Why It’s a Great Time to

Buy a New Car

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On the

a publication of TruWest® Credit Union truwest.org

Test Your ID Theft IQ

Credit Unions Leadingthe Charge for Economic Recovery

The Virtues ofVolunteering

Living onOne Income vs. Two

Experience the TruDifference

A Message from the President & CEO .......................................................... 1Credit Unions Leading the Charge for Economic Recovery ......... 2Join Us in Celebrating 100 Years of Credit Unions ........................... 2Reward Yourself – and Others – by Volunteering ................................ 3Shop the Stores Next Door – Support the Local Economy .......... 3

Whenever you see this symbol, log on to truwest.org for more information.

Whenever you see this symbol, call us for more information.

Your Future and OursLiving on One Income vs. Two .........................................................8Who Can You Trust with Your Trust? ........................................... 8Mortgage Forecast – Smart Moves to Make in 2009 ......... 9Five Unique Ways to Pay for College ...........................................9Cut Energy Costs This Summer ......................................................10

Your MoneyDebt vs. Savings: The Showdown ...........................................................6Test Your ID Theft IQ ......................................................................................6Decoding the Ponzi Scheme ......................................................................7TruWest Has Great Rates ...............................................................................7

Your VehicleWhy It’s a Great Time to Buy a New Car ...............................................4Curb Smash-and-Grab Theft .........................................................................5

Your Community

TruWest Credit Union is chartered under the laws of Arizona and governed by a Board of Directors elected by its members.

Board of Directors: Chairman Tom Cummiskey Vice-Chairman Jeff Homer Secretary Tim Niesz Treasurer Scott Johs

Board Members at Large: Bill Fulton, Rich Hill, Jeff Myers, David Prechtel and Rebecca Taylor

Advisory Committee:Julie Cole and Clark Straughan

Supervisory Committee: Chairman Rick O’Conner, Steven Gerken and Maximilian Steinbuchel

TruWest’s Senior Management:President and Chief Executive Officer Dan Desmond

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Alan Althouse

Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer Doug Lake

Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer Gary Bernard

Senior Vice President and Technology Officer Tom Gessel

Senior Vice President – Strategic Initiatives Jason Scott

On the Money: Copyright 2009, TruWest Credit Union P.O. Box 3489, Scottsdale, AZ 85271

Editor: Mandy Minette

Offi

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A Message from the President & CEO

Whenever you see this symbol, call us for more information.

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News from WashingtonYour TruWest leadership continues to be your active voice for regulations that affect the financial industry. Our Board of Directors recently received an award from our legislative action group for having 100% participation 16 years in a row. One piece of new legislation that has gone into effect will extend the increase in deposit insurance to $250,000 until December 31, 2013.

I would like to remind you that the safety and soundness of TruWest’s member deposits has always been of the highest importance to us. Each of our member’s deposits is insured for up to $250,000. Separately, IRA Savings and IRA Certificate accounts are insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 and Investment Certificates and IRA Savings accounts are insured for an additional $250,000 by American Share Insurance, a private insurer – all at no cost to you.

TruWest Receives Award for Making a TruDifferenceTruWest Credit Union was recently presented with an award by the Arizona Credit Union League for the largest increase in money raised for Credit Union for Kids in 2008. While a large share of our donations come from our employees, the majority of our donations in 2008 came from the success of TruWest’s inaugural charity golf tournament. As part of our TruDifference, we plan to continue raising funds among our employees, as well as carrying on the tournament tradition this year. We hope to raise even more money for this great cause!

New Checking AccountsHave you heard about TruWest’s newest checking products? To ensure we stay true to our commitment to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people” and our dedication to providing our members with great products and services, TruWest has launched two new checking products: Opportunity Checking and Advantage 55 Checking.

Opportunity Checking helps those members who may have experienced tough times and are having trouble opening a checking account. This account also comes with our new pre-paid debit card, a cutting-edge service option for our entire membership. This card looks and works just like a regular debit card, only it’s safer because there’s no chance of overdrawing the account.

