The Bottom Line
Small business is important to Central Oregon, and to Mid Oregon. Find tips and resources for business, and information about Mid Oregon’s commercial services and business members.
New Alerts for Potential Fraudulent Card Activity
Mid Oregon Credit Union cares about the security of our members’ debit and credit cards. We continuously monitor member accounts for potential fraudulent card activity. Starting April 7, Mid Oregon members will receive new alerts about potential fraud with their debit and credit card accounts.
This enhanced feature uses the mobile, phone, and email addresses listed on your account to contact you about potential fraud. You will have the option to authorize or deny the charges.
New Alert Notification Process
Before this change, Mid Oregon only notified members of potential fraudulent card activity via phone. The new approach first sends a fraud notification via text. If no contact is made, it next sends an email. After that, it calls your mobile phone, followed by a home phone number in an attempt to receive a response.
Update Your Contact Information
Remember to update your preferred phone numbers and email addresses for your account to ensure that any alerts get to you quickly. You can update your information while logged in to Digital Banking or you can make the change in person at a branch or over the phone at (541) 382-1795.
Also, be sure to contact Mid Oregon if you plan to travel to ensure we process all of your card transactions without interruptions.
Thank you for your cooperation in protecting your accounts from fraudulent transactions!
3 Things to Know Before Shopping for a New Car
So, you want a new set of wheels? Don’t want to repeat the mistakes of the last time? Below we share 3 things to know before shopping for a new car.
There are many things to consider before purchasing ANY car, but a NEW car purchase provides a few different questions. There are pros and cons to buying new cars, just as there are pros and cons to buying used cars.
General Considerations
First off, when purchasing any vehicle, ask yourself “Why am I buying this car?” Is it for daily use, will you need a lot of storage space, seating space? Make sure the makes and models you narrow your search down to are practical reflections of how you will use the car.
You may love the look of a larger vehicle, but if you don’t have five children, you might not need that much space and that particular car may not be right for your daily commute and errands.
Here in Central Oregon, we have some special factors to look at. How does that car handle in the snow or ice? How will I transport my mountain bike, or ski’s. Does it have a towing package? Is the clearance high enough to get through my driveway in the snow?
After you’ve considered the personal aspects of which car to buy, move on to the less subjective parts of the process:
1. Depreciation
Most cars depreciate at about 15% per year. With new cars, there is a 20% depreciation rate as soon as you drive off the lot. You want to consider this before you decide to buy a new car, especially if you can’t put much money down as a down payment. Chances are you’ll be upside down on your car loan almost immediately if you’re financing the entire cost.
2. Cost-to-own
Also, consider the true cost to own the car you’re eyeing. These costs include insurance, fuel, maintenance, and more. Maintenance costs vary by manufacturer and model. Do your research—some manufacturers have better reputations than others. Some new cars even come with “free” maintenance plans for the first couple of years or for a certain number of miles.
3. How much can you afford?
Don’t guide yourself solely by what the dealership is willing to lend you. And, don’t be blindsided by an attractive low monthly payment—oftentimes tied to a super-long loan term. Consider all aspects of financing—the total amount you are going to end up paying for that vehicle when it’s all said and done. That’s what matters.
For more information on finding the right new car for you, researching options and available local inventory, take a look at our AutoSmart page today!
When you are ready, you can apply online with us before you even step on the lot. Or, contact Mid Oregon Credit Union with questions. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we can approve you for an auto loan that fits your circumstances—and your budget. We won’t put you into a loan you can’t afford, and we’re happy to explain everything to you away from the high-pressure of the dealership. If you have a trade-in, we can help you determine a value for that, too. Or, call us at (541) 382-1795 or email to info@midoregon.com.
2021 Free Shred Day on April 17
Mid Oregon has teamed up with Republic Services to provide free, personal shredding for our members and the community. Join us on Saturday, April 17, for our 2021 Free Shred Day!
Support Healthy Beginnings
There is no cost for shredding services. However, Mid Oregon will accept donations to benefit Healthy Beginnings. This local organization offers free health and developmental screenings for children entering kindergarten.
Safe Disposal of Documents
You can be better protected from fraud and identity theft by shredding any personal documents. On Shred Day, bring up to three boxes or bags of personal documents per vehicle. Documents with staples and paper clips are accepted, too! Please note: commercial or business shredding services will not be provided.
On Saturday, April 17, shredding is available at the following Mid Oregon Credit Union locations:
- 9-11 a.m. Bend (2nd and Olney) and Madras branches
- 12-2 p.m. Prineville and Redmond branches
For specific branch location addresses, visit our website.
Additional Information
Free Shred Day will include measures to ensure the safety of volunteers and shred participants, including:
- Staff and volunteers will wear masks and gloves.
- Vehicles will move to the designated location at the branch.
- Participants will place their materials into bins provided on-site.
- Mid Oregon volunteers and the shred operator will take the bin to complete the shredding.
- Lastly, Healthy Beginnings will be on-site to answer any questions. So, you can make cash or check donation that day at their table, or donate online at https://myhb.org/donate.
We look forward to seeing you at our 2021 Free Shred Day on April 17!