TIPS TO MAKE THE CAR BUYING PROCESS A BREEZE

If you are thinking about purchasing a vehicle, we have some helpful tips and the resources you need to make an informed buying decision.

Review Your Finances
 
It’s important to determine how much you are comfortable spending by first creating a working budget. Our financial calculators can help you prepare a budget, analyze your spending and estimate vehicle affordability by comparing various loan terms. Be sure to review your credit report and resolve any issues before applying for a loan. If you are just starting out and do not have a credit history, building your credit can improve your chances of getting approved for a loan in the future. Our on-demand webinars, Intro to Credit and Car Buying 101, are great resources to learn more about these topics. 
 
Get Pre-Approved
 
Obtaining pre-approval for a vehicle loan is a smart step that will make the car buying process easier. This will determine the maximum amount you can borrow, your annual percentage rate and your monthly payment. Knowing how much to budget will help simplify your vehicle search and strengthen your negotiating position with the seller. Getting pre-approved is a quick process with our easy online application – and our current loan rates are as low as 1.99% APR*.
 
Do Your Research
 
Narrow your research to at least two different vehicles and check out the price, reliability and maintenance costs. If you are looking at fuel efficient vehicles, you can estimate gas mileage savings with our newest calculator. In addition to dealerships, consider private sellers and online car buying services to find the best deal. Ask for a price quote with all fees included and use it as a guideline to ask for a price match.
 
Consider Additional Costs
 
Before making a final purchase decision, be sure to take into account additional costs of vehicle ownership including title and tag registration, gas or electric charge, maintenance, repairs and auto insurance. Georgia United members can receive an instant quote from TruStage Auto & Home Insurance Program**, which provides affordable auto insurance protection, online convenience and 24/7 claims service. 
 
Protect Your Wallet
 
Our loan protection plans help when you need it the most. Debt Protection shields your family against unexpected events that could leave you struggling to pay bills. Guaranteed Asset Protection (GAP) will pay off your loan if your vehicle is deemed a “total loss” as the result of an accident and you owe more than the value as determined by your insurance company. Lastly, an Extended Warranty can help to avoid costly auto repairs with an additional warranty term and mileage coverage. Learn more about the benefits of loan protection plans on our website. 

 

 
 
GO PAPERLESS FOR
EARTH DAY

An easy way to help improve our planet is by reducing the amount of unnecessary paper we generate. Switching to
E-Statements is an environmentally friendly way to eliminate paper waste while increasing your security against identity thieves. If you haven’t enrolled in E-Statements yet, these five benefits of going paperless may make you want to reconsider.

 
 
TAX DEDUCTIONS VS.
TAX CREDITS

If you’re confused about the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit, you are not alone. A deduction is subtracted from your income, lowering your taxable income and your income tax. But a tax credit kicks in after you have computed your income tax, reducing that income tax dollar-for-dollar. There are deductions you could claim and many credits for which you might qualify.

LEARN MORE

  

 

FRAUD PREVENTION TIP

If you have recently moved, changed your email address or phone number, it’s important to update your information with us. This information is critical so that we can contact you quickly in the event of suspected fraudulent activity or to provide you with other important information about your account. You can update your contact information through Online Banking, our Mobile App or by notifying a representative next time you call or visit a branch. 

 

 

NEW WEBINAR ON DEMAND

Refinancing your mortgage, vehicle loan or credit card debt could save you money by lowering your interest rate or lowering your payments with a longer term. But there are specific factors that help determine if refinancing makes sense for your financial situation. Learn what to expect during the refinance process and if this could be a good solution for you by watching this short webinar. 

 

TOP WORKPLACES AWARD

We are honored to be named a 2021 AJC Top Workplace. This marks the seventh consecutive year Georgia United has been recognized as one of the best companies in metro-Atlanta. We are grateful for our team members who make a difference every day in the lives of our members and the communities we serve. If you are passionate about making a difference, consider joining our team. 

 

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Georgia United is dedicated to supporting impactful programs that enrich the lives of others and strengthen our communities. In addition to our corporate initiatives, team members are provided paid Service Days to volunteer at charities that are important to them. Here are a few highlights of how we are serving our community.

 

Can Hunger
 

CAN HUNGER RECAP

Thank you for your generous donations made to the Foundation’s Can Hunger program in February. A total of $15,384 was collected for food banks in our community, which will serve approximately 61,200 meals to our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

 

HEALTHCARE HEROES

It was our pleasure to sponsor Chick-Fil-A® lunches and snacks for healthcare heroes administering the COVID-19 vaccine to educators at Forsyth County Schools. It was a great turnout at both locations, held at Forsyth Conference Center and at Browns Bridge Church, and the event helped protect our communities.

 
 

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT®

On March 4, we celebrated the completion of our storefront at the new JA Discovery Center of Greater Dalton. This is the fourth location in Georgia and is slated to open this spring. JA is a financial literacy program that provides an experiential learning experience for middle school students. Our Foundation provides funding for this great program and over 100 Georgia United team members volunteer each year. 

 
 

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Team members recently volunteered at a food distribution event held at the J.M. Tull Gwinnett Family YMCA. They helped pack approximately 14,000 pounds of food that was delivered to 463 families. Distributed items included two food bags, one large fresh produce box and diapers/wipes as needed. Community support is imperative as we all continue to navigate the challenges caused by the pandemic.

 

 

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING

As a member-owner of Georgia United Credit Union, you are invited to attend the Annual Shareholders’ Meeting on Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at the Corporate Office, located at 6705 Sugarloaf Parkway in Duluth. Registration will begin at 1:30 pm and the meeting will start at 2 pm. We will provide interested shareholders with an overview of Georgia United’s accomplishments over the past calendar year and distribute the 2020 Annual Report. Our highest priority is the health and safety of our members and team members; therefore, face coverings and social distancing will be required.  

 

 
UPCOMING HOLIDAY CLOSINGS  

Memorial Day
Monday, May 31, 2021

Independence Day
Monday, July 5, 2021

Don't forget you can bank from the comfort of your home with Online Banking or deposit a check*** using Georgia United's Mobile App even when our branches are closed. Visit our website for a full list of holiday closings. 

 

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate with rates as low as listed rate. Rates and terms are based on year of collateral, loan amount and mileage. Rates subject to change without notice and are based on creditworthiness.

**TruStage® Auto and Home Insurance program is offered by TruStage Insurance Agency, LLC and issued by leading insurance companies. Discounts are not available in all states and discounts vary by state. The insurance offered is not a deposit and is not federally insured. This coverage is not sold or guaranteed by your credit union. © TruStage Insurance Agency 2017

***Items transmitted using this service are not subject to the funds availability requirements of the Federal Reserve Board Regulation CC. Deposits accepted using this service will be available within five days. Georgia United may make such funds available sooner.

 
Georgia United Credit Union is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.