Advantage 55 Checking rewards our members who are age 55+. This unique checking account is packed with value-added features and – best of all – it’s free.

Both accounts offer great benefits and features to help our members reach their financial goals. For more information on these accounts, I invite you to visit truwest.org or contact a TruWest Member Service Representative.

Time for a Financial CheckupYou may have had your annual physical exam and taken your car in for scheduled service this year, but what about your annual financial checkup? Now more than ever, it’s important to review how you’ve been doing financially and make sure you’re still headed toward meeting your goals. With the ever-changing economic times, planning for the future becomes more complex, which is why I encourage you to contact one of our LPL Financial Advisors located at TruWest for a free consultation.

On behalf of TruWest Credit Union employees, Senior Management and Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your continued membership with TruWest. I wish you all a happy and safe summer!

Dan DesmondPresident & CEO

RemindeR: Schedule financial

checkup.

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Credit Unions Leading the Charge for Economic Recovery“Not for profit, not for charity, but for service.”

A credit union officer used these words during the financial hardship of the 1930s to describe credit unions’ mission of helping members meet their financial needs. Credit unions remain true to that purpose today. The credit union philosophy of “people helping people” means you can rely on your credit union through good times and bad. But it’s during dark times such as those we’re experiencing now that the philosophy shines brightest.

The Building BlocksSensible real estate lending. In general, credit unions avoided most of the risky mortgage lending practices that contributed to the foreclosure crisis that the housing market is experiencing.* Instead, credit unions chose affordable loan options for members, which has helped limit the number of credit union mortgages that have gone into default.

Robust business lending. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus bill) that President Obama signed in February raises the limit on the

portion of certain loans that the Small Business Administration (SBA) can guarantee. This will allow some credit unions to lend more money to businesses.

Financial education. Credit unions have long understood the importance of financial literacy. A 2006 NCUA survey indicates 60% of credit unions offer financial counseling that specifically incorporates financial education while 42% have dedicated financial literacy programs for their members.** The NCUA promotes financial literacy through a “Financial Literacy Library” on its Web site, ncua.gov. And credit unions across the country celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week each April to help youth learn the basics of managing money wisely.

A Positive PartnershipYou can be proud to be a member-owner of TruWest Credit Union. With the support of you and your fellow members, we’re helping to lead the way out of the current financial storm and into brighter days ahead. Visit truwest.org/education for more financial education materials.

* Source: cuna.org** Source: ncua.gov

The first U.S. credit union, St. Mary’s Bank, is organized in Manchester, N.H.

The first U.S. credit union is chartered in New Hampshire, and the first credit union law passes in Massachusetts.

President Franklin Roosevelt signs the Federal Credit Union Act, establishing a federal framework for credit unions. The Credit Union National Association – the national trade association serving America’s credit unions – forms.

The number of U.S. credit unions peaks at 23,866.

Congress creates the National Credit Union Administration and the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund to regulate federally chartered credit unions and provide federal deposit insurance to virtually all credit unions.

President Jimmy Carter signs legislation authorizing share drafts for credit unions.

President Bill Clinton signs the Credit Union Membership Access Act into law, preserving the ability of credit unions to serve multiple membership groups.

America’s credit unions stand out as a bright spot amid the housing and credit crisis.

Join Us in Celebrating 100 Years of Credit Unions

Basic Information about Credit Unions*• Number of U.S. credit unions: 8,243• Member-owners: 91.0 million• Assets: $824.8 billion• Loans: $566.3 billion• Consumer savings: $692.7 billion

* As of June 2008.

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America’s credit unions are honoring their centennial in the United States with a year-long celebration. Please join TruWest as we commemorate this occasion! We’ll also be celebrating TruWest’s 57th birthday, so you won’t want to miss this special event. Stop by any TruWest branch on Friday, August 28, for birthday cake and other goodies.

