Spring Newsletter 2024

Spring Cha-Ching!

Shopping for savings this spring? Then you’ll want to check out our Visa® Platinum credit card! You’ll find we’re known for typically having higher credit limits and lower interest rates on our credit cards. You can transfer your high-interest balance from your other financial institution’s credit card to a MidSouth Community VISA® card and save big!

• Competitive rates*
• No annual fee
• No balance transfer fee
• No cash advance fee
• Online card management and payments
• Robust fraud detection, prevention and resolution
• 24-hour cardholder assistance by phone
• Ability to earn reward points**

Discover the MidSouth Community difference and apply today!

*Annual Percentage Rate | Visa® applications are subject to credit approval. Certain terms & conditions apply. Variable Rate. The ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE is subject to change on the first day of the billing cycle monthly to reflect any change in the Index and will be determined by the Prime Rate on the last business day of the quarter, preceding the billing cycle, of each year as published in The Wall Street Journal “Money Rates” table to which we add a margin. The ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE will never be greater than 18.00%. Any increase in the ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE will take the form of additional payments shown as Total Minimum Payments on the statement. If the Index is no longer available, the Credit Union will choose a new index that is based on comparable information. The Minimum Payment Due is 3.00% of your total New Balance, or $25, whichever is greater, play any amount past due and any amount by which you have exceeded your applicable credit limit. If your total New Balance is less than $25, then your Minimum Payment Due is the amount of the total New Balance. **The Visa® Platinum Rewards credit card has the ability to earn rewards. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 

Smart Students, Smart Decisions.

Our scholarship deadline is approaching!

Are you or a family member venturing off to college this fall? Apply for the Tom Bentley Memorial Scholarship program to see if you can earn funding from the credit union to help pay for your education.*

Graduating High School Senior Scholarship – A $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year) will be awarded to one winning applicant.

Continuing Education Scholarship – A $2,000 scholarship (not exceeding $500 per semester) will be awarded to one winning applicant.

Completed applications and supporting scholarship documentation must be received by the credit union by Friday, April 26, 2024.

Applications can be downloaded online.

*Member restrictions apply.

 

Protecting Your Assets at Retirement

A Member Education Event

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming member education event, Protecting Your Assets at Retirement.

Join us on Thursday, April 18, 2024, to learn valuable strategies and tips to secure your financial future as you transition into retirement and beyond. As you approach retirement, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place to protect your hard-earned assets.

To register, call 478.200.8368 and leave a voicemail stating your name and contact information. We will confirm your registration shortly afterward. Seating is limited, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Northridge Christian Church | 321 Log Cabin Road NE, Milledgeville, GA 31061

 

Retire on your terms

Are you taking full advantage of your IRA savings? You want to make sure you’re seizing every opportunity so you can retire your way, on your terms. If you didn’t max out your IRA last year, you can still make 2023 IRA contributions until Tax Day on Monday, April 15, 2024.

The IRA contribution limits for 2023 are $6,500 for those under age 50 and $7,500 for those 50 and older. For 2024, the IRA contribution limits are $7,000 for those under age 50 and $8,000 for those age 50 or older.

Don’t miss out on a possible deduction this year. Consult your tax adviser for details*!

Need to open an IRA? Visit us online to view our IRA options. Schedule an appointment to open one today!

*The Credit Union provides no legal advice to members, and provides the foregoing information from a reliable resource to give our members a basic understanding of these services. Consider consulting your tax adviser before making decisions regarding your IRA investment.

 

Go ahead and SPRING for it!

With our competitive auto loan rates, you can go ahead and spring for that new ride you’ve had your eye on.

We offer:

• Rates as low as 5.50% APR*
• Terms up to 84 months
• Easy preapproval process so you know your budget before you shop

Spring for your next ride by applying for your loan with us or look to refinance today.

*Annual Percentage Rate | All loans subject to credit approval and rates are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 

Embrace Home Ownership

If you’re shopping for your next home sweet home or looking to refinance your existing mortgage, let a licensed mortgage advisor answer your home loan questions. MidSouth Community FCU is proud to partner with Credit Union Financial Services (CUFS) to bring a variety of mortgage options to our members.

