www.repomenarecoming.com In the futuristic action-thriller Repo Men, humans have extended and improved our lives through highly sophisticated and expensive mechanical organs created by a company called The Union. The dark side of these medical breakthroughs is that if you dont pay your bill, The Union sends its highly skilled repo men to take back its propertywith no concern for your comfort or survival. Jude Law plays Remy, one of the best organ repo men in the business. When he suffers a cardiac failure on the job, he awakens to find himself fitted with the companys top-of-the-line heart-replacementas well as a hefty debt. But a side effect of the procedure is that his hearts no longer in the job. When he cant make the payments, The Union sends its toughest enforcer, Remys former partner Jake (Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker), to track him down. Now that the hunter has become the hunted, Remy joins Beth (Alice Braga), another debtor who teaches him how to vanish from the system. And as he and Jake embark on a chase across a landscape populated by maniacal friends and foes, one man will become a reluctant champion for thousands on the run.

The couple did their homework, and concluded that it made better sense to work with a non-profit financial cooperative to purchase their first home. Aside from lower fees and closing costs, SECU did something the others didn’t: a credit-union employee sat down with the couple to explain the pros and cons of the various mortgage options. Because credit union employees are non-commissioned, there was no pressure, enabling the couple to see the credit union as a trusted advisor.

“There are so many young folks who don’t realize the advantage of going with a co-op,” says John, who believes that all North Carolinians benefit from non-profit financial cooperatives that help to keep other financial institutions in check by ensuring citizens remain eligible for competitive rates and fees. “Being a member can make a tremendous difference in your financial life!”

You Belong

Are you are frustrated with your bank? You may be tired of paying endless fees, high interest rates and receiving poor customer service. And in light of the current financial crisis, you may find yourself among those with good credit experiencing trouble getting a car or home loan, the result of tightened lending standards due to the banking industry’s own.

Fortunately, you have options.

Credit unions offer are a fresh alternative to corporate banks while providing the same kinds of services. As a credit union member, you can open a checking or savings account, buy a certificate of deposit and get a loan. Some credit unions can even help invest for your retirement or take financial planning courses before you buy your first home.

Credit unions are co-operative businesses, owned by members (depositors) who share something in common, such as where they work, live or go to church. Because credit unions tend to be smaller and cater to a select group of people, you can expect a more personal relationship between the staff and the members.

Unlike commercial banks that generate profits for owners and outside shareholders, credit unions channel profits back to members in the form of lower fees, better interest rates and higher dividends. According to the American Banker/Gallup poll, credit unions consistently rank high among consumers for service and customer satisfaction every year since 1983.

Keep Your Money Safe

Credit unions have emerged as a safe haven for consumers. Because credit unions avoided the risky loans and exotic investments that brought down so many banks, they remain relatively untouched by the recent financial crisis, credit union members have peace of mind knowing their money is safe.

Credit unions are financially solid because they stick to conservative banking practices, such as requiring down payments and income verification on mortgage loans. While many banks were chasing ever more exotic ways to make money, credit unions stuck to the basics.

Many people are leery of putting their funds in the hands of a credit union because they believe the credit union isn’t FDIC insured. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like banks and savings institutions, credit unions deposits are insured up to $250,000 by the federal government, providing the same level of protection for investor assets as any banking institution.

Credit Unions Still Lending

Commercial banks have recently curtailed lending, even people with good credit. The result is that many consumers are having trouble getting home and car loans due to tightened lending standards.

This is not the case with credit unions, which continue making loans available to people with good credit histories. In fact, credit unions are now experiencing higher loan volumes as consumers turn to them in greater numbers since the recent banking sector meltdown.

According to the CUNA, credit unions made 36 percent more small business loans in the first half of 2008 than the same period in 2007, a reflection in part of the ability of credit unions to lend while banks horde cash.

Now, as conventional banks avoid lending even to credit worthy buyers, credit unions are poised to take a much larger share of the traditional lending business – including homes, cars and small business loans.

Join a Credit Union Today!

Though once associated with trade unions, hospitals, universities and other large employee groups, credit unions are increasingly open to the general public. There are also “select employee groups” that offer credit union members to a network of affiliated businesses.

You’ll find many reasons to join a credit union, including:

• Unlike many commercial banks, credit unions are still lending
• You have access to great products and services.
• Be heard. Your voice counts — your co-op truly cares what you think.
• You’ll be part of a values-based organization that puts people ahead of profit.
• Share in the financial success of the organization.
• Contribute to a thriving local economy.
• Invest in a business that is locally owned and democratically controlled.
• Be part of a strong and proud cooperative tradition.
• Help change the way business is conducted in America and around the world.

