Members eNewsletter March 2025 edition
Dear Member,
Celebrating the women who inspire us!
This month, we're shining a light on the incredible women in our community. From the nurturing hands of mothers to the trailblazing spirit of women everywhere, we honour their strength, resilience, and impact.
Credit unions play a vital role in empowering women - offering financial support, education, and opportunities to thrive. In this edition, we’ll help you celebrate Mother’s Day on a budget, demystify APR, and explore how our Child Benefit Loan can support your family’s needs.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful mother figures, and a belated International Women’s Day to the remarkable women shaping our world!
Reminder: Join us at our AGM on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 7 p.m. - more details below.
With warm wishes,
M4 Money Credit Union Editorial Team
Annual General Meeting 2025 – tonight!
All members and supporters of M for Money Credit Union have been invited to our AGM that will be held on Thursday, 27 March 2025, at 7:00 p.m. You can join us in person at the Hayes & Harlington Community Association, Albert Rd, Hayes UB3 4HR or online via Zoom. Light refreshments will be provided for those attending in person.
The Zoom details are as follows:
Meeting ID: 842 8871 8716
Passcode: 599043
The Agenda, Minutes of the last meeting and the Financial Statements can be found on our website.
We look forward to seeing you all there.
International Women’s Day 2025 – Accelerate Action
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 under the theme of “Accelerate Action,” we’re not just celebrating women’s achievements; we’re committing to driving tangible change. At M for Money Credit Union, we believe that financial empowerment is a cornerstone of gender equality. Let’s explore how we can all accelerate action to create a more equitable financial landscape for women. Read the full article on our website.
Celebrate Mother’s Day on a budget
Mother’s Day is all about showing love and appreciation, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune. The best gifts come from the heart, and there are plenty of thoughtful ways to make your Mum feel special without overspending. Whether it’s a homemade meal or a relaxing day off, we’ve put together 7 budget-friendly ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in a meaningful way.
Jargon Buster: What is APR?
APR (Annual Percentage Rate) is the total cost of borrowing money, expressed as a yearly percentage. It includes not just the interest rate but also any extra fees or charges, giving you a clearer picture of how much you’ll actually pay for a loan or credit.
Why it matters:
- A lower APR means a cheaper loan, as you’ll pay less in interest and fees over time.
- APR makes it easier to compare different loans or credit cards - instead of just looking at the interest rate, you can see the full cost of borrowing.
- Some lenders may offer a low interest rate but add extra fees, making the overall APR higher than you expect. Always check the APR, not just the interest rate.
Struggling with never-ending repayments? If you have borrowed money from a person or organisation and the repayments never seem to end, you may be dealing with an illegal lender (loan shark). Visit www.stoploansharks.co.uk for free, confidential help – even if you don’t want to give your name.
Child Benefit Loan
All parents can now apply for a loan of £500* if child benefit payments are made into your credit union account, repayable over 50 weeks for parents who receive their child benefit weekly or 13 months for parents who receive child benefit every 4 weeks.
Parents who receive child benefit for 2 or more children, can apply for the £750* child benefit loan.
Members who have repaid two or more loans in full AND receive child benefit for two or more children, can apply for a Child Benefit Loan of £1,000 at 26.8% APR, providing there is £100 in savings.
*42.6% APR compared to a doorstep lender at 399.7%.
Words of Wisdom
A mother’s best financial advice: Don’t just save for a rainy day, build a future where the sun always shines.
This quote means that while saving for emergencies is important, true financial wisdom goes beyond short-term security. A mother’s advice encourages building long-term financial stability through smart investments, steady growth, and financial independence. It’s about creating a future where financial worries are minimal, allowing for peace, freedom, and opportunity.
Members' noticeboard
Have you joined the Sercle App?
The Sercle App is a secure, user-friendly mobile app that connects members to M for Money Credit Union 24/7, offering real-time access to your account and the ability to stay connected with us whenever you need.
How to get the app:
Downloading the Sercle App is quick and easy! It’s available for free to both existing and prospective members.
Lottery - jumpstart your savings with a chance to win!
M4 Money Credit Union members can now participate in an exciting lottery run by our back-office provider, Credit Union Solutions (CUS).
Each entry is £1, and each member can have up to 10 chances per month.
Ready to boost your savings and try your luck? Head over to the Credit Union Solutions website to learn more, enter the lottery, and see a list of past winners.
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With thanks from the M for Money editorial team.
M for Money Credit Union is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority Reg. No. 216633. Registered office address: The Bungalow, Pinkwell Lane, Hayes, UB3 1PE.
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