I recently attended our national credit union industry trade group meeting called the CUNA (Credit Union National Association) Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, DC. The purpose of the event is twofold: first, to energize the staff and leaders of the over 5,000 credit unions in the country and, second, to “Hike the Hill” and meet with our delegates in Washington to advocate for support for credit unions and our members like you.It was a very exhausting and exhilarating experience at the same time. Being in Washington stirs up the thoughts of the risks faced and the memories of those who sacrificed to create and maintain our great democracy. Just like the formation of our country, the formation of our industry came out of the need for an alternative to higher-priced options over 85 years ago out of the ashes of the Great Depression. Since that time, credit unions have successfully served millions of members, contributed to their local business and philanthropic communities, and provided employment for hundreds of thousands of people in every corner of the country and around the globe. So while you may not hear about our industry all that much, know that your membership is important to us and to the strength of the financial services industry by providing options that are fairly priced and delivered by local staff and supervised by committed volunteer board members. While in Washington, the industry announced the results of a major research study about credit unions and those that who use,and those who don’t use credit unions and why. While folks are aware of credit unions, they don’t fully understand how easy it is to join. It’s important that we continue to grow our membership. For American Eagle, anyone in Hartford, Tolland, Middlesex, or New Haven counties can join the Credit Union, whether they live, work, worship, attend school, or have a business interest there or they are related to you. So, don’t miss an opportunity to tell your family and friends about the value and savings that American Eagle can provide. To that point, the new industry advertising campaign’s slogan is “Open Your Eyes” to credit unions. So, I hope I have opened your eyes and have removed some of the mystique about eligibility. Membership can be easily established online via our newly enhanced web-site. One key area of the web-site is the Support Center, where common member questions can get answered quickly. This feature will continue to be built out…as you ask questions, we will continue to add to our library so you can benefit from the input of other members and enhance this tool. This is just another small example of how our membership can work together to make it easier to serve you. All the best to you and your families as we shed the winter clothing and head into spring!

President’s Message

Member Newsletter, Spring 2018

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While folks are aware of credit unions, they don’t fully

understand how easy it is to join.

All primary Visa® credit card members are automatically enrolled to view your FICO® Score for free in Online and Mobile Banking.

How to view your FICO® Score:

· Log into Online Banking or Mobile Banking.

· Go to your credit card details screen.· Select the FICO® Score link.

What you will see:

· Your 3-digit TransUnion FICO® Score.· The key factors influencing your FICO® Score.· Your FICO® Score history and quarterly updates.· Educational content on credit and money-management topics.

To learn more about credit scores, visit www.ficoscore.com/education.

FICO is a registered trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation in the United States and other countries.

View Your FICO® Score

in Online and Mobile

Banking

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Qualified applicants can borrow up to $30,000 at a fixed rate as low as 3.99% APR* for up to 12 months. Other rates and terms up to 60 months. What you do with the money is up to you. Apply online at americaneagle.org, visit any branch, or call 860.568.2020.

*ARP = Annual Percentage Rate based on credit score and term of loan. Fixed rates effective February 1, 2018. Programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. AEFCU membership required and lowest published rate includes 0.25% rate discount for automatic payment from an AEFCU Checking account. Payment example: $2,000 loan at 3.99% APR for 12 months is equal to a monthly payment of $170.29. Other rates and terms available. Excludes refinance of existing American Eagle FCU debt. Other terms and conditions may apply as governed by American Eagle Financial Credit Union Lending Policy.

Take control of your finances with a Debt Consolidation Loan.

FREE First-time

Home Buyer Expo

Get the Knowledge to Make Your Move!Wednesday, June 6, 2018, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Goodwin College, Main Auditorium, 211 Riverside Drive, East Hartford

Buying your first home is a big deal. It can also be exciting, confusing, and stressful. American Eagle Financial Credit Union is hosting a First-time Home Buyer Expo. We are assembling a group of local industry professionals to share their knowledge, experience, and answer questions about purchasing your first home.

Expo format and agenda:

· 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.: Expo tables open. Speak with our experts in loan origination, real estate, law, insurance, home appraisal, and home inspection.

· 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.: Presentations and interactive panel discussion with our experts.· 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Expo tables open for further conversation and questions.· Light refreshments will be served throughout the evening in the Community Room.· Enter for a chance to win a door prize at each Expo table you visit.

