Summer Newsletter 2023

Tap into your home’s hidden value!

Open a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and discover the hidden value of your home! Use the funds to make home repairs, pay for a vacation, consolidate your debt, or even cover emergency expenses.

Introductory rate as low as
4.99% APR*
for the first 6 months

Current variable rate as low as
8.25% APR*

• MidSouth Community FCU pays closing costs**
• Borrow up to 100% of the value of your home***
• Credit limits $10,000 – $150,000

Did You Know? HELOC funds are not limited to just home improvement! HELOC funds can be used to fund just about any expense. Pay for your next vacation, consolidate debt, fund an emergency repair, or more. The choice is yours.

Apply for your HELOC today. Simply schedule an appointment with a Branch Manager to get started.

Qualification is based on an assessment of individual creditworthiness and our underwriting standards. Program, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Membership requirements apply. *Annual Percentage Rate | Introductory rate as low as 4.99% APR is fixed for the first six (6) months. Applicable rates apply after the introductory period. Rates listed are our best rates based on credit approval and our lending requirements. Actual interest offered may be higher depending on applicant’s credit rating and other underwriting factors. APR will vary depending on individual credit history. Annual Percentage Rate as low as Prime + 0%. Rates are variable and based on Prime as published in The Wall Street Journal, with a ceiling of 18.00%. **If loan is closed within first 24 months, borrower will reimburse the credit union for closing costs. Minimum $10,000 initial advance. ***Property must be primary residence and located in the state of Georgia. Neither modular, nor mobile homes are eligible.

Equal Housing Logo
 

Your money 24/7

Traveling this summer? Remember, it’s now easier than ever to access your MidSouth Community accounts when you’re away from home. Take a look at the many options we offer to make managing your finances remotely a breeze.

• Online Banking – Get started at midsouthfcu.org
• Mobile Banking with Remote Deposit – Download our app in the App Store® or on GooglePlay™
• Shared Branching – Locate a branch near you
• Nationwide ATM Access – Find an ATM near you

Visit us online to learn more about accessing your funds – whether you’re across town or across the country!

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CO-OP ATM
 

Invest Securely with an IRA Certificate

Planning for retirement? Consider moving your IRA savings into a certificate. This safe and reliable investment option provides peace of mind. With competitive rates and flexible terms, an IRA certificate allows you to grow your retirement funds steadily. Enjoy the benefits of tax advantages and the convenience of managing your investments under one roof. Take control of your financial future today by exploring IRA certificate options at the credit union. Secure your retirement with confidence and let your money work for you.

 

Are you earning enough on your IRA?

Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) are a valuable tool for building a financially secure future. However, it’s crucial to ensure that your IRA is generating sufficient earnings to meet your retirement goals. Here are some key steps to make sure you’re earning enough on your IRA.

1. Set Clear Retirement Goals: Begin by defining your retirement goals. Determine the lifestyle you desire, the age at which you plan to retire, and the financial resources you’ll need. This clarity will help you assess whether your current IRA strategy is aligned with your objectives.

2. Choose the Right IRA Type: Evaluate the various IRA options, such as Traditional and Roth IRAs, and select the one that best suits your circumstances. Consider factors like your current tax bracket, future tax expectations, and eligibility criteria for each type.

3. Regularly Review Your Asset Allocation: Maintain a balanced and diversified portfolio within your IRA. Review your asset allocation periodically to ensure it aligns with your risk tolerance, time horizon, and investment objectives. Adjustments may be necessary as you approach retirement to protect your savings from excessive market volatility.

4. Stay Informed and Seek Professional Advice: Stay up to date with the latest financial news and investment trends. Educate yourself about the different investment options available within your IRA and their potential risks and returns. Consider consulting with a financial advisor to receive personalized guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

5. Maximize Contributions: Take full advantage of the annual contribution limits set by the IRS. Contributing the maximum amount allows your money to grow tax-deferred or tax-free, depending on the type of IRA. Even small increases in your contributions can have a significant impact on your retirement savings over time.

6. Minimize Fees and Expenses: Pay attention to the fees and expenses associated with your IRA. High management fees and administrative costs can eat into your investment returns. Regularly review and compare the fees charged by different IRA providers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.

Your IRA plays a vital role in securing your financial future. By setting clear retirement goals, choosing the right IRA type, regularly reviewing your asset allocation, staying informed, maximizing contributions, and minimizing fees, you can ensure that you’re earning enough on your IRA. Remember, consistent effort and a well-informed approach will go a long way in achieving your retirement dreams. Start implementing these strategies today to enjoy a financially comfortable retirement tomorrow.

 

United Way of Central Georgia

MidSouth Community FCU has pledged a donation of $19,577.50 as part of its 2022-2023 workplace campaign to benefit United Way of Central Georgia. This donation was made possible in part by branch fundraisers and employee gifts, in addition to the credit union’s annual corporate gift. United Way of Central Georgia and their partner agencies focus on major areas including education and youth success, economic mobility and access to health. For more information about how you can make an impact through United Way of Central Georgia, visit unitedwaycg.org.

