Forum Credit Union = Awesome

A few posts back I was ranting about Chase and their aptitude for not being customer centric. With that in mind, I'd like to tell you what happened with my recent dealings with Forum Credit Union.

I had a few questions about a loan I have through them, so I logged into the online banking to get my account number to call. While there, I noticed they had an online chat option, so I decided to check that out. The app ran surprisingly well, and I got someone right away. We worked though the question that prompted the visit, then she asked the classic "Is there anything else that I can help you with?"

"As a matter of fact, there is." I answered. I asked her what would be involved in setting up a checking account, because I was wanting to move my banking business away from Chase. She responded "I can do that for you right here. I just need you to accept these conditions. Agreeing in this chat is the same as doing it in writing." She then proceeded to paste a few paragraphs into the chat window.

That was all it took. She later asked if I wanted debit cards, so those are on the way now. It was by far the coolest experience I think I ever have had with banking. In contrast, most of the correspondence I've gotten from Chase was a small bit of actual content surrounded by auto-generated legalese and the typical "You are very important to us" nonsense. If I were so important, why is most of what you send generated by a computer?? :)

Anyhow, if anyone is looking for a financial institution that isn't going to screw you over (in service or financially), I would highly recommend Forum. They are quick, courteous, and well, they are a Credit Union. They weren't involved in the sub-prime shenanigans and have a decent financial position. Unlike Chase, I don't foresee Forum changing rates on anything to try to compensate for their bad decisions -- but I digress :).

Bottom line: Forum Credit Union = Awesome.

It may be Crap, but it's mine.

Project "find a beater" has been a success, and as of last Friday, I'm the proud owner of a 96 Grand Am. To be fair, it probably isn't that much of a beater. I mean, the interior is a bit rough, the engine is strong (recently rebuilt), and the body is in GREAT shape. The kicker is, I managed to pick it up for $850 :). It has 155,000 miles, which is low for a car that old.

The only REAL problem with it a small exhaust leak between the header and catalytic converter. Out of comic curiosity, I called a muffler shop to see what they would charge me to replace that section of pipe. Apparently "they would HAVE to replace the entire cat for that pipe to be replaced" -- at $600. I was trying really hard not to completely laugh at the guy considering the car is only worth $850 :). After some quick searching at Advanced Auto Parts, I found I can fix it for under $50. SO, that will be my project for this weekend. After that is done, I'll be able to start driving it as my daily, so the Vibe will be listed for sale soon. It will be good to finally get this debt snowball rolling.

If anyone is interested, it is a 2003 and in awesome shape, 88K miles, and I will be listing it for $6800 :).

I'm actually kind of excited about this in a sick sort of way. It reminds me of getting my first car. Even though it isn't all that great, you can enhance its value by accessorizing it :). I'm totally going to be getting an 8-ball shifter for this thing... :)