April-June 2007

IN THIS ISSUE

Message from Dan•

Request a topic•

Helpful tips for home repairs and remodeling

•…and more!

CONTACT US(AZ) 480.441.5900

(TX) 512.996.4000

Toll-free 800.528.1441

truwest.org

HOLIDAYCLOSURES

May 28Memorial Day

TruWest is proud to bring national radio host and consumer advocate Clark Howard to TheValley. Clark will be speaking at TruWest’s Annual Meeting Thursday, April 26 at the SanMarcos Crowne Plaza Resort in Chandler, AZbeginning at 5:30 p.m.

Admission to our Annual Meeting is FREE; all you need is to be a TruWest member.

You won’t want to miss this great event!

• Board of Directors election announcement

• Scholarship winners presentation

• Guest Speaker, Clark Howard

• Refreshments*

Reserve your seat today.480.441.5900SeeClark.com

Please note that only valid TruWestCredit Union members are eligibleto attend our annual meeting. $25shared savings deposit requiredto open new membership.

*While supplies last.

Thursday, April 26San Marcos

Crowne Plaza Resort

One San Marcos PlaceChandler, AZ 85225

Changing for the betterYou may have noticed that we’ve been makingsome changes at TruWest. I want to assure youthat the changes we make are always in the bestinterest of our members and the Credit Union. Forexample, the recent changes to our Visa programwere made to increase service capabilities,improve its competitiveness and enhance theoverall security of the system. Unfortunately,during the process of changing over, somemembers were affected by the elimination ofcertain service options offered through ourprevious program. Your patience during thischange is much appreciated. The good news isthat our new Visa program includes specialbalance transfer offers, 24/7 customer serviceand more!

Another change we’ve unveiled is the newtruwest.org Web site! Before we startedredesigning it, we evaluated comments submittedby TruWest members and employees, as well asresearch based on several other world-classWeb sites to help us develop the new look andnavigation. We even launched a test (beta) site tomembers and our staff and asked for feedback.What we got in return was glowing reviews andadditional suggestions to make it even better. I’mpleased that so many of you are already enjoyingthe new site, and if you haven’t taken a look yet, Iencourage you to visit truwest.org today.

Vote 2007The time of year has come again for TruWest toconduct our Board of Directors election andAnnual Meeting. Both events demonstrate acredit union’s uniqueness among other financialinstitutions. Because each TruWest member isalso part-owner of the Credit Union, you eachhave an equal voice in deciding who will bestrepresent you on our board. I invite you to join usfor our Annual Meeting in Arizona on April 26 tohear the election results and to listen to our guestspeaker, national radio host and consumeradvocate Clark Howard.

Here we grow againTruWest is celebrating two new branches inArizona! Our McCormick and Gilbert brancheshave been added to our growing number ofconvenient locations. We are continually lookingfor ways to make your TruWest experience better,and I am happy to announce these two newbranches. Be sure to mark your calendar for April28 to visit our grand opening event at our newGilbert branch. You won’t want to miss out on thegreat specials, free refreshments and giveaways.

A message from

The President/CEO

Dan Desmond,President/CEO

Part of the TruDifference is consistently offering great rates on our loan anddeposit products. Check these out! (Rates current as of March 12, 2007 and aresubject to change.)

For more rates or to apply for any of theseproducts, visit truwest.org or call (AZ)480.441.5900, (TX) 512.996.4000 or toll-free800.528.1441.

$5,000 - and over 1.25%

Stop searching for great rates!

Minimum Balance APY*

$0 - $9,999 1.10%

$10,000 - $24,999 1.50%

$25,000 - $49,999 1.80%

$50,000 - $99,999 1.90%

$100,000 – and over 2.00%

Money Market Checking

Minimum Balance APY*

$0 - $9,999 1.00%

$10,000 - $24,999 3.75%

$25,000 - $49,999 4.00%

$50,000 - $99,999 4.25%

$100,000 – and over 4.50%

Money Market Maximizer

Dividend Rates Loan Rates

TruWest offers additional tiers, as well ashigher yielding IRA Investment Certificates.

(A minimum of $5,000 initial deposit is required.)

(A minimum initial deposit of $1,000 is required.)

(A minimum $25 balance in Share Savings isrequired to be eligible for other services.)

Share Savings APY*

$0 - $4,999 1.00%

Home Equity Line of Credit

As low as 6.74% APR** Intro†,7.74% APR thereafter

Mortgages

Fixed rates as low as 5.50% APR††

Adjustable rates as low as 5.25% APR††

* APY’s are based on monthly compounding. Call 480.441.5900or 800.528.1441 for applicable fees and terms.

** OAC. APR is a variable rate based on the highest prime rateas published in the Wall Street Journal and may increaseafter the loan is booked. Life cap of loan is 18%.

† 6 month intro rate available for a maximum of 80% Loan toValue, minimum loan $20,000.

