2 | Empower Your Finances | 2024BY AMOCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION D iscovering the path to finan- cial success requires not only savvy partners, but also the right partners. Local banking resources, such as commu- nity banks and credit unions, emerge as invaluable allies in this journey. Their unique positions and commitment to their communities offer a blend of benefits tailored to support individuals and busi- nesses in achieving financial stability and growth. Community banks, with their local ownership and operation, have a vested interest in the economic health and pros- perity of their communities. This personal investment translates into a banking experience that prioritizes flexible lending options, competitive fees and attractive interest rates on savings accounts. Their profound understanding of the local mar- ket enables these banks to offer financial advice and support that’s not just generic, but also specifically tailored to the needs of their customers. Credit unions operate on a similar local-focused principle. Owned by its members, credit unions return profits to those members in the form of lower loan rates, higher savings rates and reduced fees. Membership in a credit union often comes with a sense of community and shared goals, as each member has a stake in the institution’s success. This cooperative structure promotes a sense of belonging and mutual success, as each member benefits from the institution’s prosperity. Both community banks and credit unions are crucial supporters of small businesses, often described as the back- bone of the local economy. By providing essential financial services, such as loans and lines of credit, these institutions help small businesses to start, grow and succeed. This, in turn, stimulates job creation, boosts local economies and reinforces the community fabric. Moreover, during challenging economic times, the support from these local bank- ing resources can be a game-changer. Their focus on building long-term relation- ships rather than short-term gains allows them to offer a more personalized bank- ing experience and set a new standard for the role of financial institutions in helping their customers and members shape their financial empowerment. v Local community banks and credit unions shape a new era of financial empowerment BY WELLBY FINANCIAL W ellby Financial, recently named one of the best credit unions in America by News- week and Plant-A Insights Group and ranked Best Overall among banks and credit unions in Texas by Money.com, has won two CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s Diamond Awards, highlighting the business’ commit- ment to financial prosperity and community well-being. The CUNA Marketing & Business De- velopment Council’s Diamond Awards are prestigious honors designed to recognize and celebrate excellence in marketing and communications within the credit union space. Entries are judged by experts to analyze a variety of factors, including strategy, creativity, design and production, copy and communica- tion and results. “Wellby Financial is incredibly honored by these awards,” President & CEO of Wellby Financial Marty Pell said. “We exist to support the financial well-being of our members and our community. These awards highlight our unique approach to helping our members build, grow, and thrive on their journey to finan- cial prosperity. In addition to offering the right products and services at highly competitive rates, we offer unique resources and engage- ment opportunities to embody our comprehen- sive dedication to community well-being.” The Wellby Financial Path to Prosperity and the corresponding elements that support this model won in the Financial Education cate- gory, receiving a Category’s Best honor. This tailored approach provides guidance, resourc- es and education to help Wellby members and Houstonians alike create their own unique path to financial prosperity through three main elements: 1) building financial resiliency, 2) growing prosperity while planning for the fu- ture and 3) thriving by managing needs while helping others. In addition to the model, the Path includes a free online Financial Wellness Center with ed- ucational courses, free public financial literacy events and tailored courses for community partners. The Wellby Financial Path to Prosperity’s free online Financial Wellness Center has educational courses designed to help you build financial resiliency, grow prosperity while planning for the future and thrive by managing needs while helping others. For more than 60 years, Wellby has been supporting the financial well-being of the Greater Houston community. Originally created to serve the brave men and women of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, it has grown into one of the largest credit unions in Houston. Their products, services, resources, and support are designed to reflect their true purpose: help people prosper. Learn how Wellby can help