Member Newsletter -March 2026
Keeping You Covered.
Life happens. You work hard to save, only for something to interrupt your plan. Tires go flat. Clothes shrink. Kids outgrow shoes. The flu hits—everyone—hard. You are not a financial fortune teller, so you must budget, set aside contingency savings, and review expenses to ensure every dollar is available when life happens.
For over 74 years, GKCU has been our members' financial resource for life, offering affordable options that fit their budgets and savings to boost their wallets. You trust us to open first-savings accounts and second-chance accounts. You turn to us to open doors to new houses and put the keys in the drive for new cars. You stay covered for daily purchases with checking and debit cards, and with overdraft protection. Best of all, you rely on us for sound financial guidance that helps you make the most of your life.
We recently held our annual membership meeting and saw the power of our cooperative spirit. Members taking part in the democratic elections of officers, having insight into the financial condition, and hearing about upcoming plans for products and services. That is the credit union difference that keeps us focused on serving you. Special thanks to the volunteers who serve on our committees for policies, oversight, and transparency. If you were unable to attend, the video and annual report are available on our website.
Keeping you covered through all of life is our goal (and your friends and family, too!) Let us know when and where we can help you reach your goals because that's why we're here.~ GKCU
Shifting Love to a New Car
"Saving for a Rainy Day" is an old saying that reminds us of the importance of planning for the future. And while we know we should, we often find it harder to do than keeping an umbrella from flipping inside out in a rainstorm. So what is the magic trick to keep you focused on saving for that rainy day? It's easy; it's YOU.
Making YOU the priority in every financial decision helps you plant savings that grow into real financial success. Start with an objective and map steps to achieve it. Identify what you are willing to do, the sacrifices you can make for success, and alternatives if adjustments are needed.
Research all savings options, including terms, rates, minimum and maximum deposit amounts, and tax implications. Be aware of any restrictions or penalties that may affect your access to your funds.
Establish the funding method. Will you make regular deposits, set up auto-transfers, or do annual contributions from bonuses or tax returns?
Finally, stay the course. Leave savings alone until you reach your goal, your priorities change, or options are causing you a long-term loss.
When you consistently nurture your savings plan, your financial garden will flourish and reward you in every season.
*Basic Savings & Club Savings for general everyday savings with auto-transfers
*Money Market Accounts - tiered savings with flexibility of checking
*Certificate of Deposits (CDs) - Long term savings with higher returns for longer investments.
*IRAs - Retirement Savings with tax benefits.
Scamming Takes More than Dollars
Safeguarding family members from harm goes beyond health and safety—it includes protecting them financially.
Statistics show that over 13% of Americans over 65 fall victim to financial fraud each year, losing an average of $32 billion, with most cases involving scams from strangers (tech support and romance scams) and a few by trusted individuals.
Seniors are targeted for these scams due to lifetime accumulated savings, separation from loved ones, and naivety on social media and technology updates. Most seniors are trusting of strangers due to their generation of service and politeness. Most of the time, scammers use fear tactics, such as threats to loved ones or financial repercussions from past-due bills or tax debt.
Most scams go unreported due to feelings of embarrassment or denial. In fact, most scammers appear caring and concerned to gain their victims' trust. They often use tactics such as pretending to be trusted advisors, friends, or romantic partners, making victims feel needed and appreciated, to manipulate and prolong the scam for increased financial gain.
If you suspect a loved one may be targeted for fraud, look for signs such as unusual financial withdrawals, isolation from family or friends due to new relationships, changes to legal documents or accounts, or unpaid bills. Reports can be filed by calling 833-372-8311 or by contacting local authorities.
Access with a TAP!
GKCU will be converting all plastics to new contactless “TAP” card within the year.
Credit Cards - begin April 10.
Debit Cards - begin June 17.
New cards will be mailed during your current card’s expiration month.
We care about the future: GKCU provides resources for future savers, opportunities for future business leaders and cooperation for legislative progress. Investing in our future ensures we'll be here for generations to come.
