Vons Credit Union

Handling Periodic Expenses

2011-04-11T12:46:00.001-07:00

Handling Periodic Expenses

Do you struggle to come up with the cash to pay your car insurance, property taxes, or other periodic expenses? If so, you are not alone. Things like food and gas are always on your radar, but if you only pay for something once or twice a year, it is very easy to forget to budget for it. However, a little planning can make paying for periodic expenses much easier.

The first step is to figure out what periodic expenses you have and how much they cost per year. You may want to look through your bills or checking account statements to help you remember them all. List both fixed expenses, such as insurance, as well as variable expenses, like car repairs. Obviously, you will not know to the penny what you will be spending on variable expenses, but you can take an educated guess.

Next, for each periodic expense, divide the yearly cost by 12 to get the per month amount. This way, you can start thinking of it as a monthly expense. Your car insurance is not costing you $600 every six months – it is costing you $100 a month. (Sure, mathematically they are equivalent, but it is much easier to come up with $100 on the spot than it is $600.) Instead of paying it to a business, like you do with regular expenses, you will just put the money aside in savings each month.

You can put everything in one savings account (don’t leave it in your checking account), but many people prefer establishing separate accounts for different purposes. Not co-mingling funds can make it easier to, for example, not blow the money for your car insurance on your vacation. Some financial institutions allow you to set up subaccounts within one savings account. Otherwise, you can open new accounts. (Be sure to pay attention to the minimum balance requirement and fee schedule.) After you have set up the desired number of accounts, determine how much you want to go into each one. If possible, have some of your paycheck directly deposited into your savings account(s) or set up a regular automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account(s).

If, despite your best efforts, you are unable to save enough to pay your periodic expenses on time, talk to whomever you owe. Can you lower any penalties by paying what you can now? Can you set up a monthly payment plan? Charging things to your credit card when you cannot pay off the balance in full the next month is usually not wise, but in this case, it could be the best option if the interest you are charged on your card is less than the fees you are charged for paying the bill late. However, you don’t want to make it a habit. If you currently cannot put enough in savings, it is a good idea to examine your expenses to see what you can cut to free up cash.

By thinking about periodic expenses year round, they do not have to be a cause of periodic alarm.

Lower Fees at Credit Unions

2011-03-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Move Your Money Project is a great resource for those who are unsure of whether to join a bank or a Credit Union. Do you have a friend who is with a bank, but is considering making the switch? Maybe showing them this chart published by the Move Your Money Project will help!

You can follow the Move Your Money Project on Facebook as well as your very on Vons Credit Union!

Pre-Owned Vehicle Sale, 2010 Hyundai Elantra

2011-02-15T08:47:00.000-08:00

Available for purchase at Vons Credit Union.

4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter, Automatic, 4-Speed with Overdrive, FWD, ABS (4-Wheel), Air Conditioning, AM/FM Stereo, No Cassette, Cruise Control, Dual Air Bags, F&R Head Curtain Air Bags, Keyless Entry, MP3 (Single Disc), Power Door Locks, Power Steering, Power Windows, Side Air Bags, Steel Wheels, Tilt Wheel, XM Satellite.

Mileage (6,985)

Kelley Blue Book 2/4/2011 - 2/10/2011

Total Wholesale / Retail KBB Value $12,950 / $14,955

Minimum starting bid: $13,499

Click here to see the Carfax.

Click here to view Kelley Bluebook.

If you are interested in any of the listed pre-owned vehicles, please contact Bill Rice 626.444.1972, Ext. 320 or click here to make a bid online.

Healthy Hummus!

2011-01-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

Eating healthy is a key ingredient to dropping weight, toning up, and becoming a healthier you. When you are giving your diet a makeover, there are many challenges you will face. One of those challenges is adjusting your budget to fit your healthy choices.

At the Vons Credit Union, we know the importance of creating a budget and sticking to it! We also know that the cheapest option is often not the best option for your heart and muffin top. The answer? Find ways to save money with healthy at-home options.

One great healthy delicious snack is fresh veggies dipped in hummus. Unfortunately, a little container of hummus can sometime set you back $4.00 or more. A good solution? Make your own! It's super easy, fast, and CHEAP! Try this version made with edamame from self.com if you want to mix it up.

In the beginning go for a basic (but still heavenly) version from Registered Holistic Nutritionist Rebecca Sutherland at Vive Nutrition.

