In This Issue · Tips for Saving for Your New Car ... the wide-ranging selection of crossovers might have you feeling overwhelmed ... With its sleek, almost coupe-like profile and

Volume Issue • September 2018

In This Issue:

Factors That Influence Your Home's ValueFour factors that impact the value of your home

The 5 Best True Crime PodcastsThese five true crime podcasts feature deep reporting, expert storytelling

Affordable Crossover OptionsFour crossovers that won’t break your budget

Christmas Shopping can be Scary!Is Your Wallet Ready?

Tips for Saving for Your New CarIdeas for affording that hot ride you have always wanted

Determining Your Car-Buying BudgetAvoid overspending by calculating your monthly budget ahead of time

How Retirement Spending Changes With TimeOnce away from work, your cost of living may rise before it falls.

Family Halloween Costume IdeasFamily themed costume ideas to make Halloween sweeter

Back to School Lunch IdeasHealthy school lunches that are easy to pack

What to Do with All Those Photos You TookMake the most out of your digital photos with these projects

Factors That Influence Your Home's ValueFour factors that impact the value of your home

Your home will probably be your greatest financial investment, and doing what you can to protect thatinvestment it is a constant effort. Smaller and larger factors, ranging from the way you keep your lawnto the way you renovate your bathrooms, will affect the value of your home in the long run. Severalother factors that impact your home’s market value are out of your control. The best way to understandhow value works when it comes to your home is to learn what these elements are.

Location

The home experts at Trulia tell Forbesthat two similar homes in the sameneighborhood would be valueddifferently depending on where they’relocated. A home that’s nestled in aquiet cul-de-sac will earn a greaterreturn on the market than a home thatsits right in front of a well-traveledroad or busy highway. Other locationdeterrents include being adjacent to avacant lot or set too far from certainconveniences like grocery stores andgas stations. Conversely, if your homeis situated near popular restaurants,coffee shops or other thrivingestablishments, you could see a boostin your home’s value.

Neighbors

Tying into the idea of location are the people located around you — your neighbors. The Balance’sErin Eberlin writes that a neighborhood marked by unmaintained yards, shoddy homes and vacant orforeclosed homes will have a negative affect on the value of your home. While this factor is difficult tocontrol, there are steps you can take to swing the pendulum if you sense the neighborhood taking aturn for the worse. Specifically, you can politely talk to your neighbors about your concerns andrecommend homes for sale in the neighborhood to individuals who are ambitious and eager to turn anegative into a positive.

Weather

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, floods,mudslides, hurricanes and tsunamis, Eberlin writes that your property value will take a hit toaccommodate the risk. Even if your property survives a natural disaster and you are able to repair thedamage through your homeowner’s insurance, she warns that you might still have trouble when itcomes to selling it since buyers will have apprehensions about moving into an area where disaster hasstruck in the past.

Renovations

Outdated decor can lower the value of your home — even if you’re of the opinion that a classic styleadds a personal touch that you prefer. Potential buyers don’t want to walk into a time capsule, and they

most likely aren’t interested in taking up extensive home improvement projects like kitchen orbathroom renovation so quickly after moving into a new home.

If you believe that there is a possibility you could one day sell your home, it’s important to consider howyour renovation plans will hold up in the eyes of someone else. Naturally, it’s good for your home toaccommodate your wants and needs, but if you’re considering ripping out the bathtub and putting in awalk-in shower, you may want to get a sense of what’s preferred on the market.

Keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to better protect your investment for longer. Then, when itcomes time to sell your home, you’ll find the payoff well worth the work you put in.

Financial Center Credit Union • 209-948-6024 • http://www.fccuburt.org

The 5 Best True Crime PodcastsThese five true crime podcasts feature deep reporting, expertstorytelling

True crime podcasts are habit-forming: once you’ve listened to one, you’ll want another. With so manyoptions to choose from across all podcasting services, it might prove something of a challenge tonarrow down your next choice. These five examples of the genre combine sophisticated productiontechniques, professional reporting expertise and dramatic storytelling, all in the service of an addictiveaudio experience.

