agcu2023 on April 23, 2022

Assemblies of God Credit Union (AGCU) announces the addition of Senior Vice President, Director of Member Experience & Compliance Randall Bettis, Member Experience Manager Kelly Beezley and Senior Commercial Credit Analyst Jordan Dowdan.

Randall Bettis

With over three decades of leadership experience with credit unions across the United States, Randall Bettis brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to his new role as Senior Vice President, Director of Member Experience & Compliance with AGCU. The scope of his responsibilities includes leading the member care team in strategies that will provide AGCU members an organized and seamless experience across all channels and stages of communication.

Randy comes to us with a tremendous amount of experience with several credit unions. He worked for the Arizona Central Credit Union for 4 years as a Collector before moving to Arizona Federal Credit Union where he served as a Risk Management Consultant, a Branch Manager, a Financial Services Supervisor and a finally a Director of Branch Services during his 13 years there. He moved to Corporate America Family Credit Union where he was a Branch Manager for a year. Then he served as a Branch Manager, Vice President, and President / CEO at SunWest Federal Credit Union over his 4 year career there before moving to the Springfield to serve as the Chief Lending Officer at BluCurrent Credit Union. He was there for almost 10 years. We know the knowledge he has gained over his 31 year career is going to be of tremendous benefit to AGCU.

Kelly Beezley

Kelly Beezley joins AGCU in the role of Member Experience Manager. With over 20 years of experience, Kelly is a seasoned banking professional who has lived in Springfield her entire life. Drawing on her deep sense of community, Kelly will aid in identifying areas of opportunity that will enhance member experience.

Kelly has been in banking for 20 years. She was a Financial Service Representative at Commerce for 5 years. She worked at the Bank of Bolivar as a Lead Teller for 3 years, then moved to Hawthorn Bank where she served as a Customer Service Representative for 2 years. She then moved to America’s Credit Union where she served as a Branch Manager for 10 years.

Jordan Dowdan

Lastly, Jordan Dowdan has joined AGCU as Senior Commercial Credit Analyst. Jordan has served in credit analyst roles with several financial institutions throughout southwest Missouri and will use this experience to assist lenders as they make decisions that affect local businesses and economy.

Jordan worked as a Loan Officer for First Home Savings Bank in Mountain Grove, MO, for a year before moving to Central Bank of the Ozarks where he served as a Credit Analyst for 2.5 years. He then went to Legacy Bank & Trust where he worked as a Credit Analyst – Loan Review Officer for the past 4 years. In this capacity, he assisted the Chief Credit Officer in reviewing underwriting, monitored the bank’s risk exposure and loan trends, while also analyzing complex government products, monitoring construction and development loans, and analyzed and spread complex global cash flows.

“AGCU’s commitment to member experience has been a priority of behind our concept of Banking with a Purpose,” said Melanie Tarrant, Creative Marketing Specialist. “And the addition of Randy, Kelly, and Jordan to our team will help us continue serving our members and our community with their financial needs.”

AGCU is a faith-based credit union, affiliated with the Assemblies of God since 1951. Our vision is to be the most relevant faith-based credit union in the world to our members, fellowship, communities, organization, and co-workers. AGCU provides banking options for individuals, families, businesses, nonprofits, and ministry organizations.

We donate 10% of our annual earnings to support churches and ministries, educational scholarships and programs, and humanitarian efforts.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

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Springfield Pregnancy Care Center Annual Banquet 2022

agcu2023 on April 19, 2022

Springfield Pregnancy Care Center Annual Banquet 2022

PCC Banquet 2022

Thank you for supporting PCC’s mission to save lives and strengthen families through our annual Banquet. The many services PCC provides would not be available to clients without your partnership!

Our goal was to raise $500,000 from Banquet – 20% of our annual operating budget. We knew that was a God-sized goal. But we are thrilled to announce YOU gave more than $500,000!

If you couldn’t attend the Banquet, it’s not too late to make your gift to support PCC. All donations given through Banquet go directly to fund the services and resources for those facing unplanned pregnancy.

Donate Now

Those who attended the Banquet met this year’s featured client, Leslie. If you did not get to attend the event, her story is now available to view!

