Knowledge Center
Your Guide to Financial Wellness
We put your financial well-being first. Mastering your money just got easier with access to the Labor Credit Union Knowledge Center. It’s our library of educational resources. You’ll find information on a wide range of topics ranging from money management to identity theft, to planning for the future. We’ve made it easy to access the information that matters most to you. Wherever you are on your financial journey, we are here to help. You’ll find
- Educational Video Resources
- Balance: Start Your Financial Journey
- Coindexter Club Financial Games and More for Kids
- Digital Defense Training to Protect Your Privacy Online
- Identity Theft Protection Guidelines
- IDSafeChoice
- Tax Form Information Center
- Understanding Cryptocurrency Articles and Videos
Banks vs credit unions
Keys to car buying webinar
Financial Literacy Panel
Steps in the Mortgage and Home Buying process
Financial Wellness Retirement
Balance Financial Fitness
We know that managing your money can sometimes seem overwhelming. That’s why Labor Credit Union has partnered with BALANCE to offer a financial fitness program. Through this partnership, you can take advantage of free and confidential financial counseling services.
FINANCIAL COACH HOTLINE
Have money management or credit questions? Our Certified Financial Coaches are standing by with answers.
DEBT AND BUDGET COUNSELING
Speak with a Certified Credit Counselor and create an action plan to reach your financial goals.
CREDIT REPORT REVIEW
A Certified Credit Counselor will guide you through your credit report, go over credit reporting regulations, and show you how to correct inaccuracies.
HOME OWNERSHIP EDUCATION
Our Certified Pre-Purchase Counselors provide comprehensive pre-purchase housing education. Topics include credit scores, saving for a down payment and more. We’ll help you take the next step toward homeownership.
IDENTITY THEFT SOLUTIONS
Identity theft is a threat to everyone, but your Credit Counselor will provide the tools and guidance to help you avoid it. You’ll also learn how to recover if you’ve been victimized.
DEBT MANAGEMENT PLAN
If you’re overwhelmed with debt, we can consolidate bills to streamline repayment. Best of all, creditors may be willing to lower payments and/or reduce or even eliminate interest and fees.
FORECLOSURE PREVENTION COUNSELING
If you’re struggling with mortgage payments, or fear you may be unable to pay in the future, contact us. Our Certified Foreclosure Specialists provide early delinquency intervention counseling, and can explore your options.
For More information about Balance Financial’s confidential financial counseling services or to schedule an appointment with a Certified Balance Financial Counselor, call (888) 456-2227 (toll-free).
Explore Balance Financial
TEACHING KIDS ABOUT MONEY
Welcome to the Labor CU Coindexter Club makes it fun to learn about money with videos, games, quizzes and calculators that will put you on course to become a financial genius. Membership is free and is designed for children from 6-12 years of age.
These short videos provide children with the information they need to understand the financial concepts behind each topic. Additional features found on the website include activities on related topics, such as: careers, interest, a chore chart and more.
Start ExploringDIGITAL DEFENSE – TRAINING, EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Your online security is our highest priority. Labor CU is committed to providing you with notifications, education, and access to useful information.
The Digital Defense Training Center has information about protecting your personal information from Identity Theft, Online Fraud, and other computer-related scams. Labor CU members can read through the Digital Defense training courses and take an online quiz. Earn your Digital Defense Certificate of Achievement as you become an expert in:
- Online Shopping
- ATM Safety
- Banking Myths
- Home Firewalls
- Home Computer Tips
- Secure Transactions
- Online Fraud
- PasswordsViruses/Worms
- Trojans & Spyware
- Child Safety Online
- Wireless Security
- Keylogging
- Vishing
- Botnets
- Old Computer Disposal
- Social Networking Online
- VoIP Security
- Social Media Dangers
- Mobile Device Security
- Identity Theft Prevention
Start digital defense training
ID THEFT PROTECTION
At Labor CU, we’re doing our part to make certain your accounts are safe and secure. We restrict access to nonpublic personal information about you to those employees who need to know that information to provide you with products or services. We maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal regulations to guard your nonpublic personal information. Help keep your information safe by following the general guidelines listed below
STAY INFORMED
The best way to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft is to educate yourself on the threats and methods that criminals use to get your personal information. Stay informed and know what to do if your identity is stolen. For educational resources and materials, visit IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government’s one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft.