“Accused”

In “Accused,” Cincinnati Enquirerinvestigative reporter Amber Hunt(assisted by producer AmandaRossmann) brings her journalisticskills to bear on a pair of unsolvedmurders. In season one, Huntinvestigates the 1978 stabbing andstrangling of Elizabeth Andes, whohad just graduated from MiamiUniversity in Oxford, Ohio. In seasontwo, she looks into the 1987 murder ofRetha Welch in Newport, Kentucky. Inboth of these gripping and thoughtfullystructured seasons, Hunt’s doggedreporting raises new questions anduncovers leads that the originalinvestigators either ignored or missed.

“Crimetown”

Hosted and produced by the creators of HBO’s “The Jinx,” “Crimetown” focuses on the intersection ofcrime and culture in American cities. With its pervasive legacy of corruption, Providence, Rhode Island,proves the ideal location for the podcast’s first season. In alternating episodes, “Crimetown”investigates and retells Providence City Hall’s misdeeds and mob crimes that have both madeheadlines and also slipped under the radar for decades. The first storyline focuses on the astonishingrise and fall of Mayor Buddy Cianci, who was forced to resign twice due to felony convictions. Thesecond storyline traces the violent and colorful history of Providence’s mobsters.

“Criminal”

“Criminal” episodes are conveniently snack-sized — about 15 to 20 minutes each — but they also offerplenty to chew on. While many episodes delve into the story of a specific crime or criminal, cases areusually connected to a larger historical, scientific or cultural context. That doesn’t mean the podcast isdry or scholarly. Yes, “Criminal” is deeply researched and informative, but in the hands of PhoebeJudge, it’s also a consistently entertaining and eye-opening listen, featuring stories that are bizarre,bloody and impossible to forget.

“Dirty John”

Reported and narrated by Los Angeles Times reporter Christopher Goffard, “Dirty John” tells a tangledtale of deception and violence. The title character, John Meehan, is a slick-talking abuser whorepeatedly worms his way into the lives of women he meets online — including his latest target, asuccessful California business owner. As the story careens toward its darkly dramatic climax, Goffard’saddictive, fascinating podcast peels back layer upon layer of deception to expose the darknessunderlying Meehan’s manipulative behavior.

“In the Dark”

Over the course of two seasons, American Public Media’s “In the Dark” podcast has gone far beyondthe typical true-crime format, emerging as a critical voice for criminal justice accountability and reform.In season one, reporter Madeleine Baran investigates the unsolved 1989 disappearance of JacobWetterling and how it was botched by local law enforcement. Season two takes on the case of CurtisFlowers, who has been prosecuted half a dozen times for the same crime and remains on death rowdespite winning multiple appeals.

After listening to any one of these five podcasts, you’ll come away entertained and enlightened. Eachshow looks beyond the basic bloody details of the cases it investigates, providing context to help youbetter understand not just the crime, but the system that led to it, punished it or allowed it to gounsolved.


Affordable Crossover OptionsFour crossovers that won’t break your budget

Because the segment has grown so popular with drivers over the past several years, you’re affordedno shortage of options if you’re in the market for a new crossover. Ranging in size, style andsubstance, the wide-ranging selection of crossovers might have you feeling overwhelmed —particularly if one of your biggest aims is value. The following crossovers provide plenty of bang withoutrequiring too much buck.

2018 Nissan Kicks

The all-new 2018 Nissan Kicksreplaces the JUKE, the polarizingsubcompact perhaps best known forits quirky styling. The Kicks favors amore conventional aesthetic, but it’sanything but ordinary thanks to KicksColor Studio®, which allows you toplay around with the colors and createa look that’s perfectly matches yourpersonality.

There’s also quite a lot of substance togo with that style: It offersbest-in-class front row legroom, morefront and rear headroom than the FordEcoSport and Toyota C-HR, up to 25.3cubic feet of cargo space behind thesecond row and a maximum 53.1cubic feet of cargo space with the second row folded flat. With a starting MSRP of $17,990 1, the 2018Nissan Kicks isn’t just one of the freshest and most chic offerings in its class, but also one of the mostaffordable.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Apart from its starting MSRP of $19,5002, the biggest appeal of the 2018 Hyundai Kona might just beits presence. With its sleek, almost coupe-like profile and a wide range of fun color options, the Konamanages to stand apart from its competition by appealing to drivers who love fun. Its optics aren’t justappealing to drivers, however, as the Kona earned the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2018 and aspot on Kelley Blue Book’s 10 Coolest New Cars Under $20,000 3, establishing it as a critical darling.

