Member Newsletter

Set to Genius Level

School is starting again in our two counties, and GKCU wants to help students and teachers get everything they need for a successful year. Parents are packing bookbags with notebooks, pencils, rulers, and a healthy lunch. Why not include some money smarts as well?

Research shows that kids who learn basic money skills early are better at managing money as they grow up. They learn to balance needs and wants, understand the importance of saving and comparing rates, and avoid taking on unnecessary credit.

Kids learn about money best by watching their parents and having open conversations. They notice what you spend money on, which shapes their own priorities. When they hear about your savings goals, they often do the same. Seeing and hearing about your work helps them appreciate the value of earning a good income.

GKCU offers CU Save Kids accounts for students ages 0 to 14, with in-school deposit days at 12 local schools. Kids learn how to make deposits, earn dividends, and use math skills to manage their money. Students 15 and older can open their own savings and checking accounts to begin building financial independence. Visit any GKCU branch to open an account and start the school year with savings.

Teaching Money Skills:

·Make kids work for their money. Light chores teach respect for the work you do and not take money for granted.

·Give kids real cash/coins vs. digital apps. This makes money "real" and valuable. Give them responsibility in keeping up with their money and knowing they must earn more when it is spent.

· Make kids spend their own money for things they want. Parents can help match what they save.

· Help kids set realistic and attainable savings goals. Encourage when they reach their goals and supportive when they need to make adjustments.

· Pre-loaded cards are great for older kids to learn how to use plastic currency. Once they have it mastered, open a GKCU checking with their own debit card.

·Talk about household income and expenses. Discuss terms like interest, overdrawn, and credit. The more open you are, the greater likelihood they come to you for future advice.

End of Summer Checklist

Summer is all about sunshine and relaxation. While it's easy to enjoy lazy days and vacations, it's also common to put off some home care. Hot and humid weather can put extra stress on your home's inside and outside, and ignoring it for too long might lead to expensive repairs. Take a moment to go through your regular maintenance checklist.

Weather has a big impact on your home, yard, and even your sewer lines. Too much or too little rain can cause problems like moisture, mildew, and pests. Summer is a good time to pressure wash your home to keep the paint and deck stain in good shape. Look for any rotting wood or damage. Stay on top of pest control and remove standing water to keep mosquitoes, snakes, and other wildlife away.

It's easier to keep up with the yard when you're home, but in summer, it's tempting to do just the basics. Try to keep shrubs trimmed and shaped to help them grow and avoid insect problems. Pull weeds from flower beds and add fresh pine straw to boost curb appeal and help your plants stay healthy.

Before summer ends, check your air conditioner. It has probably been working hard, so make sure it's running efficiently. Check the air filters and drip pans, and schedule an AC flush if needed. Clean ceiling fan blades and blinds, and keep thermostats set to a comfortable but modest temperature.

Summer doesn't last forever, but keeping up with regular maintenance can help your home last for many years.

Home Sweet Home Care

·Pressure wash home's exterior, sidewalks and driveways, porches and decks and outdoor furniture and playgrounds. Clean outdoor cushions and umbrellas.

·Spray for insects and clean spider webs. Inspect for bee hives. Keep bird baths clean and drain standing water.

·Clean gutters and downspouts. Clean and seal windows.

·Repair any damaged or rotting siding or deck boards.

·Check air dryer vents and clean if getting clogged.

·Check oil levels, tire pressure and blades for lawnmowers. Do a good cleaning to remove debris collected from summer yard work.

·Do a healthy trim on bushes and shrubs. Spray for weeds and insects.

·Check appliances and air conditioning to ensure all are running efficiently. ·Inspect and replace lightbulbs and batteries in fire detectors.

·Make a schedule for fall maintenance.

August is Make-A-Will Month
Join us for FREE Estate Planning Webinar hosted by Trust & Will
August 12 at 7pm

GKCU members can also receive a 20% discount on will services. See website for details.