Member Newsletter -June 2026
SPF - Staying Protected Financially
The sweet signs of summertime. The time to remind us to slow down and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer, including the warmth of the sun. And just as you apply SPF to prevent sunburn when outside, now is a good time to remind you to protect your finances, too.
It may be vacation time for us, but for fraudsters, it is peak season for luring you and it seems they are continuing to use the same old tactics. There has been an increase in online fraud recently. The most common are phone calls, emails, and texts to prompt you to take immediate action that requires your personal information. They may pose as a delivery company, software company, or even a credit service provider, asking for your social security number, user name, passwords, or other sensitive information. They tempt you into acting by describing a past-due invoice, a warranty, or an unauthorized purchase. Once you give them the information, they now have access to your accounts and your money, which can leave you severely burned.
GKCU reminds you that we will never ask for your personal information, as we already have it. Do not click on links for unsolicited or unfamiliar sources. If the caller is rushing you into a decision or action, hang up and call the business at its main number listed on their website. And if they ask for details such as the make/model of your car or the first digits of your debit card, remember those details are public records that anyone can access to sound legitimate. Most importantly, if it makes you feel uneasy, trust yourself. Call your financial institution or even the police.
Finally, check out the Credit Score feature in our online banking service. It can send alerts when unusual activity occurs, help with fraud reporting, and restore your credit if you fall victim. So lather up that SPF and enjoy your summer days without a care!~ GKCU
New Debit Cards Coming! GKCU TAP Debit Cards - Beginning June 17.
ATM Upgrade - terminal will be unavailable on these days:
Fraser - June 8; Bourne & Pawleys Island - June 9; Kingstree & Andrews - June 10.
Card System Upgrade: June 15-17.No new instant issue cards will be issued until after conversion is completed. Some intermittent delays may occur with transactions or posting to accounts. New cards will be mailed during the month your current card expires (if request a new card prior to expiration, a $7 fee will be assessed to print in-branch). Updates provided on our website and social media.
Making Waves this Summer
There's no better place to be in the summer than on the water. Whether fishing, skiing, tubing, or just 'floating', our access to water living is simply the best around. GKCU wants to add some savings to your wave-making with a summer deal that will anchor you in a great rate.
For June and July, GKCU members can receive .50% off their qualifying rate on new, pre-owned, or refinanced boats. Your rate can get even lower if you set up auto-pay for your payments, too. What does that mean? Savings, of course!
The special applies to boats 2014 and newer with a minimum price of $7500. The best part is that the special is good whether you buy from one of our great local dealers, purchase from an individual, or just refinance the boat loan you already have. You can even check out available inventories under the "Find a Car" option on the GKCU website.
So grab that Captain's hat and put on the life vest because your summer is about to get a lot cooler.
To learn more, stop by any GKCU branch to talk with a GKCU loan officer, or visit our website to apply online.
Buying a New Boat:
*Start by determining what your boating adventures will entail and how many friends you want along for the ride (type & size of boat).
*Research inventories online first so you get an idea of price range, accessories, and maintenance plans. Read reviews of types of boats, motors, and trailers available.
*Factor in a down payment, storage, maintenance, winterization, slips/dock rentals, and insurance.
*Visit local dealerships to look at models on-hand or ones they can order for you. Pre-owned options are also great, but ask for a detailed history of the boat and the motor.
*Get your feet wet by taking the boat for a sea trial. Test how the boat handles on the water and ensure all gauges and onboard systems are functional.
*Ask about a warranty options and ensure you understand what parts/labor are covered.
*Add extra peace of mind with services like Sea Tow to help if emergencies come up.
Dads to Lean On
We lean on our dads for a lot. From helping us with our swing to teaching us how to drive, and everything in between, dads are ready to impart their knowledge (and jokes!) just when we need it the most. We may not always take to heart what he may be teaching us, but somewhere down deep, they stick. Here are a few life lessons instilled by my dad that I still carry with me today:
*Work hard to enjoy life. Yes, it was before 24/7 technology, but my dad worked hard as a banker so he could enjoy his weekends. He knew how to turn it off, walk away, and find activities that gave him relaxation and joy.
*Whistle while you work. We have to work, so why not whistle, sing, or dance while you're doing it? Music is a great way to spark your brain to learn new things and release stress.
*Failure does not define you. He failed (although he didn't like to admit it), but it never stopped him. Even when jobs changed, relocations happened, and finances got tight, he kept on redefining himself to meet new goals and remain successful.
*Eat the Ice Cream. Life deserves rewards. Whether you pay off your car, save for a new home, go back to school, or move up your credit score, life deserves rewards. Celebrate the small victories and celebrate even more with the big celebrations. The bigger the scoop, the more to share with others!
So to all the dads out there, "thanks" for teaching, role modeling, disciplining, and encouraging. We are all better because of it - Happy Father's Day from GKCU.
Things Dad Think You Should Know:
*Balance your checkbook. Know how much money you have in your account so you avoid overdrafts and fees.
*Pay your obligations. Keep up with what you owe, when your payments are due, and when you get the chance, pay a little extra.
*Know how to file out your employment papers with deductions. Know how much you need to live off of and put the rest in retirement accounts and/or savings.
*Know how to pay your taxes (even if online with TurboTax).
*Do not overspend. Know your limits. Save to splurge on luxury purchases.
*Keep up with maintenance to avoid emergencies later on. Car, home, AC, appliances - keep them all in tune.
*Vacations do not need to break your wallet. It's not always about where you go, but who you go with that makes the memories.
*Be ok with saying no. In fact, sometimes it is what will save you the most
Join the Club!
The holidays can feel like a walk on the beach with a
GKCU Club Account.
Set up auto transfer so the money is there when you're ready to start that holiday shopping this December.
Congratulations to our Class of 2026 Scholarship Recipients: AHS: Georgia Griner, Kaleb Altman, Grace Bratcher. CBHS: Ian Gamble. GHS: Nate Benton, Maddie Harrelson, Satcher Felts, Sarah Cannon and Cooper Evans. KSHS: Jaylia Whitfield and Kayla Harvin. WA: Kolby Lockliear, Ali Ivey and Tiller Kennedy.
(L): Our CU Save School Deposit Days ended the year with a fun pizza party for our Tiny Tiger Savers at Hemingway Elementary. (R): GCCC Leadership Class project restores and supplies the GCSD Nurses Closet for all schools in the county. GKCU's Samantha and Larisha are proud graduates from this year's program.