Looks aside, the Kona delivers a great deal of value from the base model with standard featuresincluding a 7-inch color touch-screen display audio system with Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™and 60/40 split fold-down and reclining rear seats. It’s also affordable if you want to upgrade. The KonaSEL costs just a bit more at $21,150 4 and adds heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheeland shift knob, proximity key entry, roof rails and Blind-Spot Collision Warning.

2019 Mazda CX-3

The 2019 Mazda CX-3 bridges the gap between mass market and luxury crossovers withoutcommanding a high price. Starting at just $20,3905, the new CX-3 improves on the 2018 model yearformula with a revised exterior (including new Soul Red Crystal paint option), improved materials and a

retuned SKYACTIV®-G 2.0-liter engine to delivers improved driving dynamics.

The base-level Mazda CX-3 Sport is well-equipped with new features, including a Direct Tire PressureMonitoring System and Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. An available Sporti-ACTIVSENSE® Package adds valuable driver-assist features like Mazda Radar Cruise Control withStop & Go, Smart Brake Support with collision warning and an Adaptive Front-lighting System for anadditional $1,100. At the top of the line, the Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring increases luxury with exteriorchrome accents; Parchment or black full-leather seats with high-gloss, pleated piping; powermoonroof; and Mazda Navigation System for an MSRP of $25,7456.

2019 Toyota CH-R

The 2019 Toyota CH-R adds an entry-level LE trim, which knocks its starting MSRP down to just$20,9457. Even at a lower price point, the CH-R is among the most technologically advancedcrossovers thanks to standard Toyota Safety Sense™ P, which includes cutting-edge technologies likePre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, AutomaticHigh Beams and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

Safety comes first, but style isn’t far behind with the CH-R, which is arguably one of the most dynamicand impressive crossovers on the road. With a low, sweeping silhouette; muscular body lines andproportions; a cantilevered rear spoiler; and a futuristic face marked by standard cluster LED daytimerunning lights, there’s nothing on the road that cuts quite the same profile as the Toyota CH-R.

There’s a lot to consider when shopping for a new crossover, from performance and spaciousness totechnology and safety. These vehicles demonstrate that it is possible to find an option that offers abalance of everything you want without breaking your budget.1Price is Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). MSRP excludes tax, title, license, optionsand destination charge. Dealer sets actual price.2MSRP of $19,500 excludes tax, title, license fees and destination charge. Actual dealer price mayvary. 3For more information, visit www.kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book is a registered trademark of Kelley BlueBook Co., Inc.4MSRP of $21,150 excludes tax, title, license fees and destination charge. Actual dealer price mayvary.5Starting at $20,110 MSRP for 2018 Mazda CX-3 Sport FWD models. MSRP excludes taxes, title,license fees and $975 destination charge (Alaska $1,020). Actual dealer price will vary.6MSRP excludes tax, title, license fees and $995 destination charge (Alaska $1,040). Model shownpriced higher. Actual dealer price will vary.7MSRP excludes the Delivery, Processing, and Handling Fee of $920 for Cars (Yaris, Yaris iA, 86,Corolla, Corolla HB, Camry, Camry HV, Prius LB, Prius c, Prius Prime, Miraj, Avalon, Avalon HV),$1045 for Small/Medium Trucks, SUVs and Van (C-HR, RAV4, RAV4 HV, Highlander, Highlander HV,4Runner, Sienna, Tacoma), $1,295 for Large SUVs (Sequoia, Land Cruiser), and $1,395 for LargeTruck (Tundra). (Historically, vehicle manufacturers and distributors have charged a separate fee forprocessing, handling and delivering vehicles to dealerships. Toyota’s charge for these services iscalled the “Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee” and is based on the value of the processing,handling and delivery services Toyota provides as well as Toyota’s overall pricing structure. Toyotamay make a profit on the Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee.) Excludes taxes, license, title andavailable or regionally required equipment. The Delivery, Processing and Handling Fee in AL, AR, FL,GA, LA, MS, NC, OK, SC and TX will be higher. The published prices do not apply to Puerto Rico andthe U.S. Virgin Islands. Actual dealer price will vary.


