17.05.12

You know those old, sappy TV commercials where a disembodied voice asks a question like "are you down on your luck?" You know how in those old, sappy TV commercials some slob is always at his couch eager to say "YES!" And you know how in those old, sappy TV commercials the slob fixes all his problems by purchasing the advertised product?</p><p>Well, if the only thing keeping you from the Cotton Bowl next month is a lack of money, you might as well be in one of those old, sappy TV commercials as you read this blog.</p><p>Because the K-State Federal Credit Union has the answer to all your problems. It is currently offering a low-rate loan to anyone who needs some extra cash to get to the Cotton Bowl. </p><p>Angie Reed, a marketing manager at K-State Federal Credit Union, told me today her company is handing out loans up to $5,000 with 2.99 percent interest rates. To qualify for the loan, you need to be a member of the credit union (to be a member Reed says you need to live, work, study or worship in the counties of Riley, Geary and Pottawatomie) and have good enough credit to qualify for the loan.</p><p>No loan amount is too small. If all you need is $250 for some gas and a ticket, you can get $250.</p><p>"We're such a tightly knitted group," Reed said. "We love the university and the Cats. We're so excited they're going to the Cotton Bowl, and we want to make sure everyone who wants to go to see them in the bowl game can do so."</p><p>Reed said the K-State Federal Credit Union got the idea to offer this loan in a brainstorming meeting that involved several employees.</p><p>"We try to be different and do things that are going to be noticed," Reed said. "It's not everyday you see a deal like this."</p><p>No, it isn't. This is the first time I've ever heard of a bank or credit union handing out loans for the sole purpose of going to a football game. </p><p>With the game being sold out and tickets going for high prices on secondary markets, you've got to figure some folks out there could take advantage of this offer.</p><p>So far, though, there haven't been many takers.</p><p>"It's not going as well as it could," Reed said. "I mean, 2.99 percent, that's so low. But we have had some bites."</p><p>The loan has only been lightly advertised, though. When I called Reed to talk about it, the first thing she said was, "Can I ask how you heard about our loan?" (Jesse Piper, a student intern in K-State's sports information office tipped me off about it last week. Thanks to him, by the way.) </p><p>Reed said the K-State credit union has put a commercial on three local radio stations, and purchased an ad spot in the Manhattan and Junction City newspapers. Today, a link went up to the loan special on the credit union's website.</p><p>Hopefully, that will bring more attention to the deal.</p><p>It should. Like those old, sappy TV commercials used to claim, this could be the answer to all your problems.

Source: Kansas City Star