomplished through three brand promises:

• We promise to take care of you • We promise to give you a good deal • We promise to make it easy

This year, CUNJ is undertaking some system technology upgrades in order to improve efficiency and enable future capabilities to make conducting business with CUNJ easier. These technology upgrades will enable staff to spend more time when working with our members. While the upgrades are mostly “behind the scenes,” they will help CUNJ keep fulfilling our brand promise.

In addition to some of the “behind the scenes” upgrades, you will see some additional improvements such as upgrading our online loan application system and adding functionality to offer debit cards on the spot at branches to name a few.

Please be on the look-out for more information as it becomes available at CUNJ.org/upgrades and make sure you share your email address and current contact information, so we can keep you well informed through the process.

We thank you for your continued support and business and look forward to the exciting upgrades!

Andrew L. Jaeger, CCEPresident/CEO

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CUNJ156041_PLAN_Coming Soon Conversion_branch sign_print.pdf 1 7/9/15 11:11 AM

CUNJ CONNECTS | 3

Page 4: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Inside the issue:

EWING HEADQUARTERS1301 Parkway AvenueEwing, NJ 08628

Drive Thru Hours:Mon - Wed 8:30 am - 5:00 pmThurs - Fri 8:30 am - 6:00 pmSaturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

Branch Hours:Mon - Wed 9:00 am - 4:30 pmThurs - Fri 9:00 am - 5:30 pmSaturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

ETS BRANCH (ETS EMPLOYEES ONLY)Rosedale RoadPrinceton, NJ 08541

Branch Hours:Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

WILLINGBORO BRANCHWillingboro Town Center4364 Rt. 130 North, Suite FWillingboro, NJ 08046

Branch Hours:Mon - Wed 8:30 am - 4:00 pmThurs - Fri 8:30 am - 4:30 pmSaturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm

D.O.T. BRANCH1035 Parkway AvenueTrenton, NJ 08625

Branch Hours:Mon - Wed & Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pmThursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

LAFAYETTE BRANCH12 East Lafayette StreetTrenton, NJ 08608

Branch Hours:Mon - Wed & Fri 8:30 am - 4:00 pmThursday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

MEMBER SERVICE CALL CENTERP: 800.538.4061F: 609.530.0437CUNJ.org

24-HOUR TOUCHTONE TELLER800.653.6828 / 609.538.4046

MORTGAGE DEPARTMENT800.880.0785

CUNJ ROUTING & TRANSIT NUMBER2312-7861-4

CUNJ is not responsible for typographical errors, omissions or misprints.

Federally insured by NCUA

Cheap and easy backyard ideas ................................ 5

Warm weather photo tips .............................................. 6

Events and holidays ........................................................... 8

Soak in the benefits of freshNew Jersey blueberries .................................................. 10

Summer savers ..................................................................... 14

Enjoying life at the right price ..................................... 16

Swim lessons ......................................................................... 18

Add more hours to the day .......................................... 20

Top summer apps ............................................................... 22

Financial cleaning ............................................................... 25

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Cheap and easy backyard ideas

Warm weather photo tips

Events and holidays

Soak in the benefits of freshNew Jersey blueberries

Summer savers

Enjoying life at the right price

Swim lessons

Add more hours to the day

Top summer apps

Financial cleaning

4 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 5: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Cheap and easy backyard ideasCan’t afford that dream deck or in-ground pool you’re dying for?There are still ways to get a beautiful backyard that’s perfect for entertaining.

1 Replace the light bulbs in an old chandelier with

inexpensive solar lights. Hang it from a tree branch.

2 Use glow necklaces and glow bracelets for a few rounds of

night time ring toss.

3 Break glow sticks into bottles of water for some nighttime

lawn bowling action.

4 Reuse your empty wine bottles by making

mosquito-combating tiki torches with them.

5 Plant lemongrass as a natural way to keep

mosquitoes away.

6 Coat planters with glow-in- the-dark paint for instant

night lighting.

7 Sugar water or apple juice in a milk jug will trap bees,

wasps, and hornets.

8 Use rope lighting to line your garden.

Buzzfeed.com

Leahglass.blogspot.com

Mommadidit.blogspot.com

Parents.com

Whenthepigsfly.com

Sun-gazing.com

Stagetecture.com

Walterreeves.com

Ozzu.com

CUNJ CONNECTS | 5

Page 6: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

6 | CUNJ CONNECTS | spring 2015

With longer summer days upon us, it’s time to get

your smart phone oryour camera out and explore the beauty

of the summer season.

