February 2022

Giving back is often its own reward, when we can take a little comfort knowing that we can make a difference in the lives of others. 

And for many Affinity Plus members, it’s the type of reward they want to redeem with their MyPlus Rewards™ points when they donate their points to our Charities of Choice program.

In total, our members donated more than $77,000 in 2021.

This meant Minnesotan families experiencing hunger were able to put food on their tables through Second Harvest Heartland, Minnesota athletes were able to compete in the Special Olympics, and kids have access to computers they need to make the most of their education. 

Thank you for your generosity, and for making a positive impact in our communities!

2021 Charities of Choice donations: $77,230

Charity	Total Dollars
Affinity Plus Foundation	$4,330
Second Harvest Heartland	$64,505
Special Olympics Minnesota	$6,895
Minnesota Computers for Schools	$920
Minnesota Red Cross	$580

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Starting in March, you might notice some changes when you call us. That’s due to security enhancements that we’re putting in place. We might ask you different questions than we have in the past. Or it might even be fewer questions, because of all the other ways our new phone system verifies that it’s really you. This includes identifying your voice.

Enter Your Own Info

When asked for identifying info, you’ll need to enter your own info, please. That’s even if you’re calling about your spouse’s or someone else’s account.

It’ll Save You Time

Along with tighter account security, you’ll get faster service. Because of the system enhancements, our member advisors will be able to spend more of the conversation on your questions and how we can help.

Info Security in General

Your account security is a top priority at Affinity Plus. And we have teams of people dedicated to protecting it. While we’re always keeping watch on our end, there are ways you can protect yourself, too.

You can – and should – create strong passwords, protect your devices, avoid suspicious links, and take other precautions, too. Find tips on our Information Security page. 

Coming soon! Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce there will be a new branch coming to Winona – at Winona State University. 

It’s easier than ever for students and staff at Winona State University to have credit union membership, providing access to great banking services, a connection to the community, and a resource for financial questions and planning. 

“Our goal is to build relationships with our members by doing what is right, and part of that is education,” said Jamie Baumann, Winona Branch Manager, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. “By meeting students where they are, we are able to help students make sound financial decisions that will set them up for success, both now and for their future. We understand the needs of students and are excited for them to learn banking with an institution that values care and integrity. We are thrilled to be able to branch out into our community and serve this diverse group of students and staff.” 

There will be many services available, including: a 24/7 deposit taking ATM, casual banking space, staff available 6 hours a week and by appointment. The new branch will also offer new accounts, lending, deposits – both cash and checks thru the ATM, instant issue debit cards, as well as financial advising.

“Kryzsko Commons Student Union is excited to welcome Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union to the building to provide valuable banking services and financial literacy support, among other resources,” said George Micalone, Director of Student Union & Activities, Winona State University. “Having a banking presence in the student union has been a goal of mine since I began in my role as director in 2019. I look forward to sustaining this partnership for many years to come.”

In addition, the new branch will eventually hold “Lunchtime Learnings,” which are quick 5-10 minute education meetings on budgets, credit, financial aid, identity theft and more. 

We’ll keep you posted on when the branch will open! Stay tuned! 

It’s not just a haircut, it’s an experience. One of our business members, Jarone Jackson, started his own mobile barbershop when COVID-19 hit. And ever since, it’s been a smashing success. 

“When COVID hit, we weren’t working, so a couple of people were coming to the house to get their cuts,” said Jackson. “I just decided to get a mobile van because it seemed easier.” 

He turned the van into a business – building the things he needed, adding in a chair, televisions, music, sink and more. He says that everything found in the van is everything that he has in a barbershop. All of the hard work and love he put into the van was done all on his own. 

“I did all of it myself, except for putting in the music,” said Jackson. “I try to be handy. I didn’t know how to do it, I just tried it, and I think it came out pretty great!”  

Jackson has been a barber for more than 25 years. He says that becoming a barber came naturally for him, as he was always cutting hair for family and friends. 

“I used to cut my nephew’s hair, friend’s hair, and I enjoy it,” said Jackson. “I then decided to give it a shot. Both my grandfather and my cousin are barbers, too.”

With his mobile barbershop, he’s been able to provide cuts to 5-6 people each week, outside of working in the barbershop. He says he will go pretty much anywhere within an hour of the Twin Cities. He says most of his clients are early in the morning before he goes to work, or after work, too. Jackson says he enjoys connecting and bonding with his clients.

