Page 7 - Retiree News Winter 2021

WINTER 2021
7
Zoom Bingo helps Cretirees stay engaged
SEA Retiree local presidents members, for whom attending recently participated in a a local membership meeting is Zoom Bingo game featuring their only opportunity to meet
MONEY MATTERS
5 simple tips to help you keep more of your hard-earned money and safeguard your finances.
The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of your finances and make a fresh start.
As you step forward into 2021, taking care of a few little details can make a big difference – without a lot of effort.
1 Set up Emergency and Splurge Accounts
Create a “just in case” account to cover the unexpected. Build your savings with automatic transfers to the account on payday and you won’t even feel the pinch. While you’re at it, set up a “splurge” account because you deserve it.
2 Get Your Free Credit Report
Did you know you’re entitled to one free report per year? Order yours from Equifax, Transunion, or Experian at www.annualcreditreport.com and check for discrepancies.
3 Change Your Passwords
Make a note on your calendar to change your account password(s) every 90 days to stay ahead of cyber-criminals. Start in the first month of the year and with the seasons.
4 Comparison-Shop Your Cards & Loans
Write down the interest rates you’re paying on your credit cards and loans, then shop around. Finding a better rate can lower your monthly payments and the total interest you’ll pay.
5 Turn to the Experts
Struggling with financial issues? Need help setting goals?
The professionals at your financial institution can be a valuable resource for solutions and guidance.
Learn how the low, fixed-rate CSEA Visa Credit Card and other budget-friendly solutions from CAP COM help you save!
Visit www.capcomfcu.org/csea or call (844) 622-CSEA. Federally insured by NCUA
cards with COVID-themed phrases such as “friendly neighbor,” “hand sanitizer” and “ask to wear a mask.”
As the pandemic continues, CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan initiated a plan to use the tools we have to engage membership. The Zoom Bingo game is just one more way
the union
is still
working
to connect
with
members.
Ensuring the safety
and well- being
of CSEA members and staff
is the union’s top priority. Because
of this and
because
of state
guidelines
that
recommend restricting large gatherings, in-person CSEA meetings and social events have been put on hold.
These guidelines are especially important for CSEA Retiree members, as people age 65 and older are particularly susceptible to contracting complications from COVID-19.
The pandemic has been difficult for many CSEA Retiree
with their former co-workers and friends. Dealing with isolation
and loneliness are issues many of our senior population struggle to overcome in normal situations and have become intensified due to the pandemic.
With this in mind, CSEA has launched
a Zoom Bingo game that was recently tested with members of the union’s Retiree Executive Committee.
While CSEA’s
Zoom Bingo may not have been the competitive multi-card, high-stakes bingo games
that some
members were accustomed to before COVID, it did provide some much-needed social interaction, hot cocoa, snacks and friendly exchange.
After some brainstorming and theme suggestions for future games, we hope to play again and open it up to a larger audience.
— Christine Meehan CSEA Retiree Program Specialist
Visit the CSEA-NY Retiree Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/cseanyretirees
for the Zoom Bingo sequel, which is coming soon!