Securityplus FCU has consistently delivered service to its membership for over 70 years without federal government assistance. We strive to provide our members with the products and services they need at a reasonable cost, and in many cases well below bank prices or rates. We believe there is true value in returning and investing profits in our business to give our members greater benefits. We see real value in the financial cooperative model and we hold strong to the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People.” Although we must carry some of the burden created by those financial institutions that lost their way, we have worked diligently to limit the impact of that burden on our membership.

As we work through this year, we ask you to assess the value of your membership and look at our loan and deposit rates compared to the banks. We also encourage you to utilize our electronic banking platform. We believe in all cases you will find us competitive, if not better than the banks. We are your credit union and we ask you to share with your friends and family the benefit of being a Securityplus FCU member.

Richard Williams, Jr.
Chief Executive Officer

The Best Thing To Invest In… You! (back to top)

You’re never too young to open an IRA. Provide financial security for your future with an IRA Share Account or IRA Share Certificate.

Over time small contributions will add up. The table below shows just how much they could add up by the time you retire. IRA Share Accounts and IRA Share Certificates offer earnings and the possibility for tax-deductible contributions* so you can create a balanced, long-term savings plan.

A tax-deferred Traditional IRA Share Account offers:

• The potential to qualify for a tax credit up to the amount of your contribution*
  
• A low minimum opening deposit of $25.00
  
• The flexibility to make contributions anytime by payroll deduction, automatic transfer, Online Banking, mail or at branch locations

And your participation in an employer-sponsored retirement plan won’t affect your ability to contribute to a Traditional IRA.** Rollover funds from a qualified retirement plan into a Traditional IRA or Roth IRA without penalty.

A Roth IRA is a more flexible investment. Earnings are tax-free if the account is open for at least five tax years and withdrawals are made for a qualified reason such as member has reached age 59½, disability, death or first-time home purchase.*

Like Share Certificates, IRA Share Certificates offer higher earnings but have a minimum initial deposit of $1,000 – grow your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA balance to $1,000 and you can transfer it directly into a new IRA Share Certificate.

With an IRA Share Certificate:

• Earn a competitive APY***
  
• Terms are 1-5 years
  
• Dividends cannot be automatically withdrawn or transferred

Starting an IRA, or transferring an existing one to the Credit Union could be one of the best financial moves you’ll ever make.

And remember, you can even open or make a contribution to your IRA by having your income tax refund (or a portion of your refund), paid directly to your Traditional IRA or Roth IRA.

Visit www.Securityplusfcu.org, contact the Call Center at 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS, or visit your nearest branch for more information.

*Not intended as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional. **When age and compensation requirements are met. If you currently participate in a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), contact your agency personnel office, service TSP representative or tax advisor for participation requirements.
***APY=Annual Percentage Rate.
†The National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF) insures savings accounts to an aggregate of $250,000. Traditional and Roth IRAs are insured individually to an aggregate of $250,000.

¹These are only projections, not guaranteed amounts and are based on an Annual Yield of 1.25%. The future value of your IRA will depend on many factors. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation. ²The annual contribution assumes that $1,000 was contributed at the beginning of each year starting this year. ªValue shown is after X number of years. In this example, X = 49, 42 and 35 years respectively.

2010 Annual Meeting (back to top)

This year’s Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 7th, at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD.

We will serve light fare and refreshments from 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. The business meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. Door prizes and a complimentary gift will be offered to members in attendance.

All members are cordially invited to attend. In order to help us adequately plan for the Annual Meeting, reservations are requested. Please complete a reservation form and return it by March 17th to any Securityplus FCU branch or by mailing it to: Marketing Department • c/o Securityplus FCU • PO Box 7560 • Woodlawn, MD 21207

You can also visit www.Securityplusfcu.org to complete an online reservation form. If there is a question or concern that you would like addressed at the Annual Meeting, email the Nominating Committee at nominatingcommittee@Securityplusfcu.org by March 10th.

Reminder: Only primary members may attend. A primary member is the first person named on each account. If joint owners on your account wish to attend, stop by any Securityplus FCU branch and request a membership application.

A Dependable Vehicle Deserves a Dependable Loan (back to top)

Take Advantage Of Our Reduced Auto Loan Rates.

Whether you’re buying your first set of wheels, upgrading to a larger vehicle for your growing family or buying that car you’ve always wanted, we have the perfect auto loan to fit your needs.

