FOR THE MEMBERS OF COLUMBUS METRO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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IRA LIMITS INCREASE FOR

2020

For the first time in several years, IRA contribution limits are increasing for 2020. Qualified taxpayers can contribute up to $6,000 this year, while those ages 50 and older can contribute an extra $1,000 for a total of $7,000.

Of course, you can still contribute for tax year 2019 through the April 15 tax-filing deadline. Contributions designated for 2019 are limited to $5,500 for qualified taxpayers and $6,500 for those 50 and older.

Columbus Metro offers both traditional and Roth IRAs with competitive rates and up to $250,000 in federal deposit insurance. For more information, stop by one of our offices or call us at 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876.

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Candidates For The 2020 Board Of Directors

America Saves Week

DoD Launches Financial Literacy Website

Treat Yourself To Your Maximum Refund

www.columbusmetro.org

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE UP TO $5,000Are you in the market for a new home this spring? Qualified buyers could receive up to $5,000* to use towards down payment and closing costs.

Columbus Metro partners with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati to offer Welcome Home program grants to low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Funds usually become available in early March and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.

Who can applyTo apply for a grant, buyers must have a purchase contract on an eligible property dated on or after the program start date (expected to be March 4, 2020). Family income cannot exceed certain limits** that vary by county, and buyers must contribute at least $500 of their own funds towards the purchase. First-time homebuyers must complete a counseling course prior to loan closing, but applicants do not have to be first-time homebuyers.

What you can buyTo qualify for a grant, applicants must purchase an eligible property for their primary residence. It can be a single-family home, townhome, condominium, duplex, multi-unit (up to four units) dwelling or a qualified manufactured home. Homebuyers must reside in the home for five years or they may be required to repay a portion of the grant funds received.

Wondering if you qualify? Our experienced mortgage specialists, Lisa Butcher and Jenniffer McNamee, are ready to answer your questions about the Welcome Home program. Call 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876 ext. 3408 or email us at mortgage@columbusmetro.org to find out more today.

*Active duty military personnel and honorably discharged veterans can qualify for up to $7,500. **In 2019, income limits for Franklin and the surrounding counties were $61,120 for households of one to two people and $70,288 for households of three or more.

Super Money Market$1,000 to $2,499 ......... 0.15% APY$2,500 to $4,999 ..........0.50% APY$5,000 to $9,999 ..........0.75% APY$10,000 or more ..........1.75% APY

6 Month Share or IRA Certificate$1,000 minimum ......... 1.30% APY

12 Month Share or IRA Certificate$500 minimum ............. 1.70% APY

15 Month Share or IRA Certificate$500 minimum ............. 1.70% APYAllows deposits of $250 or more

36 Month Share or IRA Certificate$500 minimum ............. 2.20% APY

60 Month Share or IRA Certificate$500 minimum ............. 2.40% APY

Education Growth Fund Certificate$250 minimum ............. 3.50% APY

Vehicle Loan (2019 to 2020)As low as ...................... 3.99%*Up to 72 months

Vehicle Loan (2015 to 2018)As low as ...................... 4.49%*Up to 66 months

Vehicle Loan (2014 & older)As low as ...................... 4.99%*Up to 60 months

Credit CardsVisa Platinum .... 9.90-13.90% APR*

Home Equity Loan—Fixed RateAs low as .............................4.99%*Up to 180 months

Home Equity Line of CreditRedi-Line ......................4.25% APR

First MortgagesContact us at ext. 3408 ormortgage@columbusmetro.org

Rates current as of 12/12/19 and subject to change without notice. See a Member Services Representative for full details. APY = Annual Percentage Yield. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Loans made subject to standard loan approval guidelines. *The rate you pay may vary based on your credit history and/or loan-to-value ratio.