you build financial resiliency, grow in prosperity, and thrive on your journey to financial well-being: wellbyfinancial.com. v Courtesy Wellby Financial leaders at the CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s Diamond Awards Ceremony. Pictured, from left, are Renee Falls, chairperson of the Supervisory Committee and Jennifer Carson, vice president of marketing and communications. Wellby Financial wins 2 CUNA Marketing & Business Development Council’s Diamond Awards 2024 | Empower Your Finances | 3 HEALTHY MONEY HABITS OPEN A CHECKING ACCOUNT THAT PAYS YOU CREATE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT Texas First Bank offers cash back and high interest checking accounts that put money back into your account every month you qualify. It’s like getting paid to spend money! MAKE SAVING MONEY AUTOMATIC Find a savings account like Kasasa Saver™ that automatically transfers money from your checking account each month, so you don’t even have to think about it! Use the Personal Finance Management tool in your TFB mobile app 1 to track your expenses and budget. INVEST FOR RETIREMENT It’s never too early or too late to start saving for retirement. Open an IRA account with Texas First to set your future self up for success. PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME Set up Bill Pay using your TFB account to automatically pay your utility, credit card, and phone bills each month! www.texasf irst.bank EMPOWER YOUREMPOWER YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE FINANCIAL FUTURE www.coastalcommunityfcu.org coastalcommunityfcu.balancepro.org For more information, visit At Coastal, we care about your financial wellness. We’ve partnered with BALANCE, which provides FREE financial education and resources, as well as with The Berenstain Bears Financial Literacy Program that helps children learn the important money management concept of Save, Share, Spend, Earn while teaching the value of credit union membership. And the best part -- it’s only $5 to join the Cub Club! “ Your Community, Your Credit Union ” 409-765-6067 IDProtect Early Payday Cell Phone Protection Credit Score Tracker High Yield Advantage And More... Free High Yield Checking, Premium Perks Up to 4.50% APY Scan to Open Online gowellby.com/GetChecking Or Visit APY = Annual Percentage Yield. Rate subject to change. Terms and conditions apply. Fees may apply. Ask a team member or visit gowellby.com/GetChecking for full details. Federally Insured by the NCUA. 4 | Empower Your Finances | 2024BY AMOCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNIONA MOCO Federal Credit Union’s mission is to serve the finan- cial needs of its members. The organization believes in the credit union industry motto, “people helping people.” AMOCO offers a variety of benefits to help you manage your finances and achieve your financial goals. BETTER RATES AND LOWER FEES As a member-owned institution, AMOCO is able to offer more favorable rates on loans, credit cards, certificates of deposit and lower fees for services such as checking accounts. PERSONALIZED SERVICE Being local, AMOCO can provide a more personalized banking experience. You’re not just an account number; you’re a mem- ber and part of the community. COMMUNITY FOCUS The credit union is committed to sup- porting local causes through funding local projects, scholarships and more. INCREASED ACCESSIBILITY AMOCO offers access to more than 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, accepts mobile deposits through its mobile app and provides online account access with free credit monitoring and financial tools for those who need more accessible options. MEMBER BENEFITS As a member, you own a share in the credit union and have the opportunity to vote on important issues and even stand for election to the board of directors. This democratic approach ensures that the credit union acts in the best interest of its members, not external shareholders. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES AMOCO offers educational resources and workshops to help members improve their financial literacy. This focus helps members make informed financial deci- sions and strengthens the financial health of the community as a whole. The organization invites you to visit any of its locations to learn more about mem- ber benefits and encourages you to follow AMOCO FCU on social media to see how the business supports the local community. v BY HOMETOWN BANK W e’ve all seen those email messages asking for financial information we shouldn’t give out. Some- thing has happened with our account, they say, and they need an account number, credit card PIN, Social Security Number and the like to fix it. Be careful with those details, though. The people behind that email may not be who they say they are. Stop and ask yourself if your bank ever really asks for that information. The American Bankers Association has stepped in to help with its “Banks Never Ask That” campaign, reminding you to stop for