Among the questions to be answered are:

· What are the key steps in the home-buying process?· How much home can I afford and how is that determined?· How do I start my home search with a Realtor?· Why should I get pre-qualified for a mortgage?· How do I decide on the type of mortgage to get?· How does an attorney represent me in the process?· Why should I get a home inspection?

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON AT AMERICANEAGLE.ORG/EXPO.

If you have any questions about the Expo, e-mail patricia.m@aefcu.com.

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Credit Union Awards $1,000 Goodwin College

Business Scholarship

Chenae Russell of East Hartford is the 2018 recipient of the American Eagle Financial Credit Union Scholarship at Goodwin College. Chenae will formally accept her award at the Goodwin College Fall Scholarship Reception on October 18, 2018.Chenae came to Goodwin College in 2014 after minimal success at Southern Connecticut State University and Manchester Community College. Chenae is a single mother of a two-year-old and works on a part-time basis while attending Goodwin College. She aspires to open her own wellness business with services that empower women to enrich their minds, bodies, and souls.American Eagle Financial Credit Union awards an annual scholarship to a Goodwin College student enrolled in their Business Administration Program, who has completed at least 12 credits, maintained a minimum GPA of 3.0, and demonstrated a financial need. “The American Eagle Financial Credit Union scholarship at Goodwin College is our way of investing in the next generation of talent in the communities we serve,” said Dean Marchessault, President and Chief Executive Officer at American Eagle Financial Credit Union. “We are very impressed by Chenae’s work as a Goodwin College business student and I am honored to present her as this year’s scholarship winner,” added Marchessault.

Saturday, April 21, 2018 | 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon American Eagle Financial Credit Union, 417 Main Street, East Hartford

Safe and secure paper shredding provided by Iron Mountain.

· Bring office papers and file folders. Leave in staples, clips, and rubber bands.· Limit three boxes per vehicle, please.

Safe and secure electronic recycling provided by Take 2.· Bring computers, laptops, monitors, printers, audio/visual equipment, televisions, copiers, telephones, microwaves, and small appliances.· DO NOT BRING air conditioners, smoke detectors, freezers, and hazardous materials (lighter fluids, liquids, paint, etc.).

Free Drive-through Paper Shredding & Electronic

Recycling Day

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FREE SEMINARUnderstanding

Credit

How to Establish or Rebuild Good Credit Wednesday, May 16, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

American Eagle FCU, 417 Main Street, East HartfordWhether you are applying for a loan, interviewing for a job, searching for an apartment, or insuring a car, your credit report and FICO® Score often play an important role in the outcome of these events. Representatives from American Eagle Financial Credit Union will present a free educational seminar to help you better understand credit and how to use it to your advantage in your major financial decisions. Among the questions to be answered are:

Understanding Your FICO® Score and Credit Report

· What is a FICO® Score, how is it determined, and why is it so important?· What is a Credit Report, what’s in it, and how can you see it?· How can you establish (or reestablish) a good credit report and credit score?· How does your credit score affect getting a loan and determining the rate?· What other factors are considered in getting approved for a loan?

Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions in both group and individual settings. Advance registration begins April 16 at americaneagle.org/seminar. If you have any questions, call Jennifer Price at 860.568.2020, ext. 5253, or e-mail jennifer.p@aefcu.com.

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American Eagle FCU has improved the functionality of e-Statements. Checking account members may now view a copy of their check images in Online Banking by clicking on the statement PDF icon within e-Statements. There are no changes to the monthly paper statements.

