Member Newsletter -April 2026
Are we Earthly-Aware?
Living in the Lowcountry gives us great snapshots of the beauty and splendor of nature around us. Whether you are an early bird who likes to watch the sunrise over the beach, a nature lover who explores the flora and fauna of the woods, or an evening cruiser who enjoys the river at sunset, we truly live in one of the most inspiring locations.
Earth Day, first held on April 22, 1970, was born of the need to raise awareness of environmental issues, such as pollution. It was a national campaign to educate and empower individuals in their role in protecting and preserving our natural assets. As we recognize this annual day in April, we encourage our members to be proactive and take charge of making positive change. Here are a couple of ways you can do your part:
· Reduce paper waste. Enroll for e-statements and only print when necessary. Recycle or shred after use. Opt out of receiving receipts at the ATM or on the teller line.
· Conserve energy. Make appointments or designate days to run errands, like to the credit union. Use online services for quick transfers, remote deposits, and bill pay.
· Repair and Reuse. Instead of always buying new, find ways to repair and reuse personal items. This can not only save the environment but also save you money.
There are many ways we can do our part to help sustain our beautiful Lowcountry. We've already proven our impact as a financial cooperative, so let's continue making a difference that generations will benefit from. Happy Earth Day! ~ GKCU
Laying a Financial Foundation
"Give a man a fish, and he will eat for the day; teach a man to fish, and he will be fed for a lifetime". GKCU believes the same holds true for financial success, which is why we prioritize giving our youth the resources they need to achieve financial independence.
April is National Youth Financial Literacy Month, and it is a great time to share with your kids the importance of being money savvy for their futures. Talk with your kids about your family's budget and expenses. Let them get a clear picture of the bills you must pay and the obligations you must meet, so they know what to expect as they get older. Discuss with them net vs gross pay, contributing to a retirement account, paying for insurance, and, of course, taxes. Finally, help them understand borrowing by discussing interest rates, terms, and the commitment to pay.
One of the best gifts we can give our kids is the ability to take care of themselves. Financial independence can be achieved when it is explained and managed with care. Having the discipline to say no, or having them contribute to purchases they want, helps them prioritize their own needs and avoid arguments at the checkout. GKCU even has options for kids to have their own savings and checking (age 15+) accounts to begin healthy money practices. Stop by if we can help you, or your kids, get their financial journeys started on the RIGHT foot.
Teach Them & They'll Follow:
*Open their own savings account, if they do have one already. (Reminder kids aged 15+ can open savings and checking without a parent at GKCU).
*Show them how to keep up with deposits and expenses, with a running balance. Writing it down vs. checking it online helps them remember what money they've spent and their available balance.
*Have them earn their own money. Chores, selling unused toys and outgrown clothes, or babysitting/lawn care jobs are a great way for them to feel good about a job well done.
*Show them how to use a debit card and/or write checks. Explain the differences of credit cards and how / why you pay with each option.
*Accidents happen so explain the importance of communication when overdrafts occur.
*Bring them by the credit union so they can get comfortable in talking with tellers, conducting transactions and knowing who to talk to about products and services.
Any BUNNY Ready for a BREAK?
Spring is in the air, and that means one thing: SPRING BREAK. No school. No after-school activities. No cooking (well, a mom can wish!). Whether you're going on a family vacation or staying home, you may have to hunt for activities that keep your kids and your wallet happy.
*Make a plan for each day with to-do's and wish-to-do's. Schedule the appropriate time for each activity so that no one is rushed or overwhelmed, and so everyone can experience all that you have planned.
*Assign a cost to each activity. Say no if an activity exceeds your budget. Cut costs by eating at home before you go or packing a cooler of snacks for the ride. Check websites for group deals or ticket reductions during slower times of day or week.
*Share rides with friends to save gas.
*Designate time away from each other and off devices, too. We all need to recharge to keep going, so tensions don't overload.
*Finally, free and DIY activities can be fun too! Go on a bike ride, visit a state park, or have a craft day at home. The most important thing is time together and the memories you make. That’s what makes the break much better.
Activities Your Wallet Approves:
*Movie Night: project on a screen in the backyard or on the garage in the driveway.
*Board Games complete with fuzzy socks, comfy PJs and all the snacks you can eat!
*Cooking class at home. Find old cookbooks and family recipes and whip some new favorites.
*Walking or riding the Bike the Neck path or through nature trails throughout our counties.
*Tech-Day. Have your kids give you a class on the latest social media and technology trends.
*Take to the beach to find seashells and shark's teeth. Divide into teams and the one with the biggest find wins!
*Scavenger Hunt Photo Contest: Compile a list of items and let everyone take photos to complete the list. Print out the pics and put them in frames to build great memories.
(*Min. loan $7500 for models 2014 and newer; floor of 4.99%APR. Subject to credit and terms).
Slam Dunk Savings!
Drive down the lane with a lower interest rate on your current car loan. Refinance with GKCU and save at least 1% off your rate to lower your monthly payment.
Simply stop by any GKCU branch to ask about shooting your shot and scoring big with this wallet-saving offer. Beat the buzzer - offer ends May 1.
We have fun getting outside our offices too! #GKCU ran the city in the Bridge2Bridge; March was FULL of career fairs throughout our counties and sponsoring and judging Tech Fair was a great way to end out a fun month.
