A Look Back, A Look ForwardStart the New Year Saving $$$

Annual Meeting NoticeTax Time Information

Financial PlanningVisa Debit Card Information

2 • InvesTex News

2014 was another outstanding year at InvesTex Credit Union and we’re looking forward to

continuing to serve our members to the fullest in 2015. It’s you, our members, that drive us

to succeed every day.

InvesTex assets have grown to $180 million, 5.88% over last year, with membership now at

over 27,000. We are continuing to improve our existing products and services, as well as add

new ones. 2014 saw the launch of a new website and enhanced home banking, Financial

Services with SWBC, Debit Card Self-Service, and Docusign , our electronic signature service.

Soon, our mobile app will feature the ability to submit a loan application. Whether near or

far, daylight or midnight, we’re making ourselves as accessible to you as possible.

Our greatest pride comes in the savings we’ve been able to offer our members and their

families through our competitively-priced loans, low or no fees, great promotions, and every

day conveniences.

Our outstanding employees and a number of our members joined us in our continued

support of the community with efforts such as donating gift cards, toys, and time to multiple

schools and school districts, the YMCA and Toys for Tots. We also participated in multiple Star

of Hope Mission drives.

We want to take this time to thank you for your membership and wish you a wonderful 2015!

Now that the hectic holiday season is behind you, take the time to save yourself some money. Reduce monthly loan payments,

pay down high credit card balances and free up cash with these great offers at InvesTex:

$300 Cash Back on Auto & Signature Loans!1

New InvesTex Loans or Loans Refinanced from Another Institution

Receive $300 cash back for every $25,000 financed, on top of our already great deals. The $25,000 can be a combination of one or more vehicle and/or signature loans

refinanced from another institution, and/or new/used vehicle purchases!

Special Signature Loan Rate3

$10,000 Signature Loan • 60 Month Term • 6.00% APR2

A signature loan from InvesTex Credit Union gives you the freedom to do almost anything you please!

7.9% APR2 MasterCard Platinum Credit Card No Balance Transfer Fee! Transfer your current credit card balances into our low-rate Platinum MasterCard to pay off your balances faster. The Savings Continue

•Same Low Rates on New, Used or Refinanced Vehicles•No Payment for the First 90 Days4

•Skip-a-Payment Offers Twice a Year4

Do you owe more than your car is worth? No worries. Give us a call to see how we can help you with your loan.

1$300 cash back for every $25,000 financed will be deposited into your InvesTex Credit Union Savings Account at the time of the loan closing. Minimum $25,000 must be financed to receive the $300. Internal refinances not eligible. May combine vehicle and signature loans to reach minimum $25,000. Offer valid through 01/31/2015. 2APR means Annual Percentage Rate. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Lone Star Rewrads Discount included. Risk Based Pricing Notice: The Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) are quoted “as low as” depending on the applicant’s individual credit history. Rates quoted are based on approved credit. Your APR may be higher based on your credit information obtained from consumer reporting agencies InvesTex uses. Credit Card changes require 45 days advance notice. 3Minimum $10,000 for a maximum term of 60 months. Offer valid through 04/30/2015. InvesTex Credit Union reserves the right to change or cancel the promotion at any time without notice. 4Available on most loans and must qualify.

Vehicle Loan Ratesas low as

• 2.29% APR2 (36 month term)• 2.59% APR2 (48 month term)• 2.89% APR2 (60 month term)• Extended Terms Available

Signature Loan Ratesas low as

• 6.49% APR2 (6 month term)• 6.99% APR2 (12 month term)• 7.49% APR2 (24 month term)• Extended Terms Available

•Consolidate Debts•Home Improvements

•Vacation•You Choose!

Winter 2015 • 3

4 • InvesTex News

InvesTex Credit Union will hold its Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 7:00pm. The Annual Meeting will be held at the M.O. Campbell Center (Aldine ISD) which is located at 1865 Aldine Bender Road, Houston, Texas 77032. This year, there are three positions open for election on the Board of Directors. A Nominating Committee, appointed by the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, has nominated one member for each Board position to be filled. The three positions, the terms for each position and the three nominees are as follows:

Position2 (3 year term)Cathy Paraschos (incumbent)

Position 3 (3 year term)Dr. Bob Williams (incumbent)

Position 1 (3 year term)Elliott Lansford (incumbent)

