If you’re finding it difficult to put money away for a down payment after paying your bills and financing your living expenses, take heart. It’s a common problem.

The solution is to shave it off the top. For example, if you’ve decided to save 10% of your income to buy a home, that 10% must come right off the top of your paycheck before you do anything else.

Will you be able to live off 90% of your income? Absolutely. When that’s what there is to work with, you’ll be surprised at how workable it is. But, if you take care of everything else before saving and just save “whatever’s left” you’ll find that nothing is.

If you’re serious about becoming a homeowner, take a tip from us and shave it off the top.

Using your tax refund to save

It’s that time of year again … Your tax refund is coming. And while you’ve got lots of ideas on how to spend that annual windfall, consider this: The money you’re getting from the IRS is no gift; it’s money that was yours in the first place. By overpaying on taxes every payroll period, you were forced to “save” it slowly over the year.

So you did. You saved it. And now you’re ready to spend it. But are you really sure you want to spend those hard-earned savings on some “extras” that may be gone before you know it?

This year, we challenge you to do something different. Bring your check to Sentinel Federal Credit Union, and open an account to save for a down payment on a home. Use the money that you’ve been forced to save all year to help you achieve something really special—like owning your own home.

You can become a homeowner. And we can help you do it. Visit the Credit Union as soon as your refund check arrives and open an account to help save for that down payment. That way, your refund will last decades—not just a weekend—and you’ll feel good about investing in your future.

Send us a message to request your free consultation or call us today at 605-923-1405 or toll-free at 888-923-1400 and learn how Sentinel Federal Credit Union can help you get financially fit.

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ll have fewer problems and delays qualifying for your loan if you follow this inside advice from Sentinel Federal Credit Union.

Clean up your credit. Before you apply, order a copy your credit report and FICO score. There are several online sources available, and for just a few dollars, you’ll learn exactly what information will be used to determine how much money you qualify for and, most important, what negative information appears that will affect your application and interest rate.

For example, if you have had several late payments, start 6 months prior to applying for your mortgage and make payments on time, every time. That may improve your credit score and the interest you’ll pay on your loan. Plus, you’ll have enough time to contact the Credit Bureaus in writing to explain or correct any outright wrong information. Looking at your credit report on a regular basis is also a good way to spot any instances of identity theft. It’s all about you, so be aware of what’s being recorded.

Collect your records. Start now to get the required documentation in order. Create a file – even a shoebox will do – and start saving important papers that your Loan Officer will need at time of application, throughout the loan process, and prior to closing.

Here are some helpful DO’s and DON’T’s to prepare for the application and speed the approval …

DO keep originals of all pay-stubs, bank statements and other important financial documentation. Your lender is required to update any documents that are over 30 days old prior to the closing of your mortgage loan. (This is required even if your loan is approved.)

DO have a copy of your employment history for the past two years, including contact information.

DO have your residence history for the past two years available, such as your rental agreements or your mortgage account number.

DO have a copy of your Social Security Card.

DO have a copy of your divorce decree, if applicable.

DO have copies of your Federal Income Taxes for the past two years.

DO provide all documentation for the sale of your current home. (e.g.: sales contract, closing statement, employer relocation/buyout program).

DO notify your Loan Officer if you plan to receive gift funds for closing costs.

DO notify your Loan Officer of any employment changes. (e.g.: change of employer, recent raise/promotion, transfer, change of pay status, such as salary to commission scale, etc.)

DO NOT change jobs/employer without inquiring about the impact this change would have on the approval of your mortgage loan.

DO NOT make major purchases during or prior to closing (e.g.: new car, furniture, appliances, electronics) as this may impact your qualification ratios. Please confer with your Loan Officer to have him/her calculate what your ratios would be with any additional debts.

DO NOT obtain and/or deposit unusually large sums of money without notifying your Loan Officer. FNMA/HUD guidelines require documentation as to the source of these funds (e.g.: copy of bonus check, copy of tax refund, copy of insurance settlement, gift letter with copy of check and deposit slips, etc.)

DO NOT close/open or transfer any asset accounts without inquiring about the proper documentation required for your loan file. (i.e.: If you transfer all the funds in your stock account to your savings account, documentation is required.)

