SPRING 2011

Member Spotlight: Michele Strom and the issuing bank or credit union (such as Centris) bears the risk of any fraud that may occur.

Even though the fee is small, the large number of debit transactions result in a significant amount of revenue to the issuing bank or credit union. In our case Centris earned $1.7 million in interchange revenue during 2010. We net against this revenue the costs of providing the service, issuing the cards, and absorb any fraud losses incurred. The remaining revenue is used to benefit the membership by expanding benefits, services and President’s product offerings. Message At the request of the retailers, last fall the Federal government stepped in to Last fall the Federal government regulate the fees paid by retailers for adopted a new law that will most this service. It is estimated that 47% likely cause the cost of financial or more of the interchange revenue services to increase significantly will be lost due to the fee cap. In for most consumers. This law is many cases, including Centris, the referred to as the Durbin amendment new government established fee will to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street not cover the cost to provide the Reform and Consumer Protection debit card service; much less allow Act. The impact of this law will any benefit to the membership. affect all banks, thrifts and credit unions, including Centris members. The new government regulated fee The Durbin amendment imposes structure is scheduled to take effect a federally mandated price cap on later this year. Once the lower fee debit card transaction processing kicks in, virtually all financial fees paid by merchants and retailers institutions will be compelled to raise for the convenience of accepting fees on a range of services. Banks plastic cards. have already reacted by eliminating their free checking product. Centris Each time a consumer uses their is still evaluating what action we debit card, the retailer pays a small will take and how we can replace the fee to the bank or credit union that lost revenue without increasing fees issued the card. This practice has to our members. been in place since the inception of debit and payment cards. The Centris and the entire credit union retailers are willing to pay the fee, as industry worked hard to oppose they avoid the hassle, cost and risks this law last fall, but we were of handling checks or currency. In unsuccessful in stopping it. We are addition the funds are immediately continuing to work with our elected transferred electronically to them, officials in Washington to repeal or

2 InTouch / Spring 2011 delay implementation of the new law. We will keep you informed as 2011 Board we continue these efforts. Of Directors Thank you again for your membership. Election Results We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in achieving your financial At the 76th Annual Business Meeting, needs and goals in the future. If you voting results were announced for the have any questions or comments that two Board positions that were available. you would like to share with me, please Leslie Walters tenured his resignation call me or send an e-mail to KevinP@ effective March 25, 2011. The Board of centrisfcu.org. Directors appointed Matthew Dannehl to serve in Les’ place until the following Kevin Parks Annual Business Meeting. President / CEO Board of Directors: Paul Elofson Chair Linda Aust First Vice Chair Jim Curran Second Vice Chair Tom Beiriger Treasurer Joe Sacco Secretary Matthew Dannehl Director Veronika Pinkerton Director

Thank you to all who attended the Annual Meeting on March 22, 2011. We look forward to seeing you at next year’s meeting! Warm Hearts Help Homeless Investments 4 Throughout the month of February, Centris held a Winter Warm-Up clothing drive to benefit the Open Your Money 5 Door Mission. With the help of members and staff, Centris was able to collect 599 items totaling 493 pounds! Over 125 coats, 100 pairs of gloves, 87 Member Spotlight 6 hats and 35 blankets were collected and donated to the Open Door Mission to distribute to hundreds of people that seek this shelter’s services every day. Your Money 8 Thank you to all who donated items throughout the month - many hands and hearts will be warmed by your Your Membership 10 generosity and support!

www.centrisfcu.org 3 CBSI is under contract with Use the positive domino positive the Use Take a Take look at different

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Nondeposit investment and insurance products contribution contribution levels. Once you see what you COULD achieve, you may be more contributions. your increase to motivated Trim Trim the fat. After one full month, the all assess up Add on. money spent you what carefully unnecessarily, spent you feel you money then add that amount to a ROTH IRA. help. Get Take Take advantage contributions. of matching Do the math. income, income, rather than net income. may 401(k), a Some to those like contributions, means That dollars. pre-tax with made be you can afford to contribute a bit more from your gross income and still only income. $50 from your net “miss” say effect effect the of contribute, you more your The contribution. employer’s matching contributions matching in earn you more allowable amount). (up to the maximum the financial institution, through program, to make securities available to members. the financial services This material was prepared by Peter Montoya Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. This information should not be publisher The advice. legal or tax investment, as construed is not engaged in rendering legal, professional accounting services. All or information other representation is no make believed we however, sources; to reliable from be as to its If completeness assistance or or accuracy. further information is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. 02252011-WR-212 1. google.com/publicdata?ds=wb-wdi&met=sp_dyn_ le00_in&idim=country:USA&dl=en&hl=en&q=life+exp ectancy [10/29/10] you get started. So, while it’s important to to important it’s while So, started. get you educate yourself, seeking the assistance of one be may professional financial a of make. could you moves best the Representatives are registered, securities are investment sold, and advisory services Brokerage offered Services, Inc. through (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC CUNA , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free 800-369- 2862. may risk, investment involve insured, federally not are lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution.

