People are taking a hard look at their finances these days. Because of a weak economy and individual circumstances, people are feeling more vulnerable when it comes to their financial condition.

Is it time to take a closer look at your money? People don’t always know how much too much debt is or when they should turn to their credit union for advice. Things seem to be going along just fine and then something unexpected happens like a lost job, cutbacks on overtime or illness. Or, maybe it’s a gradual increase in utilities, gas and groceries in addition to other commitments that causes a downturn. If you find you have too many bills coming in at one time, need to pull money out of your savings or are forced to borrow more to cover everyday expenses, it’s a good time to get help and take control of your money. VyStar has a reputation for providing exceptional service and constantly strives to exceed your expectations in helping you achieve your goals, no matter if they are simple or complex.

Here are a few warning signs that we suggest would be worthy of coming to talk to us about – and we hope, sooner rather than later.

• Do you use a number of higher-interest credit cards or have some cards been maxed out?
• Do you frequently only make minimum monthly payments?
• Have you used cash advance features to pay another loan?
• Are you using credit for living expenses such as food, rent, or utilities?
• Are you unaware of what your total debt is or how long it would take you to pay off all your debt at the rate you are paying?
• Do you have little money in your savings account or have difficulty saving money?
• Are you prepared to handle a financial crisis?

If any of these statements apply to you, a little help from VyStar could make a big difference in your financial life. If a problem is caught early, minor adjustments often are all it takes to correct a situation and we know the full range of what can be done to get you back on track. We have programs and free services in place to advise and guide you.

Let us make looking at your finances less intimidating. Our Money Makeover program is a good way to get started reviewing your finances and making decisions about your financial future. By taking a look at your income, spending habits and how much money goes for bills each month, your own VyStar Coach will help you find ways to reduce your debt and better manage your money. We can help you build a budget and free up money to put in savings so you can begin planning for the future instead of living from day to day. With a little determination you’ll be surprised at what you can do.

Balance™ is another free financial counseling service that gives advice immediately over the phone at 888-456-2227 (toll free). By speaking with a certified consumer credit counselor, your questions will be answered and information provided on general money management, credit and housing topics, goal setting, making a budget, developing a savings plan, managing debt and more. Balance is committed to quality service and has many success stories in working with VyStar members. They believe in prevention and find solutions to financial concerns and circumstances. You can also visit Balance online at www.balancepro.net or from our website at www.vystarcu.org. The services of Balance are free of charge to VyStar members.

Another place to turn when you are having trouble making your VyStar loan payments is VyStar Collections Department. Come to us before things get out of hand. We understand the condition and trends of our economy and know all too well how it affects our members. If you are falling behind in your payments, let us help you by calling: (904) 777-6000 or (800) 445-6289, option 3/and then, press 3.

We realize that your home is your most important asset and must be protected. VyStar Mortgage Department is ready to assist members who find it difficult to make their mortgage payments because of circumstances that are sometimes beyond their control. Communicating with your mortgage lender is crucial and could help you avoid more serious consequences down the road. Contact us as soon as you suspect there may be a problem by calling: (904) 594-5419 or (800) 445-6289, ext. 5419.

VyStar’s Call Center works for you from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Our Call Center Representatives are equipped to answer most questions and concerns our members may have. We remain open later in the day to accommodate your busy lifestyles and to be there for you when you need us.

VyStar’s website at www.vystarcu.org is available for information and services. Conduct a brief chat online, live, through VyChat where a Representative can answer your questions and provide helpful advice during Call Center hours. Visit Money Makeover on our homepage for a helpful guide and financial tools. There are more links and information within our Centers for details on free money management services like overdraft protection, automatic funds transfer, and direct deposit to have access to your paycheck sooner. Our website also provides ways to learn how to balance your checking account, create a budget and many ways to contact us and get help. Sometimes a little information is all it takes to get started.

All of us at VyStar are truly dedicated to helping others. The “people helping people” spirit provides a valuable service to our members and our employees’ commitment and generosity extend throughout our communities. VyStar employees go above and beyond by donating time, energy and money where there’s an increased need to organizations such as United Way of Northeast Florida, March of Dimes, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night and more. Currently, we have just completed our annual United Way campaign and employees are breaking records again on the funds they have raised for this important cause. We are all proud of our many successes – together we are a collective strength, creating opportunities for a better life for you, our families and our communities. Thank you for being a valued member of VyStar.


Terry R. West, President/CEO

VyStar Credit Union

© 2009 VyStar Credit Union