DO NOT open or increase any liabilities, including credit cards, signature loans, etc., during the loan process. Please check with your Loan Officer for any documentation that will be required and what impact this would have on your qualification ratios.

For most people, this is just a matter of organizing documents they already have on hand and using common sense. Taking a little time to get your papers in order for the Loan Officer will make the application easy and the approval process swift. A little time spent now means a lot of time – and even money – saved later, so follow these tips to take the headache out of home ownership.

Send us a message to request your free consultation or call us today at 605-923-1405 or toll-free at 888-923-1400 and learn how Sentinel Federal Credit Union can help you get financially fit.

Have you thought about refinancing your home loan?

Although the media makes it sound impossible to get a mortgage in today’s economic environment, at Sentinel Federal Credit Union, it’s business as usual. Rates have never been lower! Even if you haven’t thought about refinancing, here are three reasons why it could be a smart move for you:

1. To lower your interest rate. For example, if your rate right now is 6.5% (6.787% APR) on a 30-year loan of $250,000 and you refinance to 4.0% (4.181% APR), your payment goes down from $1,580 to $1,193, saving you $387 every month!
2. To shorten the term of your loan. If you’re in a 30-year loan now, you might want to refinance to a 15-year loan so you’ll be able to pay off the mortgage sooner.
3. To refinance an adjustable-rate mortgage into a fixed-rate loan. If you don’t have a fixed interest rate on your home loan, now is the time to refinance to take advantage of historically low rates and lock in at a rate that you know will never go up. That’s peace of mind you don’t currently have.

Whether you want to save hundreds of dollars every month or save tens of thousands of dollars over time, or both, a mortgage refinance could be the answer.

Contact Pat Wahl, our Mortgage Loan Officer, today at 605-923-6772 or toll free at 888-923-1400 to schedule a free consultation or send Pat a message.

Sign up for the freedom of EasyPay Online Bill Pay

When you have EasyPay Online Bill Pay from Sentinel Federal Credit Union, you’ll have more freedom to enjoy life. Here’s how EasyPay gives you convenience, savings and security. You can:

• Receive and pay your bills electronically, all in one place
• Make payments anywhere, anytime, even when you’re traveling
• Schedule payments in advance and never worry about missing a bill or paying late fees
• Save money on stamps and envelopes, save time with no trips to the post office
• Guard against identity theft from lost or stolen checkbooks and bills by receiving and paying bills online instead of by unsecured mail

To learn more about how to simplify life with EasyPay Online Bill Pay, view the demo.

Enroll today! The first two months are free and then it’s just $4.95 a month.

1. Log on to It’s Me 247 Online Banking
2. Click on “Pay My Bills” to access the enrollment form
3. Complete the enrollment form and you’re all set

Sentinel Federal Credit Union warns all members to be extremely cautious when you are asked for personal or financial information over the phone, by email, through a text message or the Internet. Don’t give out personal information unless you’ve initiated the contact and are sure you know who you’re dealing with.

Identity thieves are clever, and may pose as a representative of your Credit Union to get you to reveal your sensitive information. The thieves may use pressure to get you to act immediately or use scare tactics or harassment to trick you into sharing your personal information.

DO NOT RESPOND to these fraudulent messages. These are scams attempting to steal your personal information. Sentinel Federal Credit Union will NEVER contact you via email, text, or phone asking for confidential or sensitive information. Remember never give out your sensitive information to people who contact you.

Contact us immediately at 605-923-1405 or 888-923-1400 if you responded to a fraudulent message and have given out any information.

Recent Fraud Alerts

Learn more about Phishing Scams and how you can protect your confidential information. Learn more about common telemarketing scams and how to avoid them at ftc.gov/phonefraud.

To Report Lost or Stolen Cards:

If your Sentinel Federal card is lost or you believe it has been stolen, call us immediately at the appropriate number below.