We are honored to share support for our good friends at Springfield Pregnancy Care Center! Tickets are still available for their annual banquet https://loom.ly/EiCZopo

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

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agcu2023 on April 18, 2022

Financial Self Defence: Beware of Job Scams

It’s an amazing employment opportunity–or is it? Scammers often hijack the job market to ensnare job seekers. Here’s what to know about these scams.

How the scams play out

There are several variations of job scams. Here are the most common:

Bogus job listing. There’s a Help Wanted ad for a dream job. The eager job-seeker applies, sharing their information,and even paying a small fee for an interview or resume submission. Unfortunately, the job doesn’t exist and they’ll never hear from the “employer” again.
Imposter hiring. An alleged rep from a well-known agency or hiring firm reaches out to a target, asking them to send funds to cover a job screening. While the job may exist, the “representative” is a scammer, and the money the victim shares will go directly into the scammer’s pocket.
Phishing emails. In this scam, a victim is targeted by email. It offers the victim a fantastic job, but asks that they first share confidential info. If the victim complies, they’ll be giving their personal information to a scammer.

How to spot a job scam

Learning to identify the signs of a job scam can help you avoid them. Here are some red flags to watch for when job-hunting:

The emails the “company” sends are highly unprofessional.
There’s no street address for the company.
You’re asked to pay an upfront fee before you’re even hired.
You’re asked to share personal information before an official contract is signed.
When “hired,” you’re underworked and overpaid.

Before applying to or accepting a job offer, do thorough research. Ask for references of past or current employees and check out the company website to see if it’s secure and has real information about the firm, including a street address. Check out the company’s social media accounts, too. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the employer any questions you may have about the company or job.

Job-hunting can be stressful, but getting caught in a job scam can bring that stress to a whole new level. Stay alert and stay safe by following the tips outlined here.

12 Steps to Financial Freedom: Step 4: Have The Money Talk With Your Partner

agcu2023 on April 12, 2022

12 Steps to Financial Wellness

12 Steps to Financial Freedom. -4 Have the Money Talk With Your Partner

Step 4: Have The Money Talk With Your Partner

Communicating openly about how you manage your money is a big part of having an honest and trusting relationship. Here, we’ve compiled six tips to help guide you in this super-important conversation.

Plan in advance

Broach the topic with your partner a few days before you want to have the “Big Money Talk” and ask if you can have an open discussion about money sometime soon. This way, you’ll both be ready to focus on the conversation and won’t be caught off-guard.

Start with a vision

Instead of starting the conversation by bringing up a time your partner overspent, talk about a vision you can both share. For example, you can rhapsodize about how wonderful it would be to take a luxury vacation to the Cayman Islands, or how you’d love to start saving for a home. This way, you’re putting a positive spin on your money talk, which will set the tone for the rest of the conversation.

Listen carefully

Your partner will have their own ideas about money management, and you may be surprised at the insights they have to share into your own spending habits or expensive vices.

Talk openly about sharing expenses and savings

At a certain point in your relationship, you may decide to share expenses and pool your savings. If you plan to bring up the topic now, be sure to talk openly about the way you feel to better avoid future resentment. For example, if you earn more than your partner, should you be splitting expenses evenly? Can one partner take additional financial responsibilities in lieu of contributing an equal amount of income to the pot? All of these questions, and more, are important to discuss upfront.

At this time, consider linking one of your accounts or opening a shared account at AGCU

Consider having a slush fund

Sometimes, you just want to splurge without having to explain the purchase. You may also want to spend money on a surprise gift for your partner without them knowing you’ve just dropped a large sum of money on something. Having a slush fund, or money set aside for your “just for fun” spending, can help you maintain a sense of independence and keep some of your purchases private. You can keep this fund in a separate checking account under your name at AGCU

Set up a weekly or bi-weekly time to talk money

It’s a good idea to touch base about finances once a week, or once every two weeks. You can talk about recent purchases, big expenses that are coming up soon, surprise bills, and more.

Be sure to stick to your commitments and to bring up any money issues that may arise during your regular money talks for continued harmonious collaboration about all financial matters.

