• Hit The Road In Style!
• Lower Your Interest Rate
• IRAs – More Valuable Than Ever Before
• Consolidate Your Holiday Bills & Save
• A Message From The Manager/CEO
• Give Your Retirement Savings A Boost!

• CU News
• Identity Theft Alert! Avoid Dangerous Malware
• Beware Of Instant Refund Tax Loans
• Taxpayers: You Could Win A Share Of $1,000!*
• 5 Easy Ways To Manage Your Money

Get ready to hit the road (or the snow!) with a brand-new vehicle, RV or snowmobile this season. Stop by Auburn Community FCU and have your loan pre-approved for a great low rate and a flexible term to fit your budget.

Now Is The Time To Buy
You can negotiate a great price on a new or used vehicle because dealers are eager to clear their lots of older model years and make room for new inventory.

By having your loan pre-approved at the credit union, you can negotiate a fair price on your purchase with confidence. You also won't have to worry about receiving a higher interest rate than you expected.

Easy Refinancing Options
Do you have a Vehicle Loan from another financial institution? Refinance your loan at Auburn Community FCU, and you could save instantly with our lower rates.

Apply Today
It's easy, and it will save you the hassle of negotiating financing at the dealership! Stop by the credit union or call (315) 253-2934 for more information or to apply.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. This rate reflects relationship pricing discount of .25%. Rates based on credit history and subject to change without notice. Other rates and terms are available. Contact the credit union for complete details.

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The Auburn Community FCU VISA^® Credit Card is the affordable alternative to high interest rate bank and retail store credit cards. With a low, fixed interest rate, our fee-free VISA Credit Card puts lower cost purchasing power in the palm of your hand. Take a look at the benefits of this convenient, money-saving card:

• No Annual Fee
• No Minimum Finance Charge
• No Balance Transfer Fee
• No Cash Advance Fee
• No Transaction Fee

Apply Today!
Stop by the credit union or call (315) 253-2934 to apply or for more details.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate shown for qualified borrowers. Contact the credit union for complete credit card program details.

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Did you know that during retirement, you'll probably need 70-80% or more of your pre-retirement income to maintain your current lifestyle? Since your savings and investments will probably contribute the largest part of this amount, it's important to develop a plan that will help you retire comfortably. The sooner you have your plan established, the better. Consider that:

• Social Security will probably contribute only a portion of what you'll need.
• Most of us will rely on our savings and investments during retirement.
• Even mild inflation can severely erode your savings over many years.

One of the best ways to save for your retirement is with an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) - but how do you choose from the hundreds of plans being offered? We can answer all of your IRA questions. We can explain contribution and distribution requirements, provide advice on rollovers, describe the benefits of a Roth IRA versus a Traditional IRA and much more.

We can even help you determine what you'll need to maintain your current lifestyle during retirement. Should you discover that your current retirement savings and benefits are insufficient, we can work together to develop a sensible plan to help you reach that goal.

Whether your retirement is years away or close on the horizon, utilizing an IRA can be one of the best financial decisions you'll ever make. Speaking with us can be one of the best ways to help you get started.

Dean Macris is always available by appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation at Auburn Community FCU. Call (315) 253-2934 to schedule your appointment.

Investment products are sold through registered brokers of Royal Alliance Associates, Inc., 733 Third Ave., New York, NY 10017. Insurance products are sold through licensed agents through Member Dimensions, Inc., 1400 Erie Boulevard, East Syracuse, NY 13210. Products and services offered through this program (a) are not deposit accounts and are not endorsed by or insured by the National Credit Union Administration (the "NCUA"), (b) are not obligations of the Credit Union, (c) are not guaranteed by the Credit Union, and (d) involve risks, including the possible loss of principal.

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Now that the holidays are over, it's time to start thinking about the most affordable way to pay your after-holiday bills. A Home Equity Loan from Auburn Community FCU can put you on the fast track to big savings!

You can use this loan to save money on interest charges every month by consolidating your high interest credit cards, loans and other bills.

Home Equity Loan Advantages

• Low Annual Percentage Rate Saves You Money
• Interest May Be Tax Deductible (Check With Your Tax Advisor For Details)
• Low-Cost Credit Life & Credit Disability Insurance Protection Available
• No Closing Costs!

Other Great Uses For Your Loan
Your Home Equity Loan can also be used to finance a family vacation, pay for college expenses, start home renovation projects and to winterize your home for the cold months. By upgrading appliances, installing new windows and finishing other home upgrades, you can save hundreds on your utility bills.

Apply Today
Stop by the credit union or call (315) 253-2934 to learn more or to apply.