Hummus

Ingredients

1 16 oz can of chickpeas

1/4 c water

2-3 tbsp lemon juice or more to taste

1 1/2 tbsp tahini

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 tsp salt

2 tbsp olive oil

Pinch smoked paprika

Directions

Drain chickpeas and add all ingredients to a blender or food processer and process for 3 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle or paprika.

The Team Advantage

2011-01-25T14:14:00.000-08:00

When the Beatles said, "I get by with a little help from my friends" they were talking about me! We designed The Biggest Winner Challenge as a group competition so everyone has a built in support system. After all, if losing weight and toning up was easy to do on your own, we would already be fit!

If I'm tempted to snack on chips, my teammates are there to hand me an apple. Thinking of sneaking out on Friday afternoon without putting in my time at the gym? Not getting away with that anymore! My team keeps me in check on a day to day basis because my success is their success.

Each team has a team captain, team name, and team colors. Ana, captain of team Chunky but Funky, sends an inspirational message to her teammates every day. Here are the motivating words she shared today! I think they are pretty funny:

ALL OF YOU, SHAPE UP, BY THIS I MEAN, NO CHILE RELLENOS, NO STARBUCKS…DO I MAKE MY POINT?

The Biggest Winner Logo

2011-01-24T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Biggest Winner Competition is kicking off and we are pumped! One of our Member Services Representative created this incredible logo for the contest. It's amazing what diverse talent we have here at the Vons Credit Union!

I think I'm somewhere between the guy on the left and the guy on the right. With a little luck and a lotta sweat I'll be down a few pounds and up a few health points in no time! Stay tuned for more updates on our competition as well as health tips from our trainer!

A Celebration of Life

2011-01-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Vons Credit Union celebrates the life of our employee, friend and colleague, Louis Caldwell, who passed away unexpectedly. Louis is survived by his wife Stephanie, two step-daughters, his parents, two sisters and a brother, along with additional extended family.

Louis began his career with Vons Grocery Company many years ago in the computer tape library – he later left Vons to start his own business. Louis was always a great supporter and friend of Vons Credit Union. In 2005, he began another career with our credit union assisting members in a variety of ways over the telephone.

We will miss this gentle, kind man. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Picking Teams and Taking Names

2011-01-13T14:45:00.000-08:00

We are ramping up for The Biggest Winner Challenge! It's going to be a team fitness challenge, so this week everyone is splitting into groups of 3 or 4 and picking team names, team colors, and in one case, a TEAM SONG! That's right, Team Rock chose black pink and white as their colors and The Time by the Black Eyed Peas as their team song.

Here are the team names so far:

1) CTRL X (comprised of mostly IT staff)
2) Quatro Gorditos Gringos (a group of the four whitest guys at the Vons Credit Union)
3) Butt Busters (for a group of ladies focusing on improving their derrieres)
4) Night Shift (because they all work late)
5) Team Sabotage (their colors are black and purple which reminds me of bruises and makes me a little scared!)
6) Chunky but Funky (hilarious!)
7) The Amazing 4
8) The Untouchables (pretty sure they mean speed, not caste)

There are still eight teams who haven't chosen a name yet. Any suggestions?

Happy New Year

2011-01-12T15:11:00.000-08:00

We are pretty lucky to work at a company where employee health and wellness is at the top of the priority list. Here are a few things that make us one fit financial institution!

1) We have a gym at the El Monte branch complete with an amazing personal trainer named Tomas.
2) Every day each department leads stretches to help fight carpel tunnel and other ailments associated with sedentary jobs.
3) John Sovec leads yoga every Tuesday and Thursday at lunch.

CEO Steve Weakley doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk. Steve never misses a yoga class or a workout and stays healthy body mind and spirit! He is quite an inspiration to all of us as we embark upon our personal journeys of improved health and improved lives.

In the next few days we'll be launching a fitness competition for all Vons Credit Union employees who want to participate. Stay tuned for details!

Nelly Gomez

2010-10-04T09:26:00.000-07:00

Name: Nelly Gomez

Occupation: Financial Planner / Community Relations Manager

How long have you worked for VonsCU: 1 year as of tomorrow! Time flies when your having a good time.

Where are you from: I was born and raised in sunny Southern California. I lived in Norwalk for most of my life.

What’s your favourite sports team: Bruins! U-C-L-A Fight, Fight, Fight!

