Customers Need Not Worry - Money Is Safe

Please don't panic about your money - IT IS Safe! Tropical Financial is helping people understand this message and letting customers know they will be there to help get them through these tough times. Deposits at your credit union are federally insured up to at least $100,000 per account and up to $250,000 for certain retirement accounts by the NCUA’s National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF).

If you have any questions, please stop by your local credit union for a full understanding.

5 Tips for Better Fuel Economy

Here are a few simple tips that can increase the gas mileage and performance of your car during these tough economic times:

1. Get an Oil Change - Regular oil changes (every 3 months or 3,000 miles) protect the engine from wear and tear and enhance your vehicle's performance.
2. Align and Rotate Tires - Poor alignment, low tire pressure and worn tires all add friction on the road, making your engine work harder and use more gas.
3. Lighten Your Load - You would be amazed how much weight a full trunk or back seat can add. Ditch the extra tools or books and see how much smoother and fuel efficient your car will run.
4. Carpool - Plan trips to the same place with friends, family or coworkers. Who wouldn't like a grocery shopping buddy or commute companion?
   
5. Slow Down - Driving within the speed limit improves car performance. Find the optimal speed for a certain gear range and watch your gas pump visits disappear.

Mortgage Refinance Offering for Commercial Business Owned Property

Tropical Financial Credit Union announces it is offering commercial mortgage rates starting at 5.99% on a 10-year term, amortized over 20 years.

TFCU has been providing financial services to individuals and businesses in South Florida for over 70 years. Check out the details on our website at www.TropicalFCU.org.

Come Join Us at a Coffee Talk Near You!

Throughout the month of October, TFCU will be hosting morning networking events at local branches. These "Coffee Talks" will showcase financial services offered to both individuals and businesses - and provide a welcoming environment to meet the local business owners in your area.

Come enjoy some coffee and breakfast, meet your TFCU branch staff, and network with other business people in your area. All compliments of Tropical Financial Credit Union.

Possible Federal Law to Protect Personal Records

With identity theft getting more and more commonplace, some think that the solution lies in a federal law to protect personal records.

2008 has already surpassed all of 2007 in terms of security breaches and there is no visible end in sight.

Congress has been cracking down on online identity thieves but no legislation has been passed to directly target them.

Florida is one of the few states which require businesses to notify customers if their information may have been stolen, but new legislation may take it a step further and expand this security to other states.

Homeless Pets

Parrots, Potbellied Pigs, Tarantullas, Snakes: Many exotic pets are finding themselves homeless on South Florida's streets.

Due to a recent decline in the economy, many families can no longer provide for their exotic pets and decide to release them. Other families are faced with foreclosure and are forced to move into apartments which may not allow pets.

Read more.

NAFCU 34th Annual Congressional Caucus

Hundreds of credit union CEOs and leaders gathered for the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) 34th Annual Congressional Caucus on September 15th.

"Without a doubt, the financial landscape presents many challenges today," said NAFCU President Fred Becker. "Recent developments underscore the value of credit unions in today's economy. As not-for-profit, member-driven financial institutions with a tradition of conservative financial practices, credit unions are continuing to demonstrate solid fundamentals."

Becker added, "Our caucus gives credit unions the opportunity to gain valuable insight from congressional representatives as well as the chance to update their representatives on issues that are vital to credit unions in their respective communities."

Over 15 members of Congress addressed the Caucus attendees.

NAFCU's 34th Annual Congressional Caucus runs from Sept. 15-17 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

Read more and visit Tropical Financial Credit Union for more information.