These days can be difficult keeping track of the many things in life that charge interest.
Balancing this fluctuating—and often confusing—debt is part of being a grown-up. But the staff at Olympia’s Evergreen Direct Credit Union offers assistance when interest rates climb too high.
Evergreen Direct membership is open to “anyone who lives, works, or worships in Washington State, or is part of any school district in Washington State. Relatives of current members are also eligible to join, regardless of where they live. And once a member, always a member—even if you move.”
Once enrolled, customers have the option to refinance two existing loans at 50% off their current rate. This applies to non-real estate loans like credit cards and auto loans. Refinancing not only could lower your monthly payment and overall repayment amount, it could shorten the loan’s term as well.
For example, a $10,000 loan with a percentage rate between 15% and 21% (the credit card norms for those with average to poor credit) would have a monthly payment of $349-$377. But reducing the interest to 6-7% lowers your monthly bill to approximately $300. Think of how nice an extra $50-$75 would be each month.
Once you’ve worked with their friendly staff to refinance, ask about the Take 2 program. This allows customers to skip two loan payments every year by simply having slightly higher payments the other 10 months.
The Take 2 program won’t raise your interest rate and applies to most fixed rate consumer loans. That way months with higher price tags (December, anyone?) can be less of a strain on the purse-strings.
Evergreen Direct Credit Union has been a part of our region for more than 60 years. They proudly participate in such community events as Military Family Appreciation Day, the Capital Food and Wine Festival, Public Service Recognition Week, and more.
In the spring, they will attend the Rotary BBQ at South Puget Sound Community College and launch a bicycle loan program at local bike races.
Sign up for direct deposit and GET PAID A DAY EARLY with a DIRECT CHECKING account. They’re also part of the nationwide credit union shared branching network and most loans can be completed online.
Also follow them on Facebook where the credit union posts promotions, consumer education articles, and more, up to three times a day.
The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau praises organizations like Evergreen Direct. “Community banks and credit unions play critical roles in ensuring a fair, transparent, and competitive marketplace for consumer financial products and services. They generally base their businesses on building personal, long-term customer relationships. They can be a lifeline to hard-working families paying for education, unexpected medical bills, and homes.”
With branches at 1018 E. Union in Olympia and 6101 Capitol Boulevard in Tumwater, Evergreen Direct is available Monday through Friday. The Tumwater branch stays open until 5:30 p.m. Customers can access the Olympia branch until 5:00 p.m. or extend their banking until 5:30 p.m. using the drive-through. Call 800-327-4286 with questions or to sign up for products and services.
Give Evergreen Direct a call at 800-327-4286 and find out all the ways they can help you grow and thrive.