During Normal Business Hours: Mon – Fri 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (MT)
Phone: 605-923-1405 / 888-923-1400

After Business Hours:
ATM Cards: 800-472-3272
Debit Cards: 800-682-6075
Credit Cards: 800-543-5073

• Open your child a savings account!
• Set an allowance – then teach them how to save a percentage.
• Instead of handing them money for extra purchases, raise their allowance and teach them how to budget.
• Encourage saving a percentage of money gifts.
• Teach them the benefits of being a member at a credit union!

Talk to us today about opening your child a savings account!

• Short-term loans start at $200 with a maximum of $1,000
• No credit check or collateral is required
• Up to 28% Annual Percentage Rate
• $20 application fee
• Up to 6 months to pay back your loan
• Available to members of Sentinel Federal Credit Union with an account in good standing that has been open for at least 30 days
• Financial counseling available and encouraged at no additional charge

When you run short on cash, contact us for an affordable, short-term loan. We’ll help you get back on track and save you money.

• Short-term loans start at $200 with a maximum of $1,000
• No credit check or collateral is required
• Up to 28% Annual Percentage Rate
• $20 application fee
• Up to 6 months to pay back your loan
• Available to members of Sentinel Federal Credit Union with an account in good standing that has been open for at least 30 days
• Financial counseling available and encouraged at no additional charge

When you run short on cash, contact us for an affordable, short-term loan. We’ll help you get back on track and save you money.

Credit Calculators

Loan Payment Calculator
How long will it take to pay off my loan?
Should I consolidate my debts?
How long will it take to pay off my credit card(s)?

Auto Calculators

How much car can I afford?
Should I lease or purchase a car?
How much will my auto payments be?
Should I accelerate my auto payments?

Home Calculators

Mortgage Payment Calculator
How much home can I afford?
Should I refinance my home?
Should I make extra payments on my mortgage?

Savings Calculators

How long until I reach my savings goal?
How much should I save for college?
How can I save for a big ticket item?
How much will my CD be worth at maturity?

Retirement Calculators

How much will I need to save for retirement?
How much will I receive in Social Security?
I’m retired, how long will my savings last?
Compare Roth 401(k) and Traditional 401(k) retirement savings plans.

The key to your financial security

Primary Share Account
Your Primary Share establishes your Credit Union membership which gives you access to our many products and services. Making regular deposits into your Primary Share account is a great way to save for both expected and unexpected expenses.

• Minimum account balance is $5
• Dividends are paid monthly on balances of $100 and greater

Secondary Share Account
Set up a Secondary Share Account to accumulate funds for things like taxes and insurance. You can allocate funds to be deposited into your Secondary Share through payroll deduction or transfer from any of your accounts on a schedule of your choice.

• No minimum balance or opening balance required
• Dividends are paid monthly on balances of $100 and greater 

Christmas Saver Account
With a Christmas Saver Account you can set up automatic transfers into a special savings account used for your holiday gift buying.

• No minimum balance or opening balance required
• Dividends are paid annually on October 31st on daily balances of $100 and greater
• In November the balance you have in this account wil be automatically transferred to your Primary Share, just in time for your holiday shopping

Dream Saver Account
You can save for that dream vacation or that special item you’ve been dreaming of with a Dream Saver Account. By depositing systematically into this account you can make sure your funds are there when you need them.

• No minimum balance or opening balance required
• Dividends are paid monthly on daily blances of $100 and greater
• Funds are available to you once a year at the time of your choosing

Prime Saver Account
With a Prime Saver Account you will earn our highest annual percentage yield without locking funds in for a specific term. This high-yield saving account is available to all of our members.

• $5,000 minimum balance
• Higher balances earn higher returns
• No monthly service charge (unless daily balance falls below $5,000 during the month then $5 monthly fee assessed)
• Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly
• Minimum withdrawal amount is $250 with no more than six withdrawals per month

Super Saver Money Market Account
With a Super Saver account you will earn a higher annual percentage yield without locking funds in for a specific term.

• $1,000 minimum balance
• Higher balances earn higher returns
• No monthly service charge (unless daily balance falls below $1,000 during the month then $5 monthly fee assessed)
• Dividends are compounded daily and paid monthly
• Minimum withdrawal amount is $250 with no more than six withdrawals per month

IRA Share Account
An IRA Share Account features no minimum balance requirement, making this a great starter account for you to deposit funds from ROTH and Traditional IRAs.

