Thanks for stopping by our financial education blog! We are excited to share tips on the best ways to save and manage your finances. Check back often for the latest tips for the community.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Credit Scores

If you are in the market for a new home, car or are trying to get a personal loan, there is one thing that you must know: your credit score. You may already know the importance of your credit score as it is determined by a report that contains all of your credit activities. The goal is have the best (highest) score possible in order to get the best rates. Here are a few simple tips that can help you boost your score:

1. Pay all of your bills on time. This one component makes up 35% of your credit score total. Take a moment today to look at all of your monthly due dates and write them down on a calendar You can set a reminder in your cell phone or on your computer to keep up with these dates as well. Also, if you are having trouble remembering when to pay which bill, take a moment to sign up for Bill Pay online to eliminate stress. If you commit to paying each bill on time, then your credit score will begin to show improvement.
2. Reduce your overall debt. Of course, your goal here is to strive to be debt free, but while you are making those payments, work on widening the gap. This gap is what you want to increase between your credit limit and the actual amount you owe for that card. The larger this gap is, the better your credit score will be.
3. Call in the experts. If you are unsure of where to start, then you may want to check out some resources. Here are some free online resources to help you improve your credit score or if you would like to chat with someone, feel free to stop by one of our branch locations.

Do you have any helpful tips for boosting your credit score? Please share your tips and thoughts with us! Be sure to check back next week for fun ideas for charitable giving instead of just writing a check.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Take the Retirement Road Test

Take the Retirement Road Test
Do you have a red, yellow or green light?
A Message from John Pat White II

Have you taken the time to calculate how much money you’ll need to set aside for your retirement? Do you feel confident in how you’re investing those dollars you’ve already saved?

As a valuable member benefit, the MEMBERS financial services will offer all members of Gulf Credit Union a complimentary retirement analysis. This will only take a few minutes to complete, yet provide you with information that will last a lifetime. The output is straightforward and will rate your current progress with a red, yellow or green traffic light. Whether you’re just starting to save, or you’re getting close to retirement or already living in retirement, this analysis will provide you with solid recommendations to help you achieve your unique vision of retirement.
When it comes to planning your retirement, we understand the importance of a trusted partner. Call John Pat White @ 409.984.7452, your MEMBERS Financial Representative, today at for a no-cost, no-obligation appointment. Or simply stop by the office and you’ll receive a Retirement Road Test analysis while you wait. Find out how you can “green light” your retirement savings plans.

Representatives are registered, securities are sold, and investment advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, A Registered broker/dealer and Investment Advisor, 2000 Heritage Way, Waverly, Iowa 50677, toll-free (866) 512-6109. Nondeposit investment products are not federally insured, involve investment risk, may lose value and are not obligations of or guaranteed by the financial institution. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution, through the financial services program, to make securities available to members.



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Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Getting Credit Card Debt in Check

Spring Clean Your Finances: Getting Credit Card Debt in Check

You’re ready to get your house in order with spring cleaning, but are your finances in order as well? Maybe it’s time for a check in on your finances and some financial spring cleaning. One of the best ways to do this is to take control of credit card debt. The task of evaluating and then cleaning up your credit card debt can be a pain-free (well, almost!) process that will not only improve your credit score, but will also give you a sense of financial relief. Let the financial cleaning begin by following these four steps.

1. Calculate all of your credit card balances and their interest rates to understand where to start. To make this easier to manage, take a look at our free debt calculator.
2. Next, take a look at your spending habits and create a budget that includes your monthly credit card payments. The goal is to understand your spending habits and look at ways to reduce unnecessary spending (this extra money can be put toward paying off your credit card debt). Use this tool to easily calculate this information.
3. To see results quicker, a good rule of thumb is to pay the credit card with the highest interest rate off first. Aim to pay double the minimum payment each month.
4. To stay in control of your finances, read How to be Creditwise and More Ways to be Creditwise for great credit savvy tips.