a minute before responding to emails and re- member that real banks don’t send requests like that. “We’re here to help,” HomeTown Bank President and CEO Allan Rasmussen, Jr. said. “HomeTown Bank is participating in the campaign through educational newspa- per ads, social media messages and other communications. “One of the most common tricks con artists try to pull online is to say they have noticed unusual activity on your account, and they ask you to email an unknown address to verify your info,” Rasmussen said. “Before you know it, you’ve given the keys to your financial information to an unknown person in some far-off land. We’re just making sure everyone knows real banks don’t ask that.” Another sign to look for is misspelled words, grammatical errors or a greeting like “Dear Friend.” Fake messages also can be worded to seem unusually urgent, or they may be made to look like they came from a family member or someone else you know. Don’t ever click on a link you don’t recognize, and pay particular attention to attachments in emails. And as we all know, never give out your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone, even friends and family. They may mean you no harm, but once you’ve given that number out, you have lost control. Whenever in doubt about a text, phone call or website, just ignore it and call the number on the back of your card. Or better yet, call a staff member you know at your bank and tell them what has happened. HomeTown Bank will never engage in high-pressure tactics or ask you to send money to an unknown address. “That’s one of the great advantages of having your accounts with a local commu- nity bank,” Rasmussen said. “We know our customers. We live in the same town and probably have children or grandchildren who go to school with each other. If you’re ever in doubt about something, like a suspicious email or other activity on your account, just call or stop by.” For information about HomeTown Bank’s security and privacy standards, visit www. HomeTown.Bank. v *Subject to membership eligibility. Federally insured by NCUA. What AMOCO FCU does for its members and the community Your local HomeTown Bank urges you to watch out for scammers 2024 | Empower Your Finances | 5We’re here for you Preplan Today & Save Get the value and peace of mind that come with preplanning, and spare your loved ones the hardship of making difficult decisions in their time of grief. Contact us today to arrange your free preplanning consultationwith an experienced professional E. R. Johnson Family Mortuary 3828 Ave O | Galveston, TX 77550 409.762.8470 * MEMBERFDIC We believe every customer deserves a relationship they can bank on. That’s why when it comes to expert guidance and personalized attention, we go above and beyond. That‘s the power of the palm. Community binds us together. Service sets us apart. *Data connection required. Wireless carrier fees may apply. 409.765.5561 MyMoodyBank.com 6 | Empower Your Finances | 2024BY SHELL FEDERAL CREDIT UNION F or more than 85 years, Shell Feder- al Credit Union proudly has served the residents of Harris County, standing out as more than just a financial institution. It’s a place where community members find not only the services they need, but also the support and connection they deserve. With 12 conve- nient branch locations and access to more than 55,000 ATMs nationwide, Shell FCU has seamlessly blended modern banking convenience with the warmth of a hometown credit union. A MEMBER-CENTRIC APPROACH At the heart of Shell FCU’s mission is a deep commitment to service. Shell FCU isn’t just about financial transactions — it’s about building lifelong partnerships. The team genuinely cares about the well-being of every member, offering personalized guidance to help people achieve their financial goals. Whether it’s navigating the purchase of a first home, financing a dream car or managing day-to-day expenses, Shell FCU stands as a trustworthy partner at every stage of life. This dedication extends beyond everyday banking. Shell FCU actively invests in the communities it serves. From school supply drives supporting local students, to hosting pet adoptions and blood drives, and the heartfelt tradition of delivering gift baskets to first responders on 9-11, Shell FCU’s impact extends well beyond the walls of its branches. The business continuously has adapted to meet the evolving needs of its members and communities while remaining true to its core values of inclusivity, person- alized service and lifelong financial partner- ship. BANKING MADE SIMPLE AND ACCESSIBLE Becoming a member of Shell FCU is as simple as making a $5 initial deposit, and anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school or regularly conducts business in Har- ris County is eligible to join. Once a member, individuals gain access to a wide range of products and services. From free checking accounts with no monthly service charge, to comprehensive auto loan programs that provide $250 cash