Dogs or Cats: Dogs all the way. I love them. They are truly mans best friend.

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: FLY!!!! I would fly all over the world. I love traveling.

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find: Nonfat yogurt, strawberries, blueberries, eggs, salad, salmon, chicken…

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Peru, Brazil and Costa Rica (Pura Vida)! One of my goals in life is to travel to every continent in the world. I think I will conquer South America next.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would you trade places with: Barack Obama. I would like to have the inside scoop on all the difficult situations that the US is currently in.

What is your favorite movie: It is always difficult to choose a favorite. City of God, Boondock Saints and Monsters Inc.

What is your favorite song right now: Usher- DJ Got Us Fallin in Love Again

If a movie was made about your life, what actress would play you: This is a hard one since I don’t think anyone really looks like me. I would say Salma Hayek.

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: Seeing as after taxes I would only have about $10 million left to my name, I would want to be super conservative with how I spent it. J I am definitely being sarcastic on this one.

I would: save 25% of the money, invest 10%, buy a home with 10%, Start my own non profit organization for the benefit of children across America. (I am not sure how much this would cost me so I am going to keep the rest of the money open for this endeavor).

Belinda Martinez

2010-09-20T17:04:00.000-07:00

Name: Belinda Martinez

Occupation: Collector

How long have you worked for VonsCU: Going on 2 months.

Where are you from: Parents from Jalisco, Mexico But I was born & raised in Los Angeles.

What’s your favourite sports team: Football: NY Giants, Basketball: Lakers, of course!

Dogs or Cats: Awww both!!

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: To be able to grant wishes! If I had this super power, I would grant wishes for NO war, a better economy, and give those who can't have kids but wish they could, the ability to make their dreams come true.

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find: Beer…and some food! ;)

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Hawaii or the Bahamas…any beautiful island!

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would you trade places with: Marilyn Monroe.

What is your favorite movie: A Streetcar Named Desire.

What is your favorite song right now: Led Zeppelin, Baby I’m gonna leave you.

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Juliet Lewis

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: The obvious- treat my family. Go on a nice vacation & donate to Cancer research.

Any other fun tidbits to share: I have a 4 year old Niece name Mia who is very close to me & feels like she is my daughter…! She’s my world!

Stephanie Villagran

2010-09-08T09:04:00.001-07:00

Name: Stephanie Villagran

Occupation: Member Solutions Sr. Representative

How long have you worked for Vons CU: 3 years this October!

Where are you from: I grew up right here in El Monte.

What’s your favorite sports team: Carolina Panthers Baby!

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: I would want to have the ability to fly so I can fly around the world and see everything!

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find: A mix of healthy food and junk food!

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: For sure Italy.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would you trade places with: Carrie Underwood because she is super famous, beautiful and has an amazing voice.

What is your favorite movie: Tombstone

What is your favorite song right now: I have a lot but right now it would be Katy Perry - California Gurls cause it’s a fun song and my daughter loves it too!

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Reese Witherspoon or Meg Ryan

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: I would buy my dream house, get my fabulous dream car (my Bentley), spoil my kids even more than they are now, donate to charity and open my own business to keep myself busy.

Miguel Arellano

2010-08-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Name: Miguel Arellano

Occupation: Business Systems Analyst at the Vons Credit Union, Co-owner of Inner Peace Designs which is a yoga clothing company. Here's a photo of one of our mens t-shirts:

How long have you worked for VonsCU: 3 years

Where are you from: I was born in Ecuador and lived there until I was 6, lived in the east coast for a bit (NY, NJ) then moved here when I was 10 and never left.

Dogs or Cats: Kitty cats- this is a pic of my cat Lucy!

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: Hold my breath for 10 hours so I could swim through the ocean because I love to surf. Superpowers of Aquaman.

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find:Sushi, taquitos that my wife’s mom made, lentil soup, mochii ice cream for sure, and some plantain chips.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Australia with my wife. I’ve been dreaming of going there. It will be my next big adventure!

What is your favorite movie: The Green Mile, Avatar

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: give a good portion to charity (save the whales, whales and dolphin, the poor and the sick, the underprivileged) keep enough to keep me modest. Buy a new surf board.

Sandy Howitt

2010-08-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Name: Sandy Howitt

Occupation: Member Solutions Manager

How long have you worked for VonsCU: 5 years

Where are you from: Irvine (first half of my life), Menifee (2^nd half of my life)

Dogs or Cats: Harley (my beefy, loveable, devoted Chihuahua), and Buddy (our cuddly and always hungry cat)

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: I would love to fly (oh yes, above the traffic!).

