Ryan Fritz wins auto loan payments

Whether he’s making a sale at work or scrimmaging on the field with his friends, you can tell member Ryan Fritz enjoys the camaraderie and spirit of team work. So when it came time to refinance his auto loan, it was no surprise that he teamed up with Columbia for terrific savings -- the real surprise came when he won his auto loan payments for all of 2010!

From June to December last year, Columbia members who opened or refinanced a qualifying mortgage, home equity or auto loan were entered to win their loan payments for an entire year in Columbia’s Payment Free Promotion. It was around this time that Ryan and his wife Heather decided to take advantage of Columbia’s low rates.

“We wanted to manage our finances better and refinancing our truck was a great way to do it,” said Ryan. “Right now, our goal is to pay off our auto loans and winning definitely helps,” he said. “I’m so surprised to win!”

The couple made a visit to Columbia’s EastRidge branch and was impressed with the service they received. “The rep was very knowledgeable and helped us through the entire process,” he said. “It wasn’t like other places where you’re made to feel like a number.”

Plus with automatic payments, the loan practically takes care of itself. “I use online banking to check my balance and make sure the payments are made and that’s pretty much it,” stated Ryan. “Columbia’s online banking is very intuitive and easy to use.”

After his successful auto loan refinance, Ryan is planning other moves to improve their finances even more in the future. “Next, we’re looking at refinancing our home loan and maybe start college savings.”

When he’s not taking care of financial chores, Ryan stays busy working in telecommunication sales and spending time with his growing family. In addition to their three-year-old daughter, the couple is expecting their second child in August. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys playing a multitude of sports and cooking the occasional award-winning pot of chili (he’s a three-time champ in workplace cook-offs!).

Overall, he’s happy with his decision to team up with Columbia for refinance savings. “We really appreciate the super-competitive loan programs and professional staff,” said Ryan. “Working with Columbia has been a quality experience.”