Check Images Viewable in

e-Statements

Build a Solid Financial

Foundation

When the markets and the economy are behaving badly, as they tend to do from time to time, it’s easy to feel helpless. But creating a solid financial foundation can help you gain control of your investments and possibly avoid mistakes that can sabotage your portfolio. Your Net Worth — A Place to StartHaving a current picture of your finances is an important first step in building a solid foundation. By determining your net worth at the same time every year, you’ll know what sort of financial shape you’re in and whether you’re making progress toward your goals. To find your net worth, list all of your assets, including bank and investment accounts, real estate, retirement plans, life insurance, business interests, etc. Then subtract your liabilities, such as your mortgage, credit card debt, loans, etc. The amount that’s left is your net worth. If you don’t like the number, look for ways to either decrease your debts or increase your assets. Lost Without ThemSetting specific goals can help you focus your investing efforts. Prioritize the goals you’ve set according to their importance and your timeframe for needing the money. Keep in mind that the goals you have now will probably change over time, so be flexible. Revisit your goals periodically and revise them when necessary. Make It PersonalYou can’t control what happens in the economy, but you can control your own behavior. Instead of worrying about whether the market is up or down or which investments will be hit hardest by a decline, think about the things you can do that could make a difference. Investing money on a regular basis or adjusting your portfolio’s asset allocation are steps that can help put you in control. Good BehaviorThink about creating a written investment statement that describes your risk tolerance, rebalancing schedule, and reasons for selling an investment. Having guidelines to follow can keep you from making mistakes that might thwart your plans. You might also want to review your own financial track record. Tax returns and brokerage statements can tell you a lot about your past successes and failures. Keep in mind that past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Continued on page 7

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Build a Solid Financial Foundation (continued from page 6)

Source/DisclaimerAsset allocation and dollar-cost averaging do not assure a profit or protect against a loss. Dollar-cost averaging involves regular, periodic investments in securities regardless of price levels. You should consider your financial ability to continue purchasing shares though periods of high and low prices. Consider the tax consequences when selling investment shares. Rebalancing strategies may involve tax consequences, especially for non-tax-deferred accounts.

Because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by DST Systems, Inc. or its sources, neither DST Systems, Inc. nor its sources guarantees the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, or availability of any information and is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. In no event shall DST Systems, Inc. be liable for any indirect, special, or consequential damages in connection with subscriber’s or others’ use of the content. © 2018 DST Systems, Inc. Reproduction in whole or in part prohibited, except by permission. All rights reserved. Not responsible for any errors or omissions.

For more information, or to discuss your retirement plans, call Diane Brett, Financial Consultant,

800.842.0145, ext. 5381, or e-mail diane.brett@lpl.com

Not NCUA Insured No Credit Union Guarantee May Lose Value

Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. The investment products sold through LPL are not insured American Eagle Financial Credit Union deposits and are not NCUA insured. These products are not obligations of the American Eagle Financial Credit Union and are not endorsed, recommended, or guaranteed by American Eagle Financial Credit Union or any government agency. The value of the investment may fluctuate, the return on the investment is not guaranteed, and loss of principal is possible.

American Eagle Financial Credit Union and American Eagle Financial Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.

The American Eagle Financial Credit Union 2017 Annual Report is available to view and download on the Credit Union website at americaneagle.org.

2017 Annual Report Is Online

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As we welcome spring and anticipate summer, many of us are packing up our bags and heading for the hills (or the beach, or the museums). The last thing you want to worry about is your credit card. Unfortunately, all too many of us face hassles with credit card security while traveling — especially during trips abroad. These problems can range from the annoying to the devastating, but most of them are very preventable. This article will walk through several strategies designed to give you the best chance at a worry-free vacation. We’ll discuss pre-departure preparations, card security features, special tips for traveling abroad with a credit card, what to do if the worst-case scenario occurs, and a few travel cards to consider for maximum security.Pre-departure Preparations

You wouldn’t leave home without booking your flight or packing your bag, and credit card security is just as important. Make sure to add a few credit card-specific tasks to your pre-departure list. Here is a list of preparations to consider:Call your card issuer to notify them of your travel plans. Many credit card issuers have built-in fraud protection that could shut down your card if it’s used outside of your normal purchase pattern. The last thing you want is to have your card denied at that fabulous Italian bistro, so give your card issuer a heads up.Do some research regarding foreign transaction fees. If you carry multiple credit cards, you should know that there might be a wide variation between your cards when it comes to foreign transaction fees. Call your card issuers or do some digging online to compare fees and select the card with the best deal.Learn how to contact your credit card issuer while abroad. Toll-free numbers don’t work abroad, so you’ll need a different way to contact your credit card issuer if you encounter problems during your travels. Some cards have international numbers printed right on the back. If yours doesn’t, call them up before you leave and ask them what number to use. Write down this number and keep it with your travel documents.Make copies of the front and back of your credit cards. This is one step that’s frequently overlooked, but if your cards are stolen, having photocopies can be very helpful. Many travelers also do this for passports.Make sure your card will be accepted abroad. Not all cards are taken around the world. If you have enough time to plan ahead, consider getting a chip-and-pin card, which is more widely accepted abroad, especially in Europe.

