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FREE Home Buying Webinar - May 18

FREE Home Buying Webinar

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Seminar Details

Are you looking to buy a new home but feeling overwhelmed by the process? Look no further! We're excited to invite you to our free Home Buying Webinar, where you'll learn everything you need to know about buying a home, from navigating the housing market to securing a mortgage.

  • When:
    Thu, May 18, 2023
  • Where:
    Online Webinar
  • The webinar starts from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST

by alex

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Stay Alert: Protecting Your Financial Information from Phone Scams

Stay Alert: Protecting Your Financial Information from Phone Scams

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In the age of evolving scams, safeguarding your financial information is crucial. We want to raise awareness about a phone scam targeting individuals and provide essential tips to keep you safe.

Beware of Spoof Calls:
Fraudulent phone calls from scammers pretending to represent financial institutions are rising. They manipulate caller ID and trick unsuspecting individuals into revealing sensitive information like Secure Access Codes, Card Numbers, or PIN Numbers.

Take Action to Protect Yourself:
Follow these steps to stay safe:
1) Be skeptical: Never share personal or financial information in unsolicited calls. Legitimate institutions won’t ask for such details over the phone.
2) Verify the caller: Hang up if you suspect a fraudulent call. Use the official contact information to confirm their identity independently.
3) Contact your institution: If you encounter a suspicious call, contact them directly using verified contact details. Call us at 954.486.2728 to report incidents and seek guidance.
Spread awareness: Stay informed about phone scams and share knowledge with others to combat fraudulent activities.

We prioritize your financial safety. Stay cautious and vigilant when receiving unsolicited calls requesting sensitive information. Remember, we will never ask for your Secure Access Code, Card Number, or PIN Number over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, contact us immediately at 954.486.2728. We can protect ourselves and others from phone scams and preserve our financial well-being.

Related Fraud Alerts

by alex

Social Security and Your Retirement - May 4

Social Security and Your Retirement

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Seminar Details

Social Security will likely be an important part of the road ahead regardless of when you plan to retire. But do you know the rules of the road when it comes to Social Security?

Here’s an opportunity to attend a valuable educational seminar on this important topic, at no cost and no obligation:

  • What are the rules for starting your Social Security benefits?
  • How do spouses coordinate their benefits?
  • Are there different routes to take that could potentially increase your benefits?
  • How do you decide where Social Security fits within your retirement plans?

  • When:
    Thu, May 4, 2023
  • Where:
    BrightStar Credit Union Headquarters

    5901 Del Lago Circle

    Sunrise, FL 33313
  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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The Return of Conservative Investing - Jan 26

The Return of Conservative Investing

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Seminar Details

In this seminar, you’ll learn how conservative investments like certificates of deposit and annuities can help your financial plan.

Seminar Objectives:

  • How can conservative investments help you face today’s economic risks?
  • What are the differences between CDs and annuities?
  • What are the different types of annuities?
  • How can you decide which conservative investment is right for you?

  • When:
    Thu, January 26, 2023
  • Where:
    BrightStar Credit Union Headquarters

    5901 Del Lago Circle

    Sunrise, FL 33313
  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

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Social Security and Your Retirement - Oct 20

Social Security and Your Retirement

Learn More

Seminar Details

Social Security will likely be an important part of the road ahead regardless of when you plan to retire. But do you know the rules of the road when it comes to Social Security?

Here’s an opportunity to attend a valuable educational seminar on this important topic, at no cost and no obligation:

  • What are the rules for starting your Social Security benefits?
  • How do spouses coordinate their benefits?
  • Are there different routes to take that could potentially increase your benefits?
  • How do you decide where Social Security fits within your retirement plans?