• Competitive rates and flexible terms
• Variety of mortgage types
• Guidance from qualified mortgage loan advisors
• Pre-approval options

Visit cufs.org, or call 800.503.6855 to speak with a Licensed Mortgage Advisor.

Equal Housing   CUFS

MidSouth NMLS #402169 | CUFS NMLS #645585

*All loans subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply. Equal Opportunity Lender.

 

Need easy banking? You got it!

Whether across town or across the nation, you’ll always have access to your accounts online or on the app. Log into your digital banking and you can:

• Deposit Checks
• Review Transaction History
• Pay One-Time or Recurring Bills
• Transfer Funds (Between Accounts or Financial Institutions)
• Access eStatements
• Create Account Alerts
• Locate an ATM & more!

Don’t make managing your finances harder than it needs to be. Sign up for online or mobile banking today at midsouthfcu.org!

 

Warning Signs of Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse is a growing threat in which scammers steal personal data and money from older adults. Remaining aware of these warning signs can help you protect your aging loved ones from falling victim to financial exploitation.

Warning Signs:

• Unusual activity in bank account, including large, frequent, or unexplained withdrawals.
• ATM withdrawals by an older person who has never used a debit or ATM card.
• Upgrade from a basic account to one that offers more complicated services the customer does not fully understand or need.
• Withdrawals from bank accounts or transfers between accounts the customer cannot explain.
• New “close friends” accompanying an older person to the bank.
• Sudden insufficient funds activity or unpaid bills.
• Closure of CDs or accounts without regard to penalties, uncharacteristically attempting to wire large sums, suspicious signatures on checks, or checks written as “loans” or “gifts.”
• Rerouting of financial statements away from the customer’s address.
• New powers of attorney the older person does not understand.
• A caretaker, relative, or friend who suddenly begins conducting financial transactions on behalf of an older person without proper documentation.
• Altered wills and trusts or loss of property.

If you suspect elder financial abuse of an aging loved one, report it to their financial institution, the local authorities, and the Adult Protective Services in your town as soon as possible.

 

4 Ways to Prep your Home for the Summer Months

Temperatures are rising as the warmer months approach. Ensure your home is ready for the change with these easy seasonal maintenance tips.

1. Maintain your HVAC – Ensure your HVAC system is working properly to extend the life of your equipment and prevent costly repairs. Replace air filters; clean debris from outside units; check ductwork; and schedule a professional checkup at least once a year.

2. Inspect your Roof and Gutters – Make sure your roof and gutters are protecting your home from water damage. Look for missing, curled, or cracked shingles; clean your gutters of any debris; inspect flashing and seals; and schedule an annual professional maintenance check.

3. Maintain your Plumbing – Increased water use in the summer can strain your plumbing and higher temperatures can cause pipes to expand and potentially leak. Inspect exposed pipes for signs of leakage; check all drains and toilets for clogs; and schedule a professional inspection of your plumbing each year.

4. Prevent Pests – Pests can cause a variety of problems and damage to your home. Minimize the threat by keeping your home clean; sealing all entry points; removing any standing water; trimming bushes and shrubs away from home; and storing food properly.

 

Haven Hope House

The City of Warner Robins is scheduled to open the Haven Hope House homeless shelter this spring. To help furnish the shelter with essential items future patrons will need, MidSouth Community FCU team members donated hygiene products, shoes, backpacks, and bedsheets.

Warner Robins Mayor, LaRhonda Patrick, and Code Enforcement Officer, Brian Wise, made remarks about the shelter’s mission and shared personal stories about those less fortunate throughout the community. The representatives also accepted a $1,000 donation from MidSouth Community’s Board Chairman, Cecil Ethridge, Jr., and MidSouth Community President/CEO, Roy Bibb.

 

Johnny Appleseed Winner

Congratulations to 9 year old, Charles Whipple, for being selected as the 4th Quarter 2023 Johnny Appleseed Birthday Winner. Charles received a $50 deposit into his Johnny Appleseed account.

 

Holiday Closings

Memorial Day: Monday, May 27, 2024

Juneteenth: Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Independence Day: Thursday, July 4, 2024