Living that debt-free life!

Are you overwhelmed by mounting debt? Are the bills piling up faster than you can handle? We’re here to offer a solution! With a debt consolidation loan, you can merge multiple debts into a single loan, simplifying your finances into one monthly payment.

Borrow up to
$30,000*

Rates as low as
9.90% ^APR**

Get one step closer to living that debt-free life. Call us at 478.475.7819 to speak with a Lending Specialist or apply online.

*All credit union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval and may change at any time without notice. ** Annual Percentage Rate | 9.90% APR is our lowest rate, based on credit approval and our underwriting standards. Actual interest offered may be higher depending on applicant’s creditworthiness. Membership requirements apply. For questions or complaints, please call 478.475.7819. Equal Opportunity Lender.

Great rates for wherever 2025 takes you!

Whether you’re in the market for a new or used vehicle, our competitive rates and flexible terms make it easier to get you behind the wheel and drive into wherever 2025 takes you.

• Terms up to 84 months
• Easy preapproval process
• Check out our current rates online

Get preapproved before you shop to confidently find a car that fits your budget. Ready to begin? Apply online or by phone at 478.475.7819 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.

The house you want is the house you deserve

House shopping this year? Our Mortgage Team offers numerous home loan* options to help get you into the home you want (and deserve)! From conventional, fixed rate loans to ARMs and even zero down payment financing, we can help you find the mortgage that fits your budget.

• Competitive rates & flexible terms
• FHA, VA, USDA and Adjustable Rate Mortgages
• Zero down payment loans
• Guidance from qualified mortgage loan advisor
• Pre-approval options

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

*All credit union loan programs, rates, terms, and conditions are subject to credit approval and may change at any time without notice.

NMLS #645585

NMLS #402169

Now accepting scholarship applications

MidSouth Community FCU is now accepting applications for the 2025 Tom Bentley Memorial Scholarship. Scholarships will be awarded to one graduating high school senior and one continuing education student.

• Graduating High School Senior Scholarship – A $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year) will be awarded to the selected applicant.
• Continuing Education Scholarship – A $2,000 scholarship (not exceeding $500 per semester) will be awarded to the selected applicant.

All completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025.

Download the application forms online.

We’ll Help You Make This Tax Season a Winning One

Tackle taxes and come out on top with exclusive, member-only discounts on tax services that make filing easier. You can save 20% on TurboTax®, whether you file yourself or have an expert file for you. Or you can save up to $25 on in-office tax prep services from H&R Block and have your taxes filed by professionals who can ensure your maximum refund.

TurboTax® – Save 20%

• File with confidence that your taxes are done right
• Guaranteed maximum refund
• Tax experts to help or even file for you

H&R Block – Save up to $25

• Biggest refund possible or your money back
• Expert help with or without the office visit
• H&R Block expert within 5 miles of you

Plus, as a valued member of MidSouth Community FCU you can enter for a chance to win $10,000 in the Love My Credit Union® Rewards Tax Time Sweepstakes to take your tax return even further. Learn more!

Annual Meeting

MidSouth Community FCU members are encouraged to join us for our Annual Meeting where we’ll highlight the achievements of 2024 and discuss our future goals and plans. Save the date and make plans to attend – we look forward to seeing you there!

Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Location: W.S. Hutchings College & Career Academy
1780 Anthony Road, Macon
Registration begins: 3:30 pm
Business Meeting begins: 4:00 pm

Savor the fruits of your labor. Invest in an IRA!

Investing in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can be a smart move for your long-term financial health. Here are some key benefits and considerations:

1. Tax Advantages:
   • Traditional IRA: Contributions may be tax-deductible, reducing your taxable income for the year. Taxes are paid on withdrawals in retirement.
   • Roth IRA: Contributions are made with after-tax dollars, but withdrawals in retirement are tax-free, including earnings.
2. Compound Growth: The money in your IRA can grow tax-deferred (Traditional) or tax-free (Roth), allowing your investments to potentially increase more over time.
3. Investment Options: IRAs offer a wide range of investment choices, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs, allowing you to diversify your portfolio.

Whether you’ve just started your career or you’re looking to retire soon, you want to make sure you are taking full advantage of the opportunity to save now so you can savor the fruits of your labor later. If you didn’t max out your IRA last year, you can still make 2024 IRA contributions until Tax Day on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Don’t have an IRA yet? Visit us online to view our IRA options and open one today!

Our iChecking account checks all the right boxes!

Are you looking for a checking account that gives back? From earning dividends and accessing transactions on your phone, to offering enhanced security, you’ll find our iChecking account checks all the right boxes!

• Dividend-earning account*
• No minimum balance
• Free Visa® Debit Card
• Free online and mobile banking, and bill pay
• Access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs
• Apple Pay® and Google Pay™

If you’re looking to open a checking account that checks all the right boxes, visit us online to learn more, or schedule an appointment to open your account today!