As true today as when they were founded, credit unions are not-for-profit, democratically controlled, volunteer-run, member-owned cooperatives that provide an effective and viable alternative to for-profit financial institutions. They exist to serve their members rather than to make a profit. Unlike most other financial institutions, credit unions do not issue stock or pay dividends to outside stockholders. Instead, earnings are returned to our members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest on deposits and lower and fewer fees.

Please remember to join us on August 28 as we honor our history and our most important asset: our members. Visit truwest.org for more information about the celebration and how you can get involved!

The 100th anniversary of credit unions encompasses a rolling series of events that form the backbone of the U.S. credit union movement. Some key dates in the history of U.S. credit unions include:

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Reward Yourself – and Others – by Volunteering It’s terrific to receive money for a job well done, but it can be even more satisfying to earn gratitude and respect by donating your time and experience to a worthy cause. Adults who have cultivated their skills and wisdom through the years are in high demand as volunteers. In light of the current economic crunch and employment outlook, now may be the perfect time to explore ways to help others.

Look Inward, Then OutwardThe first step in becoming a volunteer is to determine your interests and talents and then decide how they could be used effectively within your community. Do you love to read and write? Consider volunteering as an academic tutor or inquiring if your local library needs help shelving books or organizing book clubs. Many organizations – hospitals, humane societies, schools, etc. – rely on volunteers for their expertise and friendly and helpful attitudes.

Before donating your time, ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I hope to gain from volunteering?• How much time am I willing to commit?• What can I bring to an organization?• What issues/causes do I feel most passionately about?

Give What You CanNo one should feel pressured to volunteer or feel the need to compete with others for recognition. Instead, approach volunteer work as a reflection of yourself and focus on the ways you’re making a difference. Dedicate as much time as you’re comfortable with – for some this may be two hours a week, for others 20. For help finding volunteer opportunities designed for all ages, contact your local city hall or visit volunteermatch.org.*

TruWest Credit Union Gives BackAs part of the TruDifference, TruWest is dedicated to making a difference in our communities. From raising money for the local children’s hospital to helping build a home for a deserving family with Habitat for Humanity, TruWest is consistently living up to the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.” For more information on how TruWest is involved in the community, visit truwest.org and click on In the Community under the TruDifference tab.

* Web site is for information only. No endorsement is implied.

What do you enjoy most about your community? A picturesque park, safe walking paths, a cozy public library, friendly neighbors? When you support locally owned businesses, you contribute to the many characteristics that make your community a special place to live and work.

Here’s what happens when you support “Main Street” shops and local services:

• Your dollars stay in town. Money spent at a large chain store may be sent to another city or state. When you buy from a locally owned business, that shopkeeper will likely spend your money at another local business. In turn, community residents maintain jobs, and taxes pay for schools, parks, libraries and more.

• Small-business owners contribute to community enrichment. Not only do small-business owners create jobs, more than 90% give back to the community through donations or volunteering.* After all, they live in the same community you do and want what’s best for everyone else who calls it home.

• You’re more likely to receive quality service. At smaller stores, you can avoid navigating large parking lots, struggling to find what you need and waiting in line. Small-business owners are experts about their inventory and focus on giving top-notch service. They make an effort to get to know you and be a friendly resource, often providing unique or hard-to-find items.

At TruWest Credit Union, we are proud to contribute to the strength, character and financial stability of the communities we serve. Thank you for helping us make a TruDifference!

* Source: National Federation of Independent Business, nfib.com

Shop the Stores Next Door – Support the Local Economy

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Why It’s a Great Time to Buy a New CarIt may seem like it’s a bad time to purchase a new car, but there are some great deals out there. Similar to the housing market, there is a glut of car inventory just sitting at the dealerships waiting to be purchased. The longer the inventory collects dust, the more car manufacturers and dealerships want to offer new incentives for purchasing a vehicle from them.