• No minimum balance or opening balance required
• No annual maintenance fee
• Dividends are paid monthly on daily balances of $100 and greater

Share Certificate & IRA Certificate
A Certificate is a safe investment with a higher yield than a regular savings account. You choose the interest rate and term that is best for you.

• Invest as little as $500
• Higher investment amounts receive a higher dividend rate
• Terms range from 3 to 48 months
• Special Bump-A-Rate available on any certificate excluding specials
• Dividends are compounded daily and paid quarterly
• Early withdrawal penalties may apply

Traditional or Roth IRA
A secure way to save for your retirement. Contact us about a Traditional or Roth IRA.

• No enrollment or maintenance fees
• IRA basic savings accounts have no minimum balance and can be added to anytime
• IRA share certificates earn a higher dividend than the IRA basic savings account and have a $500 minimum balance
• Contact your tax advisor or financial planner for which IRA is best for you

Sentinel Federal Credit Union has a card to fit your need!

Credit Cards

Debit Cards

To Report Lost, Stolen or Blocked Cards:

• During Normal Business Hours: 605-923-1405 or 888-923-1400
• After Business Hours:
• ATM Cards: 800-472-3272
• Debit Cards: 800-682-6075
• Credit Cards: (Lost/Stolen) 800-543-5073; (Blocked) 866-334-1048

With interest rates at record lows, now is an excellent opportunity to reduce your monthly mortgage payment.

• Refinance your adjustable rate mortgage and save with today’s low rates.
• Tap the cash equity you’ve built in your home and pay off bills or take that well-deserved vacation.
• Buy the home of your dreams or remodel your current home.

Regardless of your needs, we can help. In a brief, free consultation we can review your current loan program and help you find exactly what you need to reach the financial fitness you desire. With hundreds of different loan programs to offer, we will find just the loan you need.

Send us a message to request your free consultation or call us today at 605-923-1405 or toll-free at 888-923-1400 and learn how Sentinel Federal Credit Union can help you get financially fit.

Home Loans

• First Mortgage Loans
• Refinances
• Residential Lot Loans
• Home Equity & Line of Credit Loans

Financial Fitness 101

• What factors are affecting your credit score?
• How to save for the home of your dreams
• Helpful do’s and don’ts when applying for a mortgage

Calculators

• How much home can I afford?
• Mortgage Payment Calculator
• Comparing mortgages (i.e. 15, 20, 30 year).

MEMBERS® Auto and Homeowners Program
You trust Sentinel Federal Credit Union to provide you and your family with quality products and services to meet your financial needs. We’ve joined with a dedicated team of insurance professionals to bring you the MEMBERS® Auto and Homeowners Insurance Program.

• MEMBERS Auto and Homeowners is the property and casualty coverage solution preferred by the most credit unions and their members.
• Convenient e-service, pay your bill or make changes to your policy, even report a claim.
• Receive fast, easy access to claims service 24-hours a day.
• Obtain a free no obligation quote or locate an agent at the local Liberty Mutual sales office.

Get a Quote Now

Fed up with your bank’s high interest rate credit card? Tired of getting nickeled and dimed with fees on your checking account? Then it’s time to move your banking to Sentinel Federal Credit Union.

From free checking and online banking to competitive interest rates on the loans you may need you can trust Sentinel Federal Credit Union to put you first. Whether you’re looking to buy a new car, or if it’s time to own your own home, or you need to save for the future, we’ll spend time with you to set up your financial plan to help you reach your goal. Remember we’re here for you every step of the way.

Who Can Join
You are eligible for membership at Sentinel Federal if you live, work, worship, or go to school in, or are a business or other legal entity located in the following South Dakota counties: Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Lyman, Todd, Tripp, Gregory and Mellette.

Why Join
Sentinel Federal is a not-for-profit financial cooperative that is owned and operated by its members. Every member is an owner with an equal vote in the election of the credit union’s volunteer board of directors. Once you become a member of Sentinel Federal, you can remain a member for life, even if you change jobs, relocate or retire. Plus, after you become a member, your immediate family members are automatically eligible to join.