With an Auto Loan from Securityplus FCU, you’ll receive:

• Rate as low as 4.50% APR* on new vehicles
  
• Rate as low as 5.00% APR* on used vehicles
  
• Financing up to 125% of the purchase price
• Flexible Payment Plans
  
• Pre-approved Loans**
  
• Automatic Repayment Option with an additional 0.25% rate discount
  
• Hybrid Vehicle Rate Discount of 0.50%

We are happy to help you determine how much vehicle you can afford and which type of loan best meets your needs. And even if you’ve recently financed a new auto elsewhere, you may be able to refinance it with us at a lower rate.

Visit www.Securityplusfcu.org, contact the Call Center at 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS, or the nearest branch for more information.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. 60-month term. Rate effective 3/1/10 and is subject to change. Rate shown reflects 0.25% discount for automatic repayment from a Securityplus FCU account. Rates are based on each applicant’s credit history; your rate could be higher. Payment example: $22,000 financed with a $0 down payment for 60 months at 4.50% APR will have a monthly payment of $410.16. **For qualified applicants.

Turbo Charge Your Tax Return with TurboTax (back to top)

The easy way to your maximum refund is just a click away! TurboTax is an easy, accurate and secure way to prepare and file your tax returns.

Let TurboTax:

• Guide you step-by-step through your return, with special help for first-time users, and then double-check your return for accuracy before filing
• Save you time by bringing information directly in from your Credit Union account(s)
• Get you the refund you deserve fast – in as few as 8 days with e-file and direct deposit to your Share or Checking account

This year, you’ll find TurboTax inside your Securityplus FCU Online Banking account. Visit www.Securityplusfcu.org to access Online Banking and click on the “My TurboTax” tab.

Don’t currently use Online Banking? Don’t worry. Simply contact our Call Center at either 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS for assistance.

Online Banking with Securityplus FCU allows you free, secure access to your accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from wherever you are.

Securityplus FCU in the Community (back to top)

Securityplus FCU has been a proud member of the Baltimore community since 1938. We look to make a positive impact on the community by participating in local events such as -

Money Power Day
Saturday, March 13th
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Baltimore Polytechnic Institute High School
1400 W. Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, MD 21209
#410-396-7026

www.moneypowerday.org

Participants can take advantage of a wide range of financial services, including free tax preparation, free credit reports and credit counseling, customized financial planning, housing counseling, screening for public benefits, financial programs for youth and much more.

Free; Open to the Public

Your Complete Financial Picture…All In One Place (back to top)

A new feature of our website is FinanceWorks powered by Quicken. FinanceWorks will make it easier to get your complete financial picture and to stay on top of your day-today finances.

• Know where you’re spending – automatically categorize your transactions to control spending and stay on budget
  
• Set-up Bill Reminders and Email Alerts – pay bills on time and receive updates about your accounts; link directly into Bill Pay to schedule payments
  
• Understand your complete financial picture – add accounts from over 16,000 financial institutions and creditors
  
• Get organized at tax time – TaxWatch report automatically tracks tax deductible expenses such as child care and charitable contributions; and when it’s time to file your taxes, link directly to TurboTax

Take control of your finances…get started today! FinanceWorks is a free service and is available within Online Banking. If you currently use Online Banking simply login and click on the FinanceWorks link.

Don’t currently use Online Banking? Don’t worry. Contact our Call Center at either 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS for assistance. Online Banking with Securityplus FCU allows you free, secure access to your accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from wherever you are.

We’d love to hear what you think – email comments@Securityplusfcu.org.

NEW - Text Message Mobile Banking (back to top)

With Text Message Mobile Banking from Securityplus FCU, your important account information is always at hand – right from your mobile phone.

Easily check balances, view your last 5 transactions, and more with a simple text. Text Message Mobile Banking is secure and works on most mobile phones – there’s no need for web access, a large phone screen or a keypad. Plus:

• It’s free – there’s no charge* from Securityplus FCU
• Set-up is easy

Important: you must have Online Banking access before you can use Text Message Mobile Banking.

To enroll, visit www.Securityplusfcu.org and login to Online Banking. You will be prompted to securely enable your mobile phone; to authenticate your cell phone number you will need to enter a 1-time activation code texted to your phone. Let us know what you think of this new service! Contact our Call Center at 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS or email comments@Securityplusfcu.org.