Tax CreditThe IRS announced that taxpayers who buy a new vehicle after February 16, 2009, and before January 1, 2010, may be entitled to deduct state and local sales taxes paid on the purchase on their 2009 tax returns. The deduction is limited to the state and local sales and excise taxes paid up to $49,500 of the purchase price of a qualified new car, light truck, motor home or motorcycle.* The deduction is phased out for joint filers with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) between $250,000 and $260,000 and other taxpayers with MAGI between $125,000 and $135,000. The special deduction is available regardless of whether you itemize deductions on your return.

TruWest’s AutoSmart ProgramYou put valuable time and effort into picking out the right car; why not protect your investment by getting an affordable extended warranty and guaranteed auto protection (GAP) insurance?

GAP insurance. If you are in an accident, GAP insurance will pay off any difference between how much your car is worth and the payoff balance of your loan.

Extended warranty. You can extend the coverage you have on your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s factory warranty and protect your wallet from unexpected car repairs.

TruWest Credit Union offers highly affordable rates on both GAP insurance and warranty policies that are often better than what you can get at a dealership. Plus, if you finance or refinance your auto loan with TruWest, you’ll enjoy these great benefits:

• Include your TruWest GAP insurance and/or warranty policy in your loan and you can extend your term up to six months to keep your monthly payment low.

• Just for financing your auto loan with TruWest, you can go 90 days free of payments PLUS we’ll give you $100!**

The limited-time tax credit combined with TruWest’s great auto loan program is a tough deal to beat! For more information on TruWest GAP insurance or an extended warranty policy, or to check out the inventory at local dealerships, visit truwest.org/AutoSmart.

* In states without a sales tax, certain other fees and taxes may qualify for the deduction. See your tax advisor for details.** All loans subject to credit approval. Must be a TruWest member to qualify. A minimum deposit of $25 is required to become a member.

A minimum loan amount of $10,000 is required to receive $100 offer. 90 days free of car payments and $100 offer not valid on existing TruWest auto loans.

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Curb Smash-and-Grab Theft Brought to You by Nationwide Insurance®

A few surefire ways to lose your stuff: Park your car to quickly run into a store and forget your wallet or purse on the passenger seat. Or park your SUV at the trailhead for a few hours as you take in nature’s wonders and leave your CDs and change visible in the console. Or try that new Thai restaurant without your cell phone, which is sending out a four-bar steal-me signal from your dashboard.

Not only will you probably lose your stuff, you’ll make the auto-glass guy richer and spend weeks retrieving stray shards from your car’s interior. While you can’t deter smash-and-grab thieves entirely, there are a few simple steps you can take to minimize the likelihood you’ll fall victim to this annoying and often costly type of theft.

What They Can’t See Won’t Tempt ThemSmash-and-grabbers aren’t exactly criminal masterminds. Many are just casual opportunists, browsing secluded parking areas without a plan or acting on impulse. They see, they smash, they grab. Then they slink or run away. So keep your valuables either with you or out of sight. Things to avoid leaving on the seat, dash or floor:

• Purses and wallets • Laptop bags, briefcases and backpacks • Shopping bags • Cell phones, MP3 players and other small electronics • Loose change and CDs • Keys

Make Them UncomfortableMost theft is solitary work. The last thing thieves want is a crowd of onlookers with cell phones and pepper spray at the ready. So try to keep your car conspicuous:

• Park in busier lots and designated spaces near pedestrian and vehicle traffic

• If there’s a chance you’ll be away from your car after dusk, park in a well-lit area or near a lamppost

• Choose a parking lot with an attendant

Make Them Work for ItThe theft of small items from cars may yield the occasional bonanza (a wallet or laptop, for instance), but many thieves go for small items because of their inherent amusement value (your MP3 player or phone). What a thief wants is fun or a trickle of supplemental revenue for as little work as possible. By making your car a harder target for smash-and-grab theft, you make it less desirable. So:

• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows when you park

• Activate your security system if you have one • Consider window tinting (if permitted by local

laws), since it makes the act of casing your car more time-consuming and conspicuous

• Avoid using the console or glove box as mobile lockboxes, since these are obvious to thieves

Don’t Hand Them the KeysA key on the dash or in the ignition may propel the weak-willed or enterprising into outright auto theft. And keep in mind that if you have a great hiding place for a key – say, in your wheel well or above your sun visor – a thief has thought of it, too.