†† On approved credit.

Investment Certificates(based on $20,000 deposit)

6 & 24, 36 and 60 month

12 month

APY*

5.05%

5.10%

truwest.org gets a makeoverHave you checked out the new look of truwest.org? You askedfor enhanced functionality and greater ease of use, and we’repleased to deliver.

The site now has a new and improved navigation bar, a sharedATM and branch locator search, a comprehensive database ofFAQs, new product information, easy to read rate charts andmore! We also recommend that you check out the humorousbank vs. credit union clips we have posted on our Credit UnionDifference page (under TruDifference and How to Join).

If you haven’t checked it out, visit truwest.org today! If you’vealready experienced the difference, be sure to check back oftenfor new updates and special offers.

What would you do with 1 million reward points?Congratulations to Paul Winebarger of Austin, Texas! He is thefirst winner of TruWest’s Million Reward Points giveaway.

When asked how he plans to use his points, Paul said, “The whole family is excited about winning the TruWest MillionPoints Giveaway. We are planning on using our points for aspecial vacation, but haven't yet made up our minds on whereto go. Check back in a few months and I'll update you whilepulling a frosty beverage from our new 18.2 cubic foot Whirlpoolrefrigerator. Thanks A Million... (points) TruWest!”

How would you like to be the winner of one million rewardpoints? Visit MillionRewards.ORG for more details on our nextgiveaway. Be sure to stay tuned for the announcement of ournext winner!

Spring is in the air! You know what that means. That’s right!

It’s time to fix up the house. Nice weather and home repairs

seem to go hand in hand. During Spring, the home repair

stores get busier, the plant nurseries and tree farms are

bustling and the specialty fix-it companies catch the eyes of

people who want to enjoy the weather by going out instead

of staying in to remodel their home themselves. If you’re

planning on being a fixer-upper this Spring, here are some

useful tips that can help you along the way. (Even if you’re

not, these tips can come in handy in the future.)

• If you are hiring a contractor to do your home repairs, don’t

blindly take the lowest bid. Low bidders may be offering a

great deal. Or, they might be inexperienced or – worse –

prone to taking shortcuts. Make sure you call around to get

a few more bids and compare each company’s services.

You can also call around to your friends and see if they have

recommendations. If you prefer to search on the Web, you

can visit www.servicemagic.com.

• Not all contractors operate within the law. Here are some

tip-offs to potential rip-offs. A less than reputable

contractor solicits door-to-door; only accepts cash

payments; asks you to get the required building permits;

does not list a business number in the local telephone

directory; asks you to

pay for the entire job up-

front; or suggests that you

borrow money from a lender

the contractor knows.

• Before starting a project, look

ahead and find out what to

expect before, during and after

the process. Home improvement

projects can be a big event, and it

can all run a lot smoother when you have

a plan to follow.

• Make sure you get the most bang for your buck by using the

equity in your home to make your improvement plans come

to life! And of course, you’ll want to do your research on

which home equity loan is best for you. TruWest’s Home

Heroes will be happy to talk to you about your options and

give you one of the best rates in town*.

A little education can go a long way and we hope you’ll find

these tips useful in your planning process.

*All loans subject to credit approval.

Helpful tips for home-repairs and remodeling

Do you have a great idea for a topic?This is your newsletter. As member-owners of TruWestCredit Union, you helped us rename the newsletter, andnow we’re asking you to let us know what financial topicsyou’d like to learn more about.

We are dedicated to ensuring that your financial needs are

kept at the forefront of everything we do. This is just anotherway we’re helping you Experience the TruDifference.

Email us at marketing@truwest.org today with yourfinancial topics, and you could see it included in anupcoming newsletter!

When planning for retirement, you are faced with a number ofoptions on how to reach your goal. TruWest and CUE FinancialGroup, Inc. can help you understand the pros and consassociated with each option. Together we can determine thebest way to meet your objectives.

Join us for one of our upcoming seminars in Arizona.

THURSDAY APRIL 19• 6 p.m., Embassy Suites

4400 S. Rural Road, Tempe

SATURDAY APRIL 21• 10 a.m., Crowne Plaza Resort

One San Marcos Place, Chandler

• 10 a.m., Park Plaza Hotel & Resort2641 W. Union Hills Drive, Phoenix

• 10 a.m., Hilton Tucson East7600 E. Broadway, Tucson

TUESDAY APRIL 24• 6 p.m., Sheraton Tucson

5151 E. Grant Road, Tucson

Call today and ask to speak to a TruWest Financial Advisor toreserve a seat at any of these upcoming seminars!

Mutual funds, annuities and other investments available through CUE FinancialGroup, Inc. member NASD and SIPC. Registered Representatives of andsecurities are offered through CUE Financial Group, Inc., member NASD andSIPC. TruWest Credit Union is not an affiliate of CUE Financial Group, Inc.Investments are not insured by NCUA, NCUSIF or any Federal GovernmentAgency, are not a deposit, may lose value and carry no Credit Union guarantee.