Christmas Shopping can be Scary!Is Your Wallet Ready?

I know, I know. It’s not yet Halloween and I’m already talking about Christmas. But, the holidayshopping season will be here before you know it; and if you don’t prepare in advance, it will feel likethe ultimate trick come January.

To help you avoid the dreaded holiday bill hangover, I’ve put together some tips to get your physicaland virtual wallets ready for your upcoming Christmas shopping. It's all about making your wallet safe,making it smart, and making it smile. There is nothing spookier than being unprepared for Christmas.

1. Make Your Wallet Safe.

You’ve read this before and you’ll read it again—before you leave your home, remove anyunnecessary cards from your wallet, including your Social Security card and excess credit cards. Thislimits the damage that can happen if your wallet is lost or stolen, and is a good tip to follow year-round.

The same is true of your “virtual” wallet. You would never just leave your credit card hanging out on astore counter for all to see, so don’t do it when you shop online! It’s important to take the time to ensurethe security of a website before you enter your payment information. Here are some steps you cantake to verify a website is secure:

Look at the web address in your web browser to double check that it matches what you wouldexpect; this will help you to detect if you were rerouted to a fraudulent site

Check the beginning of the URL; web addresses that start with HTTPS indicate that the websitehas extra layers of protection to help secure information that you submit through a web formLook for a lock; in addition to looking for the “s” at the start of the URL, you can also confirm thata site is secure by looking for a padlock icon in the web browser tool bar. Some browsers mayalso include text indicating the site is secure.

2. Make Your Wallet Smart

You likely have several payment options for your upcoming Christmas shopping. You could pay with allcash, check, plastic, or a combination of the three. Cash is great if you want to stick to a strict budget;however, if you misplace your wallet, it’s likely that you’ll never see that money again. Checks can be abit of a gamble these days depending on where you want to shop, as merchants don’t always acceptthem as a form of payment. So, using a form of plastic (checkcard or credit card) could be your bestbet. When selecting a card, be sure to stock your wallet with one that has built in security measures.For example, Financial Center uses real time fraud monitoring to detect and block fraudulent charges.If you’re using a credit card, you’ll want to be sure that it’s one with a fair rate and free of excessivefees (here’s a hint- check out our Visa credit cards).

When shopping online, you’ll also find that you now have payment options. You can manually enter inyour payment information each time you shop. Or, in many instances, you will have the option to saveyour credit card information. Another option altogether is to take advantage of Visa Checkout, whichenables you to save your credit card information to a single account that you log into at checkout.Some merchants also offer discounts and deals when you use Visa Checkout to make your purchase,so you not only gain convenience and security but also savings. You can learn more about VisaCheckout here. (https://www.fccuburt.org/services/visa-checkout.html )

3. Make Your Wallet Smile.

3. Make Your Wallet Smile.

How do you make a wallet smile? By keeping it stocked with money, of course! It can be easy tounintentionally overspend during the last couple of months of the year. You can help prevent thisoverindulgence with a spending plan. Creating a plan in advance will help you stay under budget andon-track to meet all of your financial goals. Once you have an idea of what you plan to purchase andfor whom, be sure to take a look at Visa’s Special Offer Program to see if there are discounts you cantake advantage of with the help of your FCCU Visa. You can access the discounts here.(http://specialoffers.visa.com/)

Making an advanced plan will also help you determine if you’ll need some additional assistanceoutside of what you’ve earmarked in savings. If you plan on traveling or purchasing a big ticket item,don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can help you determine if you should utilize your credit card ormaybe explore another loan option that could result in a lower monthly payment and help you stick toyour monthly savings goals. You can also submit an online request and a dedicated loan officer will bein touch to help you weigh your options.(https://www.fccuburt.org/applications/fb-personal-loans-custom.html?page=136264&type=page&id=136264)


Tips for Saving for Your New CarIdeas for affording that hot ride you have always wanted

It’s a common situation: your current car is on its last leg and you have your heart set on a new modelthat will last longer, look better and have more features. Unfortunately, your bank account isn’t on yourside and is limiting your options. Instead of disregarding your financial limitations, find ways toovercome them by saving money and shopping wisely so you can eventually afford that dream vehicle.

