Committed to Serving YouRiegel Federal Credit Union is proud to recognize the efforts of the entire Credit Union

staff in serving our members. We especially appreciate the long term dedication to theCredit Union of the following employees.

Bettly Lou McPeek 24 yrsDeb Phillips 23 yrsLinda Kertesz 18 yrsDeb Whitman 18 yrsLisa Hartpence 16 yrsFrank Rea 16 yrsBarbara Corrigan 14 yrsScott B. Husted 11 yrsSue Goldsworth 10 yrs

The Credit Union Board, Management and staff regularly renew our commitment toservice excellence and look forward to serving you in the future!

Credit UnionHours

Monday - Wednesday9:00 - 5:00

Thursday9:00 - 6:00

Friday9:00 - 7:00

Saturday - Milford9:00 - 12:00

(Drive-up only)

Saturday - Flemington9:00 - 12:00

(Teller Transactions Only)

Contact Numbers

MilfordLocal:

1-908-995-2326

Toll Free Number:1-800-635-6829

Fax Number:1-908-995-2508

Loan Dept.Fax Number:

1-908-995-0714

FlemingtonLocal:

1-908-782-4587

Toll Free Number:1-888-635-6355

Fax Number:1-908-284-2208

Volume 44 The publication for members of Riegel Federal Credit Union

December 2006

The Riegel Check CardThe Riegel Check Card can be used to make purchases at many VISA merchant locations

worldwide as well as over the telephone or on the Internet. The Check Card acts like acheck because the purchase amount is deducted from the cardholder's share draft account.Members can leave their checkbook at home and use the Riegel Check Card.

The Riegel Check Card can be used at ATMs(NYCE or CIRRUS) to make withdrawals, inquiries ortransfers. Unlike a credit card, the Check Card doesnot accrue interest nor does it have a line of credit.

When making purchases, members shouldselect the “credit” option in order to sign a slip forsignature-based transactions. Generally, signature-based transactions are beneficial to our membersbecause they won't be charged a transaction fee.Selecting the “debit” option will require membersto enter their PIN number to complete the transaction. PIN-based transactions at the point-of-sale will incur transaction fees. However, using the Riegel Check Card at a Riegel FederalCredit Union ATM with your PIN number will not incur any transaction fee. Apply today toenjoy the convenience of the Riegel Check Card! For more information or to request anapplication, please call our Flemington Branch at 1-888-635-6355.

Laurie Croasdale 8 yrsArletta Croasdale 7 yrsSandra Hertel 7 yrsFran Mondeau 7 yrsErik Reers 7 yrsTara Betancourt 6 yrsSue Laux 6 yrsJim Gebauer 5 yrsKim Moss 5 yrs

www.riegelfcu.org

Who ShouldInvest in IRAs?

Whether you’ve recentlyentered the job market withyears of your career ahead of youor have already started a list ofthings to do when you retire, anIndividual Retirement Accountmay be the perfect way to buildyour nest egg!

There are a number ofdifferent types of IRAs:• Roth IRA - contributions are

made with after tax assets, alltransactions within the IRA aretax-free, and withdrawals areusually taxfree. Named forSenator William Roth.

• Traditional IRA - contributionsare often tax deductible (often simplified as "money is deposited before tax" or"contributions are made withpre-tax assets"), all transactionsand earnings within the IRA aretax-free, and withdrawals atretirement are taxed as income(except for contributions thatwere not deducted).

• Coverdell Education SavingsAccounts in honor of the lateU.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell.Individuals can make annualcontributions of up to $2,000per child into an accountthat's exclusively for helpingto pay higher education costs.The money contributed to aCoverdell account doesn'tcount against the $3,000($3,500 if 50 and older)annual total individuals maycontribute to their combinedpersonal IRAs. The earningsand withdrawals from aCoverdell account are tax-free,but you can't deduct thecontributions from yourincome tax because theaccount is for the benefit ofthe child, not the contributor.