A brief statement of qualifications and biographical data for each of the nominees is included with this notice on the next page. Further nominations may be made by official petition signed by 271 eligible members. Official petitions, Director Application and Agreement to Serve, and the Rules and Instructions for the Completion of the Official Petition may be obtained by contacting the Credit Union President located at 905 Aldine Bender, Houston, Texas 77032, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Official petitions must be completed in full compliance with the election rules as set forth in the rules and instructions for the completion of the official petition and must include each signer’s signature and printed name, the last 4 digits of the signer’s member number, and the signer’s complete address and telephone number. Members who are 18 years of age or older and who meet certain requirements under the Texas Finance Code and Regulations of the Texas Credit Union Commission are eligible for

election. Official petitions must be accompanied by a signed statement

from the nominee that he or she is agreeable to the nomination and will accept

office if elected and should also include a brief statement of qualifications and biographical data. Elected officials are legally responsible for the fiscal integrity of the Credit Union and for compliance with State and Federal laws. Official petitions and the Director Application and Agreement to Serve form must be filed with the Secretary of the Board of Directors at the Credit Union office which is located at 905 Aldine Bender, Houston, TX 77032, by 4 p.m. on February 20, 2015, which is the closing date for receiving nominations by petition. If no official petitions are received by 4 p.m. on February 20, 2015, there will be no election by ballot and no nominations from the floor. When only one member is nominated for each position to be filled, each nominee shall be deemed elected by general consent or acclamation. If there is more than one nominee for any position, the election shall be by mail ballot and the Secretary of the Board of Directors shall cause printed ballots to be mailed to members eligible to vote. In such event, the election shall be determined by plurality vote. We look forward to your attendance at the Annual Meeting this year.

Annual Meeting TicketsAdults - $5Children Under 12 - $3

Tickets must be purchased byApril 20th from anyof our 6 branchlocations.

Winter 2015

As tax time approaches, please remember to use our routing number – 313082838 – when you file your taxes electronically. You will need this number and your member number to have your tax refunds deposited to your account at InvesTex Credit Union. Visit the Internal Revenue Service website (www.irs.gov) to find out what’s new this tax season and to get additional tax filing information and forms. Save up to $15 on TurboTax®This year, accomplish something you never thought possible – do your own taxes. With TurboTax, you can be confident they’ll be done right. Plus, InvesTex members save up to $15 on TurboTax federal products. Visit InvesTexCU.org to get started with TurboTax today and save! Don’t forget to take advantage of available tax deductions by opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or IRA Certificate of Deposit at InvesTex before the IRS filing deadline this year. Also, consider a Home Equity loan with InvesTex. The interest from Home Equity Loans is potentially tax deductible (verify with your tax advisor). Rates are at historic lows, so take advantage today by visiting us online or simply giving us a call.

Board of Director Nominees Ms. Catherine Paraschos currently serves as the Chairperson. A long-time member, she joined InvesTex Credit Union in 1976 and began serving as a volunteer on the board in 1981. Ms. Paraschos is retired from Aldine ISD, serving the school district over 30 years.

Dr. Bob Williams, who joined InvesTex Credit Union in 1970, serves the membership as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors and has held a Board position since 1997. Dr. Williams retired from Lone Star College System (Cy-Fair) in 2011, serving the college for more than 30 years. Dr. Williams currently consults with community colleges regarding strategic, facility, and operational planning. Mr. Elliott Lansford, who joined InvesTex Credit Union in 1975, joined the Board in 1996. After retiring from Aldine ISD, Mr. Lansford accepted a position with Texas Tech University, where he retired after 15 years.

Winter 2015 • 5

6 • InvesTex News

The Board of Directors has once again approved the awarding of six $1,000 Scholarships. The Board and all of us at InvesTex recognize the importance of higher education. We are proud to make these scholarships available. Here are the requirements and application information for the scholarships: ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

•Applicants must be a primary member of InvesTex Credit Union. A primary member is defined as a credit union member with a share/savings account established in his/her own name.

•Applicants’ account must be in good standing.•Applicants must be a high school senior.•Applicants must plan on attending an accredited college, community college, university,

or technical school.•InvesTex Credit Union full-time employees, Board Members, and their immediate family

are not eligible for consideration.•Applications are available online at InvesTexCU.org and at any InvesTex location.•Return completed application by March 6, 2015 to InvesTex Credit Union, Attention:

Jana Gonzales, 905 Aldine Bender, Houston, Texas 77032.•All submitted applications become property of InvesTex Credit Union and will not be

returned. Scholarship recipients will be notified by phone, published in the InvesTex Credit Union newsletter and announced during the Annual Meeting on April 23, 2015.

InvesTex Mobile Banking AppAre you using the ITCU mobile app? Know about all the great things you can do 24/7 us-ing the app? We’ll give you a quick overview of the many features and benefits that make this app – available for Apple and Android devices – so great and convenient. The #1 benefit – it’s FREE!