“I just love connecting and learning more about my clients,” said Jackson. “I’ve got one client who loves what I do. He comes out in his pajamas, brings his coffee, and we just sit and talk, watch some television, listen to music awhile I do my thing.” 

Jackson says it brings him such joy to offer a service that offers both convenience and quality service. He says that the most rewarding part is being able to do what he loves. 

“I love being able to serve people, especially mobile,” said Jackson. “I just enjoy cutting so if anyone wants me to come to them, I have no problem coming over as I enjoy doing it. 

If you’d like to schedule your own mobile cut, Jarone says to reach out via email: jaronejackson4@gmail.com. 

In 2021, the Affinity Plus Foundation found more opportunities than ever to make a difference across Minnesota, awarding nearly $300,000 in grants and scholarships to students, educators, and nonprofit organizations across the state. 

Here’s how the Foundation gave in 2021, thanks to you!

A Year in Giving

Foundation grants in 2021 increased by 25%, a number we know wouldn’t be possible without donations and other help from our members and community partners. 

We focused funding on efforts that aligned with the Foundation's mission:

• Providing access to careers and college
• Building more inclusive communities
• Supporting entrepreneurs 
• Ensuring our neighbors can meet their basic needs

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and Friends of the Foundation, we were able to make a positive impact in local lives. For example, more than 250 students in need now have computers, thanks to funding the Foundation provided Minnesota Computers for Schools. And over the summer, 25 kids who have experienced burn trauma could attend Camp RED hosted by Firefighters for Healing. 

See full list of 2021 grant recipients

Friends of the Foundation

The Foundation is looking forward to doing even more in communities across the state, and through our Friends of the Foundation opportunity Affinity Plus members can now make recurring monthly donations directly and automatically from their accounts. 

Become a Friend of the Foundation

Thank you again to all donors and partners for making 2021 a truly successful year for the Foundation. We can make a bigger difference together!

America Saves Week is February 21-25, and Affinity Plus is ready to celebrate the annual tradition dedicated to building healthy savings habits! 

We make saving a rewarding experience, with products and services that help you build up your savings (sometimes even automatically!) while you earn MyPlus Rewards™ points and even potentially win cash prizes!

Save with Us

Affinity Plus is here to support you on your financial journey, regardless of where you’re at when we join you.

Along with offering financial education on our website, we have a range of savings products to complement your banking style and promote good habits.

WINcentive® Savings 

With WINcentive Savings, you’re entered into a drawing for cash prizes each time you increase your month-over-month balance by $25.

• $5 minimum balance
• 12-month savings commitment, with fees for early withdrawal
• Prize drawings monthly, quarterly, and annually

Stash Your Cash

• Start saving automatically with Stash Your Cash!
• Rounds up each debit card purchase 
• Deposits the spare change in a savings account for you
• Spend however you want: Online, in person, in app

MyPlus Rewards

• Get rewards points when you save with an Affinity Plus account!
• Earn 4 MyPlus Rewards points a month per $1,000 in average daily savings balances
• Redeem points for travel, gift cards, cash, and more
• Points can also reduce loan interest rates

Affinity Plus member advisors are also available to help you create personalized budgets, find products that suit you, and more! Invest in you and start saving today! 

Exciting news – and we need your help! Credit Union Magazine is pleased to announce its 2022 Credit Union Hero Award. One of the top four nominees, is our very own Board Member, Robyn Cousin. 

The 2022 Credit Union Hero demonstrates leadership through community initiatives, movement advocacy, and exceptional member service. This year, the magazine profiles heroes who create cultures of caring, prioritize member needs, promote financial wellness, and unite credit union voices.

When Robyn joined the Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union board in 2016, her goal was to be the “voice for the disenfranchised,” not only people facing racial and income disparities but those lacking financial well-being.

“As a leader and a board member, Robyn demonstrates a strong belief and deep commitment in the credit union model and philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said Dave Larson, President and CEO of Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. “She contributes insights based on both her own personal life and career experiences that shed light on how others may perceive or experience the credit union and impact we are trying to make. I genuinely appreciate that Robyn doesn’t hesitate to offer an opinion that may differ from others, especially in situations that may feel uncomfortable or emotional to some.”

To cast your vote for Robyn and show support, please visit: https://bit.ly/3ug9hd9 
 
Cast your vote by March 18, and vote once a day! The winner will be announced later this year.