Looking Forward to 2021
As we turn the page to a new year, Mainstreet looks forward to delivering faster and better service, thanks to several new initiatives and enhancements. Here are some of the exciting things in store for you in 2021.
New Northland Branch – This spring we will open our new Twin Creeks Branch, located at 169 Highway and Barry Road in North Kansas City. This full-service branch will offer lobby service, mortgage lending, investment services, drive-thru lanes, and an on-site ATM. It replaces our Barry Trail location and will serve as a hub for future northland locations.
FREE Online Loan Payments – You asked, and we’ve answered! You can now make online consumer loan payments free of charge. Simply click here to make your payments. If you prefer, in- person and mail payments are also accepted free of charge. We’ve also lowered our phone payment fee to $5.00. Simply call our Member Assistance Center at 913-599-1010.
More Protection Against Overdrafts – We know your budget is tight, so we have increased limits up to $1,000, based on the account’s history. That way you can breathe a little easier during these uncertain times.
Mobile Banking Upgrade – Thanks for your feedback on ways to make our mobile app better! We are on track to unveil our newest features this Spring. Look for more communication coming soon.
New Website – We are continually working hard to make our website the fastest way to find what you need at Mainstreet. Get information, schedule appointments, apply for loans, open new accounts when the time is right for you. We’re ready when you are.
On behalf of our Board of Directors and staff , I’d like to thank you for your membership in our credit union. Mainstreet is proud to serve you and your family members.
Happy New Year!
Sincerely,
John Beverlin, President/CEO
Making Your Life Easier
Need to deposit a check, but don’t have time to make a stop? Use Mobile Deposit to deposit your checks via your smartphone and gain access to your money faster. Have a question or need help? Let Mainstreet’s new Appointment Concierge help. Just visit our homepage at mainstreetcu.org to schedule your phone, video or in-person appointment today.
Access whenever and wherever you need it
With OnlineAccess and MCU Mobile, you can log in to your accounts no matter where you are. If you need cash, just visit one of the 30,000 surcharge free ATMs in our network – more ATMs than most of the biggest banks. To find an ATM near you, download the CO-OP Locator Mobile App – available for iOS and Android.
We are always working for you
Because your financial well-being is our main priority, we provide services to keep you up to date with your account activity. Utilize the alert feature in OnlineAccess to know when a check clears or when your account has had an invalid login attempt. You can sign up for eStatements and gain quicker access to view your recent expenses every month from your phone.
Establishing a Budget
Do you ever wonder where you money goes each month? If so, you may want to establish a budget to help you keep track of how you spend your money and help you reach your goals.
Before you establish a budget, you should examine your financial goals. Start by making a list of your short-term goals (e.g., new car, vacation) and your long-term goals (e.g., your child’s college education, retirement). Armed with a clear picture of your goals, you can work toward establishing a budget that can help you reach them.
Identify Current Monthly Income and Expenses
To develop a budget that is appropriate for your lifestyle, you’ll need to identify your current monthly income and expenses. Start by adding up all your income. In addition to regular salary and wages, be sure to include other types of income, such as dividends, interest, and child support. Next, add up all your expenses. To see where you have a choice in your spending, it helps to divide them into two categories: fixed expenses (e.g., housing, food, clothing, transportation) and discretionary expenses (e.g., entertainment, vacations,
hobbies).
Once you’ve added up all of your income and expenses, compare the two totals. To get ahead, you should be spending less than you earn. If this is the case, you’re on the right track, and you need to look at how well you use your extra income. If you do find yourself coming up short, don’t worry! With some
determination and a little self-discipline, and you’ll get it right.
You’ll need to monitor your budget periodically and make changes when necessary. Keep it simple and be flexible. Any budget that is too rigid is likely to fail, so be prepared for the unexpected (e.g., leaky roof, failed car transmission).
Tips for Staying on Track
- Try to make budgeting a part of your daily routine
- Start your new budget at a time when it will be easy to follow and stick with the plan
- Find a budgeting system that fits your needs (e.g., budgeting software)
- Distinguish between expenses that are “wants” (e.g., designer shoes) and “needs” (e.g., groceries)
- Build rewards into your budget (e.g., eat out every other week)
*Non-deposit investment products and services are offered through CUSO Financial Services, L.P. (“CFS”), a registered broker-dealer (Member FINRA/SIPC) and SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Products offered through CFS: are not NCUA/NCUSIF or otherwise federally insured, are not guarantees or obligations of the credit union, and may involve investment risk including possible loss of principal. Investment Representatives are registered through CFS. The Credit Union has contracted with CFS to make non-deposit investment products and services available to credit union members.
Educator Excellence Award Recipients
In order to be nominated for the award, teachers must receive at least six nominations from students, students’ parents, and colleagues. The Olathe Public Schools Foundation surprises the winners in their classroom. During the surprise celebration, they are presented with letters and a check from Mainstreet for $500. Award celebrations looked slightly different this year as several schools implemented both in-class and remote learning.
2021 Shred Days
Upcoming Shred Days:
Saturday, June 26 – location TBD
Saturday, September 25 – location TBD
Saturday, November 6 – location TBD
67th Annual Meeting
Due to COVID, Mainstreet's 67th Annual Meeting will be held online again this year.
Board of Director Nominations
Join Our Growing Team
A New Year for Scams
Every day scammers get smarter and find new ways to steal your information. Recognizing these common signs on a scam could help you avoid falling for one.
Scammers often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They might use a real name, like Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare. They use technology to change the phone number that appears on your caller ID.
They might say you’re in trouble with the government or owe money. They might even say someone in your family had an emergency. Some say there’s a problem with one of your accounts and that you must verify some information.
Scammers want you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, sue you, take away your driver’s or business license, or deport you.
They often insist that you pay by sending money through a money transfer company (like Cash App) or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back.
- Block unwanted calls and text messages.
- Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request you didn’t expect.
- Resist the pressure to act immediately.
- Note how scammer tells you to pay.
- Stop and talk to someone you trust.
If you were scammed or think you witnessed a scam, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov.
Source: Federal Trade Commission