*While this is a free service from the Credit Union, your carrier may charge for data service and/or messaging.

www.Securityplusfcu.org Gets A Facelift! (back to top)

Be on the lookout for our updated website. We are very excited about the new site and we hope you will be, too! The new layout and features will provide simpler navigation and quick links to Credit Union products and services. Two new features of the site are the Application Center and interactive ATM/Branch Locator.

In order to expand our online services, we have improved our web Application Center. Soon, you will be able to request to open deposit accounts, arrange balance transfers and more, simply from your computer.

Our interactive ATM/Branch Locator will allow you to easily search for Credit Union branches and surcharge-free Allpoint and partner credit union ATMs by address, city or zip code.

Additional features will be highlighted in future issues of Sharing Times.

If you have questions or concerns, contact our Call Center at 410-965-8908 or 1-866-4SECPLUS or email comments@Securityplusfcu.org.

Social Security Statements For Those Who Don’t File A Tax Return (back to top)

Courtesy of: Garry Levere
Public Affairs Specialist

If you’re age 25 or older, pay Social Security taxes and are not yet receiving monthly benefits, you should get an automatic Social Security Statement in the mail each year about two to three months before your birthday. The Statement is a valuable tool to keep track of your annual earnings, as well as to help you plan your financial future.

But if your earnings don’t meet the threshold for filing a federal tax return, you might not be receiving your annual Social Security Statement. Social Security would like to make sure that you know you’re entitled to one.

Everyone who has worked and paid Social Security tax is entitled to receive a Statement. So, if you don’t get one automatically in the mail, you can request one from Social Security - and the easiest way to do that is online

Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/mystatement and select the “Need to request a Statement?” banner. You’ll need to fill in the following information to make your request:

• Your name as shown on your Social Security card;
• Your Social Security number;
• Your date of birth;
• Your place of birth; and
• Your mother’s maiden name - last name only (to help identify you)

You also can provide the following information to make your estimate more accurate:

• Your last year’s earnings and an estimate of your current and future earnings; and
  
• The age you plan to stop working

Once you make your request, Social Security will mail you a Statement, which you should receive within two to four weeks. Give it a careful look to make sure your earnings and information are reported correctly, and contact Social Security if you find anything amiss.

After you review your Statement, it’s a good idea to keep it with your other important papers. And if you’d like to go one step further in your retirement planning, visit our online Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, where you can get an instant estimate of your future benefits based on your earnings record and plug in various retirement age scenarios.

Whether retirement is just around the corner or a long way down the road, Social Security is ready to serve you at www.socialsecurity.gov

Your Words (or Pictures) Could Be Worth $1,000…
CU Scholarship for You (back to top)

Are you or a family member headed off to college in 2010? Securityplus FCU is pleased to announce a college scholarship opportunity that may make it easier to meet your tuition needs.

If you are a member* of Securityplus FCU who currently attends or has been accepted to college, you are eligible to apply for one of ten $1,000 essay-based scholarships and one $1,000 video-based scholarship from the Credit Union Foundation of MD & DC.

Completed Scholarship Packages must be received by March 31st; scholarships will be awarded in May. Complete details on the Scholarship Program can be found at www.Securityplusfcu.org, or www.cufound.org/scholarship.htm.

*Applicants must be entering freshman through senior year

Martin Luther King Celebration Program (back to top)

On January 13th, CEO Richard Williams as well as members of the Credit Union management team attended the SSA’s 2010 Martin Luther King Celebration Program.

During the program, Mr. Williams presented Mrs. Matthews, Principal of Western High School, with a $700 check marking Securityplus FCU’s contribution to the SSA Adopt-a-School Scholarship program – part of a Community/School Partnership between Western High School and the Social Security Administration.

Photo: Richard Williams, CEO; Eleanor Matthews, Principal; Michael Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security; Dr. Reginald Wells, SSA Deputy Commissioner, Human Resources

Board of Directors Nominees (back to top)

The following people have been selected, by the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors, to serve on the Board beginning April 2010.

Robert L. Berzanski–He currently serves as Treasurer of the Board of Directors, the second most important position on the board. He is a Trustee of the Credit Union’s Pension Benefit Plan. He works closely with the CEO to monitor members’ money and help it grow in a safe environment. He is Chair of the Asset/Liability/Investment Committee that monitors assets and investments (over $300M). He previously served as Secretary (2 years). He has also served on the Budget, Strategic Planning, Information Systems Technology and Nominating Committees. He is a Management Analyst at SSA, Office of Budget, Finance and Management and a college graduate. He has thirty years of various SSA training and six years of Credit Union training. Securityplus FCU member since 1990.