Make it a priority to complete step #1 by the end of this week. Seeing your credit card debt on paper will be great encouragement to get started on the next step. If you have a tip for managing and eliminating credit card debt, then please share your advice. Check back next week for great tips on planning your retirement!

Monday, April 5, 2010

April Events by Holly

April 2010 Local Events

April is “Child Abuse Prevention” Month. Wear blue to show your support.

YMBL Fair Ends Sunday, April 4, 2010.

JC Penney @ Parkdale Mall- “Round up Spring Purchases for the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club ends April 6, 2010.



Monday, April 5, 2010
9:00 a.m. ~ Workforce Solutions Free Job Seeker’s Services
Theodore Johns Branch Library
4255 Fannett Road. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.5223.

5:00 p.m. ~ Mud Bug Mondays @ the Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas


Tuesday, April 6, 2010
4:00 p.m. ~ Be Here Tuesdays
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas


4:00 p.m. ~ Know Your Numbers Health Screening
Christus Outpatient Center
3701 Highway 73. Port Arthur, Texas
For more information and costs, call 866.683.3627

5:00 p.m. ~ Taco Tuesdays at the Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas



5:30 p.m. ~ Free Surgical Weight Loss Seminar
Christus Outpatient Pavillion
755 N 11th Street. Beaumont, Texas

6:00 p.m. ~ Live on Goodfella’s Patio
3350 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

6:30 p.m. ~ Justice is Served- CASA Event
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas
For sponsorship or more information, call 409.832.2272

6:30 p.m. ~ LU Cardinals VS Houston Baptist Baseball
Vincent Beck Stadium
Beaumont, Texas

7:00 p.m. ~ Karaoke Night at Logon Café
3805 Calder Avenue. Beaumont, Texas

7:30 p.m. ~ Lamar’s Distinguished Lecture Series Featuring Sarah Vowell
Lamar University Theater
4400 S. MLK Jr. Parkway. Beaumont, Texas

9:30 p.m. ~ Taco Tuesdays at Madison’s with El Floppy Tacos
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
National Start Walking Day Benefiting American Heart Association

8:15 a.m. ~ Senior Flexibility and Balance Aerobics
YMCA Beaumont
6155 Eastex Freeway. Beaumont, Texas

10:30 a.m. ~ Pre-school Movies
Lumberton Library
130 E. Chance. Lumberton, Texas
409.755.7400

10:30 a.m. ~ Story Time @ Willard Library
Willard Library
3590 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.4988



2:00 p.m. ~ Spanish Class @ Willard Library
Willard Library
3590 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.4988

4:00 p.m. ~ Wine’d Down Wednesdays
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett St. Beaumont, Texas

5:00 p.m. ~ Wine and Cheese Wednesdays at the Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas

6:30 p.m. ~ LU Cardinals VS Houston Baptist- Baseball
Vincent Beck Stadium

8:00 p.m. ~ Open Mic Night @ Logon Café
3805 Calder. Beaumont, Texas

Thursday, April 8, 2010
8:30 a.m. ~ American Red Cross Adult CPR/ First Aid
American Red Cross
3260 Eastex Freeway. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.832.1644 for more information/ registration.

10:30 a.m. ~ Story Time
Lumberton Library
130 E. Chance. Lumberton, Texas
409.755.7400

4:00 p.m. ~ Green Thumbs for Children
McFaddin Ward Carriage House
RSVP at 409.832.1906

4:00 p.m. ~ Thirstini Thursday
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

5:00 p.m. ~ Steak Night Thursday at Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas


6:00 p.m. ~ Business Start Up Check List Presented by Dave Mulcahy
LU Small Business Development Center
801 Pearl Street. Beaumont, Texas
$10 per class. Call 409.880.2367 for registration/ more information.

6:30 p.m. ~ Square Dancing: Belles and Beaus
St. Anne Catholic School
375 N. 11th Street. Beaumont, Texas
409.860.9543

7:00 p.m. ~ FREE Salsa Lessons at Pancho Villas Mexican Kitchen
230 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

7:30 p.m. ~ David Burgess, Latin American Guitarist
Nederland High School Performing Arts Center
Call 409.727.5215 for tickets and information.