Determining your financial goal

Before you establish a plan of action, itis vital to fully evaluate your currentfinancial situation and what your goalis; a clear understanding will help youeffectively plan how to reach your goal.

Once you identify which vehicle youwant, you can estimate how much adown payment would cost. RonaldMontoya of Edmunds suggests that20% of the total cost of the vehicleshould be your down payment(resulting in a lower monthly cost), butthat if you cannot comfortably affordthat amount, a 10% down paymentwith GAP insurance mitigates riskwhile keeping money in your pocket.

Jamie Page Deaton of U.S. News &World Report emphasizes the importance of considering the ongoing price of monthly vehicle costs,such as repayments, insurance and maintenance. Depending on your cost of living and pre-existingdebt, these expenses should not exceed 15-36% of your monthly take-home pay. Ensure you have asecure income to afford these monthly costs after you drive the car off the dealership lot.

Saving money on daily expenses

Now that you’ve established a target amount of money to save for both the down payment and monthlyfees, you can analyze your current spending habits and find ways to trim your daily expenditures anddivert the difference into a savings fund.

Trent Hamm of The Simple Dollar outlines dozens of methods for cutting expenses. For instance,consider using public transportation or carpooling to work. Cancel your unnecessary memberships,subscriptions or paid services. Buy bulk, generic, non-perishable items from the grocery store andmake your own meals instead of eating out. Other ideas include shopping at thrift stores, sellingunused items, consolidating your loans, lowering home thermostats, unplugging electronics andpausing your travel plans.

Getting the best deal on the car

Saving money isn’t just about having enough cash in your bank account; it’s equally imperative toensure you’re getting a deal on the vehicle you are purchasing. There are methods for knocking somenumbers off the sticker price to ensure you are paying the lowest possible amount rather than simply

handing over your hard-earned money at the first price presented.

Kerry Hannon of Forbes offers nearly a dozen ways women can save on a new car; all of the methodscan be used by men, too. Time your purchase so that you can take advantage of a seasonal sale, areduced price on last year’s model or a rebate program. Do your research and have a clear idea ofwhat the car’s value is and what competing dealerships in the neighborhood are offering for the samemodel. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; hold firm on the target price and don’t get drawn into add-ons orupgrades.

Another way to get a better deal on your car is by improving your credit score and thus receiving abetter deal on financing. Investigate all your financing options and find the best loan offer that is bestfor you, whether that’s through your bank, a local credit union or the dealership.

With a solid plan and frugal spending habits, you will eventually be able to afford that new car withoutputting your finances at risk.


Determining Your Car-Buying BudgetAvoid overspending by calculating your monthly budget ahead oftime

Buying a new car is an exciting process, especially when you’ve been saving and waiting for the rightone to come along. Cars are an expensive investment that take time and consideration. Before you hitthe dealership, do a little math and determine both your overall and monthly budget.

Monthly income

To estimate your car-buying budget,the first thing you want to do iscalculate your overall monthly income.Figure out how much money you’rebringing home after taxes and list outall of your expenses. Once youdetermine where the money is goingand how much you’re spending, you’llbe able to identify places you can cutback on expenses and calculate yourcurrent automotive expenses. Makesure you factor in any debt you have,such as student loans, your mortgageand credit card bills.

Car payments

Instead of solely looking at a vehicle’sMSRP, you should consider itsestimated monthly payments when figuring out your budget. Philip Reed at NerdWallet explains thatyour down payment, trade-in contribution (if you’re trading in a vehicle) and the length of your auto loanwill all help determine your monthly payments. By putting together your budget based on monthlypayments instead of overall MSRP, you’ll be able to take a closer look at what you’re spending andhow feasible a vehicle truly is for your budget.

15 percent rule

When it comes to expenses, you don’t want to over-commit to an expensive monthly payment. In fact,Ronald Montoya, a contributor at Edmunds, recommends limiting your car payment to 15 percent ofyour monthly income. Additional automotive expenses such as car insurance, gas and maintenanceshould make up another 7 percent. Montoya says that, in total, you don’t want to spend more than 22percent of your monthly income on automotive expenses.

