The Relationship of a Lifetime

KnowIn the

Summer 2016The Newsletter for Our Members

The end of summer inevitably means a mailbox overflowing with back-to-school sale advertisements. But before you fill your shopping cart, ask yourself these five questions to keep more money in your pockets as you kick off the school year.Do I have a budget?The answer, if you want to save money, should be yes. Check your bank account balance and decide how much you can spend on new items, and how much you want to spend. This will be especially important if you need big purchases like a computer. Aim to come in under budget. If you have a couple bucks left over, reward yourself with a latte — or save them for a rainy day.Do I really need this?The best way to save is to not spend at all. Restrict your list to items that you’ve run out of or need more of, not those you want. It’s a good philosophy for all shopping, not just back-to-school.How do I balance discount vs. full price?Basic school supplies — such as pens and pencils, folders and three-ring binders — are simple and largely the same; it’s not worth paying more for a brand or a pop star’s face on the front. The same goes for clothes (better to wait for when the season changes) and textbooks (there are so many avenues to buy used, rent or go electronic).

But with other items, you’ll be rewarded later for spending more now. Computers and calculators bought new will last longer and likely require less upkeep than used models.Can I pack lunch more often this year?The biggest savings don’t come in once-a-year sales — saving is a habit that follows you through every season. Cut back on the everyday expenses that could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. If you send your kid off with lunch money, consider packing her meals instead. Invest in some Tupperware that you can stuff with sandwiches, fruit or leftovers. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save, even in just a month.What about next year — and the year after that?Looking ahead can help save you some extra dollars. Find an unbeatable deal on notebooks? Stash a couple away for next year. For big-ticket items, discounts are your friend — but again, getting the cheapest on the market might mean you’ll have to buy a new computer in two years, or that backpack will snap in six months. Keep your sights focused on the long term to avoid having to shell out more money before you have to.Back-to-school shopping doesn’t have to be a drag. Keep these questions in mind as you prepare for the new school year and you’ll be in the right mindset to save money.© Copyright 2016 NerdWallet, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Smart Ways Back-To-School Coststo cut

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Aimee Tongue, Branch Manager NorwichGregory Cornelius, Financial Advisor

John Bowman, IT ManagerPaul Utter, Loan Officer

Welcome to Team GHS!

Join us in congratulating team members who have received recent promotions.We are excited to share with you the recent promotion of Colin Tarr, to the role of Member Sales Service Representative. In his new role, Colin ensures our members receive products and services to best meet their needs. Also in a new position at GHS, is Jessi Spudis, who has returned to GHS FCU as Branch Manager for our Front and Court Street locations.

We’d like to recognize our employees with “milestone” anniversaries.Doreen Hayes celebrated her 5 year anniversary the end of June. Monica Lescault-Casterlin and Jean Wharton will be celebrating their 20th year with GHS in August and September!Congratulations and thank you for your wonderful dedication to our Members.

SpotlightIn the

VolunteersWanted!

We love being a part of this wonderful community and feel fortunate to have built such valuable relationships with our members over the past 76 years.

As we continue to serve our community, we encourage all of our members to get

involved by becoming a volunteer on our Supervisory Committee or Board of Directors. With your unique skill set you can shape the future of GHS and help

give back to our community.For more information visit

ghsfcu.com/volunteer-recruitment

Our GHS@Work program is designed to provide convenient and affordable banking services for the employees of organizations and companies who help maintain the economic vitality of our communities. We do this by offering these employees financial advice, answering questions, helping them plan for the future and addressing any current needs. At our on-site visits we can open new accounts, assist with direct deposit, provide a credit analysis and originate loan applications. If your company, or employer, qualifies for and participates in our GHS@Work program,you as an employee can receive perks on many banking and financial services such as: discounted interest rates, higher savings rates and even free money!At GHS, our commitment is to assist our members in achieving their financial goals. We are member centric with a wide array of products, experienced staff and exceptional service. We measure success by building relationships of a lifetime.Let us bring GHS Federal Credit Union to YOU! There is no business to small, or too large, to participate in this program. If you are interested in more information please contact Joe D’Introno, Business Development Officer at (607) 472-2826

GHS @ WorkOn August 1st, we launched our new GHS Plus Auto Lending program. GHS+ was created to help our members that may have been previously turned down for an auto loan or thought that they had to take a high interest rate to purchase a new car. If a member has had issues with their credit due to unforeseen reasons, GHS is here to help, whether you apply through a branch or local dealership. This program can also benefit our members that have already taken out a high interest rate loan with another lender. GHS may be able to refinance that high interest loan for a lower rate. If you have been turned down in the past or would like to see if GHS can save you money, stop in to meet with any of our knowledgeable lenders or apply online.

GHS+ Program

THE FREEDOMOF SENDING THEM BACK TO SCHOOLWITH THE RIGHT TOOLS

Board of DirectorsJeffrey Kerr, CFA, Chair

Paul Battisti, Esq., Vice ChairPatricia J. Clark, Treasurer

AnnMarie Lenkiewiecz, SecretaryLarry Maier

Mark KnebelLeonard LindenmuthJeanette O. Tillotson

David Drew

Howard Meller, President/CEODonald Schmitt, VP/FinanceTraci Cerasaro, Director/HR

Senior Management

Cindy TokosDavid Sebastianelli

Mark Knebel

Supervisory Committee

Holiday ClosingsLabor Day, September 5th

Columbus Day, October 10thVeteran’s Day, November 11thThanksgiving, November 24th

(800) 732-4447(607) 723-7962

www.GHSfcu.com

Explore our Social Media channels as we revamp our content specifically for you!

Congratulations Scholars!GHS Federal Credit Union was a proud sponsor of four scholarships for this year’s Broome Community College Foundation event. Congratulations to Jonathon Collins, Joelle Niyonzima, Aaron Scarinzi and Victoria Studer. We wish you great success in all your future endeavors.

For current opportunities visit:ghsfcu.com/career-opportunities

Make a DifferenceJoin Our Team

Savor the Summer (Hosted by ACHIEVE)Thursday, September 1 • 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.Cutler Pond • Purchase tickets online ($35-40)

Greater Binghamton Business ExpoThursday, September 15 • 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.DoubleTree by Hilton, Binghamton

Wedding ShowSunday, September 25 • 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.Holiday Inn, Downtown Binghamton

Fall Fabulous Vendor & Craft ShowSaturday, October 15 • 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.Oakdale Mall, Johnson City

CommunityOur

Team GHS continues to support the communities that we serve! Our employees have generously donated to organizations within the community through our Casual for a Cause Program. With a donation, the program allows our employees to wear jeans for the day. For the first half of 2016, the team has donated a total of $1,500.00 to: Volunteers of America Homeless Shelters, American Heart Association, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Alzheimer Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Binghamton. Thank you team, for your generosity and local support!

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