7:30 p.m. ~ “Romeo and Juliet”
Lutcher Theater
707 Main Street. Orange, Texas

9:00 p.m. ~ Cross Canadian Ragweed
Dixie Dance Hall
234 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

9:30 p.m. ~ Karaoke Thursdays
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

Friday, April 9, 2010
9:00 a.m. ~ Child Care Conference
Beaumont Civic Center
701 Main Street. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.835.8461 to register.

10:00 a.m. ~ “Romeo and Juliet”
Lutcher Theater
707 Main Avenue. Orange, Texas

12:00 p.m. ~ “The Masters” Demo Day
Games People Play
5945 College Street. Beaumont, Texas



4:00 p.m. ~ Family Fridays at Lumberton Public Library
130 E. Chance. Lumberton, Texas
409.755.7400

6:00 p.m. ~ Kids’ Night Out
St. Marks Episcopal Church
680 Calder Street. Beaumont, Texas
RSVP at 409.832.3405

6:30 p.m. ~ 40th Annual Spring Dinner
Silsbee Little Theater
140 N. 6th Street. Silsbee, Texas
Call 409.385.5562 for tickets/ more information.
Jacket required.


Saturday, April 10, 2010
8:00 a.m. ~ Lamar Administration of the ACT
Call 409.880.8878

9:00 a.m. ~ Free Tax Assistance Available at Main Library
Beaumont Public Library
801 Pearl Street. Beaumont, Texas

9:00 a.m. ~ Dishman Craft Market
Dishman Elementary
3475 Champions Drive. Beaumont, Texas

9:00 a.m. ~ Healthy Eating Habits
Lamar Institute of Technology
855 E. Lavaca. Beaumont, Texas
RSVP 409.880.8114.
$35/ class

9:30 a.m. ~ Milkweed Babies
Shangri La Botanical Gardens
2111 W. Park Avenue. Orange, Texas
RSVP 409.670.9799

10:00 a.m. ~ Beginners Genealogical Workshop
Tyrrell Historical Library
695 Pearl Street. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.833.2759 for more information.


10:00 a.m. ~ 2nd Annual 5K Walk Benefiting Boys and Girls Club of Hardin County
1005 N. 7th Street. Silsbee, Texas
Call 512.720.5636 for more information.

10:00 a.m. ~ Canoe Village Creek
Big Thicket National Park
6044 FM 420. Kountze, Texas
RSVP 409.951.6700

10:00 a.m. ~ Story Time
Barnes and Noble
Dowlen Road Location. Beaumont, Texas

10:30 a.m. ~ Fun Brunch
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

6:30 p.m. ~ 40th Annual Spring Dinner
Silsbee Little Theater
140 N. 6th Street. Silsbee, Texas
For tickets, call 409.385.5562
Jacket required

7:00 p.m. ~ Cattle Baron’s Ball
SETX Regional Airport
US 69 S. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.835.2139 for more information.

7:30 p.m. ~ Beaumont Symphony Master Series 4 Concert
Julie Rogers Theater
765 Pearl. Beaumont, Texas

8:00 p.m. ~ Beaux Arts Ball
American Legion Hall
1320 Pennsylvania. Beaumont, Texas
For tickets, call 409.838.5393

9:30 p.m. ~ Still Cruisin’
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

Sunday, April 11, 2010
1:00 p.m. ~ SETX Wedding Preview
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas
1:00 p.m. ~ Sundew Trail Hike
Big Thicket National Park
6044 FM 420. Kountze, Texas

2:00 p.m. ~ 5th Annual Masters Concert Series
Wesley United Methodist Church
3810 N. Major Drive. Beaumont, Texas

5:00 p.m. ~ The Houston Children’s Chorus
St. Mark’s Church
680 Calder. Beaumont, Texas

Monday, April 12, 2010
9:00 a.m. ~ Workforce Solutions Free Job Seeker’s Services
Theodore Johns Branch Library
4255 Fannett Road. Beaumont, Texas

