How does your bank accommodate your special needs?

Your bank should make every effort to offer you services and products

that will assist you in making your banking as easy and convenient as

possible.

Everyone has their favorite method of banking whether it be in a

branch, by mail, on the computer or at the ATM. Whatever method of

banking you prefer, your bank should be versatile enough to

accommodate your needs.

When transacting your business in person, you should be greeted

with a smile, called by name during the transaction and asked if you

need any other services. Last but not least, you should be thanked

for your business as you complete your transactions.

If this is not happening at your bank, you may consider shopping

around for another. Keep in mind that all banks offer similar

products regardless of what they are called. However, customer

service is what makes or breaks the relationship.

Most of your banking transactions will be routine. However, should

you ever have an unusual transaction, do you know someone in your

bank who could assist you? Do the faces of the decision makers in

your bank change from year to year? Are you able to sit down face to

face with someone in authority? If you are unable to say yes to these

questions, you may not be banking at the right financial institution.

Most banks have a full range of loans from auto, mortgage loans,

home equity loans/lines, personal loans, etc.

The GOOD NEWS about current interest rates for borrowing is that

they are historically low right now. So, now is the time to refinance

your mortgage loan, get a new or used auto, apply for a home equity

loan or line for remodeling, send a child to college, consolidate

debt or go on that fabulous vacation you have always wanted to take.

With interest rates so low on mortgages it is important that you

find the right bank to handle your mortgage refinance. Your bank

should be able to offer you not only an experienced Mortgage

Consultant to speak with but a wide variety of products. There are so

many options such as 5/1 Adjustable Rate Mortgage or the same loan

with an interest only payment. These interest only mortgages are also

available fixed for three years or fixed for seven years. With any of

these options the monthly savings are tremendous. You also want your

bank to have 30 year fixed rate loans, 15 year fixed rate loans and a

variety of First Time Home Buyer programs.

The BAD NEWS on earning rates for savings and checking accounts is

that the rates are the LOWEST they have been in years. Now is the

time to sit down with a financial planner to review alternatives on

short and long term investments. Does your bank offer this service?

At Union Bank of California, we want to Invest in You! What we

like to do for our customers is take a few minutes to do a Financial

Checkup and review your short and long term goals for savings,

investing and borrowing. We introduce you to our various experts to

assist you in meeting your financial goals. I urge you to contact

your banker today and set up your appointment to review your

financial options in order to secure your financial future.

Article contributed by Julie Kramer, vice-president and manager

Union Bank of California Superior Branch, 396 Superior Ave., Newport

Beach.