*$25 minimum to open. Limit one (1) iChecking dividend-bearing account per membership. The iChecking Annual Percentage Rate (APR) and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) may change at any time, as determined by the Credit Union Board of Directors. The iChecking APR and APY are based on the number of Point of Sale (POS) transactions that post to the account during the calendar month. The dividend rate will be paid on the average daily balance for the calendar month, up to $10,000. Any amount of the average daily balance above $10,000 will earn the current Premier Checking Account APR and APY. The iChecking minimum average dollar transaction is $5.00 to qualify for monthly transaction count. Contact the credit union for further information about applicable fees and terms. Membership requirements apply.

Free In-person Tax Preparation Assistance

Many hardworking, moderate-to-low-income families in Central Georgia often lack access to certified, IRS-trained tax preparers, resulting in missed opportunities to claim vital tax credits. This gap in tax assistance can significantly impact families financially, preventing them from maximizing their refunds and accessing essential asset-building resources.

United Way of Central Georgia (UWCG) addresses this challenge by leading the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) coalition in partnership with the IRS. This initiative provides free tax preparation services through a network of IRS-trained and certified volunteers.

These services are available to individuals and families earning $64,000 or less, people with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and individuals aged 60 or older. Volunteers offer free basic tax preparation with electronic filing, helping eligible participants claim tax credits and maximize refunds. Through VITA, individuals and families gain critical financial relief and resources to support their economic stability and growth.

Visit the UWCG website to learn more about what to bring with you to our appointment and to schedule your appointment with a IRS-certified volunteer.

Johnny Appleseed Winner

Congratulations to 7 year old, Addison Sams, for being selected as the 3rd Quarter 2024 Johnny Appleseed Birthday Winner. Addison received $50 deposited into her Johnny Appleseed account.

Best Uses for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

If you’re considering tapping into your home’s equity to fund a big expense, here are the 6 best uses for those funds.

1. Debt Consolidation: Many homeowners tap into their equity to pay off high-interest debt, like credit cards, which can save money on interest payments.
2. Home Improvements: Using equity to fund renovations or repairs can increase your home’s value and enhance living conditions.
3. Major Expenses: Home equity can finance large purchases such as education, medical expenses, or a business startup.
4. Emergency Fund: Some homeowners use their equity as a financial safety net during unexpected expense or job loss situations.
5. Investment Opportunities: Home equity can be leveraged to invest in stocks, real estate, or other ventures.
6. Tax Benefits: In some cases, the interest on home equity loans may be tax-deductible, depending on how the funds are used.

New Year, Same Scams

There are several financial scams that rise in occurrence at the beginning of each year. These are schemes that promise quick or easy money and typically involve pressuring you to act quickly. As we ease into 2025, keep these prevention tips in mind so you don’t fall victim:

• Debt Consolidation: Many homeowners tap into their equity to pay off high-interest debt, like credit cards, which can save money on interest payments.
• Fake prizes: Be wary of notifications claiming you’ve won a large prize, especially if it requires you to pay upfront fees to claim it.
• Online shopping fraud: Always check website legitimacy before making a purchase and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true.
• Phishing emails: Never click on suspicious links in emails, and never provide personal information unless you’re sure the sender is legitimate.
• Job scams: Research potential employers thoroughly, and never pay for job applications or training materials upfront.
• Imposter scams: Be vigilant about anyone contacting you claiming to be from a trusted organization such as the credit union, asking for personal information.
• Charity scams: Verify the legitimacy of a charity before donating, and never give out personal details to unknown organizations.
• Investment scams: Remain cautious of high-pressure investment opportunities with promises of quick returns, always do your research and/or speak with a professional.

Please remember the credit union will never contact you to ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, online banking information, or passwords.

Read for the Record

MidSouth Community team members visited local elementary schools to read “Piper Chen Sings” for the annual Read for the Record Day. Thank you for having us Porter Elementary School, Quail Run Elementary School, Alexander II Magnet School, Matilda Hartley Elementary School, and Southfield Elementary.

MidSouth Hosts Next Gen Event

MidSouth Community had the privilege of collaborating with Next Gen, a program dedicated to empowering high school students who have traditionally been underserved. This initiative prepares students for success after graduation by providing exposure to college and career opportunities and ongoing mentorship, helping them discover their full potential.

During their visit to MidSouth, students engaged in various interactive and educational activities. They participated in a dynamic role-play exercise, assuming the roles of branch tellers and bankers to handle real-life transactions with accuracy and efficiency, just like professionals. They also took part in a hands-on fraud detection game, sharpening their ability to identify fraudulent transacations while enjoying an engaging learning experience. To cap off their visit, the students participated in mock interviews, receiving constructive feedback and encouragement to boost their confidence and refine their skills.

Holiday Closings

New Year’s Day: Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 20, 2025

President’s Day: Monday, February 17, 2025