Preserve the mystery. While the trunk is better than the passenger compartment for shopping bags and laptops, an experienced thief will often stake out a parking lot and watch you transfer your valuables. Move things before you get to your destination, and you’re a step ahead of the game.

Be alert. See suspicious activity? Trust your instincts: Don’t park there. Don’t confront anyone yourself. If you’re really concerned, report your suspicions to an attendant or the police.

Because you’re a member of TruWest Credit Union, you may be eligible for special rates on Nationwide auto insurance. Visit truwest.org/Member Benefits and enter access code “trudifference” for more information.

There are a few simple steps you can take to minimize the likelihood you’ll fall victim to this annoying and often costly type of theft.

Test Your ID Theft IQYou might think identity theft can’t happen to you, but all of us make minor mistakes that could potentially open the door to identity thieves. Answer the following questions to test your identity theft IQ, then total your score.

1) I use a cross-cut shredder to destroy all pre-approved credit offers, convenience checks, balance transfer checks and mail that includes personal information. Yes = 3 No = 0

2) I provide my Social Security number when asked, without inquiring why it is necessary or how the information will be protected. Yes = 0 No = 3

3) My Social Security number can be found in my wallet or on my driver’s license or personal checks. Yes = 0 No = 3

4) I send and/or receive mail using an unlocked, unsecured mailbox. Yes = 0 No = 3

5) I only give out personal information in response to a telephone call or email that I initiated and know to be legitimate. Yes = 3 No = 0

6) When sharing personal information, I am conscious of people who may be trying to eavesdrop or glimpse my information. Yes = 2 No = 0

7) I have ordered a copy of my credit reports during the past year. Yes = 2 No = 0

8) When using the Internet, I make sure my firewall and antivirus software are updated. Yes = 2 No = 0

9) I immediately delete emails and hang up on phone calls from people I don’t know. Yes = 2 No = 0

10) I keep sensitive financial information and passwords in a locked or protected area of my home that can’t be accessed by visitors. Yes = 2 No = 0

Scoring 25-20: You’re at the head of the class!19-15: Consider brushing up on your ID theft prevention techniques.14 or below: As a member of TruWest, you have free access to the BALANCESM Financial Fitness Program, which offers educational information on identity theft. Visit truwest.org/BALANCE or call 1.888.456.2227 for more information.

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Debt vs. Savings: The Showdown

Remember: At TruWest Credit Union, we will NEVER ask for your account information in an email or an unsolicited telephone call.

It’s a dilemma many Americans face: should you pay off debt or focus on saving? If credit card bills are piling up fast, you may think saving for the future is out of the question. With a plan in place, it’s possible to pay off debt and build savings at the same time.

Tackling DebtA major step in reducing debt includes creating a budget and cutting expenses, which should leave you with more funds to apply toward your bills. It’s not necessary to ban all luxuries from your life. Instead, think of practical ways to save money. When paying off debt, it’s important to avoid placing more items on credit. If you want to reduce debt faster, make payments that exceed the minimum amount.

Building SavingsTrimming expenses can also leave you with more money to save. After paying your monthly credit card bills, put aside as much money as possible. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that an emergency fund is available should you need it. By focusing on a dual strategy, you’ll decrease debt, and with money saved, you won’t need to rely on credit.

TruWest Credit Union has lots of savings options to help you stay on track. Call 480.441.5900 (AZ), 512.996.4000 (TX) or toll-free 1.800.528.1441 for details.

TruWest Has Great Rates

TruWest Credit Union has some of the best rates in town and we have money to lend. TruWest is financially strong and we are well-capitalized with retained earnings well in excess of our regulatory capital requirements. We can help you find a loan that fits your needs – and your budget!