Tips for better photography this summer6 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 7: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Preserve and enjoy your memories. Remember, summer is fleeting, so get going now to get those great pictures and memories!

1. OBSERVE THE LIGHTAND USE IT TO YOURADVANTAGE.During these warm summer months, the light is harsher during the heat of the day, so your better photos will be taken during early morning or late afternoon/evening. Pay attention to the way the light moves. Watch the ebb and flow of exotic light against the surface of a pond or a rippling stream.

2. GET THE LOW DOWN.Put yourself at plant level or eye level with the subject. If a child is playing on the grass, sit on the grass and shoot at eye level. If a person is sitting on a bench, kneel and take the photo at eye level. The same goes for plant life. Get down low and shoot at plant level.

3. ZOOM-IN OR GET WIDE. In order to achieve a unique perspective, use a panoramic or wide angle lens setting or a close-up zoom lens and you’ll achieve new and unique angles. A single green sprout becomes an obelisk, a panoramic shot becomes a study of light and object, a cluster of daffodil leaves a dense forest. Think architecture and modern art.

4. LOOK UP.The shapes and forms of trees change subtly as new growth tints the branches and bud coats expand and burst. Take advantage of a blue sky or interesting cloud patterns to work in among the shapes the tree limbs present.

21 43

5. WALK IN THE RAIN.Use the reflections from a puddle of fresh water to accentuate color and texture. Get really close to capture tiny rain droplets clinging to new leaves, flowers and vines.

6. CONTROL THE CHAOS.You’ll want to use foreground-background composition techniques. Put a big splash of color near the camera and then use receding color in the background to re-create the sensation your brain perceives in nature. Concentrate on crisp compositions with a specific focal point in the foreground, even when you’re going for the big picture.

7. HOLD ON.If you don’t have a tripod or the light is too low to use a high shutter speed, experiment with using long shutter speeds hand held at a 1⁄8th second. You don’t always have to shoot with a high shutter speed to have sharp images. Consider also experimenting with motion blur in low light. With a little controlled movement, you can interject an element of interest.

8. BE PREPARED.You’ll get your best shots on foot, so you’ll have to carry what you’ll need. Use a small shoulder bag or backpack for your gear, which should contain a flash, differing lenses, extra batteries, drinking water, a snack, bug repellent, and sunscreen.

REFERENCES:verizonwireless.comolympusamerica.com

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CUNJ CONNECTS | 7

Page 8: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

SEPTEMBER 12-13:Apple FestivalOasis Family Farm10:30am – 4pm

SEPTEMBER 12-13:Pick Your Own PumpkinsOasis Family Farm9am – 5pm

SEPTEMBER 13:Hamilton Townships 33rd

Annual SeptemberfestVeterans Park11am – 5pm

SEPTEMBER 18:CUNJ Foundation Paint NightDragonfly Farms7pm – 10pm

SEPTEMBER 19:Mercer County Touch a Truck DaySun National Bank Center10am – 2pm

SEPTEMBER 19-20:Terhune Orchards Apple DayTerhune Orchards10am – 2pm

SEPTEMBER 25-27:16th Annual Italian American FestivalMercer County ParkFriday: 3pm – 11pmSaturday: 12pm – 11pmSunday: 12pm – 9:30pm

OCTOBER 3:A Tribute to The Beatles with The Philly PopsPatriots Theater at the WarMemorial in Trenton7:30pm – 10pm

OCTOBER 3-4:26th Annual Cranberry FestDowntown Bordentown11am – 5pm

OCTOBER 10-11:Haunted Hay RidesWindsor Farm and Market7pm – 9:30pm

OCTOBER 12:Columbus DayCUNJ Branches Closed

OCTOBER 17:Fall Food Truck FiestaMercer County Park11am – 7pm

OCTOBER 17:Light the Night WalkPrinceton Forrestal Village5pm – 8pm

OCTOBER 17-18:The Chatsworth Cranberry FestivalDowntown Chatsworth9am – 4pm

OCTOBER 20:Power Over Debt Webinar Hosted by Credit Union of New Jersey12pm – 1pm