If you’re leasing your vehicle, Montoya recommends limiting your automotive expenses to 10 percentof your monthly income. Of course, this rule isn’t set in stone; the percentages can fluctuate based onyour priorities. However, it’s a good guideline to keep in mind when putting together your budget.

Factor in fees

When you buy a new car, the sticker price can be a bit misleading. Whatever price you agree upon —sticker price or a negotiated price — you’re going to have to pay a few additional fees. Added fees suchas sales tax, registration fees and documentation fees can add an extra 10 percent to the cost of your

vehicle, according to Philip Reed, plus any interest on your auto loan. Make sure you factor those feesinto the overall cost of the vehicle, and therefore your monthly payments, before signing on the dottedline.

Whether you’re leasing or investing in your next car, it’s important to keep an eye on your finances andmake sure you don’t overspend. Once you’ve figured out your budget, head over to the dealership tofind the car of your dreams.


How Retirement Spending Changes With TimeOnce away from work, your cost of living may rise before it falls.

New retirees sometimes worry that they are spending too much, too soon. Should they scaleback? Are they at risk of outliving their money?

1

The initial stage of retirement can be expensive. Looking at mere data, it may not seem that way.The most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show average spending of $60,076 per year forhouseholds headed by Americans age 55-64 and mean spending of just $45,221 for householdsheaded by people age 65 and older. 1,2

Affluent retirees, however, are often “above average” in regard to retirement savings and retirementambitions. Sixty-five is now late-middle age, and today’s well-to-do 65-year-olds are ready, willing, andable to travel and have adventures. Since they no longer work full time, they may no longer contributeto workplace retirement plans. Their commuting costs are gone, and perhaps they are in a lower taxbracket as well. They may be tempted to direct some of the money they would otherwise spend intoleisure and hobby pursuits. It may shock them to find that they have withdrawn 6-7% of their savings inthe first year of retirement rather than 3-4%.

When retirees are well into their seventies, spending decreases. In fact, GovernmentAccountability Office data shows that people age 75-79 spend 41% less on average than people intheir peak spending years (which usually occur in the late 40s). Sudden medical expenses aside,household spending usually levels out because the cost of living does not significantly increase fromyear to year. Late-middle age has ended and retirees are often a bit less physically active than theyonce were. It becomes easier to meet the goal of living on 4% of savings a year (or less), plus SocialSecurity. 2

Later in life, spending may decline further. Once many retirees are into their eighties, they havetraveled and pursued their goals to a great degree. Staying home and spending quality time aroundkids and grandkids, rather than spending money, may become the focus.

One study finds that medical costs burden retirees mostly at the end of life. Some economistsand retirement planners feel that retirement spending is best depicted by a U-shaped graph; it falls,then rises as elders face large medical expenses. Research from investment giant BlackRockcontradicts this. BlackRock’s 2017 study on retiree spending patterns found simply a gradual reductionin retiree outflows as retirements progressed. Medical expenses only spiked for most retirees in thelast two years of their lives. 3

Retirees in their sixties should realize that their spending will likely decline as they age. As theytry to avoid spending down their assets too quickly, they can take some comfort in knowing that infuture years, they could possibly spend much less.

Frank Feng may be reached at (209)948-6024 Ext 50140 or (209) 518-2801, or via email [email protected].

This material was prepared by MarketingPro, Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of thepresenting party, nor their affiliates. This information has been derived from sources believed to beaccurate. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results.The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. Ifassistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This

information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for thepurpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation topurchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon assuch. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Representative is not a tax advisor or legal expert. For information regarding specific tax situations,please contact a tax professional. For legal advice, consult an attorney.

Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRAFINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with thefinancial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, MayLose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CUNABrokerage Services, Inc., is a registered broker/dealer in all fifty states of the United States of America.

*The CFP certification marks are not affiliated with CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. +CRPC® is aregistered service mark of the College of Financial Planning.

Citations.

1 - kiplinger.com/article/retirement/T037-C032-S014-why-the-4-withdrawal-rule-is-wrong.html [1/25/18]

2 - fortune.com/2017/10/25/retirement-costs-lower/ [10/25/17]

3 - cbsnews.com/news/rethinking-a-common-assumption-about-retirement-spending/ [12/26/17]


Family Halloween Costume IdeasFamily themed costume ideas to make Halloween sweeter

Although the candy, spooky decorations and chance to be out after dark are all outstanding features ofHalloween, the best part about Beggar’s Night is definitely donning a fun, scary or outrageouscostume. Dressing up as a family can increase the magic of the night, so consider the following familyHalloween costume ideas for your night of trick-or-treating.