Rates current as of July 1, 2009, and are subject to change. A minimum $25 balance in Share Savings is required to be eligible for other services. * Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is based on monthly compounding. Call 480.441.5900 or 1.800.528.1441 for applicable fees and terms. † APR= Annual Percentage Rate. OAC. The rate listed is a variable rate based on the highest prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal and may increase after the loan is booked.

Life Cap of loan is 18%. The rate listed is the credit union’s best rate and reflects a 0.51% rate reduction for auto transfer payment. Your rate may be higher. The rate is determined by your individual creditworthiness and credit union parameters. Must be a TruWest member to qualify. There is a minimum deposit of $25 required to become a TruWest member.

†† OAC.

Test Your ID Theft IQ

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Decoding the Ponzi SchemeWhen news broke that investment advisor Bernard Madoff had allegedly swindled investors out of $50 billion in one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history, many people worried about their own investments. But what is a Ponzi scheme, and are you at risk?

Also known as a pyramid scheme, the fraudster lures unsuspecting investors to put up money – sometimes their entire life savings – with promises of big returns and no risk. But instead of investing the victim’s funds, the schemer uses the money to pay returns to previous investors. This “robbing Peter to pay Paul” method falls apart when the swindler flees with all the proceeds or when there aren’t enough new investors to reimburse the old ones.

Here are a few tips when searching for a reputable financial representative:

• Don’t just rely on recommendations from friends and family. Find out how long the financial representative has been in business and if there have been any complaints filed through your state’s securities regulator.

• Be wary of any investors pitching exotic or obscure financial products. Make sure you understand what you’re investing in.

• Stay away from any investors promising no risk and unusually high or steady returns.

Investment professionals from LPL Financial, located at TruWest Credit Union, are knowledgeable advisors who are here to help you with your everyday financial questions. Visit truwest.org/financial for more information.

Dividend Rates Investment Certificates APY*

(based on $20,000 min. deposit)

6-month 0.75%12-month 1.00%

24-month 1.25%

36-month 1.50%

60-month 2.25%TruWest offers additional tiers, as well as higher yielding IRA Investment Certificates. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees could reduce earnings.

Money Market Maximizer Minimum Balance APY*

$0 - $9,999 0.25%

$10,000 - $24,999 0.40%$25,000 - $49,999 0.40%

$50,000 - $99,999 0.75%$100,000 and over 0.80%

A minimum $1,000 initial deposit is required.

Share Savings

All balances 0.25%A minimum $25 balance in Share Savings is required to be eligible for other services.

Loan Rates

Home Equity Line of Credit As low as 4.24% APR†

Mortgages

Fixed rates as low as 4.774% APR††

Adjustable rates as low as 4.045% APR††

For more rates or to apply for any of these products, visit truwest.org or call 480.441.5900 (AZ), 512.996.4000 (TX), or toll-free 1.800.528.1441.

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Living on One Income vs. TwoWith unemployment levels near record highs,* many American families are shifting from a dual income lifestyle to a single income – and fast. While layoffs and economic unease can be exceptionally stressful, the outlook isn’t all bad. In fact, this may be just the motivation you need to implement a family budget, trim wasteful spending and devote more time to family. Even those who remain gainfully employed may benefit from spending less, saving more and taking a critical look at their finances.

The changes you make now could reap powerful advantages long after the economy improves. In addition to gaining a better perspective on your personal finances, you may also realize just how adaptable, supported and strong you are. The following tips may help you put a positive spin on your situation and outlook.

Draft a budget. We all know we should have one, but how many of us actually get around to making one? Well, here’s your chance. Start by calculating how much money you have coming in, then monitor your spending to determine how much you have flowing out. Now you can decide what expenses can stay and which ones need to go. Involving the entire family can help boost your budget’s chance of success.

