Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Tired of Debit fees? Make EVERY Day "Bank Transfer Day"!

November 5th is right around the corner and there are a LOT of people looking to that date as a singular day to leave their big banks and transfer their accounts over to credit unions or community banks. We are thrilled that the news media is sharing the benefits of credit unions; but why wait? We think EVERY day should be Bank Transfer Day! Right now you can join a credit union, pay fewer fees, get better rates and have easy and FREE access to your money. After all, isn’t that what the organizers of Bank Transfer Day really want? Spurred by the announcement of a new $5 fee for debit card usage, Bank of America seems to have found the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. From that announcement main street has risen up and started yelling, “WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH!”

Here in South Florida we heard you LOUD AND CLEAR. In fact we think not only should you have fee-free access to debit card usage, we also want to reward you for using your debit card, which is why we created Swipe Where It Counts!

Here’s how it works:


  • Open a new checking account with debit card before April 30, 2012

  • Swipe your debit card using signature option (not PIN)

  • For every 5 debit purchases you earn $1

  • You can earn up to $5 EVERY month through April 30, 2012!

  • SWIPE AWAY

At Tropical Financial Credit Union we believe that GETTING $5 a month is WAY better than paying $5 a month just to use your debit card. If you agree, spread the news and make EVERY DAY Bank Transfer Day!

Anyone who lives or works in Miami-Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach Counties in South Florida is eligible to join Tropical Financial. Learn more at http://www.swipewhereitcounts.com/








Tuesday, August 23, 2011

It's Coming!

























Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) has a BIG surprise planned for October 1st, 2011.

Stay tuned to see what we have in store for you!

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Florida's Housing Market Shows Signs of Strength

According to the latest report by Florida Realtors, Florida's housing market is showing new signs of strength.

Home sales are up 17% from the beginning of this year and condo sales are up 8%. The reasons for the increase in sales are low prices and low mortgage rates. The median price for a home in Florida is $135,000 - 5% lower than last year.

Low home prices and low mortgage rates are making Florida homes affordable to those who were previously unable to buy a home.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Investment Strategies to Ensure You Stay Retired Seminar

Join Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) and Craig Weisman, Vice President, Wealth Management Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 at Brio Tuscan Grille in Pembroke Pines for a retirement investment strategies seminar.

The seminar, Investment Strategies to Ensure You Stay Retired, will explain how to identify retirement income sources, how much money needed to retire, how to calculate the cost of retirement, and how to avoid common retirement mistakes.

Dinner will be served at this seminar and seating is limited, please RSVP: Ani Reyes at 305-261-8328 ext 7716.

More South Florida Homes Underwater



More South Florida homes were underwater in the second quarter of 2011 than last year.

According to Zillow, approximately 46% of homeowners in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties owe more on their mortgage loan than their homes are worth, compared to 43% in the second quarter of 2010.

The same trend continues nationwide, with 27% of US homeowners underwater this year, compared to 22.5% last year.

Monday, August 8, 2011

3 Tips for Your "Back to School" Budget

photo by o5com/flickr

It's that time again, the kids are heading "Back to School" this month.

Here are 3 tips to stay budgeted while shopping for everything your child will need this year:

1. Make a List & Budget - List everything your child will truly need and price out approximately how much each item should cost.

2. Shop Around - Check online for sales and take advantage of "back to school" tax holidays.

3. Avoid Needless ATM Fees - Get cash out from your local branch or use an ATM without a service charge.

TFCU's Homebuyer and Owner Expo

























Don't miss TFCU's Homebuyer and Owner Expo Thursday, August 18th, 2011 from 11AM-3PM at the Ft. Lauderdale TFCU branch.

Get valuable information about mortgages, buying and selling your home, homeowners insurance, home inspections, insurance claims, security, renovations, and more. Learn everything you need to know about buying a home, PLUS get pre-qualified for a mortgage on the spot.

But that's not all, apply by September 15th and get $1,000 off your mortgage closing costs!

See you at the Expo!

10 Steps to Prevent Mold Growth in Florida

Florida is notoriously humid year round, even more so in these summer months. All that humidity makes it very easy for mold to take over your home. Indoor mold is a serious health concern for Florida residents.