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Federally insured by NCUA

CANDIDATES FOR THE 2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORSIn accordance with the Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union bylaws, each year a nominating committee recommends a slate of candidates to fill openings on the board of directors. The committee reviewed the applications received from members by the November 8, 2019, deadline and determined the following slate of candidates. Since there is just one nominee for each position, the committee’s nominees are declared elected and no election will be necessary.

Larry M. WattsMr. Watts has served the credit union for 47 years, 14 as a member of the credit committee and 36 on the board of directors. He currently holds the position of secretary, a post he has held for 33 years. Mr. Watts retired from DSCC in September 2003 after 31 years of service and spent two and a half years with RSI. He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Mr. Watts is married and has three grown daughters who live in the Columbus area.

Beverly M. WilsonMs. Wilson retired from LTM, Inc. as a contract specialist team lead. She also retired from DLA Land and Maritime after nearly 42 years of service. She holds an associate’s degree in accounting from Franklin University as well as a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from Saint Leo University. Ms. Wilson was an adjunct professor for Ohio Christian University, where she taught business courses. She is active at her church, where she is on the board of elders, currently serves as first elder and served as treasurer for nearly 29 years. Ms. Wilson has been a credit union member for 47 years and previously served on the loan committee for six years. She seeks her fifth term on the board of directors.

ANNUAL MEETING SET FOR MARCH 10Mark your calendars for our annual meeting on Tuesday, March 10, 2020. The

meeting will be held at the Crossroads Wedding & Event Center, located in the Hamilton Square Shopping Center at 169 Fairway Blvd. Doors open at 4:00 p.m.

and the meeting begins at 4:30 p.m.

TREAT YOURSELF TO YOUR MAXIMUM REFUND AND A CHANCE TO WIN $25KTreat yourself to a stress-free tax season! Columbus Metro has teamed with TurboTax to save you up to $15 on TurboTax and a chance to win $25,000.

TurboTax makes it easy to find the best solution for your unique tax situation. Simple filer? Homeowner? Independent contractor, freelancer or side-gigger? TurboTax has a product that is right for you.

You can file with confidence knowing that TurboTax guarantees 100% accurate calculations, running thousands of error checks as you go. And with TurboTax you’ll get your biggest possible refund fast.

Start TurboTax today for free at www.columbusmetro.org and be entered to win!

Visit turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2019. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries.

TurboTax $25,000 Sweepstakes. NO PURCHASE OR FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, 18 years of age or older at time of entry, who are customers of participating Financial Institutions or employees of participating businesses. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Sweepstakes ends 2/13/20. Subject to complete Official Rules and all applicable federal, state and local laws. For Official rules including participating Financial Institutions and businesses, odds of winning, alternate method of entry, and prize descriptions, visit the Official Rules. PRIZES: 1 Grand Prize: A check for $25,000. Retail value, $25,000. 12 First Prizes: A check for $1,000. Retail value, $1,000 each. Maximum retail value of all prizes is $37,000. The odds of winning a prize depend upon the total number of eligible entries received by the end of the Promotion Period. SPONSOR: Intuit Inc., 7535 Torrey Santa Fe Rd, SDG-1A-04-05B, San Diego, CA, 92129.

IMPORTANT TAX FILING INFORMATIONLike it or not, tax season is here again. Here are a few tips to ensure that you receive your refund(s) in a timely manner.

1. You should receive forms 1098, 1099-INT or 1099-R by January 31, 2020. The same information is available on your 12/31/19 statement and on MetroWeb.

2. If you receive e-statements, you will also receive your tax forms electronically. 3. Direct deposit is the best way to receive your refund. Simply provide Columbus Metro’s routing number, 244077226, and your account

number on your tax form. You can find your account number on your statement or on MetroWeb or MetroWeb Mobile. 4. We will not post tax refunds to an account if one or more of the payees is not an account owner when the deposit is received. Such deposits

will be automatically returned. 5. If you receive a paper refund check from the IRS, funds will be available immediately. Refund anticipation checks issued by tax preparers

will not; the first $1,000 will be available immediately and the rest will be held according to our normal guidelines. 6. If you receive a paper check, the ownership on the deposit account must match the payees on the refund check. If you have a joint check

and want to do anything other than deposit it to a joint account, both parties must be present with valid photo ID.