All the basics are covered:•View account balances & transactions•Transfer money – between your ac-

counts, as well as to other ITCU mem-bers

•Report a lost or stolen debit or credit card

•Find a branch•Contact us

The extras are pretty spectacular:•Deposit checks•Set up security alerts•Select English or Spanish for your pre-

ferred language•Submit a loan application (coming

soon)

Winter 2015 • 7

Financial Plan?Do You Have One?Start Now! Provided by George Torruella with SWBC(located in your InvesTex Credit Union)

Look at your expenses and your debt. Can anycore expenses be reduced? You position yourselfto gain ground financially when income rises, debtdiminishes and expenses decrease or stay (relatively) the same.

Maybe you should pay your debt first, maybe not. Some debt is “good” debt. Of course, paying off debts, paying down balances and restricting new debt all works toward improving your FICO score.

Implement or refine an investment strategy. You’re not going to retire solely on the elective deferrals from your paycheck; you’re going retire (hopefully) on the interest that those accumulated assets earn over time, plus the power of compounding.

Manage the money you make. If you want to build more wealth this year or in the near future, don’t neglect the risk management strategy that could be instrumental in helping you retain it. Risk management should be part of your overall financial plan.

Request professional guidance for the wealth you are (or could be) growing. A good financial professional should help to educate you about the principles of wealth building and ways to protect your wealth. Start now. Start small or big but do start this month. This is not a New Year’s resolution to let slide over and over. Building a nest egg to supplement your retirement income is key to a satisfying retirement.

George Torruella may be reached at 281-506-1268 or gtorruella@swbc.com.

Securities offered through SWBC Investment Services, LLC, a registered broker/dealer. Member FINRA & SIPC. Advisory services offered through SWBC Investment Company, a Registered Investment Advisor. SWBC Investment Services, LLC & SWBC Investment Company are not affiliated with this institution. *NO CREDIT UNION GUARANTEE *NOT NCUSIF INSURED *MAY LOSE VALUE

Mortgage Rates Remain Low Mortgage rates are still low, but are projected to rise throughout 2015. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to finance your home at a great rate through InvesTex. Whether you’re a first time home buyer, looking to move, or love where you’re at but are ready to refinance, we can help! Visit our website – InvesTexCU.org – for the day’s daily rate, apply online, give us a call, or stop by any of our branches.

Rates are low for Home Equity loans as well! Use the equity in your home to take a vacation, pay off debt, make home improvements, or almost anything else you’d like.

September, October, November andDecember 2014

• Donated gift cards to Vines EC Pre-K Center/Aldine ISD

• Donated gift cards to Lewis Middle School/Aldine ISD

• Donated gift cards to Grantham Middle School/Aldine ISD

• Participated in the Hinojosa EC Pre-K Center Fall Festival/Aldine ISD

• Donated gift cards to Helms Elementary/Houston ISD

• Sponsored the Humble ISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament

• Donated gift cards to Humble High School/Humble ISD

• Donated gift cards, games and sports balls to Park Lakes Elementary/Humble ISD

• Sponsored the Klein ISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament

• Donated gift cards to Nitsch Elementary/Klein ISD

• Sponsored the Spring ISD Education Foundation Golf Tournament

• Donated gift cards and bikes to Lewis Elementary/Spring ISD

• Donated gift cards to Tomball Memorial High School/Tomball ISD

• Sponsored the Lone Star College System Foundation Golf Tournament

• Participated in the Stage Stores and Fiesta Mart Annual Employee Health Fairs

8 • InvesTex News

Spring 2014Winter 2015 • 9

ATM Safety Tips Throughout the new year and beyond, InvesTex Credit Union urges you to exercise caution when using an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM); especially at night. Follow these basic guidelines to protect yourself:

•Memorize your PIN and never reveal it to anyone.•Keep your card in a safe place, as you would cash

or credit cards. Notify InvesTex immediately if your ATM/Debit Card is lost or stolen.

•Utilize an ATM located inside an open business whenever possible.

•Choose a well-lit ATM for evening transactions and park nearby or stay in your car if you use the drive-thru. If you do not feel secure, use another ATM.

•Always be aware of suspicious persons or vehicles in the area of the ATM. Trust your gut feeling. If things don’t feel right, avoid that ATM.

•Have your card out and ready to use before leaving your car.•If others are waiting to use the ATM, be sure you enter your PIN out of their view.•When you receive your cash, pocket it immediately and count it later in a safe place.