Here are 10 tips to prevent mold growth in your Florida home:
1. Use adequate ventilation or your air conditioner year-round to keep the humidity levels inside your house below 60%.
2. Do not hang wet towels or clothes to dry indoors.
3. Use a digital hygrometer to test humidity levels inside each room of your house. Record these levels in a log book to diagnose problem areas.
4. Clean air conditioning ducts every three months to get rid of accumulated dust particles.
5. Install HEPA filters inside air conditioner intakes.
6. Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner and mop tile floors daily to remove mold spores and dust.
7. Test each room in your home for airborne mold spores annually.
8. Use your nose. If you smell mold, there is mold growing somewhere, whether it is visible or not.
9. Inspect hidden areas of your home routinely for water leaks, water damage and mold growth.
10. Monitor residents' health. Chronic coughing, sneezing, headaches, skin rashes and breathing disorders can all be a sign of mold in the home.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Credit Unions Weather Financial Rainstorms























Credit Unions like Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) have you covered.

No matter what the financial rainstorm brings, credit unions will always have your back because they are non-profit and member owned. That's the credit union difference.

If you're sick of banks selling you out and not putting your best interests first, it's time to join a credit union!

School Property Taxes Expected to Increase

School property taxes in Florida are expected to increase 1.3% by next year, signaling an increase in property values. This is one of the most promising signs of recovery in the Florida housing market.

Property appraisers and real estate agents are already seeing signs of improvement in the housing market. Appraisers for the downtown Miami area have seen property values increase over 12% this year over last year and higher income neighborhoods like Coral Gables are already seeing higher property taxes.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

New TFCU Credit Cards Coming Soon

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is proud to announce two new credit cards coming soon!

TFCU members will soon be able to apply for a TFCU VISA Platinum Rewards Credit Card as well as a TFCU VISA Platinum Rewards Business Credit Card.

Earning rewards on purchases made with your TFCU credit card has never been easier!

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Seasonal Uptick in South Florida Home Prices

South Florida home prices inched up this May, but analysts say the increase may just be seasonal.

Since April, home prices in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties rose 1.2%. However, analysts say there is more demand in the early summer months, resulting in seasonal higher home prices.

Florida Realtors reported an increase of 26% over last year for median home prices in Broward County, yet a 12% drop for median home prices in Palm Beach County.

South Florida home sales have been strong this year, but they still have a long way to go.

Monday, July 25, 2011

South Florida "Kills Three Birds with One Stone"

Florida Governor, Rick Scott, has plans for a $43 million Eller Drive Overpass Project at Port Everglades which will "kill three birds with one stone."

The overpass will create 1,076 construction jobs, prepare for the Panama Canal widening, and ease congestion on roads near Port Everglades.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Shuttle Layoffs Hit Florida's Economy

Approximately 9 thousand jobs will be lost when NASA's space shuttle program ends this month.

Watch the following video for more information about how Florida's economy will be affected by the discontinuation of the space shuttle:

Friday, July 15, 2011

Forget the Recession, Florida is in a "Mancession"!

Florida's economy faced a severe downturn in 2008, but not all genders were created equally. The "mancession" hit male-dominated jobs, such as those in the construction and manufacturing industry, harder than typically female-oriented industries like education and health care.

The result has been greater unemployment statistics for men than women. Florida's unemployment rates in 2010 broken down by sex were 12.3% for males and only 9.7% for females.

Florida Ranks in Top 10 Housing Markets for Investors

Three Florida cities: Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa and Orlando ranked in the top 10 housing markets for investors in rental property according to HomeVestors of America and Local Market Monitor.

This is a result of home prices falling substantially, potential home price appreciation and current high rent rates, all good news for investors looking to get the best returns on rental properties.

Monday, July 11, 2011

$1,000 Off Mortgage Closing Costs Offer Extended

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) has extended our $1,000 Mortgage offer.

Apply for a mortgage by September 15th, 2011 and receive $1,000 off your closing costs!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Florida's Economy Better Than Last Year But Still Weak

As we move into the second half of 2011, it is time to look back at the economy in South Florida over the last six months. Data from 15 key economic indicators suggest a slight improvement in South Florida's economy since last year, but we still have a long way to go.

Unemployment is on the rise yet again, despite the fact that many companies have been hiring recently. The figures are 13.4% in Miami-Dade and 9% in Broward County. Although this is nothing compared to the 23,600 jobs South Florida was losing each month in spring 2010, it shows a slow recovery to the job market.

The real estate market has also proved slow to recover. Although single-family home sales are up 18% over last year, the prices these homes are selling for are down almost 5% over 2010.

Some good news is found in consumer spending, tourism and trade. Taxable sales have increased almost 8% since last year and Miami continues to be one of the top 3 destinations in the U.S. for Latin Americans and Europeans.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Sizzling Summer Used Auto Sales Event

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is holding a Sizzling Summer Used Auto Sales Event this month only.

Finance a used car with TFCU this month and get Kelly Blue Book trade-in value for your existing car PLUS $1,000 cash! On top of all that, TFCU will make your first payment up to $300.

