GCS Credit Union

Dealing with Credit Card Debt after the New Year

Few people keep budgets over the holidays. That’s why it’s important to have a plan to reckon with your finances after the New Year. If you’ve overspent this holiday season, consider setting a goal and a deadline to pay off your debt.

Many people use different methods to pay off holiday bills. Some take advantage of the opportunity a tax refund provides. Others use tactics such as doubling monthly debt payments in the few months beginning the New Year. For more post-holiday credit card debt resolution tips, watch this video.

At GCS Credit Union, we offer a range of services to help our members better manage their finances. From online money management to services designed to help boost your credit score, we can help you find solid financial footing this year. For more information on our benefits, contact our O’Fallon, IL office at (618) 219-8600. 

Credit Union Members Can Save More with GM Truck Month Bonus Cash! Take Delivery by 2/28/2013 to Take Advantage of This Offer

Members Save an Extra $750 with GM's Truck Month Bonus Cash

You can already save big with the Credit Union Member Discount from GM. But now you can save even more thanks to Truck Month Bonus Cash (1). And who doesn’t like more savings?

Right now, eligible members(2) can combine the $750 Truck Month Bonus Cash with their Credit Union Member Discount from GM and most current incentives to save even more on select Chevy and GMC trucks and SUVs. This offer ends February 28, 2013. Take a look at how much you could save:

Discount Example: 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500

MSRP of Silverado Crew Cab All-Star Edition(3)2WD   $36,285.00

Preferred Pricing(4)  $34,268.64

Consumer Cash(5)   -$4,000.00

Truck Month Bonus Cash(1)  -$750.00

Trade-in Allowance(6)  -$1,000.00

Price You Pay (When you trade in an eligible vehicle)   $28,518.64

Your Discount  $7,766.36

Start saving today at GM page at LoveMyCreditUnion.org.

1) Use toward the purchase or lease of a 2013 or 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500, Suburban or Tahoe; or GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra Denali 1500, Yukon or Yukon XL. Truck Month Cash is not eligible on 2500HD and 3500HD models. Not available with some other offers. Take delivery by 2/28/13. See dealer for details. 2) Must be a member of a participating credit union. A copy of the loan document used to purchase the vehicle, current statement or membership card from a participating credit union will be required as proof of eligibility at the dealership. Not available with some other offers. See dealer for details. Discount is available to members no matter where they finance their purchase. 3) Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. See dealer for details. 4) Tax, title, license, dealer fees and optional equipment extra. See dealer for details. The Credit Union Member Discount from GM provides a pre-established price from GM to the dealer. Dealers, however, may charge additional fees to customers in connection with the sale of a vehicle. These fees can be significant and vary from one dealer to another. GM makes no representation about the amount or existence of these fees, which will affect the final price you pay. Ask your dealer for details. 5) Not available with some other offers. Must be used toward the purchase of a vehicle. Take retail delivery by 2/28/13. See dealer for details. 6) Must turn in a 1999 or newer vehicle. Some customers will not qualify. Not available with some other offers. Excludes leases. See dealer for details. Take delivery by 2/28/13.

The marks of General Motors, its divisions, slogans, emblems, vehicle model names, vehicle body designs and other marks appearing in this flyer are the trademarks and/or service marks of General Motors, its subsidiaries, affiliates or licensors. ©2013 General Motors. Buckle up, America!

Reasons to Invest in a Money Market Account

If you’re seeking a higher-yield alternative to checking and savings accounts, a money market account could be a good choice. Money market accounts offer higher rates than the typical savings account, but there are restrictions. You will be limited to a certain amount of withdrawals or transfers every month—usually six.

The restrictions on money market accounts make them a smart choice for individuals who don’t withdraw from their savings very often. To learn more about the benefits and limitations of these accounts, watch this video.

At GCS Credit Union, we strive to offer a flexible money management experience for our members. Whether you appreciate the flexibility of a savings account or desire the higher rates of a money market account, we can help. To learn more about the benefits of membership with our credit union, call (618) 219-8600. 

Mobile Banking: The Future of Finances

Mobile banking is the future of finances, with more than one billion people expected to be using mobile services in just four years. One in five Americans and nearly 600 million people worldwide already enjoy the conveniences of mobile banking, which include 24/7 access, instant account information and banking services, and top security. In addition, a third of adult Americans use telephone banking, which offers many of the same benefits as accessing an account from a mobile device. Take a look at this infographic from GCS Credit Union in O’Fallon, IL to find out more about the top trends in banking today. If you know anyone who is interested in improving financial access and control to keep up with the modern mobile movement, feel free to share this infographic!

Learn Why Life Insurance Benefits Your Family By Checking Out These Great Resources

Life is full of the unexpected and that’s why GCS Credit Union wants to make sure that you and your family our always covered financially. For more information about the proper life insurance for your family, call our O’Fallon, IL office at (618) 219-8600. Here are some resources to help you learn about the benefits of life insurance:

• Determining when to buy life insurance can be difficult.  This useful guide from U.S. News and World Report can help.
• Are you confused about life insurance in general? Learn all you need to know by reading this comprehensive guide from The New York Times.
• The Globe and Mail offers useful tips on the amount of life insurance you’ll likely need.
• Auto liability insurance is required in Illinois. Learn the laws from the source by visiting CyberDriveIllinois.com.
• The Wall Street Journal provides advice on how much auto liability insurance coverage you need.