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Rate shown for qualified borrowers. Contact the credit union for complete details.

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The year 2007 has proved to be an exciting year for your credit union. Your credit union experienced significant growth in assets, member savings deposits and new loans made to members. We also experienced significant growth in new memberships. Your credit union excelled in these areas in comparison to other financial institutions. The reason is simple: better people, better service and better rates!

The substantial savings the credit union realized from the purchase and utilization of an in-house computer system in the fall of 2006 was returned to the members in the form of higher savings rates and lower loan rates in 2007. Another contributing factor to this growth was the June opening of the credit union’s first branch office, located on the corner of Prospect Street and Brookside Drive in Auburn.

I would like to thank my fellow members on the Building & Grounds Committee: Peter Killian, Tom Casasanta, Tom Higgins and Paul Malinowski. The committee met many times prior to and during the entire project. Tom Higgins' prior employment experience with the Cayuga County Planning Board was instrumental in ensuring we covered major issues with the various contractors prior to and during the selection process and construction phases. Tom Casasanta and Peter Killian visited the site daily during construction to oversee work that was being performed and to monitor the progress of the contractors.

The gains we accomplished in 2007 would not have been possible if not for the efforts of a hard-working and committed staff. One of our goals was to provide our members with a higher level of service than they had experienced before. Another goal was to provide our members with the best savings and loan rates possible. No matter how you add it up, better people, better service and better rates mean it's better for you at Auburn Community FCU! On behalf of all the staff, we look forward to serving you in 2008.

Respectfully Yours,

Saverio “Sam” A. Scro

Manager/CEO

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When it comes to retirement saving, there is no time like the present! Prepare for your future by investing in a high-yield IRA Certificate.

IRA Certificates combine the traditional fixed rate-of-return benefits of CDs with the retirement savings and tax benefits of an IRA. You can boost your retirement earnings by opening an IRA Certificate at the credit union and enjoy the higher earnings.

Start Today
It's never too early or too late to start saving. Stop by the credit union today or call (315) 253-2934 for more information.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. APY is accurate as of 1/8/08 and is subject to change after account is opened. Minimum opening balance is $500. This is a new money only offering and transfers/withdrawals from other credit union accounts are not eligible for this rate. Contact the credit union for complete details.

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Holiday Closings
Your credit union offices will be closed to observe the following holidays:

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 21, 2008

Presidents' Day
Monday, February 18, 2008

Good Friday
Friday, March 21, 2008
closing at 3:00 p.m.

Join Us For Our Annual Meeting
You are invited to attend this year's Annual Meeting on February 25, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at the Sunset Restaurant located at 87 North Division Street in Auburn. Dinner will be served following the meeting. Tickets for the dinner may be purchased for $5 per person at the credit union. Please contact the credit union no later than Friday, February 15, 2008, to purchase tickets. Seating is limited and tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. No tickets will be sold at the door. We look forward to seeing you!

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Internet identity thieves become craftier as technology advances. Malware is a term used to describe malicious programming such as viruses, worms and spyware. Malware can gather information about a computer user or turn a computer into a "zombie," or a spam e-mailing machine. Here are some of the newest forms of malware on the Internet today and how you can fight back:

Web 2.0 Phishing Scams
The term Web 2.0 has been used to describe MySpace, FaceBook, YouTube, Second Life and other relatively new Internet communities. These sites allow users to connect with friends near and far, but there are risks involved. For instance, pop-up downloads, fake profiles and links may all contain malicious code that can be downloaded onto your PC if you are not careful.

Protect Yourself: If you are ever prompted to download something or click a link, verify the legitimacy of the download or link first. For instance, if you must download a Flash update in order to view a video, visit the Adobe Flash website directly. Also, do not click links that are sent to you from strangers.

The "Spim" Invasion
"Spim" is a word coined to describe spam sent over instant messaging programs. If you have ever logged on to your instant messaging service and received a link from someone you do not know - or a link from someone you do know that seems out of character - you may have been a victim of spim.

Protect Yourself: Never click a link you receive from an unknown third party. If a friend sends you a link with a vague phrase to describe it, reply to confirm that the link is actually from your friend and not a hacker.

Watch Out For Bots
Hackers use bot files to take over victims' computers. When a network of compromised computers is formed, it is called a botnet. Bots can capture keystrokes, search a user's Internet browsing history, scan for passwords and send data back to the hacker.

Protect Yourself: To guard yourself against bots, always keep your anti-virus software running, and make sure it is up to date. Running anti-virus scans on a daily basis can help detect and clean any bot programs on your computer.