With used car loan rates as low as 2.99% APR, you can't afford to pass up this deal!

Introducing TFCU Mobile Banking!

As a long time member of Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU), I am proud to announce the launch of TFCU Mobile Banking.

If you haven't already signed up for mobile banking, now is the time. TFCU is known for keeping banking simple and free of fees, but things just got even easier! Now you can access your Tropical account from your iPhone, Android phone, iPad, and even other mobile devices via text message.

There are 3 ways to access the Mobile Banking platform:
  1. Mobile Web-Enabled Banking - Perfect for Android and other web-enabled mobile devices.
  2. Tropical Financial iPhone App - For instant access to your TFCU account from your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.
  3. Text Message Banking - Ideal for quick and easy account balances and transfers from any mobile device. Simply text a short command to 454545 to get your current account balance or transfer funds.
Of course, all of TFCU's Mobile Banking services are secure, easy to use, and most importantly - FREE!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Florida Foreclosures Take an Average of 2 Years

If you are one of the many South Florida homeowners who have recently foreclosed on your home, you are likely still living in that home without making mortgage payments.

In Florida, it takes an average of 2 years to evict a homeowner from their foreclosed property. Nationally, the average is 565 days. This has resulted in many homeowners taking advantage of virtually free housing, not paying their mortgage for several years and still residing in the property.

About 4,200,000 foreclosure cases are currently underway. According to CNN Money, two thirds of these homeowners have not made a mortgage payment for at least one year, with one third stating they have not paid a penny in over 2 years.

Thursday, June 9, 2011

11 Ways to Avoid Hurricane Costs

The 2011 Hurricane Season is underway and now is the time to prepare. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts 6-10 hurricanes this year with 3-6 of those classified as major hurricanes. Hurricane damage can be costly, thankfully there are ways to protect your home from storm damage.

1. Plywood - Board up windows with plywood and nails.
2. Fabric Panels - These protect your windows from debris.
3. Hurricane Straps - These help secure your roof from high winds.
4. Flood Barriers - Whether it's sandbags or another product, protecting your home from flooding is a must.
5. Storm Panels - Steel or aluminum shutters provide more window protection than plywood.
6. Roll-Down Hurricane Shutters - The easiest and most convenient way to protect your windows.
7. Garage Door Braces - 80% of residential wind damage occurs because of entry through a garage door. Some newer garage doors are rated for winds up to 150 mph but older garage doors should be secured.
8. Hurricane Glass - A permanent solution for window protection.
9. Accordion Shutters - Retractable aluminum shutters which protect against storm damage and forced entry.
10. Bahama Shutters - Hinged at the top with telescoping arms to protect windows.
11. Colonial Shutters - Attach to the wall and fold inward to close.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Nearly Half of South Florida Homes Underwater

Nearly half of all homes in South Florida were in negative equity, or underwater, after the first quarter of this year.

In Miami, 46.6% of homes were underwater, while the figure was 49.4% in Ft. Lauderdale.

Having negative equity, or being underwater, means that borrower owes more on their mortgage than their home is worth.

Friday, June 3, 2011

USF Building a Solar House You Might Live in Soon

The University of South Florida (USF) is exploring the cutting-edge of Florida housing by building a solar house, competing to win in the U.S. Solar Decathlon to build the most energy efficient house.

More than 50 students and faculty members from universities across Florida will help design, engineer, plan and build the solar house which is a mixture of modern green energy technology and simple cooling techniques used in Florida homes before air conditioning became the norm.

If everything works as planned, the house will generate as much energy as it uses and will be affordable and easy to build.

Who knows, your next home might be a solar house!

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

It's Time to Get Ready for Hurricane Season 2011

Tomorrow, June 1, 2011, marks the start of Hurricane Season. Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) wants to remind you to stock up on the necessities before the storms draw near.

Now is the time to check your roof for leaks, trim down your trees and stock up on water and non-perishable foods.

It is also important to have a battery operated radio and flashlights handy in the event that the power goes out. Also, having an extra supply of cash and any medication you may need is essential, as ATMs and pharmacies may not be in working order.

The best way to weather a hurricane is to be prepared. TFCU reminds you to prepare now and not wait until the last minute when stores may be sold out and lines will be long.

Stay safe this hurricane season!

Friday, May 27, 2011

Traveling By Car This Weekend? Here's What You Need to Know About Gas Prices

This Memorial Day Weekend an estimated 1.8 million people will be traveling on Florida's roads. While the roads will certainly be busy, there is finally good news for drivers: gas prices are on the decline!