Safety Precautions to Consider When Traveling with Your

Credit Card

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Continued on page 9

Safety Precautions to Consider When Traveling with Your Credit Card (continued from page 8)

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Chip-and-Pin Cards

Chip-and-pin cards (sometimes known as “smart cards”) have become the go-to standard. These cards feature embedded microchips that can hold a large volume of dynamic data. They may also require entry of a pin in order to complete a transaction, and that means that a thief who simply has your card number can’t use your card.Handling your Credit Card while Abroad.

So you’ve taken all the precautions before boarding the plane: what about when you’ve reached your destination? There are several steps you can take to avoid fraud, theft, and unnecessary trouble abroad. Consider the following strategies:Avoid use of credit card in less-than-secure situations. The street vendor may have a lovely smile and even better food for sale, but this probably isn’t the best place to pull out your credit card.Have your travel companion carry a different card as a back-up. Even if you plan on relying primarily on one card, it’s not a bad idea to have a back-up along — and to have it carried by someone else. That way, if your wallet or money carrier is lost or stolen, you aren’t completely out of luck.Keep your credit card in sight. Try to hand your credit card directly to the person who will be processing the transaction. You’ll want to avoid situations where someone takes your card out of sight to process a transaction, because that scenario makes it easy for them to steal your information.Be cautious with ATMs. ATM fees can be extremely steep for international transactions. In addition, many foreign ATMs (especially outside of western Europe) are not as secure as we may expect from their U.S. counterparts. If you are traveling abroad and you must use an ATM, choose one that is attached to a legitimate business (preferably a bank) as opposed to a “random” ATM.Carry cash or travelers checks as back-up. Try to carry enough local currency to get by each day (but not so much that you’re a target for thieves). Credit cards are convenient, but if yours is declined or stolen and you don’t have an alternative method of payment available, you won’t think it’s very convenient. We strongly advise looking into a discreet carrying pouch specifically designed for passports and money, which is much more secure than a wallet or purse.Document everything. Keep receipts of all purchases in case mysterious charges are added to your account later. Keeping receipts also helps with expense tracking, so you can stay on budget.

Bloomfield Cromwell East Hartford Enfield Farmington Glastonbury Manchester

Newington Plainville South Windsor Southington Vernon West Hartford

Established in 1935, American Eagle Financial Credit Union is a full-service CT credit union offering Savings accounts, Checking accounts, credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, business accounts, and much more. Bank online, through our mobile app, or visit one of our convenient branches.

Membership is open to everyone in Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, and New Haven counties in Connecticut.

Federally insured by NCUA.

· Borrow up to 85% of your home’s equity· Fixed Rate for the life of the loan· Other rates and terms up to 100% of your home’s equity· Borrow up to $500,000 or up to 85% of your home’s equity value.

There’s a lot you can do with your home’s equity . . .

If you want to complete a home project, help, pay college tuition, or use it to consolidate debt.It’s there for you when you need it most.Learn more online at americaneagle.org, or visit a branch, or call 860.568.2020 to speak to a lending expert today.

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rate based on your credit score and term of loan. Fixed rates effective March 1, 2018. Program, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Subject to credit approval. AEFCU membership required. Payment example: $10,000 loan at 3.75% APR for 60 months is equal to a monthly payment of $183.04. Other terms and conditions may apply as governed by American Eagle Financial Credit Union Lending Policy.Property types: 1-4 unit dwellings, condominiums (attached or detached), and PUDs (attached or detached), located in Connecticut or Massachusetts. Minimum loan amount = $10,000. Maximum loan amount = $500,000. Rate advertised assumes that loan is first lien with a combined loan to value (CLTV) of up to 85%. Loans for second liens with CLTVs up to 100% are available.

Time To Fix Up Your Home

HOME EQUITY LOAN FIXED RATE AS LOW AS:

ABOUT US MEMBER SERVICESOFFICE LOCATIONS

-10-

3.75%APR*

UP TO 60 MONTHS