It can be challenging to decide where to make your tax-deductible donations. It may be a good idea to investigate charities to ensure they match your values and provide benefit before donating. Unfortunately, some charities pop up in a quick bid for cash and disappear soon after. Visit the charity’s website and explore to see …
Continue reading “Is that charity legit? Research tips for your tax-deductible donations”
It can be challenging to decide where to make your tax-deductible donations. It may be a good idea to investigate charities to ensure they match your values and provide benefit before donating.
Unfortunately, some charities pop up in a quick bid for cash and disappear soon after. Visit the charity’s website and explore to see examples of people they have helped and the history of their founding. If the site looks like it was thrown together quickly and lacks much information, this is a red flag, and you should do further investigation before donating.
Using Google, a web search will help you find some final bits of information. Search for “CHARITY NAME success stories” and “CHARITY NAME is awful” or similar combinations to get good and bad stories about your chosen organization. Weigh these search results against the other information you’ve found to make your final decision.
Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) helps borrowers and lenders avoid financial loss by waiving all or a portion of the deficiency between a borrower’s payoff amount on their auto loan and the determined actual cash value of a vehicle in the event that a vehicle is totaled or stolen, up to a certain LTV maximum, less exclusions or limitations that may apply. This is a voluntary, non-insurance product. GAP Advantage also provides you with a $1,000 credit towards the financing of a replacement vehicle financed with our financial institution!
How does GAP work?
The actual cash value of your vehicle as determined by your primary insurance carrier could be less than the actual balance you owe on your loan. In the event of a total loss or theft, GAP waives the difference between your outstanding loan balance and the actual cash value (ACV) of the vehicle up to the maximum LTV %. GAP may also cover up to $1,000 of your deductible if there is a “gap” after the primary insurance settlement is paid. The deductible is covered as part of the deficiency balance settlement.*
REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE:
Your loan balance is: $15,000
Your insurance company settlement is: $10,000
– Based on your vehicle’s market value: $11,000
– Less your insurance deductible: $1,000
Loan balance remaining without protection: $5,000
Loan balance remaining with protections: $0
PLUS $1,000 credit towards the financing of your replacement vehicle!
GAP is subject to limitations and exclusions, including but not limited to a loan-to-value (LTV) maximum. Call us at 707-443-8662 to learn more.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – Expect the Unexpected
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – Dream Big, Plan with Purpose
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – Rewrite Debt Narrative
Friday, April 10, 2026 – Consider Saving a Habit
Click here to see the full articles.
Credit and debit cards are one of the most popular forms of payment, and fraudsters take advantage of this through various schemes designed to gather card and other personal information to use to their benefit. While using cards online poses its own set of risks and safety measures (like ensuring you are purchasing only through a known seller), scammers often also utilize devices at in-person card readers to steal and store information that the person can then download and use themselves to commit fraud. When a scammer places a device on a card reader at point-of-sale terminals like ATMs and gas pumps to take data from the card’s microchip, this is known as shimming. Both credit and debit cards are susceptible to shimming.
To mitigate against shimming, you may consider utilizing contactless payment methods, such as your Compass debit card using the tap feature, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, to avoid inserting a physical card into a machine. Alternatively, cash is always an option for trusted in-person transactions. If you do choose to use a card, be sure to check the machines for any signs of tampering and abnormalities, which could be a sign that a shimming (or skimming) device has been installed.
When someone charges a credit card, takes out a loan, or utilizes a service that requires post-payment––such as a hospital visit or utility connection––they are expected to pay that debt back. However, if someone doesn’t have the money to make their payment, they’ve forgotten to pay, or simply neglected to do so, their creditor will ramp up efforts to recover the funds they’re owed. After multiple attempts to collect payment on a debt that is past due, the creditor may turn to a debt collection agency for assistance.
If you don’t pay overdue debt in collections, you will likely see a negative impact on your credit score. This can make it more difficult to secure loans, credit cards, or favorable interest rates in the future. Generally, debt in collections will remain on your credit reports for seven years from the first date of missed payment. The collection agency can also take legal action against you if the debt remains unpaid for an extended period of time.
Dealing with debt collection can be stressful, but by communicating clearly, making an effort to pay down the debt, and negotiating within reason, you can navigate the process more effectively.
Compass is excited to announce we now offer Apple Pay and Samsung Pay to your Digital Wallet.
Want to make payments faster, more secure, and more convenient? Mobile wallets—like Apple Pay and Samsung pay—are an easy way to carry your debit and credit cards right on your smartphone.
Here’s how to get started:
Choose Your Wallet App: Most smartphones come with a built-in wallet app. Apple users can use Apple Wallet; Android users can use Samsung Wallet.