Read Step 1: How to Track Your Spending

Read Step 2: Creating a Budget

Read Step 3: Pay Down Debt

Read Step 4: Have the Money Talk With Your Partner

Read Step 5: Practice Mindful Spending

Read Step 6: Pay It Forward

Read Step 7: How to Pay Yourself First

Read Step 8: Know When and How to Indulge

Read Step 9: Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score

Read Step 10: Plan for Retirement

Read Step 11: Start Investing

Read Step 12: Review and Tweak

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

Springfield FCA Golf Classic

agcu2023 on April 4, 2022

AGCU is honored to once again support the Greater Springfield Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Classic.

Join us Monday, May 16 at Highland Springs Country Club as we partner with FCA while enjoying a fun but competitive day of golf. AGCU will be the Hole-In-one Sponsor during the event.
The proceeds from the Golf Classic go towards providing bibles and ministry materials for the next school year.

Click here to learn more or register your team!

The FCA Golf Classic

The FCA Golf Classic is one of their largest Springfield Area-specific fundraising events. Please be in prayer that the Lord uses this event to grow our FCA Community and provide those participating with opportunities to hear how the FCA ministry works with students and coaches in our schools and spark in them a fire to be a part of it.

Thank you Sponsors. FCA Raised $10,000

FCA Mission:

To lead every coach and athlete into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ and His church.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

agcu2023 on March 22, 2022

Last-Minute Tax Tips to Know Before You File

It’s time to file your tax return! Before you do, though, read through our list of last-minute tax tips.

Consider filing Taxes electronically

The IRS e-file is available to all taxpayers, and many people can file electronically at no cost.

-Get started here.

Re-check your Social Security numbers

Make sure every Social Security number on your return, including your own, your partner’s and each of your dependent’s, is correctly listed. Check that the SSNs related to claims for Child and Dependent Care Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit are accurate as well.

Don’t forget any deductions

Here are some of the deductions people often forget to take:

The home office deduction.
Out-of-pocket charitable contributions, such as the cost of meal prep for the help you do at a soup kitchen or gas used while driving to a charity drop off.
Student loan interest you’ve paid, or that someone has paid on your behalf.

Claim the full Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The American Rescue Plan increases the Child and Dependent Care Credit and makes it fully refundable. The changes to the Child and Dependent Care Credit that apply only for tax year 2021 include:

The highest credit percentage increased to 50% of qualifying expenses.
Qualifying child and dependent care expenses increased from $3,000 to $8,000 for one qualifying dependent, and from $6,000 to $16,000 for two or more qualifying individuals.
The adjusted gross income (AGI) level at which the credit percentage starts being reduced increased to $125,000.

Double-check your figures

If you are filing a paper return, double-check that you have correctly calculated the refund or balance due.

Get your return in on time

If you won’t be ready to file your return by April 18, you’ll need to request an extension. It’s important to note, though, that an extension to file does not include an extension for payment.

Sign your form

Don’t forget to sign and date your form, and to also have your partner sign if you’re filing jointly. If you’ve hired someone to prepare your return, have the preparer sign the form and enter their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).

It’s tax time! Use the tips outlined here to maximize your refund and ensure there are no mistakes on your tax return.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

agcu2023 on March 11, 2022

How long does editing take?

Filed under Uncategorized

Accurate estimation is an important factor in running a successful business (or department). Whether you are paid by the hour or by the project, you need to have a reasonably good idea of how long you (or someone else) will take to edit a document. Even if money isn’t a problem, time may well be. The time that editing takes is related to another question: how many writers can an editor support?

Editors know (though their clients and managers may not) that “how long” depends very much on what level of editing is required. A detailed, heavy edit requiring major rewriting is obviously going to take a lot longer than a light copy-edit. So the first thing you need to do is clarify exactly what the client wants. (Be prepared to negotiate the “want list” when, as almost always happens, the client decides your initial estimate is too long and too expensive.)

Here are some of my editing estimates, based on my personal experience. They are within the range suggested by writers such as Carolyn Rude (Technical Editing, second edition, 1998), JoAnn Hackos (Managing Your Documentation Projects, 1994), and others.

