Member Newsletter -June 2025
Flipped the Switch
After months of discussion, meetings, reporting, practicing,training, and communication, GKCU has successfully implemented our new processing system. We want to thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during this transition. We would especially like to thank our team for their hard work and dedication over the past year. They have learned new ways of doing their jobs to serve you to the best of their abilities, now and in the future.
While we are excited about all the new ways GKCU can serve you more efficiently and securely, we know that several members will need additional time and help in getting updated as well. Please know our staff is here and ready to help with any questions you may have or issues that arise. You can visit any branch, call us by phone, send us an email, or chat with us on our website. Please do not send messages via social media with private account information, as we cannot validate the security of the sites. If you cannot reach us immediately, please leave a message or schedule an appointment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Now? Now, we look to the future, our future together. Building strong savings with affordable financial products at the best rates delivered by the best local team around. Let's get going! ~ GKCU
Jump On In
One of the great pleasures of living where we do is the ample opportunities to jump in and cool off in one of our refreshing waterways, especially after a long, hard day's work. That refreshing feeling can also come whenever you find a great rate on a new car or boat.
As the summer days heat up, you may find yourself in need of a new ride to cool off. Whether hitting the road in a new car or the waterways in a new boat, GKCU can help with refreshingly great rates that will make your wallet jump on in!
Once you've found what you want to buy, stop by and get financing started, or you can always get preapproved before beginning the research process. Be sure to factor in other expenses as well so you don't overextend your savings. Consider purchasing extended warranties and debt protection to help safeguard your investment against high repair costs.
Finally, rest assured that your bills are being paid on time by setting up auto-pay for loan payments. So stop by or apply online to make a big splash this summer!
Hot Car Summer
*Find a local mechanic to give your car a good tune-up before hitting the road. This includes oil change, filters, windshield wipers and tires. Be sure to check AC and battery life too!
*Keep your car washed and waxed to protect the exerior. Regularly clean the interior to keep it looking and smelling fresh. Clean up spills and limit the types of food and beverages you allow in your car.
*Keep your car shaded from the sun when you can. This will help protect the interior from cracking and fading. *Do not keep valuables in your car and keep your car doors locked.
When’s Summer Break?
To build a successful financial future, we have to start from a strong foundation. Learning the importance of saving, spending wisely, and investing in sound products at a young age, we grow up with a clear direction of where we want our money to go and what we want it to return to us.
The world of finances can be overwhelming. There are numerous options and avenues to invest your money in. The best plan, though, especially when just building (or rebuilding), is to keep it simple. The first investment you should prioritize is yourself. Set up a basic savings that you contribute to on a weekly or monthly basis. This 'paying yourself first' practice will help you minimize your living expenses and build your long-term and emergency savings.
Next, limit credit cards to a manageable amount. Do not apply for credit just to receive a 10% discount on your purchase.
Finally, plan for retirement by making contributions to your workplace's 401(k) or your own Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Those tax-deferred dollars will pay big dividends you can enjoy after years of working hard.
Once you establish your strong financial foundation, you can start to branch out to a more complex financial portfolio.
Credit Savvy: GKCU's Credit Sense is now available to all members who enroll for our online / mobile GKCU2GO services. This tool is great to get up-to-date credit scores, tips to improve your score, ways to set credit goals and educational tools for overall financial health. Click the Credit Sense gage to get started.
Supporting our community comes in so many fantastic ways. From developing leaders through the Chamber of Commerce (congratulations Caroline & Kelly), to helping kids be healthy at the local YMCA, to supporting our educators and the work they do for our kids, GKCU is proud to be a 'people serving with purpose'.