As of 2005, there are 9,346 credit unions in the United States, which means that just about any consumer can find a credit union they are eligible to join.

1.       Study the history of the accounts APY rates. If the rate seems to be consistently decreasing or suddenly dropped by 2-3 percent I would recommend staying away from that account. Look for an account above 5% interest that has been at a steady rate for at least a year.

2.       Look up the bank star rating at Bauer Financial. A four or five star ranking is a trustworthy bank, with a good reputation.

3.       Finally, call the bank and talk to a representative. Almost all Rewards Checking accounts are online, but if you want to get a feel for the customer service the bank offers, call and discuss the account first with a representative before you apply online.

Basically, you want to find a bank or credit union that you can trust with your money and treats you well. Take a little time, use the mentioned tips, and don’t rush into opening an account. Another step you can take to make your search easier is read up on the latest account information at MoneyRates.com. They report on all the best available banking rates. For starters, I suggest looking at the Rewards Checking offered from Coulee Bank, out of Wisconsin. They offer 5.01 APY, available nationwide, as well as a 5-star Bauer Financial rating. Use these tips as a start, and soon you’ll be getting paid to use your checking account.

A nasty recession is just what Harley Davidson (NYSE:HOG) needed to force its union to ratify a new contract, without the threat of a strike. As Harley cuts its labor costs, shareholders are sitting on new highs.

By Andrew Snyder, TodaysFinancialNews.com

Baltimore – (TFN): I am no fan of unions. They had their time and place, but now that America’s economy is about as robust as Mark Sanford’s political career it’s time for them to find a comfortable spot amongst the history books.

Even with my disdain for organized labor, I will admit when unions do something right. What’s fair is fair. Plus, it doesn’t happen very often.

For Harley Davidson (NYSE:HOG), unions have been an unreachable thorn in its side. The problems are almost mirror images of the woes in Detroit: not enough flexibility, high wages, top-notch benefits and a constant threat of a strike.

This economic downturn is just what the motorcycle maker was prayer for. It gave the company all the leverage to say shut up or get out. More specifically, Harley told the union shut up or we’ll get out.

Riding into the sunset?

The company’s largest manufacturing facility is located in York, Pennsylvania. The union’s current labor contract is set to expire early next year. Knowing the company had a major battle brewing, executives went proactive.

They started a search for a replacement factory, one with better technology and, more importantly, a cheaper workforce.

It’s basically a reverse strike. Sign the contract or the factory walks.

While nothing has been signed just yet, there is a very good chance York’s union will vote in favor of ratification on December 2. When it does, Harley shareholders will be in a good spot.

I got a peak at the contract last week. It gives the company just what it needs… flexibility.

While pay is an issue, Harley has no problem paying top dollar if it means high-quality workers. But Harley can’t afford to pay some gray-bearded grump to sit in the break room. That’s why the new contract cuts the labor groups to a mere fraction of previous levels.

No longer can a worker claim, “I’m a welder. I don’t touch a wrench.”

Now, if he’s working, he’s doing what the boss says. It will allow Harley to cut the factory’s headcount nearly in half, saving massive annual labor expenses.

Not good for union recruitment

The new contract also calls for Harley to put about $90 million into modernizing the current facility. While it will be an added line on the expense sheet, you can bet executives are counting on a quick payback.

I wish I could claim to be the only investor watching the action unfold, but I’m not. Over the last few days, shares of Harley have climbed steadily, sending shares to new 52-week highs.

Over at TFN Strategic Trader, we took full advantage of the action. Last Friday, we entered a set of the company’s December call options. And yesterday, we sold them for quick-and-easy gains of 60%.

For once, I have a reason to be thankful for unions. They made us money.Similar Posts:

• Harley Davidson: A pig in pain? – October 14, 2009
• YRC Worldwide: Jimmy Hoffa would be proud – July 10, 2009
• Are Harley investors going too fast, too soon? – June 19, 2009
• FedEx needs you… not the unions – June 9, 2009
• Oshkosh drives into Afghanistan with big gains – July 1, 2009

Article first published on Today’s Financial News

Harley’s “reverse” strike pays off

By support@todaysfinancialnews.com (TodaysFinancialNews.com LLC)