Member Newsletter -September 2025
Offense vs Defense
It is that time of year when colors start changing into those crisp oranges and deep reds (with a bright teal thrown in there, too). That's right. It's the start of football season, and that means choosing sides and divided houses. Some pick based on the quarterback, others on the coach, while others just like the uniforms. No matter your allegiance, count on the stats to make the season a winning one.
The same applies to your financial portfolio as well. When making decisions about where and when to save and spend your money, you should make informed decisions based on 'the stats'. Review the record for all the play options and choose the ones that best suit your goals. A 'one-size fits all' approach may not work because you have to adjust your playbook at different stages of your game (or life). Evaluate rates, terms, and add-ons to make sure each account is working hard to get you to the goal line.
Just like a good football team, use the skills of each account to build a strong lineup. Take advantage of special plays like CDs and money markets when you have extra winnings. Avoid penalties that take away from your savings and get rid of old accounts/services you no longer need. And finally, just as important as having a strong offense with saving, you must have an even more vigorous defense when it comes to spending. Analyze spending habits quarterly and make adjustments to keep the ball moving.
Do not be afraid to ask questions, seek the right answers, and listen to advice from trusted coaching sources. There may be options and offerings you never even considered. And remember to celebrate each small gain; each one gets you closer to scoring big!~ GKCU (your hometown team!)
Pack Those Bags
Your debit card is an essential part of your everyday purchases. From the grocery store to the retail store, your debit card helps pack your bags with the things you need.
Your debit card serves as a quick link to funds in your checking account. It gives you spending power at thousands of merchant locations (anywhere VISA is accepted) and access to cash at thousands of ATMs nationwide. When opening a checking account, you can have your debit card mailed to you, or some institutions, like GKCU, may have instant-issue cards available before you leave. Set up your Personal Identification Number (PIN), which will serve as your unique access code for using your debit card. You can use your debit card as an alternative to writing checks (which incur a cost) or carrying large amounts of cash (which can be safer).
Best of all, debit card purchases are deducted directly from funds already in your account, so you don't incur any interest or late fees. Your debit card usage does not directly affect your credit score, but consistently abusing overdrafts or failing to pay checking account charges can, so be sure to keep track of balances and settle overdrafts promptly. Be sure to ask if there are monthly maintenance fees or per-month usage fees. To open an account, visit any GKCU branch or apply online.
Set Sail to Retirement
We are all working hard for the days when we don't have to live by the time clock. The days when we can enjoy doing all those things we have been dreaming of and saving for. Saving for retirement is a journey you sail along through life, so it is there when you are ready to dock and rest awhile.
The best investment you can make is in yourself. If your company offers a retirement plan, take advantage of it and contribute as much as your budget allows, especially if your company matches your ontributions. If you do not have a company option, consider researching alternatives such as Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), annuities, or other stock/mutual fund portfolios. As your income increases, adjust the allocations to your retirement accounts accordingly. Keep investment selections more aggressive when you are younger and review and adapt them to more modest selections as you near retirement.
And most importantly, consider inflation and health costs when determining the amount you will need to live on during retirement. For more tips, click here.
Books for ages birth - grade 4
Give a Book - Build a Lifetime Learner.
We are hosting a BOOK DRIVE for
Miss Ruby's Kids.
During the month of September, drop off new or gently loved books at any GKCU branch to fill local Miss Ruby's Kids library boxes.
Or donate a book from the MRK Wish List or send donations directly to MRK to buy books in bulk.
GKCU sponsored the Book Mark Challenge with the Black River United Way with local student artist from Greeleyville STEAM Academy. We welcomed students back to school for another great year of learning. And, we showed off our TEAM spirit at the Chamber of Commerce Kick-Off at the Quad in Pawleys Island.
