Why Adding a Beneficiary to Your Account Matters

Life is full of unexpected moments, and while it’s not always easy to think about the “what ifs,” planning ahead can make a big difference for the people you care about. One simple way to do that is by adding a beneficiary to your account.

What Is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person (or people) you choose to receive the funds in your account in the event of your passing. This can be a spouse, child, family member, or anyone you trust. Beneficiaries can be added to many types of accounts, including savings accounts, checking accounts, and certificates. If an account has a joint owner, the funds automatically belong to the surviving owner(s), and a beneficiary would only receive the funds if there is no joint owner on the account.

Why Is It Important?

Adding a beneficiary helps ensure your money goes directly to the people you intend, without unnecessary delays or complications.

Here’s why it matters:

• Avoids probate: When you name a beneficiary, the money can be paid directly to them without going through a lengthy court process.
• Faster access to funds: Your beneficiary can receive the funds more quickly when they may need them most.
• Clear instructions: Naming a beneficiary removes uncertainty and helps prevent disputes or confusion among loved ones.
• Peace of mind: You’ll know your wishes are documented and your loved ones are protected.

When Should You Review or Update Your Beneficiaries?

It’s a good idea to review your beneficiaries whenever you experience a major life change, such as:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child
• Loss of a loved one
• Changes in relationships or responsibilities

Even if nothing has changed, reviewing your beneficiary information every few years is a smart habit.

How Do I Add or Update a Beneficiary?

Adding or updating a beneficiary is usually quick and easy. Our team can help you review your accounts, answer questions, and make sure everything is set up the way you want.

A Small Step That Makes a Big Difference

Taking a few minutes to add or update a beneficiary is a simple step that can have a lasting impact. It’s one of the easiest ways to take care of your financial future and the people who matter most.

 

If you have questions or would like help reviewing your accounts, we’re always here to help.

Construction at the Main Office: New Administrative Office Addition & Employee Parking at our Round Barn Road Office

We’re excited to announce that construction is now underway for a new administrative office addition, along with expanded employee parking. This project will help us better support our growing operations and continue providing high-quality service to our members.

As part of this project, we are also constructing a new entrance and drive designed to improve traffic flow. Once complete, this updated layout will help shorten wait times for members using the drive-up and ATM, making your visit faster and more convenient.

During the construction period, please be aware that traffic patterns around our main office will change. These changes will occur in stages as work progresses. For your safety and convenience, we kindly ask you follow the posted signs.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we make these improvements. Thank you for working with us through the transition—we look forward to sharing the finished results with you soon!

 

Spread the Cheer and Split the Payments: Smart Holiday Shopping with Installments

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the festive joy of giving. But it’s also a time when many of us face larger payments than usual for gifts, travel, or special outings. What if you could enjoy your holiday purchases now and manage payments on your own schedule? That’s exactly what our installment payment option is designed for.

What Are Installment Payments?

With your REAL FREEDOM credit card from Natco Credit Union, you have the option to convert eligible purchases into fixed monthly payments. In short, you’re taking a larger purchase and spreading the cost out over time. To qualify for installment payments:

• The purchase must be over $100 and at a participating merchant.
• You can choose a repayment term of 3, 6, 9, 12 or 18 months.
• Your monthly payment is fixed—so you’ll know exactly how much you’ll owe each month.
• The interest rate (APR) is transparent and shown in the mobile app or online.

Why Use Installment Payments for Holiday Shopping?

Here are a few reasons why this feature can make your holidays more enjoyable and less stressful:

• Avoid a Big Lump Sum Payment: A holiday purchase—like a big gift, an appliance, or a celebratory outing—can hit your budget hard. Installment payments let you split that into manageable chunks.
• Budgeting Made Easy: Since you’ll know your payment each month, it’s easier to plan and avoid surprise spikes in your credit card bill.
• Stay in Control: Because the payment is fixed and transparent, you can see exactly how much you’re paying and when. No guess-work.
• Flexibility to Use as Needed: Whether you’re picking up a standout gift, making a special purchase, or simply want to spread seasonal spending out, this gives you more options.

Things to Know Before You Choose

Installment payments are a great feature—but here are some important notes to ensure you use them wisely:

• Your account must be in good standing to qualify.
• You can have up to 10 active installment plans at a time.
• Secured credit cards do not qualify for this option.
• The transaction must be posted and you must set up the installment plan in the same billing cycle as the purchase.

Ready to get started?
Log in to the Natco Card Manager app and select Installment Payments to see which purchases qualify and learn how to turn them into fixed monthly payments. You can also view and manage your Installment Payments through Home Banking > Manage My Visa.

If you have any questions, we’re always here to help—making your season brighter and your finances smarter.

 

As a homeowner, your equity holds more than just sentimental value—it’s a powerful tool in your financial toolkit. One powerful way to tap into it is through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). But what exactly is a HELOC, and how can it work for you? Let’s break it down.

What Is a HELOC?

A HELOC is a type of revolving, second mortgage that lets you borrow against your home’s equity—essentially, the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on the mortgage. Think of it like a credit card with your home as collateral.

Unlike a lump-sum home equity loan, which gives you a fixed amount at one time, a HELOC offers flexibility. You borrow, repay, and borrow again as needed. You pay interest only on what you’ve drawn, much like a credit card.

Why Use a HELOC?

Here are some smart ways homeowners use HELOCs:

• Home Renovations: For ongoing upgrades that add value to your property.
• Debt Consolidation: Move high-interest burdens such as credit cards onto a lower-rate HELOC.
• Keep First Mortgage: If you’re locked into a favorable mortgage rate, a HELOC enables borrowing without altering that rate.
• Tax Advantage: Consult a tax advisor to determine if interest may be tax deductible.

Learn more at https://www.natcocu.org/home-equity-loans/.

Give us a call or send us a text at 765-962-2561 to find out if a home equity loan is right for you.

Ready to get started?

Click to apply.

 

At Natco, we’re always looking for ways to help you stay in control of your finances — and your security. That’s why we want to make sure you’re using the Natco Card Manager app — a free, easy-to-use tool for all debit and credit cardholders.

This free app, available for both Apple and Android devices, puts you in the driver’s seat when it comes to managing your card:

Instantly lock or unlock your card — perfect if you’ve misplaced it or want to pause it between purchases.
Set custom alerts — get notified when purchases exceed a set amount, or when a transaction gets declined.
Travel notices made easy — let us know where you’re headed so your card works wherever you go.

But the best part? Peace of mind.
With scams and fraud on the rise, this app helps you stay one step ahead. If you ever get a suspicious message claiming to be from our fraud team, just open the app to see exactly what we see. You’ll be able to confirm any charge in seconds.

Download the Natco Card Manager app today and take full control of your cards and your security.