OCTOBER 24-25:Haunted Hay RidesWindsor Farm and Market7pm – 9:30pm

OCTOBER 31:The Zombie Mud RunField of Terror7am – 1:30pm

NOVEMBER 1:Elegant Bridal ShowRider University1pm – 4pm

NOVEMBER 3:Election DayDOT and Lafayette Branches Closed

NOVEMBER 11:Veterans DayCUNJ Branches Closed

NOVEMBER 13:CUNJ Foundation Paint NightDragonfly Farms7pm – 10pm

NOVEMBER 17:Women and Money: Are you Covered? Webinar Hosted by Credit Union of New Jersey12pm – 1pmNOVEMBER 26:ThanksgivingCUNJ Branches Closed

NOVEMBER 28:Thanksgiving Hayrides;Wreath and Sleighbell SaleHowell Living History Farm11am – 3pm

DECEMBER 5:Christmas on the FarmHowell Living History Farm11am – 3pm

DECEMBER 24:Christmas EveCUNJ Branches Closing at 2pm

DECEMBER 25:Christmas DayCUNJ Branches Closed

DECEMBER 31:New Year’s EveCUNJ Branches Closing at 2pm

JANUARY 1, 2016:New Year’s DayCUNJ Branches Closed

Events + holidays

Represents events hosted by CUNJ

8 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 9: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

NEW 20 YEAR HOME EQUITY LOANSAS LOW AS 4.99% APR1

Loan Amountsup to $500K

Interest May beTax-Deductible

(Consult your tax advisor)

Up to 80% of YourHome’s Value

Other Terms &Rates Available

Build Your Dream…

THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO

Taking home renovation dreams from small and sweet to master retreat.

IT’S EASY…One entry for any new Home Loan

One online entry for a Dream Home Selfie

cunj.org/dream facebook.com/cuofnj twitter.com/creditunionofnj

ENTER TO WIN

MAIDSERVICE For a Month2

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1Annual Percentage Rate (APR) effective July 1, 2015. Rates range from 4.99% to 5.99%. Rates subject to change without notice. For a loan amount of $10,000 at 4.99% APR, you would make 240 monthly payments of $6.59 per $1,000 borrowed. APR may vary depending on individual credit history. All applications must be received by the official expiration date of December 31, 2015 and must be opened by January 31, 2016. 2All qualifying loans opened within the promotional period stated above will be automatically entered for a chance to win maid service for a month. One entry will be given for every new qualifying First Mortgage, Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit. New loans only. Refinances from existing CUNJ loans do not qualify. One entry will be given for a dream home selfie posted to the online entry platforms at CUNJ.org/dream, Facebook.com/cuofnj, and twitter.com/creditunionofnj. No purchase necessary. To enter, mail a 3x5 card with name, email, physical address, and contact information to: Credit Union of New Jersey, Attn: Marketing Maid, 1301 Parkway Ave, Ewing, NJ 08628. Winner will be selected February 15, 2016 by phone in a random drawing to be held by the credit union. A credit towards cleaners of the winner's choice will be issued in the amount of $930 and is based on an average (1) deep cleaning of $350 and (4) $145 weekly maid service for a 3,500-4,000 square foot home. Subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the credit union.

Call us at (609) 789-0790 Apply at the branchApply online at CUNJ.org

Federally insured by NCUA

Page 10: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Soak in the benefitsof fresh

New Jerseyblueberries

10 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 11: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Morning Power-UpBlueberry Smoothie1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries2⁄3 cup fat-free milk1⁄2 cup reduced-fat firm silken tofu2 tablespoons raspberry preserves1⁄2 cup greek yogurt

Place all ingredients in a blender, mix and serve.

Blueberry-Topped Pain Perdu1 1⁄2 cups fat-free milk3⁄4 cup egg substitute1⁄4 cup granulated sugar1⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract1⁄4 teaspoon salt16 (1-inch-thick) slices diagonally cut French bread baguette1⁄4 cup butter, divided2 cups water1⁄2 cup dry white wine1⁄4 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon cornstarch2 cups fresh raspberries1 cup fresh blackberries1 cup fresh blueberries1⁄2 cup fresh strawberry halves1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Combine first 7 ingredients, stirring well with a whisk. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer in a large shallow dish. Pour milk mixture over bread, and let stand until milk is absorbed (about 2 minutes). Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Arrange 8 bread slices in pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until bread is golden brown. Remove from pan; keep warm. Repeat procedure with remaining 2 tablespoons butter and 8 bread slices. Combine 2 cups water, wine, 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar, and cornstarch in a large saucepan, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook until reduced to 1 cup (about 5 minutes). Remove pan from heat. Add fruit to pan, stirring well to coat. Serve sauce with bread slices. Sprinkle each serving with powdered sugar.