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find: Activia yogurt, fruit, Arrowhead flavored soda water, Famous Dave’s Signature Spicy pickle chips, homemade dog food.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Austria & Germany

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would you trade places with: I would trade places with my dad who is up in Heaven so I could know how he feels to breath easy, and so he could experience a family get-together; getting to know his great grandchildren and grown grandchildren.

What is your favorite movie: “The Rock” with Sean Connery :)

What is your favorite song right now: Louis Armstrong “What a Wonderful World”

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Helen Hunt because people say I look like her.

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: Tinker with buying and fixing up homes. Travel the United States in a fifth wheel with Brian, volunteering for the Red Cross Disaster Relief and shopping for antiques along the way. And of course, financially assist my family/friends.

Any other fun tidbits to share: I love to garden, cook and refinish furniture; I wish I had the patience to teach these things to my own children. I vow to teach my grandchildren to hopefully appreciate these things and encourage them to share with their children.

Zacharie C. De Johnette

2010-07-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Name: Zacharie C. De Johnette

Occupation: I work in Accounting at the VCU but am an aspiring Club Owner

How long have you worked for VonsCU: 4 years

Where are you from: Pasadena born and bred

What’s your favourite sports team: The USC Trojans and Dallas Cowboys

Dogs or Cats: Dogs

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why: I would want the Speed Force (like the Flash). Mostly so I can go into professional sports and set records no one will ever be able to break.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Ibiza, Spain

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, real or fictional, who would you trade places with: Julius Caesar or Bruce Wayne

What is your favorite movie: Casablanca

What is your favorite song right now: Airplanes by B.O.B.

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Vin Diesel

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: I would take care of the needs of my family and close friends. Buy back the house I grew up in. Open my night club and martial arts school. Buy my Aston Martin DBS. And work on completing my list!

Any other fun tidbits to share: For three years I was a DJ. And once I was mistaken for Darius Rucker (lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish) and it got me into a Hollywood party.

Randall Soto

2010-07-19T15:52:00.000-07:00

Name: Randall Soto

Occupation: Teller

Where are you from: Grew up in Rosemead, Ca.

How long have you worked at Vons CU: Almost 3 years.

What’s your favorite sports team: LA Lakers!

Dogs or Cats: Dogs.

If you could have a superpower, what superpower would you to want to have and why: I would be able to read peoples mind so I could see what members needed before they even walk up. Lol…

If you could go on a trip anywhere in the world right now where would you go: Spain

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would you trade places with: Bruce Lee

What’s your favorite movie: Tombstone

What’s your favorite song right now: “You Think Your Cooler Than Me”

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you? It’s a toss up between Mat Damon or Mark Walberg.

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money? Live a very happy life playing with my big boy toys and helping out this beautiful state of California.

What’s your favorite thing to do on your day off? Ride my motorcycle.

Any other fun facts about you? I love anything with a motor, I like simple things in life, and I love working for Vons CU!

Yelson Mejia

2010-07-12T08:53:00.000-07:00

Name: Yelson Mejia

Occupation: Teller at the El Monte branch.

Where are you from: I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena and my parents are from Honduras.

How long have you worked at Vons CU: Two and a half years.

What’s your favorite sports team: The Lakers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Honduras soccer team.

What’s in your refrigerator: Chicken, tri tip, pizza, iced tea, eggs, and yes - chorizo.

If you could go on a trip anywhere in the world right now where would you go: Maybe Alaska, Spain, Greece or Italy.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would you trade places with: Kobe Bryant

What’s your favorite movie: Napoleon Dynamite [check out this hilarious dance sequence from the movie!! Cracks me up!]

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Maybe Vin Diesel since people say I look like a thinner version of him. I get that a lot hahaha

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: I actually would continue to work for Vons Credit Union believe or not. Payoff all my debts, then travel and purchase a home and cars for my brother , sister and my parents. I’d set up accounts for my kids ,nieces and nephews and donate to cancer research. I'd also invest in rental property.

Who is your hero/heroine: My older brother. He taught me how to be a hard working and respectful person of your word.

What’s your favorite thing to do on your day off: Relax for a while then maybe take my kids (my son Jayson is 7 and my daughter Natalie is 4) to the park or the movies.