5:00 p.m. ~ Mud Bug Mondays
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas

6:00 p.m. ~ Stress Relief, Simple Ways to Relax
Lamar Institute of Technology
855 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas

Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2:00 p.m. ~ Introduction to Floral Painting in Watercolor
Stark Museum of Art
712 Green Avenue. Orange, Texas
RSVP 409.866.2787
$40 Admission

3:00 p.m. ~ LU Cardinals VS Texas Pan America Baseball
Vincent Beck Stadium
Beaumont, Texas


4:00 p.m. ~ Be Here Tuesdays
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas


4:00 p.m. ~ Know Your Numbers Health Screening
Christus Outpatient Center
3701 Highway 73. Port Arthur, Texas
For more information and costs, call 866.683.3627

5:00 p.m. ~ Taco Tuesdays at the Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas


6:00 p.m. ~ Live on Goodfella’s Patio
3350 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

7:00 p.m. ~ Karaoke Night at Logon Café
3805 Calder Avenue. Beaumont, Texas

9:30 p.m. ~ Taco Tuesdays at Madison’s with El Floppy Tacos
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
8:15 a.m. ~ Senior Flexibility and Balance Aerobics
YMCA Beaumont
6155 Eastex Freeway. Beaumont, Texas

10:30 a.m. ~ Story Time @ Willard Library
Willard Library
3590 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.4988

11:00 a.m. ~ Free Surgical Weight Loss Seminar
Christus Outpatient Pavilion
755 N 11th Street. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.839.5673 to register.

1:00 p.m. ~ Willard Library Celebrates National Library Week
Willard Library
3590 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.4988

2:00 p.m. ~ Spanish Class
Willard Library
3590 E. Lucas. Beaumont, Texas
409.842.4988

4:00 p.m. ~ Wine’d Down Wednesdays
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett St. Beaumont, Texas


5:00 p.m. ~ Wine and Cheese Wednesdays at the Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas

6:45 p.m. ~ Open Class Ballet and Condiitoning
City Dance Center
3015 N Dowlen Road Ste. 270. Beaumont, Texas

8:00 p.m. ~ Open Mic Night @ Logon Café
3805 Calder. Beaumont, Texas

Thursday, April 15, 2010
1:00 p.m. ~ Educators’ Career Fair
Lamar University
Montagne Center. Beaumont, Texas

2:00 p.m. ~ Introduction to Floral Painting in Watercolor
Stark Museum of Art
712 Green Avenue. Orange, Texas
Call 409.882.3321
Admission: $40

4:00 p.m. ~ Stroke Wise Support Group for Survivors and Families
Baptist Hospital
3080 College. Beaumont, Texas
RSVP 4069.212.6145

5:00 p.m. ~ Mercado Days Latin Fest
500 Procter Street. Port Arthur, Texas

4:00 p.m. ~ Thirstini Thursday
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

5:00 p.m. ~ Steak Night Thursday at Elegante
MCM Elegante
2355 I-10. Beaumont, Texas

6:30 p.m. ~ Square Dancing: Belles and Beaus
St. Anne Catholic School
375 N. 11th Street. Beaumont, Texas
409.860.9543




6:30 p.m. ~ 40th Annual Spring Dinner
Silsbee Little Theater
140 N. 6th Street. Silsbee, Texas
For tickets, call 409.385.5562
Jacket required

7:00 p.m. ~ FREE Salsa Lessons at Pancho Villas Mexican Kitchen
230 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas


7:30 p.m. ~ Spring Dance Concert
Lamar University Theater
4400 S. MLK Jr Parkway. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.880.2250

8:00 p.m. ~ Karaoke Thursdays
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

Friday, April 16, 2010
10:00 a.m. ~ Pareilli Horse Show
Ford Arena
5115 I-10. Beaumont, Texas