  • When:
    Thu, October 20, 2022
  • Where:
    BrightStar Credit Union Headquarters

    5901 Del Lago Circle

    Sunrise, FL 33313
  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex

Learn When and Where to Use Credit

Learn When and Where to Use Credit

The financial world can be difficult to navigate without background knowledge of the many aids available to consumers. For this reason, many young bankers steer clear of credit, but building and using credit is nothing to shy away from. All it takes to secure a healthy relationship with credit is an understanding of what it is and a general understanding of when it is best to use it in place of debit or cash.
To put it simply, credit cards offer a small loan to the cardholder for whatever expenses they deem appropriate. Every loan has interest, including credit cards. This may make using this product less appealing to this who are trying to avoid getting into debt at the hands of high interest.
Credit cards are not a bad thing, but they should not be used without rhyme or reason in order to build up a good credit score.

Why should I use credit?

  • When making transactions that put a hold on the card, such as renting a hotel room or car.

Using credit in this situation allows you to have a form of payment for the rental without the risk of receiving a nonsufficient funds fee.

  • To make use of rewards offered by the institution, such as cash back or benefits on purchases such as gas.

Members with these types of rewards will benefit from these features, so it is in their best interest to use their credit card. BrightStar credit cards come with the added benefits of NortonLifeLockTM Identity Theft Protection, travel benefits, accident insurance, auto rental, and luggage insurance at no extra cost.

Why should I use debit?

  • To avoid debt or to stay within a budget.

It is important to be aware of how much money is available to you in order to avoid receiving an overdraft fee from the institution and possibly even the vendor, but keeping a budget with a debit card is much easier and doesn’t allow for the impulse to spend.

  • When purchasing from a small business.

It is likely that small businesses must pay to process transactions made with a credit card, often the reason as to why there is a minimum amount set for those purchasing with credit, so using a debit card will end up making transactions easier for both parties.

In the end, it is your decision on whether or not to use credit or debit in a given situation. A good rule of thumb is to have both a debit and credit card on hand to be prepared for whatever financial decisions may take place throughout your day.

by alex

spoof call

Spoof Calls Alert

Spoof Alert

Please beware of spoof calls asking for your Secure Access Code, Card Number or PIN Number over the phone. If you receive a call from anyone asking for this information, please call us at 954.486.2728. Your financial safety remains our priority.

Related Fraud Alerts

by alex

Disaster preparedness checklist with supplies in the background

6 Ways to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

6 Ways to Prepare for the Hurricane Season

Hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, but for Floridians it seems to last the whole year. Even so, it is important to review hurricane preparedness as we progress further into the season. To do that, here’s a 6 step guide on how to ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared in the case on an emergency.

1. Hold a family meeting.

In the case of an emergency, it is important that every member of the home is informed of procedures that will take place if/ when a hurricane makes landfall. These procedures can range from boarding up windows, preparing sand bags, or even if evacuation will be necessary. Reminding children of emergency contacts in the case of separation is a good course of action in these meetings as well.

2. Make a plan to protect valuables.

Whether ‘valuables’ includes antiquities, vehicles, or technology, it’s important to make plans to ensure that these items are not damaged. This can be unplugging devices so that the battery isn’t ruined by a power outage or deciding where to store an automobile, boat, or RV. Protecting valuables from a possible storm will make recuperating from any destruction that much easier.

3. Gather needed supplies.

Every home has different needs; where a neighbor might need baby formula, you may need prescription medication. Make sure to stock up on water, first-aid supplies, any prescription medication, and non-perishable foods. Collecting sand for sand bags or wood for boarding up windows may be necessary for your home, but that is for each individual to decide. Determine needed supplies; avoid stockpiling supplies that won’t be necessary in your home to avoid spending extra money.

4. Prepare any important documents.

This step is especially important for those who are disabled or have loved ones who may need assistance. Prepare a list with people that you can count on to help before, during, or after an emergency including these individuals’ contact information. A list containing health information, including doctors, insurance policy numbers, current medications, medical conditions, allergies, etc., is essential for those who are disabled or dependent on electricity for medical needs.