Remember the money is not worth getting hurt over.•Always take your receipt with you.•Do not discuss your accounts with anyone.•Report all robberies to police as soon as possible by calling 911.

Please report any damage of lighting or security cameras to InvesTex or to the institution whose ATM you are using. These simple tips will help you enjoy the convenience of access-ing cash 24/7 using your FREE InvesTex Visa Debit Card (with FREE Checking). In addition to the 13 FREE InvesTex ATM locations, you have access to nearly 30,000 Surcharge-Free ATM locations nationwide that is part of the CO-OP ATM Network. Find a CO-OP ATM near you by visiting our website or anyone of the following options:

•Download the CO-OP ATM app (iPhone or Android)•Text (SMS message) a zip code, street address, or “City State” to 692667

(my coop)•Call 1-888-SITE-CO-OP (888-748-3266)

Security Corner Identity Theft is one of the most prevalent crimes we’re faced with today. Our own em-ployees have been targets of Identity Theft and we want to share their stories so you’ll know to be cautious if anything similar happens to you. One scam is that you’ll receive an email that appears to be from a reputable retailer stating that your order is ready and you just need to enter your credit card number to complete it. Remember, when you place an order online, you enter your card information upon check-out; you will not be emailed for payment info later. Another attempted scam happened to our CEO. He received a phone call one day stating that his credit card had been compromised and they were requesting the full card number to verify. A call which was not initiated by the CEO. If fraud is suspected on one of your cards, you’ll never be asked for your card number when the call is legitimate. Please, don’t give out any personal information or card information if you are targeted by either of these scams, or anything else you feel is suspicious. If you’re unsure, ask for a number you can call back at a later time, or contact us directly.

10 • InvesTex News

Non-Visa Transaction Processing Last year, we enabled non-Visa debit transaction processing. This means you may use your Visa-branded debit card on a PIN-Debit Network* (a non-Visa network) without using a PIN. The non-Visa debit network(s) for which such transactions are enabled are: ACCEL/Exchange Networks, COOP Network or Plus. Examples of the types of actions that you may be required to make to initiate a Visa trans-action on your Visa-branded debit card include signing a receipt, providing a card number over the phone or via the Internet, or swiping the card through a point-of-sale terminal. Remember, this is a transaction that you would have initiated. Examples of the types of actions you may be required to make to initiate a transaction on a PIN-Debit Network include initiating a payment directly with the biller (possibly via tele-phone, Internet, or kiosk locations), responding to a logo displayed at a payment site and choosing to direct payment through using known information derived from an existing relationship with you instead of through use of a PIN. The provisions of your agreement with us relating only to Visa transactions are not appli-cable to non-Visa transactions. For example, the additional limits on liability (sometimes referred to as Visa’s zero-liability program) and the streamlined error resolution proce-dures offered on Visa debit card transactions are not applicable to transactions processed on a PIN-Debit Network. *Visa Rules generally define PIN-Debit Network as a non-Visa debit network that typically authenticates transactions by use of a personal identification number (PIN) but that is not generally known for having a card program.

Fee Schedule Changes

The Federal Reserve Bank has allowed an extension on the use of the StarTrust FCU routing number, but charges a fee for these items to be processed. The $10.00 fee per transaction of each item cleared - including ACH, paper checks, and electronic drafts/transactions - goes into effect March 1, 2015.

This will mostly affect members who were with StarTrust Federal Credit Union and have yet to switch over their information.

To avoid this fee, please ensure that your direct deposits are set up through routing number 313082838, that you’re using checks with this routing number, etc.

Winter 2015 • 11

1Vehicle must be financed using standard financing terms through InvesTex Credit Union to qualify for payment offer. Member assumes responsibility for making the first loan payment on the agreed due date. Enterprise Car Sales will reimburse up to $350 of the first payment amount into your InvesTex Credit Union savings account. Please allow up to 4 weeks after vehicle is financed through InvesTex Credit Union for reimbursement to occur. Offer void when 7-day Repurchase Agreement is activated. Offer valid 12/1/14 – 3/31/15. No cash advances. Offer not valid for previous Enterprise purchases or with any other offer. *Restrictions apply. For details, see an Enterprise Car Sales Manager. **Enterprise 12-Month Unlimited Mileage Roadside Assistance Package is provided by the American Automobile Association (AAA) and its affiliated clubs in the United States and Canada. The “e” logo, Enterprise “The Perfect Used Car Package,” “Borrow Smart. Buy Smart.” and “Haggle-free buying. Worry-free ownership.” are trademarks of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 Enterprise Car Sales F02281 BSBS DI 11/14 DB

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