Alan Allred, NMLS 1816206

Finding your happy place is easier than ever with a Keesler Federal Land Loan:
• Down payments as low as 10%
• 15-year term
• Loan amounts from $10,000 to $250,000
• No early prepayment penalties
• Residential sites of 25 acres or less
Learn more and take the first steps towards happiness at Land Loans - https://www.kfcu.org/land-loans/
Membership and credit eligibility required. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS # 408911

This Monday, our offices will be closed for Memorial Day as we remember and honor those who have served. We will return bright and early Tuesday morning and you can access your account 24/7 via the Keesler Federal app or at KFCU.org.

Wishing all of the amazing moms out there an incredibly happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Keesler Federal!

Happy to all the dedicated partners who stand alongside our brave servicemen and women. We know that behind many of our brave soldiers are strong spouses and we salute your resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Tag your and tell everyone how incredible they are!

We have some exciting news!! We have been nominated for a few Nappie Awards, and we would so appreciate your vote(s)! I will provide links to all voting pages, all they need is your email to vote. You can vote once per day per category!

https://votenappies.com/ #/gallery?group=484798

https://votenappies.com/ #/gallery?group=484795

TV host Andy Cohen swindled in costly bank scam: How to avoid becoming a victim yourself Andy Cohen warns others of imposter scams after losing money and personal information to scammers who hacked his bank accounts and phone. Here's what you should know.

How do you save for the big things, like homeownership, retirement, and education, when saving for the small things is difficult?

Saving for competing priorities and major life milestones can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to break these big goals down into reasonable, practical steps even if you aren’t where you want to be financially. Tackling the tricky topics is what is all about - Learn about how to achieve this savings goal - https://americasaves.org/resource-center/insights/saving-for-competing-priorities/

Wishing you and yours a very happy Easter from all of us at Keesler Federal!

This , we're helping you create a game plan to tackle your credit score. We previously discussed payment history and credit utilization; today, let's talk about length of credit history.

Just like building muscle takes time, establishing a long credit history can strengthen your financial profile. The longer you've had credit accounts open and in good standing, the better it reflects on your credit score. So, keep those accounts active and in good shape!

Coach's Tip: Aim to maintain your oldest credit accounts, even if you're not using them regularly. This demonstrates responsible credit management and can help pump up your credit score over time.

Learn more about how credit scores work and how to dominate yours - https://www.kfcu.org/resources/advice/achieve-your-high-score-with-a-credit-game-plan/

March is and a great time to boost your financial fitness! Tackling your credit score is the first step. Here's a quick rundown of the 5 components that make up your credit score:
✔️Payment history
✔️Credit utilization
✔️Length of credit history
✔️Credit mix
✔️New credit

Today, let's focus on the first component—payment history. By consistently paying your bills on time, you not only boost your credit score but also build a strong foundation for your financial fitness journey. Remember, financial health starts with good habits!

Coach’s Tip: Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a payment. Even if you’ve made late payments in the past, focus on making on-time payments moving forward to improve your score.

Learn more about building your credit score in this month’s blog - https://www.kfcu.org/resources/advice/achieve-your-high-score-with-a-credit-game-plan/

New $300 million Civic Center arena for Mobile to host hockey, Mardi Gras balls, major concerts A new plan for the Civic Center arena will be unveiled at 2 p.m. today. The new venue is expected to be under construction by next year, and completed by January 2027.

🦾Financial fitness WOD (Word of the Day) – Amortization

Amortization is the process of paying off debt over time with regular payments. It’s like breaking down a big financial goal into manageable pieces, chipping away at the balance.

Coach's Tip: By utilizing amortization, you can strategize to pay off debts faster and save on interest.