Creating aroadmap to yourretirement

CU Service Centers®

Need a branch, but can’t make it to TruWest? Just look for theswirl and you’ll know that you have access to your TruWestaccount. There are more than 2,300 locations in 46 states,Puerto Rico, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Germany.

Just remember, you need three things when you visit a CU Service Center location:1. The name of your Credit Union (TruWest)2. Your Account Number at TruWest3. A current, un-expired valid U.S. Government issued picture

I.D. with signature

Visit cuswirl.com for more details or go to truwest.org tolocate a CU Service Center near you.

Join us Saturday, April 28 as we celebrate the opening of ournewest community branch in Gilbert, Arizona! Our grand openingevent kicks off at 9 a.m. and will include free food, giveaways andgreat grand opening specials.

You and your family won't want to miss the Radio Disney Rockin'Road show beginning at 10:30 a.m. Plus, see Jan D'Atri and Mommaas they do their show live from our branch starting at 2 p.m.

207 E. Williams Field Rd., Suite 104 (Corner of Williams Field andGilbert Roads, inside the Fry's shopping center)

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It’s always a good time to take a step back

and evaluate your financial goals. Do you

have loan payments with high interest

rates that you could consolidate into one

affordable monthly payment? Perhaps

you have a child who you’re trying to

figure out how to put through

college. Or maybe retirement is

creeping up quicker than you thought

and you need advice on how to plan for

your future. No matter what your needs are, TruWest can

help you get your ducks in a row.

Take a “gander” at GetMyDucksInARow.ORG today andlearn more about how TruWest can help.

Get your ducks in a row!

Grand opening celebration

The “New Math” of Taking Income in Retirement

Historically, in the days when retirement defined benefitplans (pensions) were common, retirees' primary financialconcerns were protecting their principal and generatingmoderate growth to outpace inflation. With the demise ofpensions came a different set of concerns. The obligationand risk of providing a life long consistent income isshifting from the employer to the employee as evidencedby the increasing growth of defined contribution plans, i.e.401(k)s and IRAs.

Taking on this risk only adds to the many challenges thatretirees face, including such uncertainties as investmentrisk and rising medical and extended care costs. Othervariables add to the uncertainty of taking income or “thedistribution phase” of income planning. Included in thesevariables are (a) time horizon, (b) investment return, (c)withdrawal rates, (d) inflation, (e) taxes and (f) longevity.

To keep it at its most simplistic: most retirees should look togenerate about 4%-5% maximum income from theirinvestment nest eggs if they want to eliminate thelikelihood of outliving their income. In this new math ofretirement income, you also need to be concerned about

having a compound loss. If you have a significant loss ofprincipal in any given year, let’s say 20%, plus you’re taking5% income distributions, all of a sudden your portfolio isdown 25%. In order to get back to even, you would have togenerate 50% in the next year.

To summarize, preserving principal through your lifetime andgenerating income that keeps pace with inflation are thegoals of the “New Math” in retirement. You may want to talkto your TruWest Credit Union Financial Advisor to make sureyou are on track for a prosperous and peaceful retirement.

If you’d like more information, I invite you to visittruwest.org for the expanded version of this discussion, orcall a TruWest Financial Advisor today.

Michael R. MelbyPresident & CEOCUE Financial Group, Inc.

TruWest’s Senior Management: Daniel F. Desmond, President and Chief Executive Officer; Alan Althouse, Executive Vice President and ChiefFinancial Officer; Doug Lake, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer; Gary Bernard, Senior Vice President and Chief OperationsOfficer; Tom Gessel, Senior Vice President and Technology Officer.

On the Money: Copyright 2007, TruWest Credit Union, P.O. Box 3489, Scottsdale, AZ 85271Editor: Mandy Tenud

Officials: Board of Directors: Tom Cummiskey, Chairman; Jeff Homer, Vice-Chairman; Rich Hill, Secretary; and Dave Prechtel, Treasurer.Board members at large: Bill Fulton, Scott Johs, Michael Moulton, Tim Niesz and Dan Price. Supervisory Committee: Scott Johs, Chairman;Victor Berrios and Maximilian Steinbuchel.

American

Share

Insurance

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

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EPrinted on recycled paper.

Mutual funds, annuities and other investments available through CUE Financial Group, Inc. member NASD and SIPC. Registered Representatives of and securities are offered through CUEFinancial Group, Inc., member NASD and SIPC. TruWest Credit Union is not an affiliate of CUE Financial Group, Inc. Investments are not insured by NCUA, NCUSIF or any Federal GovernmentAgency, are not a deposit, may lose value and carry no Credit Union guarantee.

On CUE with Mike Melby