Switch to Us
Stop into any branch and visit with one of our member services staff or Apply for Membership online. We require an initial deposit of $5. This initial deposit represents your “share” of ownership. It is not a fee; it goes directly into your newly established Share/Savings Account.

Telephone Banking
Take care of transactions over the phone with CU*Talk

Online Bill Pay
Save time and money by paying your bills electronically with Easy Pay Online Bill Pay

Mobile Web Banking
Take care of your finances on the go with Mobile Web Banking

Online Check Ordering
Our online ordering tool makes shopping quick and easy when you need to order checks

Online Applications
You can easily complete a Membership Application and a Loan Application right online

ATM Locations
Access your account 24/7 at these ATM locations

As part of our Business Services, Sentinel Federal Credit Union can help you quickly set up a wide range of credit and debit card options for your customers. Contact our Business Financial Service Representatives for more information.

Safe Deposit Boxes

Safe deposit boxes are safe and secure places to keep valuable personal items but they are not fire nor flood proof. Vaults are fire, flood, and heat “resistant”. Your box contents are not insured by the Credit Union. Ask your insurance agent about available options to insure the contents of your safe deposit box. Annual rental fees are automatically withdrawn from your savings or checking account on January 1st each year. Please contact us for availability.

Direct Deposit

Direct Deposit is the easy way to deposit your paycheck. Instead of receiving a written check that you must personally bring to the Credit Union, your pay is electronically transferred from your employer right to your Credit Union account. Social Security and other government checks can also be direct deposited. There’s no standing in line and no reason to make a special trip to the Credit Union. It’s free, easy, safer and a time saver. Find out if your employer offers direct deposit. If so, ask for an enrollment form, usually available through your human resource department. Complete it and return it to your employer. Or, ask a Credit Union Member Service Representative for an enrollment form, fill it out and return it to your payroll department. Direct Deposit usually begins within 30 days.

Payroll Deduction

Save money the easy way – through payroll deduction. Most employers have a payroll deduction program, which allows employees to have a portion of their pay sent directly to the Credit Union. You can even arrange to have your loan payments or Christmas Saver account deposits made through payroll deduction. If you already have direct deposit at the Credit Union we can automatically transfer money to your savings account each payday. Just let us know how much you’d like transferred and to what account. Check with your employer about signing up for payroll deduction or inquire at the Credit Union.

Night Deposit

The easy way to conduct business after hours. Okay, it’s after Credit Union business hours, you forgot to make your deposit and you’ve got to be at work before we open in the morning — not a problem. Use the night deposit that’s available at the branches. 

It’s important to remember that deposits made after hours are posted the next business day. Friday after hour deposits will be posted on Monday. Please be aware however that checks trying to clear your account and automatic loan payments may occur before your night deposit is posted. This may result in an overdraft. If it is vital for you to have your deposit posted first thing in the morning, we recommend you bring it in personally. Don’t let the name “Night Deposit” mislead you, you can drop off a deposit there even during business hours, just remember it will be posted the next business day.

Savings Bonds

Buy electronic savings bonds online
The U.S. Department of the Treasury discontinued over-the-counter sales of paper savings bonds on December 31, 2011. Savings Bonds are no longer sold at Sentinel Federal Credit Union. Savings bonds are available for purchase as electronic issues in TreasuryDirect®. TreasuryDirect is a secure Web-based system that allows investors to establish accounts to purchase, hold and manage Treasury securities online at www.treasurydirect.gov. Learn more

If you’re carrying balances on high-interest rate credit cards, you’re invited to transfer those balances to a Sentinel Federal Visa Classic Credit Card which can save you money. Transfer your other credit card balances to a low-rate Sentinel Federal Visa Classic Credit Card by February 29, 2012, and you’ll qualify for a balance transfer rate that is the same as your purchase rate. There are no balance transfer fees or annual fees and you’ll enjoy a lower interest rate while you pay down your balance.

APPLY NOW!