Need a coach to help you cross the finish line? We have a financial counselor ready to coach you to a winning season! Meet our financial counselor - https://www.kfcu.org/resources/free-financial-counseling/

You need a mortgage that fits your needs, just like you need a house that fits your family's needs. That's why we offer a variety of mortgage solutions at low rates to help you open the door to your perfect home:
• Conventional
• FHA
• VA
• USDA
• Jumbo
• Non-Conforming
• Second Home
• Investment Property
• Land
Meet the team that can help at kfcu.org/mortgage-loan-officers
Membership and credit eligibility required. Mortgages available in MS, AL, LA and FL. NMLS #408911

- Debt relief scams

Debt relief scams are a type of fraud that targets individuals struggling with debt. These scams typically involve companies or individuals offering to help individuals get out of debt quickly and easily, often for a fee. However, these companies often fail to deliver on their promises, leaving individuals in even worse financial situations. Here are some steps to help prevent debt relief scams:

• Be wary of unsolicited offers for debt relief services. Scammers often reach out to individuals via email, phone, or direct mail, promising to help them get out of debt quickly and easily.
• Do your research before working with any debt relief company. Check their reputation with the Better Business Bureau and read online reviews to ensure they are legitimate.
• Be cautious of companies that require upfront fees for their services. Legitimate debt relief companies usually only charge fees once they have successfully negotiated a debt settlement on behalf of their clients.
• Avoid companies that promise to eliminate all of your debt. Debt relief is a complex process that often involves negotiation with creditors and may not result in the elimination of all debt.
• Be skeptical of companies that claim to be affiliated with the government or other legitimate organizations. Scammers often use these claims to gain credibility and trust.
• Consider working with a nonprofit credit counseling agency, like our partners at GreenPath, which can provide free or low-cost advice on managing debt.
• Keep track of your debts, payments, and communications with debt relief companies. This can help you identify any fraudulent activity and protect your rights as a consumer.

For more fraud prevention resources, visit https://www.kfcu.org/resources/fraud-security

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Our goal is to be extraordinary every day, and this effort has earned our team a 5-star ranking in Newsweek’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for 2024. This designation is based on many factors including financial strength, independent customer surveys, and online reviews. Of the 250 regional credit unions recognized nationwide, just three operate in Mississippi and of those, we are the only one to earn the highest possible star rating! We'd like to thank each and every one of our members for trusting us to help you meet your financial goals!

Thank you for voting us as the "Best Bank/Credit Union" by WXXV Viewer's Choice Awards! Your support fuels our passion for delivering extraordinary service, innovation solutions and community-focused efforts.

Add a few extra items to your grocery order this holiday season and help feed a family in need. Non-perishable food items can be donated by simply dropping them in the donation bin at your local Keesler Federal location. Examples of non-perishable food items include:
• Canned fruits & veggies
• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
• Dry pasta
• Broth or stock (serves as an easy base for soups)
• Peanut butter
• Canned milk/evaporated milk

Donations are being accepted through Dec. 14. Items received will be donated to MS Food Network, Northshore Food Bank, Feeding the Gulf Coast, Gulf Coast Community Ministries, Edwards Street Fellowship Center and Ely Foodbank. Help us feed more families - comment with what you'll be donating, tag a friend and challenge them to donate, and share with your network!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!!

Repairing credit can be a big step toward building financial success, but falling for credit repair scams could set you back in achieving your goals. This is devoted to helping avoid pitfalls on your journey to great credit!

🎁🎄It's the most wonderful time of the year!🎄🎁
As you head out this holiday season to shop for your loved ones, we ask that you consider sharing a little holiday joy. Keesler Federal branches are collecting new, unwrapped toys until December 8 for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Children's Advocacy Centers. Please help us make this holiday merry and bright for these deserving children.

The most important calling in the world. Thanks to all the mothers who have sacrificed so much for their families. May your day be one of peace, joy and rest.

7-Month 5% APY* Branch Certificate *APY is Annual Percentage Yield.

💎💎💰💰 **SPECIAL SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT** 💰💰💎💎

Keesler Federal's Lisa J. Stubbs Memorial Scholarship Contest will award four adult and six dependent students a $1,000 scholarship for winning entries in our annual essay contest.

For your chance at becoming a scholarship recipient, write an essay around the topic: "How do you think artificial intelligence will shape the future of education?"

The deadline to submit is Friday, May 26 at 11:59PM Central! For more information about the contest and to apply, visit: https://loom.ly/hj8zqVs