5. Have a first-aid kit on hand.

Though every home should have a well-equipped first-aid kit year round, hurricane season is the perfect time to check the condition of the equipment, replace any expired equipment, or even build a proper first aid kit. Essentials to have in a first-aid kit include, but are not limited to:

  • Sterile adhesive bandages (in assorted sizes)
  • Sterile gauze pads
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Antiseptic
  • Thermometer
  • Cleansing agent/ soap
  • Latex gloves

It is also important to note that first-aid kits should include any prescription medication or emergency medication that someone in the home may need. Devices such as inhalers, for example, should be refilled in the case of an emergency in the home.

6. Understand how a hurricane may affect your home.

Knowing in what ways a hurricane may affect you and/ or your home is one of the most important steps to being prepared for a hurricane. Those with special circumstances, such as those with disabilities, elderly, children, and animals in the home should go to their local government’s hurricane preparedness websites and see any extra preparations that should be made to ensure proper safety procedures are followed.
Floridians are no strangers to major storms such as hurricanes, but these storms can always cause a fright. Before anything else, it is important to stay calm and collected when faced with the unknown of what these natural disasters may bring. After all, these storms may end up being a rainy day spent inside.

by alex

teenage girl looking at credit card and computer

Students’ Guide to Personal Finances and Credit Unions

Students’ Guide to Personal Finances and Credit Unions

The life of a student can seem hectic. Filled with end of year/ semester exams, study guides, and miscellaneous homework, there is already much on older students’ minds. Due to all of this, finances may not be at the top of the list regarding concerns of an adult life that seems to get closer at an alarming rate.
Personal finances are an incredibly important part of ensuring comfort and financial success later on in life— whether that be in 5, 10, or 15 years. Finding a financial institution that’s member friendly and suits students’ individual needs is especially important in this stage of life, and credit unions can be the answer to this dilemma.

What are credit unions?

A credit union is very similar to large scale banks such as Wells Fargo or Chase, but a key difference is that credit unions are not-for-profit organizations. This means that any profit made by this institution will be reinvested into members to offer lower interest rates on loans, free products and services, and lower fees.
Credit unions also offer a very special feature¬— relationships with members. With bigger institutions, it can be difficult to cultivate a relationship between members and workers. BrightStar Credit Union (BSCU) is one of the largest credit unions in South Florida, but members come first.

What can BSCU offer students?

Middle and high school students can participate in the 5 for $25 program offered by BSCU to jumpstart their saving accounts. BrightStar also offers checking accounts for minors, giving those from 10 to 17 years of age the opportunity to have their own financial freedom while still having features such as overdraft protections and no fees or charges.
For older students, dealing with finances can be much less stressful and time-consuming when compared to major institutions. College students looking to take out car loans, mortgage loans, personal loans, and even credit cards have the added bonus of lower interest rates when compared to large financial institutions.
Consumer credit cards, for instance, have an average APR is 21.21%. At BSCU, the maximum APR is 18%, meaning that paying back interest will not only take less time but also end up being a smaller amount than if the credit card was under a large financial institution. This trend continues across all types of loans that BSCU offers, making them perfect for students who have recently joined the workforce.
Finding and connecting with a financial institution can seem daunting to students, especially to younger ones, but with the right approach. BrightStar Credit Union offers not only a promise to serve members financial needs, but to educate and connect with members to ensure success to every person that walks through our doors.

by alex

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Navigating Economic Uncertainty in 2022 - July 13

Navigating Economic Uncertainty in 2022

Economic uncertainty is scary but there are ways to alleviate this for you and your family. We've compiled steps and tips to navigate 2022.

Join us at our Corporate Headquarters to dive into ways you can curve the daunting economy. Our knowledgeable speaker is one of BrightStar's own, and she will be giving great tips on the following:

  • How to handle rising interest rates, gas prices, and inflation on many common day goods.
  • Advice for your family to follow that can help save hundreds a month.
  • Interesting statistics on the current economic climate and what that means to YOU.
  • And much more!

This will be an interactive event where you can ask questions and make comments. We will be providing food, beverages, and giveaways!

  • When:
    Wed, July 13, 2022
  • Where:
    BrightStar Credit Union Headquarters

    5901 Del Lago Circle

    Sunrise, FL 33313
  • The seminar starts from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST

by alex