Member Newsletter -December 2025
Our Time to Shine
We recently saw a post that said, "Olives must be crushed to release oil; grapes pressed to make wine; seeds die to grow; and diamonds form under pressure." Looking back over the past twelve months of change, we can definitely relate, but we also realize that all that hard work, long hours, and challenges have set us all up for a time to shine (bright like diamonds!).
Now, six months after our core conversion, we continue to make adjustments to ensure the system is working to maximize our services to you. We continue to develop new ways to conduct our operations and reporting. The pressure, however, has made us a stronger, more secure, more cohesive credit union for you. Our team worked together to ensure that what we were doing would make us better for you. Working across different branches and outside regular job duties, the GKCU team fit together to make this year a great one for us and you!
As we look forward to the new year, we are excited about how we will continue to grow and expand, while still keeping the solid service standards and competitive rates you expect from us. With your continued support and trust, we will press on and crush it being the best local, member-owned financial provider in Georgetown and Williamsburg Counties.
So thank you for staying with us during this defining year of change at GKCU. We hope you tell your friends and family about us, too, so that we can shine even brighter and leave a legacy of improving lives. Merry Christmas and joyous holidays ~ GKCU!
Keeping the Surprise
As much as we love the decorations, family time, and food, there's just something about finding that perfect gift, wrapping it up, and watching as that special person opens it with delight. The hardest part? Keeping the secret until then!
While most of us try to mark off Santa's list in advance, studies show that as many as 30% of shoppers wait until the last days before the holidays to check out. Holding out for last-minute bargains and discounts can help you stay within a budget. Waiting until those final hours can also help avoid stressful decision-making and overbuying due to more limited selections. Best of all, your money has earned a little bit more interest sitting in your savings until you know you are ready to buy.
Christmas Eve shoppers are not always shopping for this year, however. Because of store flash sales and discounts, bargain shoppers can find great deals on gifts throughout the year or even for the next holiday season.
So whether you are a PRO-planner or a PROcastinator, finding that perfect gift should not add stress to your health or your wallet. Financial planning and personal discipline must be part of the shopping plan so you do not end up with the Christmas Blues.
*Set a holiday budget and stick to it. If you borrow money to help with holiday purchases, make sure to include those payments in your monthly budget for the new year.
*Pre-approvals help you know your budget when looked for new cars, boats and home renovations.
*Be ok with saying no. You know your financial situation best so you know what you can afford (time and money). Don't add stress by spending what you don't have.
No Grinches This Holiday
Nothing will steal your holiday joy more than a Grinch, especially an unidentifiable cyber-bully who hacks his way into your online identity. Statistics show that 1 in 3 Americans will be targeted with online scams during the holidays, with over 50% falling victim. With the rise in online searching and shopping, fraudsters are sitting back, waiting to hook their next victim.
The biggest scam during the holidays is fake delivery messages. These messages notify you that the package is delayed or lost and include a link to track the package or file a claim. Once you click the link, they can place malware into your device, waiting behind the scenes to snag passwords, account details, and other personal information when you least expect it. The business you ordered from will send you order numbers and/or tracking instructions. If not, you can enter the order number directly on the shipper's website without clicking any links.
Beware of deceptive online ads, too. Ads placed on websites and social media may look genuine, but when you click, they can lead you to sites that are just there to steal your identity or money and leave you empty-handed at the holidays.
If you suspect you've been a victim, notify the police, the Better Business Bureau, and GKCU (if there's a financial loss). Staying joyously cautious will keep your holiday merry and bright.
Extra Bread for the Holidays
Don’t Get Tangled Up this Holiday
Stop by to get some holiday green.
Holiday Loans - Up to $2000 for 11months at 12%APR.
Fixed-Rate VISA Credit Cards
10.5%APR
(All loan are subject to individual credit approval. See GKCU for details.)
We're on a MISSION to be a People Serving with Purpose getting out in the community. GKCU loves to help out at career fairs like this one for Williamsburg County schools. GKCU had several employees, like Ostria, visit schools for United to Read day. And, have you been "Krafted"? Paying it forward one quarter at a time! (Be sure to tag us on social media if you get Krafted with a random act of kindness!)