Add Your Card: Open the wallet app, tap “Add Card,” and follow the prompts to scan or enter your card information. You may need to verify with a text or email code.
Tap to Pay: Once your card is added, you can use your phone to pay at any store with contactless payment terminals. Just unlock your phone, hold it near the reader, and you’re done!
Why Use a Mobile Wallet?
Fast and convenient — No digging for your card.
More secure — Your actual card number isn’t shared during the transaction.
Track spending easily — View recent purchases in the app.
At Compass, our debit and credit cards work seamlessly with mobile wallets. Give it a try next time you check out—you might never look back!
As the year winds down, it’s a great time to shop for a new or used vehicle. Dealers often offer attractive discounts and incentives to clear out inventory before the new models arrive. Here are some tips to help you get the best deal:
1. Do Your Homework: Research makes and models you’re interested in, including pricing and features. Check online reviews and ratings to find reliable options.
2. Get Pre-Approved: Secure financing through Compass before you visit dealerships. Pre-approval gives you negotiating power and helps you avoid high dealer interest rates. Plus, we have a special rate offer, just for you. To learn more, visit https://compassccu.org/promotion/auto-loan-rate-promo/.
3. Compare Offers: Don’t settle for the first deal. Visit multiple dealers or explore private sellers to find the best price.
4. Consider Total Costs: Factor in insurance, taxes, registration, and fuel efficiency when comparing vehicles.
5. Inspect and Test Drive: Always test drive the car and, if buying used, have a trusted mechanic inspect it.
6. Negotiate Wisely: Focus on the total price, not just monthly payments. Be prepared to walk away if terms don’t feel right.
7. Ask About Incentives: Dealers may offer year-end rebates or special trade-in values, ask about all available deals.
Ready to hit the road with confidence? Contact us today at 707-443-8662 for competitive auto loan rates and expert guidance to help you drive away with a great deal!
For many new members, managing money can feel overwhelming. You may have concerns about trusting a financial institution with your hard-earned money. However, keeping your money in a credit union is one of the safest and smartest financial decisions you can make.
Why Banking at Compass Community Credit Union Is a Smart Choice
Accessing your money is safe. We provide several services to make accessing our funds easy and convenient. We offer a VISA debit card, online and mobile banking with free bill pay to make life easier for you, personal checks and automatic deposits. Call us today at 707-443-8662, we are happy to answer any questions you might have.
Please be aware of potential fraudulent texts, emails, or phone calls coming from people posing as Compass Community Credit Union staff. These communications may very well be fraudulent and an attempt to take over your account.
As a reminder, Compass Community Credit Union will never contact you to ask for your personal information. If someone posing as a credit union employee asks you for information like your social security number, username and password, DO NOT RESPOND.
Contact us at 707-443-8662 immediately if you receive a suspicious request for private account information (you can also go to our website to verify our contact information).
How Can You Prevent Account Takeover Fraud?
• If someone posing as a staff member from Compass Community Credit Union contacts you by phone, email, or text message and wants you to share your account information, consider it fraud.
• Be cautious of someone posing as tech support from a software company, Adobe, Paypal, Amazon, or any other company that contacts you by phone, email, or text message and wants you to share your account information. Hang up and call the phone number listed on their website.
• If you receive a text or email asking for account information, do not reply. Ignore the message and do not call any phone numbers listed.
• If you receive a phone call that seems to be a phishing attempt, simply end the call. Be aware that area codes can be misleading: a local area code does not always guarantee the caller is local.
If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, contact us at 707-443-8662 or visit our website to verify how to contact us.
Looking for a new or used car? Don’t head to the dealership without checking out financing from your us first. At Compass Community Credit Union, we offer auto loans designed with our members’ best interests in mind.
Why finance with us?
Lower Rates – Credit unions are not-for-profit, so we return value to our members through competitive interest rates that often beat banks and dealer financing.
Flexible Terms – Whether you’re buying new, used, or refinancing, we offer terms that fit your budget and lifestyle.
Personal Service – Our loan officers work with you directly to make sure you understand your options—no pressure, no gimmicks.
Pre-Approval Power – Get pre-approved before you shop, so you know your budget and can negotiate confidently.
If you’re planning to hit the road in a new ride, let us help you get there with financing that makes sense. Visit CompassCCU.org to apply today or speak with a Financial Partner.
In short, a credit union is a cooperative financial institution where people work together to make everyone’s lives better. Everyone who has an account here is a member. And every member is an owner.
Rather than making profits to send to far-off shareholders, Compass CCU reinvests in our credit union. Which means we reinvest in YOU. That’s why we say that, at Compass Community Credit Union, we guide you to better banking.