Member Newsletter -August 2025
Never Stop Learning
And just like that, school bells are ringing again. We hope it was a great summer filled with lots of memory-making for you and your family. Whether you took a family road trip or stayed close to home, summer is a time for catching up and chilling out. Now it is time to get back into the routine of school days and after-school activities. A time to discover new opportunities for learning and growth, but it's not just for the kids.
As we get older, we tend to get into a rut when it comes to our daily routines. Whether it is on the job or at home, we are less likely to find opportunities to learn, try something different, and be innovative. We find our way "into the box" and get cozy. What if, though, we took this time of 'back to the books' as a time for personal and professional growth for ourselves as well? A time to think 'outside the box' with our financial planning, saving, and spending? Getting out of the rut of day-to-day living and starting to think about long-term goals and future financial success?
Of course, we are here to help you reach your goals. Let's discuss ways to consolidate high-interest debts so you can increase your credit score. Let's explore refinancing assets to a lower rate and a more manageable monthly payment, resulting in money being reallocated to retirement savings, such as CDs and IRAs. Let's discuss adding protection to loans to ensure accidents don't leave expenses out of your pocket. Let's work to find ways to increase your savings by curbing expenses. Finally, talk with a financial advisor about options for investments that can add to your savings portfolio. Time to hit the books and move to the head of the financial class. The bell is ringing for you, too! ~ GKCU
Have a Plan In Place
We rarely talk about it, and even less often do we prepare for it. Studies show that 65% of US adults do not have a plan in place to protect their estate in the event of illness, emergency, or death. Without a plan, loved ones are left questioning your intentions and decisions for what you have worked hard to pass down to them. August is National Will and Trust month, a reminder that now is the time to plan for the future.
We understand that most traditional ways to create a will or trust are costly, time-consuming, and overwhelming. As a GKCU member, you can access legacy services through Trust and Will, an affiliate of Love My Credit Union. With an easy-to-use guided platform, you can create legally-binding documents customized by attorneys for your specific needs. They also offer member support to help you through the entire process. Best of all, as a member, you may receive a 20% discount on specific services.
You have spent years working to build a legacy for your family. Give them the comfort and ease of keeping that legacy alive. Click the Learn More button to get more information or visit our website.
Ready. Set. Shop
THE list. The back-to-school "have to" supplies list. You want to ensure your child has everything they need for a successful year, but you also want to keep the costs within budget.
First, check to see what, if any, supplies the school will provide. Some schools supply all educational materials, while others offer additional items you will have to purchase.
Next, check what you may have left over from last year. Are there items you can reuse, such as folders, paper, and lunch boxes? When buying the basics, consider getting extras during sales and the tax-free weekend for later use or to donate to the school store/class.
Before shopping, please talk with your child about what you are going to buy, make a list, and stick to it. Search online for coupons and sales.
Finally, to keep the cart from getting overloaded, give your child a gift card or cash that they can use to buy things they want. This little bit of independence helps with decision-making, as well as appreciating how much things cost. You'll be surprised how they will take better care to make them last all year.
She's been serving our members in Andrews for 25 years. She is a familiar face to many because of her generous nature, commitment to community and friendly personality - she never meets a stranger!
Thank you Deonna for all you have done to build a legacy of improving lives at GKCU. We are proud of your hard work and dedication. We'll miss you but look forward to hearing all about your adventures in retirement.
Rock Solid in the Community - be on the lookout around our communities for rocks handpainted by GKCU staff. You might just win a prize if you take a picture & share! The Chamber Leadership Class held a ribbon cutting for their Safer Shores project, installing special signs for easily identifying access points. *GKCU goes back to school with our CU Save at area schools. For a list of dates, visit our website.