 

The Gardens at Brookdale

The Brookdale Resource Center in Macon serves as a transitional housing and resource center for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Central Georgia. In March of this year, The Gardens at Brookdale opened with the mission of providing healthy and nutritious meals to the residents at Brookdale. Essentially, the fruits and vegetables that are grown at The Gardens will help feed the residents.

To date, 2.5 lbs of fresh salad greens, 15.5 lbs of green beans, 8 lbs of cucumbers, 3.5 lbs of berries, and 1 lb of peppers have made its way onto the menu at the Brookdale Resource Center, and there are plans to expand their efforts to provide other food options.

If you’re interested in volunteering at The Gardens at Brookdale, or at the Brookdale Resource Center, please visit United Way of Central Georgia’s website to learn more.

Garden Veggies and Berries

 

CMN Donation

We are proud to present the Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital with a Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) donation of $5,000. CMN donations are directed to local member hospitals and go towards funding critical life-saving treatments, medical equipment, research, and healthcare services. This donation was made as a result of the holiday cash envelope sale that is held in the branches each Christmas. Thank you to our membership for making this contribution possible.

 

Johnny Appleseed Winner

Congratulations to 6 year old, Kemori McNair, for being selected as our quarterly Johnny Appleseed Birthday Winner. Kemori received a $50 deposit into his Johnny Appleseed account.

 

Scholarship Recipients

MidSouth Community Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Tom Bentley Memorial Scholarship program.

Anna Thompson, of Macon, has been awarded the 2023 High School Scholarship. A 2023 graduate of First Presbyterian Day School, Anna will attend Georgia Southern University this fall and major in communication science disorders. The high school scholarship is a $4,000 award that is paid to the recipient’s college in installments of $1,000 per year.

William Shirey, of Perry, has been awarded the 2023 Continuing Education Scholarship. Will is a 2022 graduate of Perry High School and will be transferring from Middle Georgia State University to the University of Georgia this fall to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. The continuing education scholarship is a $2,000 award that is paid to the recipient’s college in installments of no more than $500 per semester.

This year’s Scholarship Committee was comprised of Beth Byers, Development Officer at Middle Georgia State University; and Cindy Cerka, retired Major Accounts Sales Manager at 13WMAZ.

 

Tips to Protect Your Mobile Device

For many, your mobile devices house some of your most personal data. Losing your device, whether to burglary or misplacement, could be catastrophic if you don’t have the right safety measures in place. Consider these tips to secure your device, and your personal data!

• Avoid public WI-FI – It’s easy to connect to public WI-FI when you’re out and about, but doing so can leave your device vulnerable.
• Stay abreast of common scams – Scam artists try every method possible to lure victims into sending them money or giving them financial information. They even spoof phone numbers to make calls appear more legitimate. Research common scams to stay alert and always verify authenticity of calls by hanging up on the caller and then phoning the spoofed company yourself to see if they reached out or if the call was indeed a scam.
• Watch out for suspicious texts – You may receive texts noting your account(s) have been compromised and prompting you to click a link. NEVER click on any suspicious link in a text or email. Remember, the credit union, and other legitimate financial institutions and companies will not ask for your personal data via this method.
• Protect kids’ devices – Protect your children by closely monitoring their activities on smartphones and tablets. Research apps that can help you limit kids’ exposure and/or assess online activity.

 

Financial Advice for Recent Graduates

Congrats to members of the graduating class of 2023! Before embarking on the next chapter in your life, make sure to heed this financial advice to avoid common missteps that can occur when out on your own.

1. Set a budget – Work with your parents to make a budget that outlines your income, expenses, and savings. Track your future expenses against your budget to ensure you stay on course and don’t spend money you don’t have.
2. Understand your credit union accounts – Come by the credit union over the summer to speak with a representative to fully understand your accounts, any associated fees, your debit card, and how some of the services and conveniences on hand can help you stick to your budget. Even if you’re moving away for college, you can still easily access your MidSouth Community account via the Shared Branching credit union network.
3. Be careful with credit – If you’re considering a credit card, have an MSR explain the responsibility and consider applying at the credit union first to access a competitive rate. It’s critical to pay off your balance each month to build your credit score and to avoid large debt loads that can linger for years.
4. Save for the future – Even though you’re likely on a limited budget, it’s important to stash any savings you can. If you start saving now, paying for those big milestone purchases to come (such as a car, career attire or even an emergency expense) will be much easier to handle and won’t leave you with large amounts of debt.
5. There’s an app for that – Download the MidSouth Mobile app to track your spending habits and set savings goals. Having our app on your mobile device will help you better manage your financial accounts so the real time balance is always available to you.

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Holiday Closings

Juneteenth: Monday, June 19, 2023

Independence Day: Tuesday, July 4, 2023