CHECK YOUR CREDIT HISTORY
Receive FREE annual credit reports from the three credit bureaus. AnnualCreditReport.com allows you to request a free credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
SIMPLE TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD
- Sign your debit/credit cards as soon as they arrive & destroy expired cards. Keep a list of credit card numbers & expiration dates in a safe place.
- When shopping online, stay with merchants you know & trust. Print & save order confirmations.
- Save receipts & check statements of your online accounts frequently to verify transactions.
- Don’t give out or write down passwords & PIN numbers.
- Practice safety at ATMs. Always take your receipt with you.
- Report questionable charges promptly & monitor your credit report.
- Notify the post office if you do not receive your statement in the mail.
- Don’t give information over the phone unless you know the company is trustworthy.
- Report lost/stolen cards immediately.
- For other helpful information on the latest in Fighting Identity Theft, visit CU*Secure
IDSAFECHOICE – THE TRUSTED NAME IN IDENTITY THEFT PROGRAMS!
Concerned about identity fraud? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us. No need to confirm it first—we’re here to help. Our expert Recovery Advocates can:
- Investigate the extent of the issue, including reviewing all three credit reports (if needed)
- Place fraud alerts with the major credit bureaus
- Handle disputes on your behalf with letters and calls
- Collaborate with authorities, financial institutions, and creditors for resolution
- Assist in criminal prosecution with law enforcement
- Provide ongoing support for a year after recovery
Our identity fraud service covers all types, not just those related to your Labor CU account(s). This includes credit/debit card fraud, tax fraud, employment fraud, government document and benefits fraud, medical fraud, and any other recognized by the FTC. Plus, it extends to cover up to 3 generations of your family.
Access GuidanceTerms and Conditions of Group Identity Theft Detection and Recovery Services
1 Consumers who are eligible for the group identity theft detection and recovery service (“Services”) include all members of Labor Credit Union (“Group Member”). This is known as the “Eligibility Requirement”. Labor Credit Union is hereinafter referred to as the “Program Sponsor”.
2 The Services are offered through a group services agreement (“Group Program”) with the Program Sponsor and the Service Provider and are extended to Group Members.
3 Access to the Services (“Benefits Period”) begins when the Group Member first meets the Eligibility Requirement, and ends when the Group Member no longer meets the Eligibility Requirement or when Program Sponsor terminates the Group Program, whichever occurs first. You may find additional information about the Services at www.labor.org.
4 The Services provide professionals to manage the detection, investigation, and remediation of incidents of identity fraud caused by Identity Theft. “Identity Theft” is defined as fraud that involves the use of any combination of a Group Member’s name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, bank or credit/debit card account number, or other identifying information without the knowledge of the Group Member, and such information is used to commit fraud or other crimes. Only Identity Theft incidents that are discovered and reported to the Program Sponsor or the Service Provider during the Benefits Period will be covered by the Services.
5 The Services may assist the Group Member in seeking reimbursement for funds stolen in the Identity Theft incident, and/or providing assistance for filing a claim for insurance, but do not provide a guarantee of reimbursement for financial losses of any kind arising from the Identity Theft incident.
6 The Services are non-transferable and non-cancelable by the Group Member and have no cash equivalent. There is no fee for using the Services; however, the account or service to which the Eligibility Requirement is attached may have a fee, based on the provisions of the account/service agreement that the Group Member has with the Program Sponsor.
7 Neither the Program Sponsor nor its contracted Service Provider can be held responsible for failure to provide or for delay in providing the Services when such failure or delay is caused by conditions beyond the control of the Program Sponsor and its Service Provider.
8 The successful completion of the Services described herein depends on the cooperation of the Group Member. The Services may be refused or terminated if it is deemed that the Group Member is committing fraud or other illegal acts, making untrue statements, or failing to perform his/her responsibilities as part of the Services, or has obtained the Services knowingly without meeting the Eligibility Requirement. The Services will not be refused or terminated due to the complexity of an identity theft case.
9 The services do not include credit counseling or repair to credit no affected by fraud or identity theft.
10 The Services are only available to residents of the United States. The Services are performed with agencies and institutions in the United States, or territories where U.S. law applies.
11 To access the Services, Eligible Consumers can contact the local branch office of their Program Sponsor.
12 The Services are offered through an Agreement with NXG Strategies, LLC, www.nxgstrategies.com
Your Labor CU Tax Information
When filing your tax returns, you may need two types of forms from us:
- Form 1099
- Form 1098
FORM 1099
If you need to show dividend earnings or other 1099 information and you receive paper statements your 1099 Form was included with your December Statement. You can also view your Form 1099 information through online or mobile banking.