If you have any tax-related questions that aren’t answered here, please call us at 614.239.0210 or 800.986.3876 or email us at cmfcu@columbusmetro.org.

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BY PHONE614.239.0210800.986.3876

BY FAX614.239.0988

BY EMAILcmfcu@columbusmetro.org

BY MAILP.O. Box 13240Columbus, OH 43213-0240

VISIT US4000 E. Broad St.Columbus, OH 43213

6623 E. Main St.Reynoldsburg, OH 43068

5600 N. Hamilton Rd. Gahanna, OH 43230

DSCC Building 20Room B110S

DFAS Building 21Room A132

24-HOUR SERVICESMetroWebwww.columbusmetro.org

MetroWeb MobileDownload from the App Storeor Google Play

Bill Pay Support844.357.5638

Visa® Balance & Payment Inquiries800.442.4757www.gotomycard.com

Lost or Stolen Visa800.442.4757

Lost or Stolen Debit MasterCard®

800.528.2273

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AMERICA SAVES WEEKSince 2007, America Saves Week has offered an opportunity for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. As a participant, Columbus Metro encourages members to use the week to start saving money, reducing debt and creating better financial habits.

This year, America Saves Week is February 24-29. For tips on getting started, strategies for saving, saver success stories and more, visit www.AmericaSavesWeek.org. You can take the America Saves Pledge and sign up to receive helpful tips and reminders to save by text year-round. You can also keep up with America Saves Week on social media with the hashtag #ASW2020.

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SHOPPING FOR A NEW CAR? GETTING A TAX REFUND? CHECK OUT OUR GREAT RATES!Are you in need of a new car, truck or SUV? Use your tax refund as a down payment for your new vehicle while taking advantage of our great rates on auto loans.

Buying a vehicle is easy when you visit one of our partner dealers. When you find a vehicle, simply say that you are a Columbus Metro member and you’d like to finance with us. They’ll submit your application and close the loan at the dealership, and you’ll get the same great rate you’d get if you came directly to us.

Or, we can preapprove you before you go car shopping. It will make the car buying process easier and speed up the process once you find that perfect vehicle. For current rates, links to our online application and a list of our partner dealers, visit www.columbusmetro.org/Products/Loans/Auto.

DoD LAUNCHES FINANCIAL LITERACY WEBSITEThe Department of Defense’s Office of Financial Readiness recently launched a new website dedicated to financial literacy for members of the military and their families.

The new site offers resources, education and support for every stage of financial readiness — whether you’re just getting started learning about finances, interested in tweaking your current plan, or ready to jump in with both feet. The goal is to foster a financially secure and mission-ready force with every military family living their best life today and in the future. Check out the site today at https://finred.usalearning.gov/.

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P.O. Box 13240Columbus, OH 43213-0240

Presorted STDU.S. Postage

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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY Monday, January 20

PRESIDENTS’ DAY Monday, February 17

CREDITViews

It’s easier than ever to open an account at Columbus Metro, because now you can do it online. Whether you’re adding to your existing account or opening a brand-new one, we’re open 24/7.

Current members can add a checking account, secondary share, share certificate and/or Super Money Market to their existing account through MetroWeb, MetroWeb Mobile, or on our website at www.columbusmetro.org. (We recommend going through online or mobile banking, as part of the application will pre-fill with information from your account.)

Those new to Columbus Metro can open their primary share account along with a checking account, secondary share, share certificate and/or Super Money Market at www.columbusmetro.org.

For more information or to open an account online, go to www.columbusmetro.org. In the desktop version of MetroWeb, choose the Applications tab at the top of the page. And in MetroWeb Mobile, choose Add an account from the main menu.

ONLINE ACCOUNT OPENING NOW AVAILABLE