Want to know more aboutwhich IRA fits your needs at thispoint in your life? Please contactthe Accounting Department at 1-800-635-6829 x245 for moreinformation.

Direct Deposit Your 2006 Tax RefundIt's almost tax season! That means that you can have your tax refund directly

deposited into your Credit Union account quickly, easily, and FOR FREE!According to the IRS, a refund check

is issued within 6 to 8 weeks of filing apaper return. If you file a paper return,and choose to deposit your refunddirectly into your account, you willreceive your refund in 5 to 6 weeks. Ifyou electronically file (E-file), yourrefund will be issued within 3 weeks offiling. However, if you choose to E-fileand choose direct deposit for yourrefund, the IRS says you should receive itwithin 14 days.

To elect direct deposit of your tax refund into your Credit Union account, simplyprovide your tax preparer with your Credit Union account number (in 16-digit format) andour ABA routing number (221276697). Please call the Credit Union at 1-800-635-6829 formore information.

If you choose to E-file, you can always check the status of your refund online atwww.irs.gov. To check your refund status, you will need your social security #, your filingstatus, and your refund amount. Also, remember to keep your 2006 year-end statement fortax reporting purposes!

Your Rights Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Act (FACT Act)

In these days of high-tech crime, safeguarding our personal and financial informationhas become a challenge for everyone. From finding information in your trash to phishingto breaches in security at major corporations, there are many new ways for criminals toaccess and use your sensitive information.

Now, in an effort to make sure that Americans have the opportunity to track financialactivity that uses their personal information, the FACT Act has been instituted. This Acthelps to protect against and detect identity theft for both individuals and financialinstitutions. The FACT Act allows consumers free annual access to their credit reports and

scores from the three major credit bureaus. Inaddition, you can learn how to opt out ofprescreened credit offers by phone and by mail.

Under the FACT Act, credit unions arerequired to notify members that it may submitinformation about their accounts to creditreporting agencies regarding credit extended tothe member. We may or may not inform you ofsubsequent reports on the same credit account.

Credit unions offering mortgage loans basedon credit scores are required to provideapplicants with their credit scores. For moreinformation about the FACT Act and how it willaffect you, please contact the Credit Union.

www.riegelfcu.org

LARRY J. HUMMER-

Incumbent Nominated ByNominating Committee

Larry is the ViceChairperson of the CreditUnion and has served 31years on the Board ofDirectors. He serves on theInvestment Committee. Heassists in making decisionspertaining to loan rates,dividend rates, andmethods which improvemember service. He isretired from the MilfordMill and resides in Milford,NJ with his wife, Jan.

LILLIAN BENNETT-

Incumbent Nominated ByNominating Committee

Lillian has been aCredit Union member for 21years and has served as amember of the SupervisoryCommittee, which isresponsible for internalauditing, for 8 years. Shehas recently beenappointed to theInvestment Committee. Lilhas been employed at StemBrothers. Inc. in Milford,NJ for 18 years. Sheresides in HollandTownship, NJ with herhusband, Bill.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING

December 31, 2006

Fellow Members:Plans are being finalized for the 47th Annual Meeting of our Credit Union,

which will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Almond Tree Manor inAlpha. We hope you are planning to be with us.

Tickets will go on sale at the Credit Union on Monday, March 5, 2007. Themember ticket price for the dinner will be $15.00 and guest tickets will be$30.00. We have arranged for the doors to open at 5:00 p.m. Dinner will startat 6:00 p.m., followed at 7:30 by a business meeting*, and thenentertainment and dancing for your pleasure.

In accordance with Riegel Federal Credit Union's Bylaw's, the Credit UnionSecretary hereby submits the following Annual Election Notice:

There are two terms expiring on the Board of Directors. The following twoincumbent Directors have been re-nominated for election by the nominatingcommittee:

Lillian Bennett Larry Hummer

Nominations for vacancies may also be made, but only by petition. Anymember who wants to submit a Nomination Petition is urged to obtainpetition forms and petition rules which are available at the main Credit Unionoffice. When returned, the petition must be signed by at least one (1%)percent of the Credit Union members with a maximum of 500. Each nomineeby petition shall submit with the petition, a statement of qualifications andbiographical data, and a signed certificate stating that they are agreeable tonomination and will serve, if elected to office. Any member 18 years of ageor older may submit a petition for nomination. All petitions must be returnedto the main Credit Union office by February 23, 2007.

