MEMBER PROFILE

Diane Hecht

While living in New Jersey in 1995, I decided to move to Ithaca to care for my elderly mother and to purchase a home here. My daughter set up appointments for me at Alternatives to discuss obtaining a mortgage and I remember her telling me not to dress up "NJ Style" as the small credit union on State Street in Ithaca was not like any bank I'd ever seen. She was so right! In the lobby dogs were barking and waiting for their snacks from the very casually dressed tellers, while babies were playing in areas provided by the Credit Union - that was the beginning of my love affair with Alternatives.

Over the past 13 years since offering me that first mortgage, as both Alternatives and I have grown and prospered, they have provided Home Equity loans to help me care for my mother, create my own small business, and this past spring to re-mortgage and pay off debts. The wonderful people in the Alternatives mortgage department offer amazing expertise in a very caring manner. Many thanks to all of you at Alternatives who offer your services for our community!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING “AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS”

In compliance with Regulation CC, the money from some kinds of deposits at Alternatives may not be withdrawn immediately. We will place a temporary “hold” on certain deposits. This will help the Credit Union reduce losses. A check written against “held” funds will not be paid and a fee will be charged for insufficient funds.

On March 8, 2010, our check hold policy is changing. See the charts below.

The major changes are:
1) All checks are considered "local" as of February 27, 2010. That will reduce the hold time of many checks.
2) Funds immediately available from a check deposit is $100.

For all new members and Fresh Start accounts, view the check hold policy.

For all members whose accounts are 30 days or older, or graduates of Fresh Start, view the check hold policy.