Mid-Day Blueberry and Chicken Power Salad1 (10-ounce) package Italian-blend salad greens (about 6 cups)2 cups grilled chicken breast strips (such as Louis Rich; about 6 ounces)1 cup blueberries1 cup quartered strawberries1 cup sliced banana1 cup sliced peeled kiwifruit (about 3 kiwifruit)2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted2 tablespoons herbed goat cheeseRaspberry salad dressing

Arrange 1 1⁄2 cups salad greens on each of 4 plates. Divide the remaining ingredients except Raspberry Dressing equally among 4 plates. Drizzle each serving with 3 tablespoons raspberry dressing.

Happy Hour Berry Refreshers1 cup cherries, pitted and halved1 cup blueberries1 cup raspberries1 cup quartered small strawberries1⁄2 cup chopped nectarine (about 1)1⁄3 cup brandy1 cup apricot nectar, chilled1 (750-milliliter) bottle cava, chilled

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a large pitcher, and chill for at least 2 hours. Stir in 1 cup nectar and wine. Serve immediately.

Page 12: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Late Night Blueberry CrispCooking spray4 teaspoons cornstarch, divided2 tablespoons brown sugar1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract1 pound fresh or frozen blueberries1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar1⁄4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats3 tablespoons chopped walnuts2 tablespoons cornmeal1⁄2 teaspoon salt1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon1⁄4 cup chilled butter, cut into small pieces

Preheat oven to 375°. Coat an 8-inch square glass or ceramic baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons cornstarch evenly in dish. Combine remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, vanilla, and blueberries in a large bowl; toss. Place in prepared baking dish. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 6 ingredients (through cinnamon) in the bowl of a food processor; pulse twice to combine. Add butter; pulse 5 times or until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Spoon topping evenly over blueberries, packing down lightly. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until filling is bubbly and topping is golden.

Soak in the benefits offresh New Jersey blueberriescontinued

12 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 13: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

CUNJ CONNECTS | 13

Page 14: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

REFRIGERATOR - Normally, manufacturers bust out the new fridge models in summer. That means in the spring they are looking to clear inventory space by slashing prices on the older models. If you can do without the latest and greatest bells and whistles, you can land a great bargain.

THRIFT STORE/FLEA MARKET ITEMS - Each of these low-price shopping venues has even better deals in the spring. The reason: overstocked inventory needs to be moved. Thrift stores get their highest number of donations as the weather turns warmer and people start to do spring cleaning and clearing out. It also doesn’t hurt that many people do their taxes in spring and want the charitable deductions that come with donations.

VACUUM CLEANER - June is new vacuum model month, as any housecleaning implement aficionado will tell you. Like last year’s refrigerator models, the older vacuums need to be sold off to make room for the parade of the new super suckers.

CARPET - Sometimes the easiest way to think of the best time to buy an item is to rule out all the worst times to buy it. For carpets, that would be summer, fall and winter. Summer because that is when many people are doing home improvement projects. Fall and winter because those are times when people are both preparing to have guests over for the holidays and are looking to “warm up” their domiciles with a floor covering. That leaves us spring as the time to find great sales.

LAWNMOWERS - It seems counterintuitive that great deals can be had on a machine for cutting grass right when the grass is really starting to grow. But there are other factors at work here. Chief among these is that lawnmowers tend to be extremely large and thus are very expensive for

businesses to keep around. If you can find a store with a lot of big mowers on hand, you’ve got a motivated seller.

HVAC SERVICES - Most people wait until early summer to get their air conditioning serviced or early winter to get their furnace checked. That makes spring a slow time in the HVAC world. If you shop around you will find that a lot of these operations offer deep discounts this time of year to encourage preventative care check-ups.

SPORTS SHOES - Early spring is the big rush time for new shoes as people emerge from their winter dens to get outside and start pounding the pavement. If you can wait until May to get those new jogging shoes you could find the post-rush sweet spot when retailers start marking down the models that didn’t sell out in the big early spring push.

FRUITS AND VEGETABLES - These are going to be cheaper in-season, so stock up now and put the leftovers in the freezer.