Neil Gamson, forecaster for the U.S. Energy Information Administration, believes gas prices have peaked and are on their way back down. He expects prices to remain in the mid-$3/gallon range through July 4th, but it looks like the days of gas prices at $4/gallon are over for now.

Friday, May 20, 2011

4th Annual Comedy Cures Charity Event a Success!

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is proud to announce a successful 4th Annual Comedy Cures charity event.

The event took place on April 28, 2011 at The Improv at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL and raised $20,325 for the Children's Cancer Caring Center.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Florida Real Estate TV Show

Check out this Florida real estate TV show entitled "From the Trenches". Roy Oppenheim discusses the effects the recession has had on Florida real estate in the last few years and his ideas for the future.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Enterprise Car Sales Help You Borrow Smart

As a member of Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU), we already know that you're smart. Prove it by buying smart and borrowing smart when it comes time to finance a car.

Borrow Smart by getting pre-approved for a loan from TFCU at already competitive rates, PLUS we'll make your first payment up to $300.

Then Buy Smart by visiting Enterprise Car Sales where you will get Kelly Blue Book Trade-In value for your car PLUS $500!

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

South Florida Home Sales Rise as Prices Continue to Drop

Driving down the streets of South Florida it's hard not to notice the number of homes for sale. 2011 may be the year that these homes are bought.

In the first 3 months of 2011, home sales in Palm Beach County increased 33% compared to 2010. Almost 2,600 homes were sold in the first quarter of 2011, and yet the median home price dropped 18% this year to $194,000.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Get $1,000 Off Home Mortgage Closing Costs

Apply for a home mortgage loan from Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) by July 15th, 2011 and get $1,000 off your closing costs!

Plus, take advantage of the rock bottom rates on all fixed and adjustable rate mortgages from TFCU!

Monday, May 2, 2011

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) offers home equity loans and lines of credit with interest rates as low as 4.00% APR.

TFCU has partnered with ENERGY STAR to save you even more. Improve your home's energy efficiency and save on your electric bill by replacing less energy efficient appliances with ENERGY STAR appliances.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Whether you are buying a home or looking to refinance an existing loan, TFCU is here to help you with your financing needs. We offer a wide array of products: Fixed Rate Loans, Adjustable Rate Loans, Jumbo Loans and FHA Loans. We will finance Primary Residences, Second Homes and Investment Properties.

Plus take advantage of all our online mortgage tools:
  • Sign up for Rate Watch and let TFCU keep an eye on interest rates so that you don't have to!
  • TFCU knows there are many financial decisions involved in purchasing or refinancing a home. Use our calculators provided here that will help you decide what type of mortgage is best for you.
  • Check our current rates and we'll provide a complete and accurate quote for all the loan types that you may be eligible for.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Announcing 4th Annual Comedy Cures Charity Event

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) is proud to announce the 4th Annual Comedy Cures - A Night at the Improv at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, FL.

The charity event will take place April 28, 2011. Doors open at 6:30 and the show starts at 8pm.

Don't miss out on a fun-filled night of laughs, silent auctions and raffles. Get your tickets today!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

What it's Like to Work at TFCU - Benita's Story

Benita has worked at Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) for over 18 years. Watch the video and see what she has to say about her time spent with TFCU and the optimism she has for the future:

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Higher Tolls for SunPass Users

SunPass, along with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), have decided to make some changes to the way South Floridians use their SunPass.

The first round of major changes came about in February of this year when the Florida Turnpike's Homestead Extension went "coinless", requiring all drivers to purchase a SunPass or receive a monthly bill for their tolls with an added service charge of $2.50.

The second wave of changes was brought about Thursday when the Senate passed legislation which would remove the typical 25 cent discount SunPass users previously enjoyed.

There are also plans to ease congestion on parts of SR-7/US-441 in Broward and Palm Beach Counties by adding toll HOV lanes.

Watch the video for more information:

Sunday, March 27, 2011

IdentitySecure Identity Theft Protection - $1 For the First Month

Enjoy all the benefits of IdentitySecure identity theft protection for only $1 for the first month and $9.95 each month after that.

IdentitySecure provides comprehensive identity theft protection services including Triple-Bureau credit reports, credit scores and credit monitoring, fraud monitoring for credit and debit cards, as well as social security number and internet fraud monitoring and identity fraud support.

Sign up today to receive a copy of your personal credit report online in just seconds!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Spring New & Used Auto Sales Event

Stop by your local Enterprise Car Sales location March 26, 2011 to take advantage of Tropical Financial Credit Union's (TFCU) ONE DAY ONLY Spring New & Used Auto Sales Event.

Get Kelly Blue Book Trade-In Value on your vehicle PLUS an extra $1,000! Take advantage of rates as low as 2.99% APR. And if that wasn't enough, TFCU will make your first payment of up to $300.