Source: Bankrate.com

Have You Been A Victim?
Stop in the credit union for a free review of your credit report. Our experienced Member Service Representatives have been trained to accurately pinpoint false accounts and fraud on individual credit reports. To learn more, stop by or call (315) 253-2934.

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With tax filing season right around the corner, your credit union urges you to avoid tax preparer's "instant refund" feature. Fees for this service may seem "reasonable" at the time, but such refunds are actually loans that carry very high interest rates when you consider the tax preparer gets his money back in a very short time - as little as two weeks in many instances.

A fee of $50, for example, on a refund of $500 that the tax preparer gets back in two weeks works out to an annual interest rate of 240%. Think about it. Would you borrow money from anyone at that rate - for money that is yours to begin with? Of course not! Unfortunately, millions of people every year pay these kinds of fees for a little convenience.

With electronic filing (used by most major tax preparers), wait times have been dramatically reduced for tax refunds. Take our advice. Wait the short amount of time it takes to get all your money back.

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Want the fastest access possible to your state and federal tax refunds? When you authorize a Direct Deposit order on your 2007 tax returns, your overpayment will be deposited directly into your credit union account, and the funds will be available to you immediately!

On the IRS tax forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ, choose either your Checking or Savings Account for the deposit account, and include your account number and the credit union's ABA routing number - 221373451. It's easy, and it will save you time!

Why Choose Direct Deposit For Your Tax Return?

• It's Convenient
• You Get Your Refund Faster
• There Are No Checks To Worry About

You Could Win!
When you authorize Direct Deposit of your Federal Tax refund to your Auburn Community FCU account between January 15 and April 15, 2008, you will be entered into our drawing to win a $500 first prize cash bonus. There will also be five $100 second place prizes.

For More Information, Call (315) 253-2934
Or Stop By The Credit Union Today!

*Total Cash Bonus is $1,000 with one prize of $500 and five $100 prizes. Odds of winning Cash Bonus will vary according to the number of Direct Deposit 2007 federal tax refund orders received by the entry deadline, which is the end of business on April 15, 2008. The Grand Prize winner will be selected on April 16, 2008. No purchase necessary to win. Contact the credit union for complete details.

It's easy to have your federal tax refund direct deposited into your Auburn Community Federal Credit Union Share Draft or Regular Shares Savings Account. Simply use Form 1040, 1040A or 1040-EZ and complete the following three steps:

Step 1: Enter Auburn Community FCU's Routing & Transit Number: 221373451

Step 2: Check either Checking or Savings

Step 3: Enter your Auburn Community FCU Member Number. Please do not enter any spaces or dashes.

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The following services make it easy to manage your money no matter where you are in the world!

1. Try Home Banking Today
   Access HomeCU Home Banking from our website to view your account balances, verify cleared checks, transfer funds between accounts, make loan payments, order new checks and so much more. This free service makes money management easy, safe and convenient.
   
   
2. Pay Bills Securely Online
   It's never been easier! You no longer need to write out checks, worry about late payments or buy extra stamps. Your bills are paid on time, every time with our free online Bill Pay service. Give it a try today by logging on to HomeCU Home Banking!
   
   
3. Find Additional Resources Online
   Our website is your 24-hour resource for credit union news and information. You'll find information about current promotions, rates and much more.
   
   
4. Save Time With Direct Deposit
   When you sign up for Direct Deposit, you will save time every pay period. With this convenient electronic service, your pay, Social Security or pension funds are automatically deposited into your Auburn Community FCU Checking or Savings Account. You can then use HomeCU Home Banking to conveniently access and manage your funds online anytime! Call (315) 253-2934 or stop by to sign up today.
   
   
5. Check Out OnGuard Online
   OnGuard Online provides you with practical tips from the government and technology industry on keeping your personal information safe. You will learn how to guard your accounts from Internet fraud, plus how to secure your computer and protect your personal information. Simply log on to our web site and click "OnGuard Online" in the top left corner to learn more!

Get Started Today!
Don't miss out. Sign up for Home Banking and our electronic Bill Pay service online, or stop by any credit union branch to learn more.

Fun Money Management For Kids!
Stop by to open an account for your child or teenager today.

Dollar Dog Kids Club^SM
Dollar Dog makes teaching financial literacy fun! Accessible from our home page, the Dollar Dog link is your direct connection to financial information designed specifically for young children. Help your kids on the path to financial success with games, activities, coloring pages and lots of cool money facts.

cha-ching!^SM
Keep your teens on the right financial track with this helpful online resource. With a separate site for teens and parents, cha-ching! offers a wealth of financial advice, tips and tools, all created just for teenagers.

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