Some assumptions in the estimates:

A “standard page” contains 500 words. If a document contains a lot of illustrations, it has fewer words per page, but I still have to give the illustrations some attention, so I try to take that into account when people give me page counts. For example, if someone tells me the document has 350 pages, most of which contain one screen shot, I may decide that 1 document page equals 2/3 of a “standard” page and adjust my estimate accordingly. If the paper size is unusually small or large, a document page may be more or less than a standard page.
I am typing my comments and changes into the file, not writing on paper. (I usually work faster that way, though not everyone does.)
I am marking every occurrence of a change, not instructing the writer to “find and change all instances of (whatever).”

Full substantive (heavy) edit, possibly including some rewriting: 1-2 pages per hour

Medium edit: 4-6 pages per hour

Light edit (skim document, correcting obvious errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, consistency and completeness): 8-10 pages per hour

Final or production edit: 20 pages or more per hour (varies widely depending on what’s involved)

For online help, if link-checking, index editing, and “is it helpful” analysis is involved, I would use the lower range of the estimating metrics. Help can be very fiddly and time- consuming to check, as you need to use a compiled file (if at all possible) but enter your edits into an uncompiled file.

(Remember to convert the number of help topics to page- equivalents. A commonly-used conversion factor is 1 help topic equals 0.5 page; field-level help, pop-up glossary terms, and other short help topics are each equivalent to 0.25 page.)

For Web pages and Web sites, I use the same metrics as for online help.

What is your experience?

I am very interested to hear about others’ experiences: do my numbers seem too high or too low for your situation? What’s different about the materials you work with, or the conditions you work under?

Last-Minute Tax Tips to Know Before You File

agcu2023 on February 23, 2022

Last-Minute Tax Tips to Know Before You File

It’s time to file your tax return! Before you do, though, read through our list of last-minute tax tips.

Consider filing Taxes electronically

The IRS e-file is available to all taxpayers, and many people can file electronically at no cost.

-Get started here.

Re-check your Social Security numbers

Don’t forget any deductions

Here are some of the deductions people often forget to take:

The home office deduction.
Out-of-pocket charitable contributions, such as the cost of meal prep for the help you do at a soup kitchen or gas used while driving to a charity drop off.
Student loan interest you’ve paid, or that someone has paid on your behalf.

Claim the full Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

The American Rescue Plan increases the Child and Dependent Care Credit and makes it fully refundable. The changes to the Child and Dependent Care Credit that apply only for tax year 2021 include:

The highest credit percentage increased to 50% of qualifying expenses.
Qualifying child and dependent care expenses increased from $3,000 to $8,000 for one qualifying dependent, and from $6,000 to $16,000 for two or more qualifying individuals.
The adjusted gross income (AGI) level at which the credit percentage starts being reduced increased to $125,000.

Double-check your figures

If you are filing a paper return, double-check that you have correctly calculated the refund or balance due.

Get your return in on time

If you won’t be ready to file your return by April 18, you’ll need to request an extension. It’s important to note, though, that an extension to file does not include an extension for payment.

Sign your form

It’s tax time! Use the tips outlined here to maximize your refund and ensure there are no mistakes on your tax return.

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU. Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

12 Steps to Financial Wellness-Step 3: Pay Down Debt

agcu2023 on February 3, 2022

12 Steps to Financial Wellness

12 Steps to Financial Freedom. -3 Pay Down Debt

Step 3: Pay Down Debt

You’ve tracked your spending, designed a budget for your monthly expenses, and you’re on a good path to financial wellness. In this next step, you’ll create a plan for paying down debt.

Consumer debt can be one of the biggest challenges to financial wellness. With some intentional action and commitment, reaching true financial wellness is possible.

Here’s how to pay down or off your debt in five simple steps.

Organize your debt

List every credit card you own along with an outstanding balance. Jot down the amount owed to each card issuer. Next, list the interest rate of each card. Repeat these steps for other loans you may have as well.

Choose your debt-crushing method

There are two approaches generally advised to folks who are seeking to get rid of their debt:

The snowball method involves paying off your smallest debt first, and then moving to the next-smallest until all debts have been fully paid.
The avalanche method involves getting rid of the debt that has the highest interest rate first before moving on to the debt with the next-highest rate until all debts are paid.

Choose the method that makes the most sense for your personal and financial circumstances.

