Member Newsletter -July 2025
Summer is Heating Up
We've had our heads down with this conversion for so long that we woke up to find it's summer! That's right. After a year and a half of meetings, reporting, more meetings, structuring, planning, more meetings, and organizing, we have successfully transitioned to a new core processing system. And just like those summer temps, we are ready to rise to new heights of financial success with you!
Again, we thank you for your support throughout this transition. Your understanding of downtime and patience with limited access was truly the piece that made this conversion go so smoothly. Best of all, you quickly jumped on board with enrolling in our new online, mobile, and telephone services, giving you access to your accounts at your convenience. You waited in lines, left messages online, and even caught a few of you helping other members in the parking lots! Thank you for once again showing we have the best members around.
Now that summer is here, we're getting back to cruise control with our great rates and affordable services. Our re-energized staff is ready to save you more with the access you deserve. Finally, our future as your credit union is primed with a system that will grow with us, a convenient new app with more control, and you along for the ride of a lifetime. Visit any branch, browse our website, or call us today! ~ GKCU
Mid-Year Check Up
We are constantly reminded to get our mid-year check-ups - on our car, our AC, and ourselves. Why not take a moment to conduct a mid-year financial check-up? Believe us, like the doctor, the mechanic, and the HVAC tech, we've heard all the reasons why not, but if you avoid it, it can lead to bigger issues down the road. Before the month is out, take a moment to check in and ensure your money is working the way you want it to.
Start with basic contact information. Do you need to update your records with new addresses, emails, employment information, or beneficiaries? Are you receiving your statements, bills, and other correspondence at your preferred contact? Have you changed jobs or positions? Most data can be updated online via secure connections.
Next, review your current bills to identify areas where you can trim expenses, allowing you to meet your other goals. Are there any streaming services, memberships, or subscriptions that you can cancel? Are you taking advantage of rewards or package offerings to help lower costs? Each penny saved is a penny put towards other dreams.
Finally, look to the future. Check on retirement account allocations and long-term investments. Do you need to modify amounts or check on maturity dates? Check your credit report for accurate details and set goals for improvement if required. Strategic planning today will help you enjoy those hard-earned dollars earlier.
Mark off that check-up list and start enjoying your summer, knowing your finances are healthy.
Hot Pockets
It used to be the holidays were the prime season for hackers and fraudsters, but now, it is a full-time, year-round job. Summer is an exceptionally high peak time because hackers know it is the time for vacations, downtime, and out-of-office mode. Individuals are set to cruise mode instead of secure mode, leaving them vulnerable to scams and phishing schemes. Even though it's a great time to get some rest and relaxation, stay alert so scammers don't ruin your summer.
Scammers have become exceptionally skilled at their job. They disguise themselves as legitimate business representatives, whether through email, websites, phone calls, or social media, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish what is real from what is not. The best rule of thumb is the good old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is." Stay alert and trust your instincts. If you are unsure, ask for a return phone number or a supervisor's contact information, do your own research online, or contact the Better Business Bureau. Taking a few extra steps to confirm the legitimacy of a call or email will save you months of heartache if it turns out to be fraudulent.
Fa-La-La-AH: Hot July days have us dreaming of a white Christmas! Start thinking about "stuffing those stockings" with well-deserved savings. Stop by GKCU to open a Christmas Club Account now to have a worry-free holiday.
(well, until you have to unpack those lights!)
Learning more means knowing more! GKCU is proud to support learning with our sponsorship of the summer Ecology Camps at Hobcaw Barony. Our CIO, Kevin Langford, recently completed a three-year course to earn his Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation. Learning to save with their own GKCU CU Savers accounts help our kids work hard and grow up to be successful with their money.