Trim wasteful spending. It will be simple – perhaps even liberating – to cut some costs. Slashing that daily latte and lunch out with co-workers will improve your fiscal and physical picture. Cancelling your rarely used gym membership and vowing to be more active outdoors may save you monthly dues and improve your fitness level. And swapping weekly evenings out with friends for a potluck supper at home could create a more relaxing and fun atmosphere for bonding.

Hone your skills. If you were part of a mass layoff, your former employer may have resources available to you for education or career development, such as classes to improve your skills or memberships in professional organizations. Even if there are no such opportunities available, this could be a great time to pursue a different career or interest. Consider freelancing or consulting from home, exploring the feasibility of being a stay-at-home parent or working part-time.

Use online resources. In addition to being a mecca of job-hunting resources, the Internet can also help you save money on personal expenses. Sites like Craigslist.com, RetailMeNot.com and FatWallet.com** are a great way to find used items, coupons or discounts on merchandise.

Let Us HelpMake no mistake: There’s nothing fun about a layoff. But it can be an opportunity for professional, personal and financial growth. TruWest Credit Union can help you survive the rough times and position yourself for success once the economy rebounds. Our free and confidential BALANCESM Financial Fitness Program can help you develop a workable spending and savings plan and take control of your finances. To learn more about how we can assist you, visit truwest.org and click on BALANCE under the Education tab.

* Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.** Web sites are listed for information only. No endorsement is implied.

Who Can You Trust with Your Trust?TruWest Credit Union Expands Estate Planning Services!

Do you need a will or a trust? TruWest continues to work with local attorneys to help deliver comprehensive, professional solutions at discounted prices for our members. Estate planning is about more than just taxes. The goal is to protect your assets during your lifetime and distribute them according to your instructions when you die.

Of course, each person’s situation is unique and estate planning is an area where professional legal and tax advice is crucial. Estate planning can help you:

• Minimize death expenses• Avoid death taxes• Deliver assets to the proper people• Ease the burden on your heirs• Name a guardian for yourself, should you

become incapacitated

Some common estate planning tools include life insurance, wills and trusts,* and long-term care insurance. Good legal and financial advice and planning

can help relieve stress on your family and make sure your estate pays as little in taxes as possible.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this matter, please call 1.800.528.1441 for a free consultation with TruWest’s experienced team of financial professionals.

* LPL Financial Representatives offer access to Trust Services through The Private Trust Company, N.A., an affiliate of LPL Financial. Securities, insurance products and Investment Advisory Services are offered through LPL Financial and its affiliates, member FINRA/SIPC and an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. TruWest Credit Union is not a registered broker/dealer nor affiliated with LPL Financial.

TruWest Credit Union can help you survive the rough

times and position yourself for success once the economy rebounds.

Not NCUA Insured • No Credit Union Guarantee • May Lose Value

Five Unique Ways to Pay for College$Anyone who’s taken a peek at the latest higher education costs is probably wondering, “When did college start costing as much as a house?” Fortunately, there are ways to help pay for a college education. Here are just a few:

1 Seek scholarships. Full scholarships may be difficult to get, but there are plenty of small scholarships available from individual schools as well as community and fraternal organizations. Check out Web sites such as fastweb.com,

collegeboard.com and scholarships.com.*

2 Accumulate free credits. If your child takes advanced placement or international baccalaureate classes in high school, he or she may be able to test out of and get credit for certain college courses. Ask your student’s high

school guidance counselor or check with the college or university of your choice for credits they will accept.

3 Take the fast track. Although it may mean a lot of late nights, your child could load up on college credits during regular semesters, take summer classes and finish a degree in three years instead of four, saving an entire year’s worth of

tuition, room and board costs.

4 Transfer. Many students are finding that they can significantly cut the cost of higher education by spending their first two years at a relatively inexpensive community college and then transferring to a more prestigious four-year college

to complete their degrees.