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The average life expectancy InTouch / Spring 2011 InTouch begins contributing a modest to a amount retirement plan in their early 20’s could end up on par with someone who contributes much more aggressively but does not start until their mid-30’s. 4 on when you retire, you may need to plan to need may you retire, you when on for 20 or more years of income. Take advantage of contributions. tax-deferred what you can afford a to contribute retirement to account on your gross of a U.S. citizen has risen fairly steadily years. 50 last the throughout General cost of living may be less for those who have retired, but don’t forget to consider inflation and rising inflation when planning. Be smart about how long need you’ll it. Be smart about what you’ll need. The earlier the better. Your Retirement Your Don’t let retirement planning overwhelm and financiallyfrom focusing keep on implementing a you for plan. Here are some tips to get you started. For Planning For Planning Eight Tips Anthony Bumgarner Financial Advisor Centris Investment Services (402) 697-6726 [email protected]

Centris Investment Services December that their name had been drawn as the winners.

“We were both in disbelief,” Steve recalls. “We don’t enter contests or buy lottery tickets or gamble, so this was quite a shock.”

As winners, the Clemens’ will have their mortgage paid by Centris throughout 2011. The prize will allow them to pay FREE Mortgage for a few home improvement projects like a bathroom remodel without having Giveaway to dip into their savings or take out an additional loan. Winners Are… Centris is proud to announce the winners Here’s Your of the first “Win A FREE Mortgage For A Year” contest are Steve and Chance To Win... Tana Clemens of Omaha. Now for a limited time, you have the Between May and December 2010, opportunity to Win A FREE Mortgage Centris sponsored the “Win A FREE For A Year! (Up to $10,000. Odds of Mortgage For A Year” contest, giving winning based on number of entries away up to $10,000 in free mortgage received.*) Apply in person, online or payments. Members were automatically call and get pre-qualified before you shop entered into the contest when they for your new home. We’ll show you why Centris is your trusted neighborhood completed a home loan or refinanced their mortgage through the credit union. mortgage partner.

The Clemens’ have been members of Contact Us For Complete Information. Centris for over two decades. When *12 consecutive monthly mortgage payments (principal and they were looking to refinance their interest only) of not more than $833.33 per month (“Monthly Maximum Prize”) totaling up to $10,000 in the aggregate. Exact mortgage this past September, the first prize amount will be determined by amount of eligible winner’s mortgage payment. Winner must pay any portion of winner’s place they thought of was their trusted monthly mortgage payments not attributable to principal or interest Your Money financial partner. or otherwise in excess of Monthly Maximum Prize. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Number of written prize notices to be distributed will depend on number of “Centris has treated us so well over inquiries about the promotion. Beginning 3/1/11 through 12/17/11, when you open a mortgage loan with Centris Federal Credit Union the years, we didn’t think about going (“Centris”) in or Iowa, you will automatically be entered to be drawn as a winner in the “Centris Federal Credit Union Free anywhere else,” Steve said. Mortgage Giveaway”. Participants and winner(s) must be Nebraska or Iowa residents at least 18 years old as of December 16, 2011, and have a valid driver’s license. To enter, you must be Centris members “We use Centris a lot,” Tana added. and have closed and have received funds for a mortgage loan or “They have proven to be a great financial mortgage refinance from Centris on or after February 19, 2011. One entry per person and/or household. If a winner is disqualified partner for us”. or cannot accept the prize as stated, Centris reserves the right to determine an alternate winner in its sole discretion. Prize is not transferable, redeemable for cash or exchangeable for any other Because they didn’t have to fill out prize. Centris may require winner to complete, execute and return affidavits of eligibility, liability releases and publicity releases prior any extra paperwork to be entered, to taking possession of prize. Failure to sign these documents, or if the Clemens’ didn’t think much of the winner cannot be notified, or if winner is found tobe ineligible or not in compliance with these Official Rules, will result in disqualification contest until they got the call in mid- and an alternate winner will be selected. DOCS/974343.2