The election shall be determined by plurality vote and shall be by mail,except when there is only one nominee for each vacancy. An election will notbe conducted by ballot and there will be no nominations from the floor wherethere is only one nominee for each position to be filled. If there arenominations by petition, those names, along with the incumbents, will beplaced on the ballot and mailed to all members sixteen (16) years of age andolder. The results of the election will be announced at the Annual Meeting.

Thanks to your loyalty and support, we continue to be committed toproviding quality service. The officers, who are elected and appointed to serveyou, thank you for the privilege and we look forward to seeing you at theAnnual Meeting.

Riegel Federal Credit Union

*Business meeting may be attended without paying ticket price.

Identity TheftProtection

Your credit history is one ofthe most valuable assets you possess. It’s a direct reflection ofyour ability to repay money borrowed from a financial institution, including those whoissue credit cards, mortgages, and vehicle or student loans. Goodcredit can be the differencebetween opportunity and denial.Protecting your credit againstfraud or identity theft and avoiding damaged credit is simplewhen you follow these helpfultips:• Shred any paperwork

containing personal information.

• Secure documents containingpersonal data in a locked filedrawer, cabinet or box.

• Limit the number of creditcards you use and carry.

• Don’t give out personal information over the phone,through the mail or over theInternet unless you initiatethe contact.

• Take your name off mailinglists so that you are less vulnerable to identity theft.

• Memorize your Social Securitynumber and passwords toavoid having them recorded inyour wallet or purse.

• In the event of a lost orstolen credit card, call thecredit card company immediately. File a policereport and contact all threecredit bureaus to request thata “fraud alert” be placed onyour name and Social Securitynumber.

• Order a copy of your creditreport from each of the threemajor credit bureaus on ayearly basis. Look to theCredit Union as your financialpartner with the resources tohelp you build and maintainyour good credit rating.

To order a free copyof your credit report, please call

1-877-322-8228 or visitwww.annualcreditreport.com

RIEGEL FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONHunterdon County’s Premier Credit Union

SERVING OUR MEMBERS SINCE 1960

Riegel Federal Credit Union offers a large variety of products andservices to meet all of your financial needs.• Regular Shares• ATM cards/machine access - Riegel machines located at Milford Citgo, Hunterdon

County Library on Rte 12 in Flemington, Kathee’s General Store in Frenchtown,Holland Liquors on Rt. 519, Hunterdon Shopping Center in Flemington, and theShammy Shine on Rt. 31 South in Flemington.

• Coin Sorter/Counting Machine - For member use only - NO SERVICE FEE• RIB (Riegel Internet Banking) - http://www.Riegelfcu.org• Call 24 Audio Response - Toll Free (1-800-505-4644)• Shares, Share Drafts, Business Accounts, Term Share Accounts (CDs), Holiday Club,

and Vacation Club Accounts• Riegel Check Card (Debit Card)• IRA’s• Savings Bonds• Direct Deposit (Our routing number is 2212-7669-7)• American Express Travelers Checks - NO FEE• American Express Gift Cards

We also offer a full portfolio of loan products from which tochoose.• Home Equity Loans - Fixed Rates up to 20 years• Home Equity Lines of credit• New Car Loans up to 6 years• Used Car Loans up to 6 years• Education Loans• Personal Loans up to $10,000.00• Shares Secured/Pledged Loans• Visa Cards up to a $10,000.00 line of credit.

Visit Riegel Federal Credit Union website at: http://www.riegelfcu.orgE-mail the Savings Department at: dphlips@riegelfcu.org

E-mail the Loan Department at: rfculoan@riegelfcu.org

www.riegelfcu.org