Wonderland wonder

With so many characters to choosefrom—all completely fantastical—Alicein Wonderland is a wonderful sourcefor family Halloween costume ideasand inspiration. Liz Stanley,SayYes.com blogger, highlights afamily of three in their Alice inWonderland garb—mom is Alice, dadis the sophisticated suit-wearing whiterabbit complete with large pocketwatch and bunny ears and their babygirl is the Queen of Hearts in a reddress, heart tights and red crownheadband.

Fun to be bad

Halloween is an excuse to besomeone different and adopt a newidentity for a few hours. And, as a family, sometimes being “bad” can be a lot of fun. Jennifer V., creatorof TheCraftPatchBlog.com , showcases a family-themed costume idea that embraces the darkside—the villains of Disney. On her blog a family of four is dressed up as Jafar (dad), Cruella DeVille(mom), Maleficent (daughter) and Syndrome (son). Of course, with so many Disney villains to choosefrom, there’s no end to your family’s chance to be the bad guys on Halloween.

Out of this world

The sky is the limit when it comes to being creative on Halloween. Sara, creator ofTellLoveandParty.com, takes Halloween creativity out of this world by transforming an Earth family offour into a Space Family. The family is decked out in silver spray-painted space suits, helmets, silverspace boots and the little ones have their space blasters on hand. They are definitely ready for aspace-tastic Halloween.

Yellow brick road

Take your family down the yellow brick road this Halloween with “Wizard of Oz”-inspired costumes.Ashley, creator of MakeIt-LoveIt.com, showcases four kids dressed up as Glinda the Good Witch, TinMan, Dorothy and a Lollipop Munchkin. Although there’s “no place like home,” a Wizard of OzHalloween night is sure to be a delight.

Adventurers in stripes

Sometimes it’s easier to have everyone in the family dress up in the same costume. Featured on

Sometimes it’s easier to have everyone in the family dress up in the same costume. Featured onStanley’s SayYes.com blog, “Where’s Waldo?” provides the perfectly adorable theme for familycostumes. Red hats with pom poms, red and white striped shirts and a red and white striped romper forbaby create a standout, and easy-to-do costume for the whole family. Don’t forget the black-rimmedglasses for the final touch.

Caring bears

Colorful and sweet, the Care Bears will bring a lot of love to your Halloween celebration. Featured onSeeVanessaCraft.com by creator Vanessa Rodriguez Coppola, turning your family into Care Bears isa simple, no-sew project. According to Coppola, you will need a hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants thatyou can dye with fabric dye to your desired Care Bear character and felt and fabric glue so you cancraft your favorite Care Bear’s tummy symbol; don’t forget to add the bear ears on your hoodie and theCare Bear heart next to your bear tail.

With these costume ideas, your family will be ready for trick-or-treating and a night of Halloween glee.


Back to School Lunch IdeasHealthy school lunches that are easy to pack

As summer comes to an end and your kids get ready to stretch their minds again, you have to startplanning lunch ideas to serve as fuel halfway through the day. These healthy and easy back to schoollunch ideas ensure that you have one less thing to worry about as the school year begins.

Peanut butter and jelly sushi rolls

Your kids are probably bored ofpeanut butter and jelly sandwiches bynow. Lucky for you, Derek Campanileof Dad with a Pan has reinvented thisclassic to get them excited abouteating this simple combination again.Using flatbread as pinwheels, spread alayer of peanut butter and jelly on asquare piece and roll it up. After youfreeze it for about five minutes and cutit up into 1 inch pieces, you’ll havepeanut butter and jelly sushi rolls. Yourfamily will love this flavorful twist,especially if they like sushi. If they’renot a fan of peanut butter and jelly,make sushi rolls out of Nutella or theirfavorite cut-up vegetables.