- Mobile App: Sign in and tap More in the bottom right of the screen, then tap eStatements.
- Online: Sign in and click the My Documents at the top of the screen. Choose eStatements. The current tax year’s form will be listed to view or download. You can also locate your year-end tax information at the bottom of your December statement details.
FORM 1098
Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) is helpful to show you paid interest, points or mortgage insurance premiums as you may be able to use these expenses as deductions.
- Form 1098 will arrive by US Mail
Understanding Cryptocurrency
There is no doubt that by now you have heard the terms: Cryptocurrency, Blockchain, NFTs. These terms have become common jargon in today’s ever-changing landscape of digital consumer behavior. You undoubtedly have questions about these terms; what they are, how they work, and what the opportunities are surrounding them.
Currently, Labor CU does not offer these products or services. However, it is our goal to help keep you informed and educated when it comes to all things “financial”. This page is dedicated to helping you understand what these products are, what some of the risks of use are, and how they can be used. Be sure to visit this page often for updates on what is happening in this particular segment of financial markets.
The following links to videos, articles, and information relating to Cryptocurrencies do NOT reflect Labor CU’s own beliefs or opinions relating to Cryptocurrency. The links, videos, and articles are compilations of independent sites or authors, and are intended solely for educational purposes.
CRYPTOCURRENCY
Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that are designed to serve as a form of currency that can be stored, traded, or used as an exchange during a transaction. Cryptocurrencies do not have a central issuing or regulating authority (as the U.S. Dollar does), and instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units.
BITCOIN – What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin is a form of cryptocurrency. It is one of many forms of digital currency that operates free of any central control or the oversight of banks and governments. It can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries.
Read more articles on what Bitcoin is:
- 1What Is Bitcoin & Is It Safe? YouTube – Kaspersky
- 2What is Bitcoin? Coinbase
- 3What Is Bitcoin Mining? U.S. News – Wayne Duggan
NFT’S – What are NFT’s?
NFT’s are ‘non-fungible tokens’, that are a unique form of digital assets. An NFT is a non-interchangeable unit of data that is stored on a blockchain and can be sold or traded. They are usually digital or graphical representations of real-world items like art, video clips, music, and more. They are not a form of digital currency, known as cryptocurrency.
Read more articles on NFT:
- 1What Are NFT’s? YouTube – The Economist
- 2Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) Ethereum.org
BLOCKCHAIN – What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it difficult, or impossible, to change, hack, or cheat the system of record for ownership and transaction history. It is a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems that operate on blockchain.
Read more articles on blockchain:
- 1What is blockchain technology? IBM
- How Does A Blockchain Work – Simply Explained YouTube – Simply Explained
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? CHECK OUT THESE ARTICLES
- 15 Top Crypto Scams to Watch in 2022 From the “pig butchering” crypto scam to the classic pump and dump, watch out for these schemes. John Divine, March 22, 2022
- 2Is Bitcoin Worth Investing In? More people are investing in Bitcoin despite its volatility. Should you? Paulina Likos and Tim Lawson, March 11, 2022
- 3Biden Signs Executive Order on cryptocurrencies CNBC: Ryan Browne, March 9, 2022
- 48 Pros and Cons of NFTs & How They Compare to Traditional Investments (annuity.org) Thomas Brock, CFA, January 14, 2022
- 5Coinbase Bytes
Card Security is a Priority
We understand the urgency of addressing concerns related to debit and credit card fraud, lost or stolen cards, and PIN changes. For immediate assistance, please use the following contact information:
LOST/STOLEN CARDS
Live Agents 24/7
Report a lost/stolen card:
(833) 933-1681
When traveling internationally, report a lost/stolen card:
(812) 647-9794
FRAUD
To report fraud or dispute a transaction:
(866) 279-1399
To respond to a fraud notification:
(855) 961-1602
PIN CHANGE / CARD ACTIVATION
Change Card PIN to your selected PIN from any touch-tone phone:
(833) 925-2837
Activate your card using a touch-tone phone:
(866) 619-0245
Debit Card Call Center 24/7 Support
(501) 246-8497
(866) 207-9154 (International)
Our dedicated teams are available to provide prompt support and ensure the security of your accounts. Additionally, our online resources offer helpful information and tips to proactively safeguard your financial well-being.
At Labor Credit Union, your security is our priority. For further assistance or inquiries, please contact our Call Center at (202) 789-2901.