Month: August 2020

An ITM combines both the functionality of an ATM but also the personal touch of a branch with the added ability to chat with a real-time teller. You can complete basic ATM Transactions or complete more complex transactions like:

• Make deposits
• Cash checks
• Transfer funds
• Make loan payments
• Make withdrawals
• & more

How do you use an ITM?

To connect with a live teller, tap the screen and you will be connected to the next available teller. Once the live video begins, the teller will be there to guide you through transactions and for any questions you may have.

To complete a typical ATM transaction, insert your card to begin.

Where / when can I use the ITM?

WCU’s Interactive Teller Machine will be COMING SOON to 512 Main Street West Hartselle, AL 35640. Please follow us on social media and check our website frequently for updates on the ITM and more!

The live teller will be available during our normal operating hours (Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm & Saturday 8am – 12pm) and the ITM will function as an ATM outside of those hours. 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OUR NEW ITM & LOCATION!

When you are set out to hist a savings goal, you try to find every way to shop on a budget. With these few tips, you can save on your grocery cost and still have amazing meals that feed the whole family.

Shop at home first & try to use what you already have

Shopping at home before heading to the store will help you have a better idea of things you need to restock in your pantry and the things you could hold off on buying a little longer. It can also give you a base to plan your meals around. For example, if you have a box of pasta and tomato sauce, you can make an entire meal and only have to buy the meat. Try this a few times, and you will notice a difference on your savings at the store.

Plan your meals ahead

Planning meals can be so beneficial for the sake of your time and money. You can sit down with your family and discuss what they would like to see on the “menu” and figure out everything you will need so you are not at the store trying to throw meals together. That’s how you over buy and come home with random things you really don’t need.

Make a list and stick to it

To go along with that, another helpful thing to do is make a list before you go to the store. A list will help you stay on track and can give you an idea of how much you will be spending. A list can also stop you from putting all the extra little things in the cart.

Compare the prices at the store

Once you’ve made your list and it’s time to go shopping, compare the prices at the store. Name brands are not always needed, in fact, many people prefer the store brand! It’s a good idea to branch out and try new products from new brands then, decipher what is best for you based on your preference.

Don’t go to the store hungry

The urge to impulse will be greatly increased when going to the store hungry. I am guilty of this myself and leave the with way too many unnecessary things in my shopping cart. Eat before making your trip, surprisingly, it could save you money.

It may take a little extra time to complete these tasks before making your weekly grocery run but you will notice a difference in your savings if you do so.

A remodel can be a great way to update and change the entire look of the home to add a bit of your personal style and to match your life style. Remodeling is not a cheap project but here are some things to keep in mind when deciding what is best for your home.

Don’t do a complete remodel

Instead of doing a full-blown remodel, put a fresh coat of paint on the walls, cabinets, and put in new fixtures. Unless you have structural damage that is needed to completely gut a room, there’s rarely a reason to start from scratch. Just by changing a few minor cosmetic things like fresh paint, can change the entire look of a home.

Shop Around for contractors

Finding the right contractor is not a decision to take lightly. You want to find someone professional, honest, and reliable at the best price possible. A few things to keep in mind when shopping for contractors, always ask for references and meet with them in person to get a better feel of their character and professionalism. Take note of their willingness to answer questions and if they show up on time or not. Doing these few things will help you better grasp their traits. 

Consider long term costs and benefits

You don’t want to choose the most expensive materials for every remodeling decision you make. However, there are times that it makes more sense to buy more expensive because it will save you in the long run. Do your research and read reviews as you are making your decisions.

Understand what you are getting into

When starting a large project like renovations, that’s a high chance that it will not be cheap. Ask yourself what the most important upgrades are to you and can you afford it? Or would you be better off to hold off and build your savings for the projects? Another thing to consider (if waiting is not an option) is to look into personal loans. 

Be honest about your DIY ability

Before starting a project, you are going to tackle as a DIY, ask yourself how much of the work really requires a professional? Things like painting, removing wallpaper, and other cosmetic updates are usually an easy task and can easily be done by you. It’s also is great for your budget to do some DIY projects! Just remember, there are some things we should leave to the professionals.

As we talked about in the last blog and the scams that are surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been brought to our attention that “money mule” scams are also on the rise. Money mule is defined as a person who is used to transfer or launder illegally obtained money at the direction of or for someone else. Often times, you may not realize you are participating in illegal activity because the scammers make you think you are conducting business transactions or helping them out in some way.

Here’s examples of ways this type of scam could play out. Scammers will send “earned” money to a victim after they believe they have found an amazing “work from home” job opportunity, met someone on an online dating site asking for monetary help, or they are under the impression they’ve won a prize. After the scammer has sent the money to the victim through wire transfers or gift cards, they will ask them to take a portion of the money and send it to a “third party” and to keep some for themselves., more than likely, the “third party” account is the scammers account. They perform this scam because it is less likely for them to get caught with suspicious fund and activity and the victim is left to face the consequences.

How to avoid money mule scams:

• – Never accept a position that asks you to transfer funds. Be aware that “normal” business transactions are not performed in this manner and it is a way they are using you to perform these illegal transactions.
• – If you find a love interest on an online dating platform, do not send money to or from this person, they are likely getting you to move money for them.
• – Never send money to collect a prize, that’s not how that usually works. They are scamming you into performing their transactions for them.

What if you fall victim?

The best advice we can give you, if you are to fall victim of a money mule scam is to immediately cut off all contact with the potential scammer and notify your financial institution and the company the wire or gift card is from. Then, report it to local law enforcement and Federal Trade Commission.

Read the following article from the FBI to learn more about money mule scams:

https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/money-mule-awareness-booklet.pdf/view