We hope to see you March 26th at one of our convenient Enterprise Car Sales locations throughout South Florida:
Lauderdale Lakes at 2150 N. State Rd. 7 Call: 954.486.4370
Miami at 17720 S. Dixie Hwy Call: 305.378.0111
W. Palm Beach at 479 S. Military Trail Call: 561.242.5335

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Florida Loses $2.4 Billion for High-Speed Trains

The Obama Administration took back $2.4 Billion allotted to Florida for a high-speed train planned to run from Orlando to Tampa.

Florida Governor Rick Scott rejected the high-speed rail proposal because of high operating costs, despite a study done by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) which concluded the rail would have an operating surplus in its first year of operation.

There are split opinions on the rejection of the project, which would have created jobs for the high number of unemployed Floridians. What do you think of Rick Scott's decision? Let us know in the comments!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

51% of Broward County Mortgages "Underwater"

More that half (51%) of homes with a mortgage in Broward County were "underwater" in the fourth quarter. Palm Beach county mortgages showed similar trends, with 44% of homeowners owing more on their mortgage than their property is worth.

Many homeowners refinanced or purchased during the economic boom that preceded the current recession and are now facing the issues that go along with negative equity.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Free Financial Fitness iPhone Apps

























If you are one of the many Americans who own an iPhone, you can take advantage of the free financial fitness apps available for download. There are apps for budgeting, investing, mobile banking and managing credit cards.

Track your spending and savings and stick to your budget with Mint.com's personal finance app. There are also free apps from CNN Money, Bloomberg and Yahoo! Finance for general financial information, as well as up-to-date stock quotes from Charles Schwab and E*Trade.

If you have an iPhone, be sure to check out these free financial fitness apps available at the App Store.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Check Out TFCU's New Loan Center


Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) makes applying for a home loan or mortgage easy with our new Loan Center.

Whether you are looking to refinance or apply for a new home loan, TFCU has a variety of options including Fixed Rate Loans, Adjustable Rate Loans, Jumbo Loans and FHA Loans.

TFCU makes applying for loans convenient by offering applications online, over the phone and in person. We also provide calculators for expected monthly payments, refinancing and more.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

NFL Wants $200 Million in Improvements to Sun Life Stadium

When comparing this year's Super Bowl with last year's, it's easy to notice the difference in the weather. At kickoff last year, fans enjoyed 60 degree weather, compared to the freezing temperatures fans in Dallas endured this year. While Miami offers a virtually non-existent winter, the NFL won't be looking to Miami for the upcoming Super Bowls.

The NFL has cited $200 million in improvements that need to be made to Sun Life Stadium if the Dolphins are to host another Super Bowl. These improvements include a canopy to shield fans from rain, an additional 3,500 seats, changes to existing seats, as well as permanent lighting installations for HD broadcasts.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

TFCU Has The Right Auto Loan Make-Over For You

Tropical Financial Credit Union (TFCU) has the right auto loan make-over for you with new & used auto loan rates as low as 2.99% APR up to 60 months.

Apply now to take advantage of these low rates!

Saturday, January 22, 2011

South Floridians Weather Cold Snaps

The weather is forecasted to cool down to the upper 40s this weekend. South Floridians all over are breaking out their winter wear in anticipation of the cooler temperatures.

We might blame it on our love of the endless summer that Florida offers or on our thin Floridian blood which causes us to bundle up if the temperature dips below 60 degrees.

As it turns out, the latter is a myth. No matter how long you live in Florida and are exposed to prolonged warm weather, your blood will not thin. We just have gotten used to the warm weather.

People who move from colder climates to warmer climates may benefit from fat loss because of the ability to exercise outside year-round, and shake their winter woes. Seasonal Affective Disorder is common in colder climates where it gets darker earlier in the day, but is almost non-existent in sunny South Florida!

So bundle up this weekend, stay warm and appreciate the health benefits South Florida offers.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Unemployment Rate Drops in December 2010



The US unemployment rate dropped to 9.4% from 9.8% in December 2010. On top of that figure, 103,000 jobs were created last month.

The high unemployment rate has contributed greatly to the present recession, but the shift in statistics suggests a positive change in our nation's economy.

President Obama highlighted these statistics in a recent speech, and expressed his optimism for a speedy economic recovery.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

5 Financial New Year's Resolutions

Many people make financial New Year's Resolutions, whether it is to make a budget and actually stick to it or to get out of debt. However, too many of our resolutions are forgotten about before January is even over.

Here are 5 financial New Year's Resolutions to last through 2011:



Here's to a happy and financially stable New Year!