Michael H. Bostron–As a member of the Board of Directors he serves on several committees that enhance the operations of the Board and oversee the safety and soundness of Credit Union finances and investments. His expertise in computer security helps to ensure that our computer systems adequately protect your personal information and ensure the accuracy of computer records. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional. He is a college graduate with a B.S. in Statistics from VA Tech, a family man, active in his church and community, long time member, an experienced auditor, contract manager and leader in other areas which helps him to be a valuable member of the Board. He has chaired the Building and the Policy & Bylaws Committees. He is a Trustee of the Credit Union’s Pension Benefit Plan. He has also served as a member of the Planning, Asset/Liability/Investment and Information Systems Technology Committees. He chairs the Permanent Endowment Fund Committee for his church and is a member of his Church’s Council. He is a member of the Board of Directors, and Board Treasurer, for the National Association of Civil War Brass Music and for ESCAPE Ministries. He is an Eagle Scout and has been a Boy Scout leader for over 34 years. He has also coached boys and girls soccer, basketball and baseball for Howard County Recreation. Securityplus FCU member since 1976.

Andre F. Brown, Sr.–Has served on the Board of Directors since 2007, when he retired after 41 years of government service at the Social Security Administration. He is currently the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors. He is the current Chair of the Planning Committee and previously served as the Chair of the Information Systems Technology Committee. He brings to the Board a wealth of executive level experience in Strategic Planning, Financial Management, Human Capital Management and Information Systems Management. He is a U.S. Army veteran with a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Baltimore, a M.A.S. from Johns Hopkins University, married, and very active in his local church. Securityplus FCU member since 1970.

Linda Chambers–Currently employed at IBM Corporation as a Federal Financial Management subject matter expert and consultant. She was born and raised in Baltimore. She graduated from Woodlawn Senior High School and after completing a Bachelors degree in Fine & Performing Arts from UMBC she began working for SSA. She was recruited by the U.S. Department of Treasury under the Outstanding Scholar Program and worked in Wheaton, MD, Washington, DC and New York City. While in New York City, she earned her Masters degree in Public Administration at the City University of New York, Baruch College. Upon completing her MPA degree, she left public service briefly to complete her MBA at Suffolk University in Boston. She was subsequently recruited by the U.S. Department of Labor under the MBA Fellows Program where she served as a Federal Budget Officer and Deputy Director of Agency Management & Budget. She has also completed the OPM Leadership Training Program and was selected to participate in the Center for Excellence in Government Fellowship Program in 2008. Her interests include Theatre, Music, Film and spending time with her rescued Chihuahuas. Securityplus FCU member since 1990.

Bernice J. Chase–Executive Officer at the Social Security Administration, Office of Retirement and Disability Policy, Office of PolicyNet and Program Support. Previously held positions with SSA include Management Analyst, Personnel Management Specialist and Finance Management Specialist. She currently serves as Command Sergeant Major with the U.S. Army Reserve and holds the distinguished honor of being the senior enlisted advisor to the Commander, 55th Sustainment Brigade, located at Fort Belvoir, VA. She was deployed to Kuwait and Iraq from October 2004 to December 2005. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Towson University and a Masters of Arts degree in Management from the College of Notre Dame. Previously held positions with the Board of Directors include Chairperson and Second Vice President. She has served on every major committee including Strategic Planning, Human Resources and Nominating. Securityplus FCU member since 1980.

Donna Y. Jackson–Has worked for the Social Security Administration for 38½ years. She is currently a Module Manager in the Office of Disability Operations. She has served on the Board of Directors for 12 years. She has been an active member of the Executive, Strategic Planning, Policy and By-Laws, Nominating, Succession and Budget Committees. She has been a diligent volunteer in service to the Credit Union and will continue to provide the best service to enhance products and services, keeping Securityplus FCU the best financial institution available to members. She attended the College of Notre Dame. Securityplus FCU member since 1976.

Holiday Schedule (back to top)

While our branches may be closed on the following holidays, you can still access your accounts online or visit one of our 37,000 surcharge-free ATMs.