GYM MEMBERSHIPS - Membership tends to wane as people head outside to get their exercise, so be on the lookout for summer sign-up deals gyms provide to combat that.

PAINT - If you’ve stood on top of a ladder on a 95 degree day in July to put a fresh layer on a house, you’ll know why most people wait until fall to do painting jobs. Retailers know this too, so they try to entice people to buy paint during their slow summer period.

SUITS - Menswear tends to be another heat-sensitive consumer area, since few guys are looking to throw on the vest and sports jacket to head out to the baseball game.

TOOLS - Father’s Day is a great time to get dad that new drill since many sales

at this time try to appeal to the old man’s fix-it sensibilities.

GRILLS - Barbecuing on the Fourth of July has become a national tradition, but once the holiday is over, retailers begin to drastically reduce the pricetags on grills.

FURNITURE - A lot of new furniture comes out in August, so starting in July you will see a lot of sales aimed at creating space for the new models.

SWIMMING GEAR - In August, stores are trying to sell swimsuits, pool toys and other water and beach-related goods like they’re going out of style because, well….

COMPUTERS - By planning your purchase in the late summer, you can cash in on a savings double whammy. Not only can you capitalize on back-to-school sales, but if you are willing to go with a model that is a few months older than the new shelf candy, you can get some ridiculous bargains.

OUTDOOR GEAR - Camping equipment, patio gear, swingsets and playhouses eat up floor space like nobody’s business, and retailers know that if they have a fall season overloaded with these items, they may get just that.

LINENS - With thousands of students going off to college and needing to provide their own bedding for the first time, there is a tremendous amount of competition to supply it. Heavy competition = great deals for you.

Balancepro.net

Summer savers: items to buy nowBelieve it or not, having a plan in place for buying items you need at the right time can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. Here’s a look at items best bought during summer months:

14 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 15: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

CUNJ CONNECTS | 15

Page 16: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Enjoying life…know when to make the purchase for the lowest price

AUGUST• Air conditioners

• Backpacks

• Dehumidifiers

• Outdoor furniture

• Snow blowers

SEPTEMBER• Bikes

• Digital cameras

• Gas grills

• Lawn mowers

• Shrubs, trees, and perennials

• Small consumer electronics

• Snow blowers

16 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 17: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Use the month-by-month information below to see when you can typically find the best prices on a variety of products. But keep your eye on your apps, e-mail, and Sunday circulars, too, because there will always be exceptions. Sales on some items occur when a season is coming to an end and inventories are thin.

OCTOBER• Bikes

• Computers

• Digital Cameras

• Gas grills

• Lawn mowers

• Winter coats

NOVEMBER• Baby products

• Bikes

• Camcorders

• Gas grills

• GPS navigators

• Toys

• TVs

ConsumerReports.org

CUNJ CONNECTS | 17

Page 18: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

Saving lives…the importanceof swim lessonsfor children18 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 19: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

CUNJ CONNECTS | spring/summer 2015 | 17

1 SWIM LESSONS TEACH CHILDREN LIFESAVING SKILLS. From how to enter the water to pool safety rules and how to get to the edge of the water, kids

learn techniques that may save a life someday.

2 SWIM LESSONS CALM FEARS. Many children are terrified of getting their face wet or putting their head underwater. Imagine what would happen if

such a child unexpectedly fell into the water; he or she would likely panic. Spending time in the water during lessons helps many children become more comfortable with their surroundings.

3 SWIMMING IS A GREAT WAY TO KEEP KIDS ACTIVE OVER THE SUMMER. We’ve all heard the statistics about the increase in childhood obesity

across the country. What could be more fun than spending a hot summer day in the water with friends and family? All of that splashing around in the pool is great exercise.

4 SWIM LESSONS CAN HELP KIDS BUILD CONFIDENCE. Helping your child learn and master new skills is great for their confidence and self-

esteem. Swim lessons are often taught in stages, so with each round a child learns new skills and then graduates to the next level.

5 SWIM LESSONS CAN BE THE START OF A NEW HOBBY OR SPORT. Swim lessons could spur a love of swimming in your child and open up

opportunities to remain active as a competitive swimmer. It’s the start of a healthy activity that your child can continue to use for exercise throughout life!

Every year, drowning remains among the leading causes of injury-related deaths for children ages 1 through 18. Consider swimming lessons this spring for your child in order to elude accidents.

