GCS Credit Union

It's Your Money – Keep More of it with TurboTax

Why spend more than you should to have someone else do your taxes for you? TurboTax® puts the power in your hands to keep more of your hard earned money, with the peace-of-mind of knowing you have experts in your corner every step of the way.

• TurboTax is customized to your situation, searching for the latest deductions and credits based on your job, family, and life so you know you’ll get every penny you deserve.
• TurboTax is there year-round with expert help when you need it, so you won’t get stuck if you have a question. All TurboTax tax professionals are experienced CPAs, EAs or Tax Attorneys.1
• With TurboTax you’ll get your taxes done right. TurboTax calculations are guaranteed 100% accurate2 and you’re guaranteed to get your maximum refund – or your money back. 3

Plus, as a GCS Credit Union member, you can save on TurboTax® federal products.

 Get started with TurboTax today and save!

1 Service, experience levels, hours of operation and availability vary and are subject to change without notice.  Tax Attorneys are not providing legal advice and are authorized under IRS Circ 230 to provide tax assistance and advice. Live tax advice is a free service.

2 Accurate calculations guaranteed. If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculations error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest.

3 Maximum (Biggest) Refund Guaranteed or Your Money Back: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state purchase price paid. TurboTax Federal Free Edition customers are entitled to payment of $14.95 and a refund of your state purchase price paid. Claims must be submitted within 60 days of your TurboTax filing date and no later than 6/15/13. Optional add-on services excluded.  Cannot be combined with TurboTax Satisfaction (Easy) Guarantee.

© 2012 Intuit Inc. All rights reserved. State filing charges apply. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2012. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice.  Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Big Banks Have Money to Blow

Have you ever wondered how some of today’s biggest banks are making money despite the lagging economy?

This video offers a hilarious parody of the Mac and PC commercials by comparing big banks with credit unions. Big banks and financial institutions make most of their money by charging high interest rates and penalty fees to their customers. Credit unions, on the other hand, are member-focused and therefore do not charge outrageous fees, but rather give the profits back to the members. Watch this clip for more information, and for a good laugh. 

Don’t be just another customer to a large banking corporation. Get the individualized financial products to fit your needs by contacting GCS Credit Union of Illinois online or by calling (618) 219-8600.

Why Savings Bonds Make the Perfect Gift

A savings bond is a non-marketable security provided by the United States Treasury Department and backed by the credit of the U.S. government. Savings bonds can be purchased from a number of financial institutions, including credit unions. Check out this article to learn why savings bonds make the perfect holiday gifts. 

Savings Bonds Increase Over Time

• Savings bonds are designed to provide funding dollars for the U.S. government. In exchange for using your money, the federal government pays you interest on the original note, meaning that the value of the savings bond will increase over time. However, the interest rates themselves will vary based on general economic conditions, and the bonds cannot be cashed within six months to one year of the original issue date.

Principal and Interest Will Never Be Lost

• Unlike other investments, savings bonds are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This means that the principal and interest on your savings bond can never be lost due to the status of the stock market or economy.

They Are Tax-Free

• All savings bonds are exempt from state and federal taxes. However, there are penalties for cashing in a savings bond within the first five years of the original issue date.

Savings Bonds Offer Financial Security

• Purchasing a savings bond for your child, niece, or extended family member is a great way to help improve his or her future financial outlook. This is especially true when you consider that savings bonds cannot be affected by the economy or dissolution of a banking institution.

Here at GCS Credit Union in O’Fallon, Illinois, our representatives are devoted to providing you with high-quality, affordable financial services you need. Learn more about purchasing savings bonds, obtaining debit cards, opening a checking account, or qualifying for auto financing by calling (618) 219-8600 today! We also offer personal loans, retirement accounts, and mortgage loans.

Tired of Being a Customer? Here's How to Become a Member Today!

Nearly everyone has at least one savings or checking account these days, most of which are held and operated by a national bank-chain. Unfortunately, banks are not member-focused financial institutions, meaning they are more concerned with boosting their bottom line and pleasing investors than protecting the finances of their customers. Continue reading to learn how you can stop being just a customer and become an influential member by joining a credit union. 

Credit Unions vs. Banks

• Unlike a bank, which is owned by stockholders, credit unions are cooperative institutions that are owned and operated by its members. This means that members have a certain level of input when it comes to the requirements that potential members must meet in order to join. For example, credit unions designed for teachers may decide to only accept teachers from a specific school district, while a corporate credit union may only accept employees and their immediate family members. Credit unions also tend to have much lower rates on lines of credit and fewer penalty fees.

Application to a Credit Union

• GCS Credit Union in O’Fallon, Illinois offers loans and basic savings products to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Illinois counties of: St. Clair, Jersey, Madison, Macoupin, Montgomery, Bond, Washington, Clinton, Monroe, and Randolph. With over 70 years of experience, GCS Credit Union is devoted to putting our members first by providing convenient, customized financial service.

• You can join GCS Credit Union by filling out an application online. After providing information regarding your enrollment eligibility and completing a new member disclosure form, you will be required to include joint information, select a product, and sign a fee schedule disclosure form.  You will also need to complete sections regarding funding and transfers, backup withholdings, and review the application before signing a final disclosure form.

For more information on joining GCS Credit Union, visit our website or call (618) 219-8600. We offer auto loans, auto financing, checking accounts, and debit cards. 

Find Out Why You Should Become A Member At GCS Credit Union!

You don’t have to work with a bank in order to obtain an auto loan, debit card, or insurance. Check out these links for more information on the benefits of working with a credit union, common credit card myths, insurance plans offered by credit unions, and reasons to get a savings bond. Call GCS Credit Union at (618) 219-8600 for more information on our services available to residents of O’Fallon. 

• Explore this article from MSN.com for more information on reasons why you should consider transferring to a credit union.

• Learn more about the benefits of joining a credit union with this article form AllBusiness.com.

• This article from Forbes.com takes a closer look at common credit card myths that can hurt you in the long-run.

• Visit this link from USnews.com to get the facts regarding credit card usage.

   

• Why shouldn’t you just pay the minimum payment on your credit card each month? Find out by reading this Bankrate.com article.