10:00 a.m. ~ Village Creek Fest
Lumberton, Texas

10:30 a.m. ~ Opening Day
Camp Junction
8690 Hwy. 90. Beaumont, Texas

2:00 p.m. ~ Introduction to Floral Painting in Watercolor
Stark Museum of Art
712 Green Avenue. Orange, Texas
RSVP 409.866.2787
$40 Admission

4:00 p.m. ~ Family Fridays at Lumberton Public Library
130 E. Chance. Lumberton, Texas
409.755.7400

5:00 p.m. ~ Mercado Days Latino Fest
Procter Street. Port Arthur, Texas



6:00 p.m. ~ Beaumont Main Street Presents “The Natural”
Jefferson Theater
Call 409.838.2202 for tickets and more information.

6:30 p.m. ~ 40th Annual Spring Dinner
Silsbee Little Theater
140 N. 6th Street. Silsbee, Texas
Call 409.385.5562 for tickets/ more information.
Jacket required.

6:30 p.m. ~ LU Cardinals VS Sam Houston State
Vincent Beck Stadium
Beaumont, Texas

Saturday, April 17, 2010
8:00 a.m. ~ Spring Cleaning Alert: Dispose of Hazardous Waste and Tires the Right Way
Bob Bowers Civic Center
3401 Cultural Center Drive. Port Arthur, Texas
Call 409.899.8444 for more information.

9:00 a.m. ~ Beaumont Main Street Showing of Charlotte’s Web
Jefferson Theater
345 Fannin. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.838.2202 for more information.

9:00 a.m. ~ CNSE 1003, Forklift Operator Certification
LIT, Building TA-3 Room 102
855 E. Lavaca. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.880.8114 for more information and to register.

10:00 a.m. ~ Beginners Genealogical Workshop
Tyrrell Historical Library
695 Pearl Street. Beaumont, Texas
Call 409.833.2759 for more information.

10:00 a.m. ~ Beaumont Heritage Society: Frontiers Day
John Jay French Museum
3025 French Road. Beaumont, Texas
409.866.2787

10:00 a.m.~ Golden Triangle Links Jazz Brunch
Holiday Inn and Suites Beaumont Plaza
3950 I-10. Beaumont, Texas
Tickets $35

10:00 a.m. ~ Parelli Horse Show
Ford Arena
5115 I-10. Beaumont, Texas
409.951.5400

10:00 a.m. ~ Story Time
Barnes and Noble
Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas

10:00 a.m. ~ Village Creek Festival
Lumberton, Texas

10:30 a.m. ~ French HS Reunion of the Classes of 1927- 1953
Elks Lodge
11431 Hwy 90. Beaumont, Texas
For more information, call 409.896.5680

10:30 a.m. ~ Fun Brunch
Spindletop Steakhouse
290 Crockett Street. Beaumont, Texas

12:00 p.m. ~ Mercado Days Latino Fest
Procter Street. Beaumont, Texas

2:00 p.m. ~ LU Cardinals VS Sam Houston State
Vincent Beck Stadium
Beaumont, Texas

3:00 p.m. ~ Beaumont Main Street Presents “Singin’ in the Rain”
Jefferson Theater
345 Fannin. Beaumont, Texas

5:30 p.m. ~ An Evening with Shaun Groves
United Methodist Temple
4101 Highway 73. Port Arthur, Texas

6:30 p.m. ~ 40th Annual Spring Dinner
Silsbee Little Theater
140 N. 6th Street. Silsbee, Texas
For tickets, call 409.385.5562
Jacket required

6:30 p.m. ~ Beaumont Main Street Presents “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
Jefferson Theater
345 Fannin. Beaumont, Texas

7:30 p.m. Chris Botti
Lutcher Theater
707 Main Street. Orange, Texas

8:00 p.m. ~ Barking Dog Concert Series
Dewinter with Mobley and the Loch
Pearl Street. Beaumont, Texas

9:00 p.m. ~ Kris Harper
Dylan’s
8601 9th Avenue. Port Arthur, Texas

9:30 p.m. ~ Sweet Root Unrooted
Madison’s
4020 Dowlen Road. Beaumont, Texas