back, the opportunity for 90-day deferred payments and the choice to participate in two skip-a-pays per year, Shell FCU makes banking both accessible and empowering. A LIFELONG FINANCIAL PARTNER What truly sets Shell FCU apart is its unwavering dedication to its members’ lifelong financial well-being. Whether it is helping young adults establish good financial habits or supporting seasoned profession- als as they expand their businesses, Shell FCU stands by each member as a steadfast financial partner. Additionally, Shell FCU’s recent expansion into offerings, such as business lending, a free online financial resource center and higher rates through regular debit card usage, highlights its continued dedication to meeting the changing needs of its members. HOW TO JOIN THE SHELL FCU FAMILY Joining the Shell FCU family is easy. Visit any of the 12 branches throughout Harris County, apply online at ShellFCU.org or call or text 713-844-1100 to get started. With services designed to fit any lifestyle —wheth- er you’re a student, professional, retiree or business owner — Shell FCU offers solutions tailored to your needs. Experience the difference of banking with an institution that places people above profits, one that cares about you as much as your financial success. At Shell Federal Credit Union, you’re more than a member — you’re family. Start your financial journey with Shell FCU today, and discover a brighter future backed by community, care and commitment. v Shell Federal Credit Union: A legacy of service and community connection 2024 | Empower Your Finances | 7 Banking made better BY MOODY BANK W hile there are many banks in Galveston County, Moody Bank, with its century-plus legacy of service in the region, stands out as a true Texas institution. Whether you’re looking to grow your business with a line of credit or a commercial real estate loan or simply want a bank that understands your unique finan- cial needs, Moody Bank’s tailored approach makes a world of difference. It all starts with service, Chairman and CEO Vic Pierson said. “In today’s world of emerging technolo- gies and new ways of communicating, we believe trust and loyalty are more important than ever,” he said. “That’s why our focus is on building meaningful, long-term customer relationships.” At Moody Bank, personalized service is at the heart of everything the bank does. When you call, you’ll speak directly with a dedicated banker who is eager to help with any and all of your banking needs. Moody’s bankers don’t just work in the Galveston County area, they live there, too. This brings local insight that enables them to tailor advice and offer expert solutions for personal and commercial customers. Those local roots extend to caring for the community as well. Since its founding in 1907, Moody Bank has taken great pride in its com- mitment to being a vital part of the community and investing in the growth and success of the people and businesses it serves. As an independent community bank, Moody Bank combines modern banking conveniences with quick answers, excel- lent service, expert guidance and personal attention. “We’re a modern bank,” Pierson said. “We offer all the conveniences today’s custom- ers expect. But we also understand the importance of being there to offer guidance and meet their financial needs. Again, it’s all about relationships, and that’s what sets us apart.” From providing personalized financial assistance and valuable resources for local businesses to supporting the Galveston County community, Moody Bank delivers banking the way it used to be — only better. “At our core, we’re here to help local busi- nesses thrive and families and individuals achieve their financial goals and dreams,” Pierson said. “We’re proud of all we do to fuel the success of folks here in Galveston County and beyond.” vWe’re Expanding to Better Serve You! 800.231.6053 | AMOCOfcu.org AMOCO will be expanding to Magnolia Creek in League City in 2025. The addition of our Magnolia Creek branch supports our commitment to provide exceptional service to our members while giving back to our local communities. The 3,100 square-foot building will be located near the corner of Bay Area Blvd & W League City Pkwy (4510 W League City Pkwy). Construction may be going on now, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for the branch to open to become an AMOCO member. Start using our convenient financial products and services now! MAGNOLIA CREEK BRANCH COMING SOON Competitive Rates on Loans and Deposits Auto, Personal, and Mortgage Loans Rewards Credit Card Free Credit Monitoring Member Rewards Program for Exclusive Perks Over 55,000 Surcharge-Free ATMs Plus, Much More! Why Choose AMOCO? We Offer: 4510 W League City Pkwy Subject to membership eligibility. Rates and terms are determined by borrower’s credit qualifications, credit score and credit report pulled by the credit union. Federally insured by NCUA. NMLS ID: 408167 SCAN ME 8 | Empower Your Finances | 2024Next >