5 Find a free ride. Some colleges offer free tuition in exchange for work on campus or volunteer work, but there may be other requirements, such as residency, test scores or financial need. A few high-profile colleges and

universities, including Harvard and Stanford, have announced they won’t charge tuition to qualified students whose family income is below a certain level.

Save and BorrowYour best bet for covering college costs may be to do it the old-fashioned way – start saving now. Coverdell education savings accounts and 529 savings plans can help you save on a tax-advantaged basis.** And if grants, scholarships and savings fall short of your needs, TruWest Credit Union can help. We offer subsidized and unsubsidized student loans to help you reach your goal! For more information, contact TruWest at 480.441.5900 (AZ), 512.996.4000 (TX) or toll-free 1.800.528.1441.

* Web sites are for information only. No endorsement is implied.** Eligibility restrictions apply. Nonqualified distributions are subject to ordinary income tax and a 10% tax penalty. Consult a tax advisor for

more information.

Mortgage Forecast – Smart Moves to Make in 20092008 was not a good year in the housing market. The word “foreclosure” dominated the news, and even many homeowners who were making their payments found themselves underwater on their loans due to falling home values. This year, unfortunately, is not expected to be much better. However, there are a few sunny spots in the 2009 mortgage forecast.

New Homebuyers Jumping Into the MarketWith rates as low as they are and home prices at affordable levels, the mantra is “now is a great time to buy a house.” In 2009, many may heed this advice. New homebuyers are expected to enter the market in 2009, but lenders are enforcing stricter qualification guidelines. A qualified buyer will likely need a high credit score and a down payment to get a mortgage. At TruWest Credit Union, we can help you run the numbers and see what works best for you.

$8,000 First-Time Homebuyer Tax CreditIf you’re house hunting for the first time, you may get an extra boost this year. The government’s new stimulus plan includes an $8,000 tax credit for first- time homebuyers. You may qualify if you meet the following criteria:

• Be a first-time homebuyer, or a “buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase”

• Purchase the home between January 1 and December 1, 2009

• Have a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) below $95,000 for an individual or $170,000 for a married couple filing jointly

• Use the home as your primary home

• Live in the home for at least three years after the purchase date

• Pay $80,000 or more for the home. (If the house costs less than that, you can claim a credit for 10% of the purchase price)

For more information on TruWest’s mortgage program, visit truwest.org or call 480.441.5900 (AZ), 512.996.4000 (TX) or toll-free 1.800.528.1441. To learn more about the $8,000 tax credit, visit irs.gov and search for first-time homebuyer credit.

With rates as low as they are and home prices at affordable levels, the mantra is “now is a great time to buy a house.”

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Cut Energy Costs This Summer

This publication does not constitute legal, accounting or other professional advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither the publisher nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this material. Images may be from one or more of these sources: ©Jupiterimages, ©Getty Images, ©iStock, ©SnapVillage. ©2009 Priority Publications, Inc. priorityresults.com

P.O. Box 3489, Scottsdale, AZ 85271truwest.org

As temperatures continue to rise, here are a few ways to stay cool during the summer.

Keep lamps and TVs far from the thermostat. These items exude heat, which can ultimately cause your air conditioner to run overtime. Place standing lamps and televisions across the room if you can and consider switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, which generate less heat, last longer and use less energy than incandescent bulbs.

Insulate intelligently. You know the feeling – somehow it always seems 10 degrees hotter upstairs than in your living room. Reduce the amount of heat that warms your home by insulating your attic. This will prevent the heat that builds up on the roof from filtering down into the rest of the house.

Get window wise. If you can’t afford to replace all your windows with energy-efficient ones, close your curtains and blinds during the day to prevent the sun from beating into the rooms and needlessly warming your home.

Make use of your microwave. While the microwave can’t replace your oven, using it will help you cut down on the amount of heat generated, which also helps lower your air conditioning bill. Another alternative is to enjoy the summer weather after the sun starts to go down and grill your dinner!

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Lamps and TVs exude heat, which can ultimately cause your air conditioner to run overtime.