To open an account, stop in to one of our branches!

Parents, here’s a great chance to teach your children the value of sound savings habits with our Young Savers Club Account:

• For children ages 12 and under

• Opening deposit of only $5

• No minimum balance or monthly fees

• Quarterly dividends

• Quarterly paper or e-Statements

• 24 hour account access via e-Banking

CLICK FOR DETAILS

Page 20: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

STEP ONE: REMOVE BIG CHUNKSThe first step to reclaiming more time from your day is to get hold of the big chunks that aren’t being put to good use. “Good use” is a fairly subjective term here, but it could mean both work that doesn’t get much done or leisure time that isn’t enjoyable. Here are some places to start looking:

1 TELEVISION – If you don’t completely eliminate it, cut it down by recording your favorite show and utilizing

the features to “fast-forward” to the key parts.

2 INTERNET – Quickly replacing television as a huge time consumer is the internet. Try going on an internet diet

where you halve your net usage for two weeks.

3 GAMING – Cutting back on game playing can give you more time.

4 E-MAIL – Checking your e-mail every hour or two can be more of a waste of time than it’s worth. Try clearing out

your inbox once or twice daily.

5 WORK – Cutting time from work isn’t easy. Try organizing techniques to increase productivity to accomplish more

during the hours at work!

6 CHORES – Try developing a system of keeping areas tidy and also cooking meals in advance to cut down on time!

7 SCHOOLWORK – Try to allocate one specific time dedicated to school work uninterrupted.

STEP TWO: RECLAIM GAP TIMEAnywhere from 2-5 hours of your day is probably spent in “gap time.” Gap times are those between meaningful activities but aren’t normally long enough to get more done. Here are ways you can fill those gaps:

8 BOOKS – Bring a book with you at all times and get a few minutes of reading in.

9 LISTEN – Put some audio books in your iPod and listen while you drive or walk.

10 PROBLEMS – Solve problems in advance during gap periods so you won’t waste as much time on them later.

11 ARTICLES – Print off longer articles and read them while waiting for food to cook or in lines.

12 CREATIVITY – I use gap time to come up with new article ideas.

13 REHEARSAL – Use gap minutes to visualize important parts of your day you want to perform well in.

14 ENGAGE – Make your gap minutes more enjoyable by focusing on what you are doing. Focus completely on the drive to work or observe everything when waiting in line.

STEP THREE: TRIAGEThe final step is to use the principle of triage to focus on what’s important and ignore what isn’t. The easiest way to waste hours of your day is to do “work” that isn’t getting much done. Here are some things to think about when using triage:

15 E-MAIL – Consider an autoresponder for common messages. Use concise yes or no answers for questions

that don’t need a length explanation.

16 READING – If your purpose for reading is information, learn to change your pace from a knowledge absorbing

crawl up to a fast skim over unimportant details. Ignore whole chapters and focus first on the ideas that are crucial to understand.

17 TELEVISION – If you still watch TV, record in advance and cut the commercials. You can save fifteen minutes

from an hour program by doing this.

18 EXERCISE – Plan workouts in advance so you can get the most exercising done without time spent flipping

though fitness magazines or too much rest.

19 MEETINGS – A good management trick is to conduct all meetings standing to speed them up.

20 RELATIONSHIPS – Find common bonds with friends and different relationships. Can you enjoy each other’s

company while doing laundry or maybe exercising?

21 PRIORITIZE WORK – The final question isn’t just of doing things faster, but of doing the right things. Constantly measure and be aware of the actual value each of your work activities brings. Those that don’t add much should be simplified or eliminated entirely to focus on those that do.

21 Ways to Add More Hours to the Day

CUNJFoundation.org

609.538.4061

facebook.com/cuofnj

1301 Parkway Avenue, Ewing

PEOPLEPeople Helping

Financial Literacy

Local Non-Profit Support

Annual Scholarship Program

20 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 21: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

CUNJFoundation.org

609.538.4061

facebook.com/cuofnj

1301 Parkway Avenue, Ewing

PEOPLEPeople Helping

Financial Literacy

Local Non-Profit Support

Annual Scholarship Program

Page 22: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

1 STOREHOUSE – The app makes it easy for online scrapbookers to combine videos, images, and text

into a complete online story.

2 WAZE – This app allows users to build a better GPS by reporting traffic jams, slow routes, and even

hidden police cars.