www.centrisfcu.org 5 apart.Infact, itwas these extra services that inspired her to start her business in the first place. Michelesaysshehasalways eyehadan for fashion and for years she has used that instinct to help friends with makeuptheir for everythingshoots to the from pageant stage. photo Ituntil wasn’t 2007, at the urging that of Michelea friend, decided to enterinto the Mrs. herself Nebraska Pageant. It was her first pageant aswith a participant her previous but experiencethem and some natural aroundability, Michele was crowned Mrs. Nebraska 2007 and then went onto compete for the title of Mrs.America. Michele knew in order to compete onthe bigger stage that she to wouldfind aneed gown that could complimenther platform national while audience at the impressingsame time. In her the search, she quickly there realized weren’t that a lotavailable that of catered to localwhat she was optionslooking for. She ended LosAngeles to have up her evening gown flying to customized by designer With the designer’s Sherri help and guidance, Hill. Michele was named 2nd runner up the Mrs.in America 2007 competition. Following the pageant, Michele wanted to give other option girls to find in locally what Nebraska she hadfly to the to L.A. for. Usingand her experience design connections,consultations,services,offeringmakeup she began coaching and wardrobe pageant selection participants and to winnersof out her home. to Michele many pageants also in the traveledMidwest acrossand the country allowing her to grow her clientele even further. As her business acquired flourished, a Michele true retail space allowing

InTouch / Spring 2011 InTouch

Located in Rockbrookboutique features Village, dresses designers thesuchprom andpageant known from well asSherri Hill, Claire’s Collection, Tony Bowls and Jovani Red Carpet as as well shoes and accessories evening for and social various events. And retail while may seem like focus, Michele’s there are other maincomponents such as pageant coaching, makeup and dress customization that really help to set her Step into the Winning Crown Boutique and the first thing youall the sparkle. may notice As is Nebraska’s Premier dress Occasion Social and Prom Pageant, boutique, glitz and glam are the norm. a closer Take look and you may see that no one dress is similar to the next one. It’s that exclusivity that plays to owner, “Always being of motto Strom’s Michele original, never identical.” It’s also what separates this business from the rest. Centris commercial Member Spotlight Strom Michele 6

Member Spotlight The Winning Crown to expand beyond “If I call Centris with a question, my rep just pageant services to include dresses won’t just call me back, he’ll physically and accessories for proms, weddings stop by the store to help me,” she says. and other social occasions. After a “It’s personalized service that most few years of dipping into her own places don’t offer.” credit and savings to fund her growing business, Michele knew she would Michele continues to receive assistance need greater financial assistance if she and guidance from Centris as she wanted to develop The Winning Crown considers how to develop her business even further. even further. Most recently The Winning Crown gained additional local and She began the process of trying to national recognition for designing the expand by asking her bank for a small custom gown that 2010, business loan. And even though she wore when she was had been a loyal customer for many crowned 2011 in January. years, she was turned down. Michele If word continues to spread about the needed to find another financial that shop’s success for dressing winners on would help but instead of shopping the biggest stages, Michele knows that around, she decided to utilize the expanding the space will likely be the services offered by the Small Business next step in its development. Administration (SBA) of Nebraska for help in finding another lender. It was Currently, though, it’s prom season at there that she learned about Centris’ the shop so the focus is on helping the Commercial Department. typical high school girl find that atypical dress. But no matter the season, social Michele was familiar with the credit occasion or pageant, helping all girls and union, in fact, her husband, Colin women to stand out in their own special Strom, had interned at one of the branch way is what The Winning Crown is all locations years ago when Centris was about. Finding what makes a person still Bell Federal Credit Union, but she “Always original, never identical” has never knew they offered small business always been what Michele is all about loans and services. Upon receiving the and certainly it is what continues to information from the SBA, Michele make her uniquely successful. applied for a loan in 2010 with Centris and was approved.

The financing helped Michele to further promote her business with many new social events such as the 2010 Ak-Sar-Ben Editor’s Note Ball. The Winning Crown served as the Are you a Centris member making Official Court Courtier last year dressing a unique contribution to the over 50 Princesses at the Ball. But no community? Know someone who matter how many special events The is? Tell us your story for a chance Winning Crown caters to, Michele still to be featured in the Member prides herself on being able provide that Spotlight of the Centris personal consultation to each and every girl Newsletter. Simply contact us at that comes in with a vision for themselves. [email protected] or by Michele says she receives a similar level of phone at (402) 758-6520. service from her credit union.