Maximize your payments

Once you’ve chosen your debt-crushing method, find ways to maximize your monthly payments. You can do this by trimming your spending in one budget category and channeling that money toward your debt. You can also find ways to get some extra cash for your payments, such as freelancing for hire.

Consider a debt consolidation loan

When you consolidate debts to one low-interest loan, it’s a lot easier to manage the monthly payments. Plus, the savings in interest you won’t pay can be significant, especially if the new loan has a low-interest rate. If this approach sounds right for you, consider taking out a personal loan.

Negotiate with your creditors

Many credit card companies will be willing to lower your interest rate once you prove you are serious about paying down debt. After kicking off your debt payment plan, it’s worthwhile to contact each credit card company to discuss options.

No matter which strategy you go with or the methods you use for paying off your debt, commit to not adding more debt onto your card while paying it down. Paying off a large amount of debt will take time and willpower, but living debt-free is key to financial wellness. Best of luck on your debt-crushing journey!

Read Step 1: How to Track Your Spending

Read Step 2: Creating a Budget

Read Step 3: Pay Down Debt

Read Step 4: Have the Money Talk With Your Partner

Read Step 5: Practice Mindful Spending

Read Step 6: Pay It Forward

Read Step 7: How to Pay Yourself First

Read Step 8: Know When and How to Indulge

Read Step 9: Build and Maintain an Excellent Credit Score

Read Step 10: Plan for Retirement

Read Step 11: Start Investing

Read Step 12: Review and Tweak

Banking With A Purpose

Much more than a catchphrase, our tagline is our passion, our reason why we do what we do. This is the impact of your membership with AGCU.
Learn More About Banking with a Purpose

Like us on Facebook!

Now is the Time to Refinance

agcu2023 on February 2, 2022

Now Is The Time To Refinance

Cash Out Refi

Visit our Home Loan Center to get started!

AGCU is committed to helping find the right home loan option for you. We offer a variety of products to meet your requirements. Whatever your lending needs are, AGCU is here to help you navigate the process.

Have a question or want to get started with an application? Connect with an AGCU Video Banking Representative or apply online today!

Speak face-to-face with an AGCU Video Banking Representative from anywhere.
Give it a try today! Video Banking Hours (CST): Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.

Contact a Mortgage Officer

Apply now, or contact our mortgage professionals at 866-508-2428, email us for more information, or complete the form below and we will contact you.

1 CoreLogic, Homeowner Equity Insights report, data through Q3 2021.

2 The Mortgage Reports, “The Streamline Refinance: Get Today’s Low Rates With Almost No Paperwork,” February 28, 2020.

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Personal Loans

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Business Savings & CDs

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Business services

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Randall Bettis

Kelly Beezley

Jordan Dowdan

Banking With A Purpose

Springfield Pregnancy Care Center Annual Banquet 2022

Banking With A Purpose

Financial Self Defence: Beware of Job Scams

How the scams play out

How to spot a job scam

12 Steps to Financial Wellness

Step 4: Have The Money Talk With Your Partner

Plan in advance

Start with a vision

Listen carefully

Talk openly about sharing expenses and savings

Consider having a slush fund

Set up a weekly or bi-weekly time to talk money

Banking With A Purpose

AGCU is honored to once again support the Greater Springfield Fellowship of Christian Athletes Golf Classic.

FCA Mission:

Last-Minute Tax Tips to Know Before You File

Consider filing Taxes electronically

Re-check your Social Security numbers

Don’t forget any deductions

Claim the full Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Double-check your figures

Get your return in on time

Sign your form

Banking With A Purpose

How long does editing take?

Last-Minute Tax Tips to Know Before You File

Consider filing Taxes electronically

Re-check your Social Security numbers

Don’t forget any deductions

Claim the full Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit

Double-check your figures

Get your return in on time

Sign your form

Banking With A Purpose

12 Steps to Financial Wellness

Step 3: Pay Down Debt

Organize your debt

Choose your debt-crushing method

Maximize your payments

Consider a debt consolidation loan

Negotiate with your creditors

Banking With A Purpose

Now Is The Time To Refinance

Cash Out Refi

Visit our Home Loan Center to get started!

Contact a Mortgage Officer

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