Pizzadillas

Combine two all-time favorites into one fun combination. Campanile suggests making pizzadillas,where pizza meets quesadilla. Spread pizza sauce on top of two pieces of tortilla before sprinkling itwith shredded mozzarella and pepperoni. Cook it on a stove until the cheese melts, creating a deliciousand cheesy lunch that your kid will surely enjoy.

DIY lunch

You don’t have to be stuck doing all the work. With easy DIY lunches, slice up your kid’s favorite meatinto squares and pack it with cheese and crackers. As Campanile points out, this lunch is a favoriteamong kids and parents alike because it’s easy to pack for the parents and fun to put together for thekids.

Butterfly snack bags

Encourage your kids to eat healthy snacks by serving them in fun butterfly snack packs. As a funactivity for your kids as well, Squawkfox.com makes this food craft fun and engaging. Decorate aclothespin with some glitter glue and stick wiggle eyes on them. Fill a snack-sized bag with your kid’sfavorite treat, whether that is fruit, vegetable or cereal. Clip the clothespin down the middle, spreadingthe snack to the corners of the bag as the wings. Stick an antennae-shaped pipe cleaner through theclip for a complete butterfly that will land a healthy snack into your kid’s lunch box.

Apple fun

Add some personality when you’re packing fruit. If you like cutting apple slices, Thedatingdivas.com

Add some personality when you’re packing fruit. If you like cutting apple slices, Thedatingdivas.comsuggests making apple and peanut butter toothy smiles. After you spread peanut butter on each slice ofapple, place mini-marshmallows in a line on half of the slices and put them together for some bigtoothed smiles. These are perfect as a Halloween treat but delicious all-year round. For those who liketo eat apples whole, turn green apples into our favorite monster, Mike Wazowski. Stick half of a jumbomarshmallow onto the front of the apple, and use food writer edible markers to create the belovedone-eyed cretin.

Give your child something to look forward to each day with an exciting lunch that will have them fullafterward and craving for more knowledge. These lunch ideas packed with flavor and fun will have theirclassmates wishing they could take a bite out of it.


What to Do with All Those Photos You TookMake the most out of your digital photos with these projects

With smartphones constantly within reach, it’s easier than ever to take great photos on the go. Youprobably have hundreds of photos from your vacation, an event or just your daily activities in yourdigital photo album, but they don’t have to sit idly on your phone. You can use those photos todecorate your home or preserve those memories in a unique way.

Photo book

A traditional, handmade photo albumtakes a lot of time and effort, not tomention the supplies. With moderntechnology, you can create aprofessional-style photo book quicklyand easily online, without the mess.There are many companies andprograms that will help you put onetogether online. Simply upload yourphotos, arrange them in the digitalbook the way you want them to beprinted and place your order. You caneven add captions to help youremember details about the photos,such as people’s names or where thephoto was taken. With a digital photobook, you can repurpose your photosover and over again and still have atangible way to cherish your memories.

Greeting cards

Finding the perfect greeting card for a special occasion can be difficult, but if you want to add apersonal touch, you can create your own. Incorporate your photos taken with family members, friendsand coworkers to create personalized greeting cards for their birthdays or other special occasions.Making your own cards with photos and memories shows that you put a lot of thought into the gesture.You can print the cards yourself or use a service like Vistaprint or Shutterfly to design and order them.

Collages

Channel your crafty and creative side by making a collage out of your favorite photos. Pick a theme foryour collage, such as a person or a specific trip or memory, and pick out your favorite photos to go withit. Once you’ve picked your photos, get creative. Cut out your photos in unique shapes, add fundesigns and make it your own. You can add stickers, stencils, glitter or whatever else you want toincorporate. From there, put the collage in a frame and hang it on your wall, or give it as a gift tosomeone special.

Calendars

You can use your own photos to create a custom, memorable calendar for your own space. Choosephotos based on events that happened in each month, people whose birthdays you want to celebrateor general seasonal themes you like. Incorporate these into a monthly calendar. There are many online

platforms you can use to create, customize and order your calendars. Custom calendars make theperfect addition to your home or workspace and add a personalized touch to remind you of thosewonderful memories. Plus, you can make copies of them for family members as Christmas gifts.

There are plenty of ways to use your photos in a creative, productive way. Next time you’re scrollingthrough your photos, consider one of these fun projects to display your memories in your home.


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