www.centrisfcu.org 7 Avoid dealer markups by Avoid Visit at least three dealerships Visit someone you trust Take Look for the car you want, Consider gas mileage shop you as records good Keep Negotiate up from the dealer’s Narrow down your choices of Get pre-approved for your loan • • • • • • • Easy Car Buying Tips • • financing at the credit union or car lots with you with the best features, price at an affordable and reliability. true cost, rather than down from the sticker price make, model, options and color and options model, make, from your credit union Inquire Inquire at Centris for complete terms InTouch / Spring 2011 InTouch Visit with Visit us today and we’ll get you on payment a at want you car the to road the you can afford! *Fixed Rates start as low as APR 4.00% and term of up to 84 months. Maximum money loan new $8,000 creditworthiness. amount on based and rates required. Payment example based on vehicle cost of $8,000 x 46 months at 4.00% APR = $189.00. Loan needs to be secured by a new or used vehicle that is 2007 or 100,000 miles. Requires automatic payment. Rates newer model with fewer and terms subject to change. Commercial accounts than excluded. and conditions. options you can be covered without ever denting your budget. Extended Service Protection Plan Loan Payment! Whether you are in the market for a new or used vehicle, Centris can off start by getting you you pre-approved before you car shop! Plus, with our affordable For A Low Auto Cruise On In 8

Your Money The Homestretch: Paying Off Your Mortgage With A Home Equity Loan At last, you can see the light at the end Allowance Tips of the mortgage tunnel. After making payments for years, you’ve whittled For Parents down your mortgage balance, with only a few years of payments left. Having allowances can help children understand the concept of budgeting and Use your equity - You may be able to get saving, but you have to teach them. rid of your mortgage and replace it with a home equity loan or line of credit. If you decide to give an allowance, start one as soon as your children start recognizing The advantage of this strategy is that money’s worth - kids do this fairly early. you usually pay much less in closing Here’s a few tips to help get you started! costs than you would in a mortgage refinancing. Also, your interest rate 1. Don’t give an allowance until children may be lower for a home equity loan or are old enough to manage it, or until your line than it would be for a regular short- children are at least six years old. Once term mortgage. children start first grade they begin learning about money in school, so they know if Suppose you take out a home equity they get a $1 bill each week, it’s equivalent line of credit rather than a home equity in value to ten dimes or four quarters. loan. You could trim additional money off your monthly principal and interest 2. Keep the system simple so you can payments and boost your savings. manage it. Because most children will get the money out of parents anyway, The risk with a home equity line of it’s better to teach them how to manage credit, however, is that it usually has a it themselves than allow them to nickel variable rate. and dime you. Plus, using an allowance gives parents and children more control If you’re deciding whether to pay off over the children’s finances. a small mortgage balance with a home equity loan or a line of credit - moving Help teach your kids about saving the from a fixed rate to a variable rate - money they earn from their allowance keep the relative risks of the latter in by setting up a savings account for them. mind. And if you plan to stay only a Centris offers both a Rafferty Savings few more years in your house, the risk Club for kids and a CU Succeed will diminish. Don’t forget your trusted Savings Club for teens designed financial partners at Centris can help you specifically to get youth into a savings size up your options as well. Just call habit. So stop into your nearest Centris (402) 334-7000 or stop into your nearest branch and ask about setting up a youth branch today! account for your children today!

www.centrisfcu.org 9 Centris Member Appreciation Night Friday, August 5, 2011 at 7:05 pm

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Entertainment: • Help us celebrate the Inaugural Season at Werner Park, Centris-style! • Special ticket price only for Centris members. FREE t-shirts to members - while supplies last! • Plus! Centris members get FREE access to the Centris Family Fun Zone inside the stadium. Just show your Centris VISA® Credit, Debit or ATM card at the Fun Zone entrance. If you do not have a card, check your March statement mailing for the special membership ID that is attached to information about the Centris Family Fun Zone or visit

Your Membership your nearest branch to pick one up. • Come out and see the greatest fireworks show in the Midwest! • Enjoy Star Wars Night at the new ball ORDERING INFO park with fun pre and in-game tributes to the greatest franchise in movie history! Please fill out the Ticket Order Form and return to the Omaha Deadline For Ordering Storm Chasers by June 30. Tickets Is Thursday June 30 If you have any questions or would like to order tickets with a credit card, please call the Storm Chasers at (402) 738-5127. Your tickets will be waiting for you at the Centris Will Call table. Please bring an ID to pick them up.

10 InTouch / Spring 2011 Ticket Order Form

Centris Member Appreciation Night With The Storm Chasers!

Omaha Storm Chasers Baseball Attn: Justin Robbins TYPE OF TICKET QUANTITY PRICE TOTAL 12356 Ballpark Way BOX $8.00 EACH $ Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 738-5127 www.omahastormchasers.com

Name:______Phone:______

Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______www.centrisfcu.org

V/MC/D/AMEX:______Ex:____/____/____ Security Code:_____

11 Please make checks payable to the Omaha Storm Chasers! Follow Us On

Holiday Schedule Offices are closed in observance of: Memorial Day Mon., May 30 Independence Day Mon., July 4 Labor Day Mon., September 5 Columbus Day Mon., October 10

Official Credit Union of the