The Sentinel Federal Visa Classic Credit Card offers:

• Low variable rates
• No annual fees
• 28 day grace period on purchases
• No balance transfer fees
• Earns ScoreCard Reward Points for every net purchase you make
• Payments can be made at any credit union office or automatically deducted from your savings or checking account each month
• Protection from unauthorized charges and lost and stolen card charges at no additional cost

Visa Classic Application and Solicitation Disclosure
Visa Credit Card Agreement

Helpful Information

• Shop online with confidence. Use Verified by Visa.
• Let us know if you’ll be traveling with your card
• To report lost, stolen or blocked Credit Cards:

During Normal Business Hours: 605-923-1405 or 888-923-1400
After Business Hours: (Lost/Stolen) 800-543-5073; (Blocked) 866-334-1048

 
Visa® Secured Credit Card
Everyone qualifies for the Sentinel Federal Visa Secured Credit Card, regardless of their credit history.

• Non-variable rate as low as 10.00% APR*
• Card is secured by your savings
• No annual fee
• No grace period on purchases
• Earns ScoreCard Reward Points for every net purchase you make
• Payments can be made at any credit union office or automatically deducted from your savings or checking account each month
• Protection from unauthorized charges and lost and stolen card charges at no additional cost

Apply today for our Visa Secured Credit Card.

Helpful Information

• Credit Card Agreement
• Verified By Visa
• Let us know if you’ll be traveling with your card
• To report lost, stolen or blocked Credit Cards:

During Normal Business Hours: 605-923-1405 or 888-923-1400
After Business Hours: (Lost/Stolen) 800-543-5073; (Blocked) 866-334-1048

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Your actual rate and term may vary, depending upon your credit history and other factors. Other conditions, restrictions and credit approval apply.

Loan Rates effective as of February 3, 2012
Loan rates are based on credit history, term of loan, year and type of collateral.
*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may change without notice.

New Vehicle Loans (2010 and Newer)

Used Vehicle Loans (2005 – 2009)

Used Vehicle Loans (2002 – 2004)

Used Vehicle Loans (2001 and Older)

Classic Cars
Completely restored and registered at Court House as antique

Motorcycle Loans – New and Used

Snowmobiles, ATV & Personal Watercraft Loans

Motor Homes, Campers, Travel Trailers, 5th Wheels,
Boats & Horse Trailer Loans

Mobile Home Loans

Personal Loans

Other Loans

Loan payment example: At 4.5% the annual percentage rate (APR) for a 60 month term with 0% down and 30 days to 1st payment, monthly payments are calculated at $18.66 per $1,000 borrowed.

Not all borrowers qualify for lowest APR or 0% down. To find out if you qualify, please call Sentinel Federal Credit Union at 605-923-1405 or ask your Black Hills area auto dealers.

Note: Interest rates on home equity loans will increase 1% on loans with a 90% or greater loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the appraisal of the property.

Loan rates are based on credit history, term of loan, year and type of collateral.

*Annual Percentage Rate (APR) may change without notice.

First Mortgage Rates

Please contact our Mortgage Loan Officer at 605-923-6772 or 888-923-1400 for rates and applications for our first mortgage products and residential lot loans.

Share Savings & Checking Rates

Share Rates effective as of December 16, 2011

*APY is Annual Percentage Yield. Rates subject to change without notice. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees could reduce the earnings on the accounts.

Share Certificates & IRA Certificates

Certificate Rates effective as of December 16, 2011

Special Bump-A-Rate available on any certificate excluding specials. Minimum deposit $500.*APY is Annual Percentage Yield. $500 minimum balance requirement. Rates subject to change without notice. Early withdrawal penalties may apply. Fees could reduce the earnings on the accounts. Specials will automatically renew into the same term at maturity if that same term special is available from the Credit Union. Otherwise specials will automatically renew to the closest regular term. Your savings federally insured to at least $250,000 and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government and National Credit Union Administration, a U.S. Government Agency. IRAs up to $250,000.

**Maximum $100,000 in special certificates per SSN.

or a …

Home Equity Line of Credit with a variable rate
as low as 4.00% APR* with approved credit.

Are you looking to make home improvements, pay for college tuition or finally take that much needed vacation? Then Sentinel Federal Credit Union may be able to help you with a Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan or a variable rate Home Equity Line of Credit! Borrow only what you need … only when you need it … and pay interest on only what you borrow.

A Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit is also great for those of you who want to consolidate debts without refinancing your first mortgage, or for those of you who want to pay off higher interest consumer debt with a loan secured by their home in order to gain possible tax advantages. Consult a tax advisor regarding the tax deductibility of interest.

Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan
Choose from a variety of terms and save money with fixed rates as low as 5.49% APR. With the fixed-rate home equity loan, you get the entire amount of the loan at closing and the rate never changes over the life of the loan.

• Offers a low, fixed rate
• Repayment terms up to 15 years
• Borrow up to 100% of current appraised value with approved credit
• Interest rates on home equity loans will increase 1% on loans with 90% or greater loan-to-value (LTV) ratio based on the appraisal of the property
• Minimum loan amount is $5,000 with $100 minimum monthly payment
• Usually the estimated costs to obtain a Home Equity Loan is $175
• For example, a payment for a $20,000 Home Equity loan at 5.49% for 60 months would be approximately $382 per month

Variable Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
With a variable Home Equity Line of Credit you borrow only what you need, only when you need it and pay interest on only what you borrow! Variable rate as low as 4.00% APR with approved credit.

• This is a revolving line of credit secured by improved real property.
• Borrow up to 100% of current appraised value with approved credit
• For example: Appraisal of home $100,000
  • 90% of appraised value = $90,000
  • Less mortgage debt – $50,000
  • Potential line of credit $40,000
  • Minimum loan amount is $5,000 with $100 minimum monthly payment
• Usually the estimated costs to obtain a Home Equity Line of Credit is $175
• Maturity is up to 20 years depending on loan amount
• The Draw Period is 5 years from the funding date of the loan. After that time, further draws are not allowed
• The Repayment Period is up to 20 years including the 5-year Draw Period
• Interest Rate Cap: The annual percentage rate shall not be increased or decreased by more than two percentage points annually

For a better understanding of Home Equity Lines of Credit, please read:

When Your Home Is On The Line: What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit

Shopping For Your Home Loan (HUD Settlement Cost Booklet)

Consumer Handbook on Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (CHARM Booklet)

Contact us for a Home Equity Application

We believe that you get the best car buying value when you have your loan pre-approved before you go vehicle shopping. We’ll give you great car buying tips that can save you money. You’ll also know how much you can afford to spend on that new auto and what your monthly payments will be. Then when you’re ready to buy you’ll be purchasing with the buying power of cash. Since buying a vehicle is one of the most significant purchases we make, doesn’t it make sense to take a little more time and become an informed shopper. We’d love to help you get the best deal.

Additional Benefits:

• 100% financing on most new and used vehicles
• The better your credit, the better your rate
• Simple interest at a competitive rate
• No penalty for early payoff
• Credit Life and Disability Insurance offered at low rates

Get Preapproved

GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection)

Do you owe more than your vehicle is worth? Ever consider what will happen if your vehicle is totaled in an accident or stolen? GAP is designed to protect members against financial loss in the event their vehicle is stolen or declared a total loss due to an insured peril. GAP pays the difference between the primary auto insurance carrier’s settlement and the protected loan balance. Most everyone is eligible for the coverage and for a small charge you can sleep well knowing your investment is protected.

MRC (Mechanical Repair Coverage)

Have you ever considered buying an extended warranty? Have you been over-charged at a dealership in the past? Mechanical Repair Coverage helps pay the covered repairs on your vehicle when the unexpected breakdown occurs. For a few dollars a month, you can protect your vehicle and your finances from expenses that could total thousands of dollars. With MRC, your vehicle will be back on the road and you will rest easy knowing you saved a lot of money. 

Time for a new car? Click. Shop. Drive!

Sentinel Federal Credit Union is proud to introduce CUDL AutoSMART. It’s a free online resource that offers valuable research tools and resources to help you make more informed decisions the next time you’re considering a vehicle purchase.

CUDL AutoSMART has it all:

• Extensive new and used auto inventories of dealers in your area and exceptional pricing
• Valuable vehicle research and comparisons
• Easy-to-use loan calculators

Ask us about this valuable member benefit or visit our CUDL AutoSMART website today.

Online Auto Auction

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2011 Annual Report