Any other fun facts about you: I like to work on cars and I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty. My dad taught me how to work on cars and I’m very thankful for that. My favorite car is a 1967 SS Chevy convertible Camaro. Right now I'm working on a Honda Accord, a Toyota Tacoma, and a Honda Civic.

Morgan Salazar

2010-07-06T08:43:00.000-07:00

Name: Morgan Salazar

Occupation: DMV Clerk- basically I help with auto loans.

How long have you worked for Vons CU: 3 years consecutively even though I actually started in the summer of 1999 selling root beer floats and hot dogs =)

What’s your favorite sports team: LA Kings!

Dogs or Cats: Dogs all the way!

If you could have one superpower what would it be: Flying because then I wouldn’t have to pay for airfare and it would be so fun! =)

If I took a look inside your refrigerator what would I find: some apples, celery, potatoes, milk, chocolate chips, leftovers, condiments, etc.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Europe

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would you trade places with: Betty White or Tina Fey because they are so hilarious! =)

What is your favorite movie: ELF

What is your favorite song right now: Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: Give some to less fortunate children in underdeveloped countries, get an ipad, buy a house, and save some for my future children’s education

Any other fun tidbits to share: Just got married May 15^th 2010 and loving it!

Welcome!

2010-06-21T10:43:00.000-07:00

Since the Vons Credit Union is all about people, I thought it would be great to have a blog dedicated to meeting the diverse, talented, brilliant, hilarious, strong, ridiculous, quirky, sassy, supportive, and familial staff.

Norma and Nelly tricked out in Laker gear.

Jay and Gary being cheery.

Who am I, you say? My name is Kate and I am the newest addition to the VonsCU team! As the Social Media Coordinator, my job is to help communicate all the amazing things that are happening at the VonsCU to our awesome members. Did you know that in 2009 the VonsCU installed solar panels that have produced the equivalent of 3,970 gallons of gas to date? Or that they have a fundraiser BBQ for a different local charity every Friday?

The Credit Union cares so deeply about the health of their employees that they offer free staff yoga at lunch on Tuesday's and Thursday's. Plus, there's a free gym at the office and a free personal trainer who has guaranteed me Jlo's booty by August. I can barely walk, but it's worth it, right?

When I found out about these programs, I understood that the VonsCU is about way more than money (though they've got some game in that department). It is committed to helping people get their financial feet on the ground. It's about caring for members and employees as if they were family.

To bring you closer to the people I'm proud to call my colleagues and friends, I'll be publishing little interviews with them once a week. Since I'm an advocate of practicing what you preach, I thought we'd start with me!

Name: Kate McCarthy
Occupation: Social Media Coordinator

How long have you worked for VonsCU: ummm….3 weeks!

Hometown: Pasadena Ca

Favorite sports team: Since I went to University in Canada, I’m going to have to go with the Habs. Hockey is pretty sweet.

Dogs or Cats: I have two cats- Lily and Dodger. I like dogs but don’t want to take care of one on my own. So high maintenance!

If you could have one superpower what would it be and why:
I would be able to open the packaging on electronic goods in under 3 seconds. Trying to get headphones and what not out of the package is sooo frustrating. Kills me.

If I take a look inside your refrigerator what would I find:
Lots and lots of fruits and veggies, half of the lemon meringue pie I made yesterday, string cheese, and Two Buck Chuck.

If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go: Probably Buenos Aires or New Zealand. I really like sheep.

If you could trade places with any other person for a week, who would you trade places with: Michelle Obama. Her life must be fascinating.

Favorite movie: Julie and Julia (it would be hard to make a movie more tailored to me- blogs, cooking, 1950's paris, contemporary Queens, Meryl Streep). Also, Cool Hand Luke because Paul Newman is the best.

Favorite song right now: Katy Perry- California Gurls. I’m proud to be a SoCal girl through and through.

If someone made a movie about your life, who would you want to play you: Maggie Gyllenhall or Janeane Garofolo

If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money: Buy a house in Silverlake, a house in East Hampton, and a vineyard in Paso Robles. Invest like a motha. Take my best friends on an all expenses paid trip to somewhere, hot, sandy, and with chrystal blue water. Take a ton of art classes. Buy excessive amounts of shoes.

Any other fun tidbits to share: I love to hike, swim, play tennis, and play soccer. I make a mean cupcake and I write a blog!

Here's a few photos of things I love!