3 VIATOR – Want to travel like a local? This app has you covered with insider deals on tours and activities

around the world, helping you skip the lines and find the best hotspots.

4 PICNIC PLANNER – As the weather heats up, it’s the perfect time to load up your basket and take a stroll.

With a pre-populated list of more than 275 items, this app will make sure you don’t forget the forks and knives on the way out the door.

5 WATER YOUR BODY – As the weather heats up, it becomes much easier to get dehydrated.

This app helps you track and monitor your daily water consumption.

6 SUN ALERT – Based on your skin type and SPF, this app lets you know how long you can have fun in

the sun before you burn.

7 LIFE’S A BEACH – The app has information on tons of beach destinations to help you choose the best

day for fun in the sun.

8 GASBUDDY – This app allows crowdsources information to deliver the cheapest gas prices, ensuring you don’t

overpay at the pump.

9 PLUTO.TV – Pluto.TV curates the best online videos and content, so whether you’re into cat videos or

skateboarding tricks, there’s a channel perfect for you.

10 ROADTRIPPERS – Put in your starting point, destination, and any points you want to hit along the

way, and this app will help you chart a course for fun.

11 WORLD FESTIVAL GUIDE –The World Festival Guide helps you find the perfect festival for your interests,

whether it’s cinema, music, or local culture.

12 AMUSEMENT PARKS PRO –This app can help you find the perfect amusement park for summer fun, whether

you have young children looking for a day out or you’re spending the day having fun with friends.

13 GRILLTIME – This app helps you become master of the grill by sending push notifications when you need to flip

burgers or take food off the grill.

14 WORD LENS – This app can instantly translate the text you point your phone camera at in order to help you

better navigate foreign soil.

Top Summer Appsin Order to Enjoy Life!Summer is the perfect time to finally take that vacation, go on that cross-country trip, or even just turn up the grill. Thankfully, there’s an app for just about everything now, including all of the best summer activities.

22 | CUNJ CONNECTS

Page 23: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

AUTO LOANS FROM 1.24% APR1

New or Used Purchase or Refi 24-84 Month Terms Available

Build Your Dream…

THE TOOLS YOU NEED TO

Taking road trip dreams from some day to every day.

IT’S EASY…One entry for any new Auto Loan

One online entry for a Dream Vehicle Selfie

cunj.org/dream facebook.com/cuofnj twitter.com/creditunionofnj

ENTER TO WIN

CARWASHESFor a Year2

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: 1Annual Percentage Rate (APR) effective July 1, 2015 and subject to change without notice. Rates range from 1.24% to 14.74% APR. Final rate determined by credit history and may be adjusted based on model year and loan to value. Rate indicated is for a 24-month term. The loan payment is $42.46 per $1,000 borrowed at 1.24% for 24 months. Certain restrictions may apply. This offer is subject to credit approval. Minimum loan amount is $2,500. CUNJ membership is required. Refinances from existing CUNJ loans do not qualify. All applications must be received by the official expiration date of December 31, 2015 and must be opened by January 31, 2016. If you have experienced a previous discharge from bankruptcy, please contact CUNJ’s lending department. 2All qualifying loans opened within the promotional period stated above will be automatically entered for a chance to win car washes for a year. One entry will be given for every qualifying new or used auto loan. One entry will be given for a dream vehicle selfie posted to the online entry platforms at CUNJ.org/dream, Facebook.com/cuofnj, and twitter.com/creditunionofnj. No purchase necessary. To enter, mail a 3x5 card with name, email, physical address, and contact information to: Credit Union of New Jersey, Attn: Marketing Car Wash, 1301 Parkway Ave, Ewing, NJ 08628. Winner will be selected by February 15, 2016 by phone in a random drawing to be held by the credit union. Winner will receive credit in the amount of $300 to a car wash facility based on an average of an unlimited VIP car wash package of $279 plus tax. Subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the credit union.

Call us at (609) 789-0790 Apply at the branchApply online at CUNJ.org

Federally insured by NCUA

Page 24: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

$PLENTYSAVESAVE

Saving Time When You’re Saving Money.You have better things to do this summer than worrying about your finances. CUNJ’s Finance Works gives you online access to money management tools that will have you poolside in no time.

• View accounts across more than 19,000 financial institutions – all from one site • Review where you’re spending your hard-earned dollars and track a budget • Send lingering debt packing • Get tips on living within your means

Plus, Finance Works is a FREE tool available within the online banking console.Click here to take a tour today!

CLICK FOR a tour!

Page 25: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

REVIEW YOUR CREDIT REPORTBy law, you’re entitled to order one free credit report yearly from each of the three major credit bureaus. You can get yours at no cost from www.annualcreditreport.com. Make sure your credit reports are devoid of mistakes. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, both the credit reporting agency and the information provider (that is, the person, company, or organization that provides information about you to a credit reporting agency) are responsible for correcting inaccurate or incomplete information in your report. To take advantage of all your rights under this law, contact the credit reporting agency and the information provider.

ORGANIZE AND/OR SHRED OLD FINANCIAL DOCUMENTSSort through your statements, pay stubs, bills and other financial records, and keep only the documents that are absolutely necessary. Since the IRS has up to six years to audit you, keep your tax returns, canceled checks and receipts, and any records supporting your tax deduction for at least six years. If you’re unsure about whether you should get rid of certain types of receipts, scan them or make a copy, then go ahead and shred the rest. But don’t simply toss paperwork in the trash.

Leaving important documents in the trash without properly shredding them is a bad idea. They are just waiting to be picked up by an identity thief. Reducing paper clutter will not only help you stay more organized, it will also put your mind at ease. Plus, since the IRS accepts scanned copies of receipts, having those records available could come in handy in the event of an audit.

RECORD YOUR FINANCIAL PASSWORDS AND STORE RECORDS IN A SAFE PLACEMake sure you’re not using the same password and log in information for all your online bank accounts and other financial accounts. Even though you might be logging in over a secure Internet connection, there’s still a risk that someone who figures out your password will attempt to access other accounts with the same log in information.

Protect yourself against identity theft by logging your financial passwords in a password protected or encrypted document and storing it in a safe place. Also, important financial documents like a will, stocks certificates or bonds should be put in a safe place like a locked box or an online secure vault. To learn more about preventing identity theft, click here.

REVIEW YOUR BUDGETIs your budget up to date? Have you incorporated any increases or decreases in your income? Take a close look at your budget to see if you need to make any modifications. Make sure you’re reporting expenses accurately and have made some room for savings account contributions. Use a Personal Budget Worksheet to help organize your finances.

SET UP AUTOMATIC BILL PAYSpring cleaning isn’t only about de-cluttering - it’s also about making things more efficient. Set up automatic bill pay, and link it to your primary checking account. Automatic bill pay will eliminate the chances of missing a payment and paying those pesky late fees.

PAY OFF HOLIDAY DEBT ONCE AND FOR ALLWhat does your current debt load look like? Spring is a good time to look at your total outstanding debts and see which loans or credit cards you could pay off entirely this year. At the very least, put yourself on a stricter debt payoff plan, and pay off any debt you accumulated over the holidays. Cleaning up this debt quickly can put you in a much better financial positionfor the rest of the year.

Financial cleaning tips

CUNJ CONNECTS | 25

Page 26: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

JOIN OUR TEAM

Federally Insured by NCUA

Honored by NJBIZ three years running!

Visit www.CUNJ.org/home/tools/careers

Page 27: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

27 | CUNJ CONNECTS | summer 2015

Tap.Snap.Deposit.

Now you can deposit checks anytime, anywhere with Mobile e-Deposit.Get our app today and experience:

• Convenience - Save a trip to the branch or ATM.

• Simplicity - Make a deposit with just a few taps and camera snaps.

• Security - Our app uses cutting-edge security features to protect you and your financial information.

PLATINUM REWARDS

OOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDTTTTTHHHHHRRRRRUUUUU

Reward yourself with a CUNJ PLATINUM CREDIT CARD!

• Earn one point for every $1 spent on purchases

• Redeem for travel, merchandise, fuel, dining, entertainment... even cash!

• Points never expire

• Select your card design

*Subject to credit approval.

CLICK FOR DETAILS

CLICK FOR DETAILS

Page 28: CUNJ E-Newsletter Summer/Fall 2015

CALL CENTER609.538.4061 / 800.538.4061

24 HOUR TOUCH TONE TELLER609.538.4046 / 800.653.6828

MAILING ADDRESSCredit Union of New JerseyP.O. Box 7921

1301 Parkway Avenue

Ewing, NJ 08628

CUNJ.ORG

28 | CUNJ CONNECTS