Fresh tips to grow your savings
As temperatures rise, flowers bloom, and the days grow longer, it’s the perfect time for a refresh. While you’re decluttering your home and deciding what still serves you, why not give your savings the same attention? Use these fresh tips to bring structure to your savings strategy and get the most out of every dollar.
Set clear goals and find your “why”
Define what you’re saving for—whether it’s an emergency fund, a dream vacation, or a new home. Having a clear purpose keeps you motivated and focused. Break your goal into smaller, manageable milestones so you can celebrate progress along the way.
Analyze your budget and spending
Track your expenses and identify areas to cut back. Use Money Management, available in Online Banking or our mobile app,¹ to connect all your accounts in one place, spot spending patterns, and set goals that help you stay on track.
Enroll in the Save & Win Challenge²
Our GECU Save & Win Challenge kicked off in January and will run through June 30th. Each month, GECU savings account holders enrolled in the challenge can win their share of over $10,000 in prizes just by saving! That’s because you’ll earn an entry for every $25 (net) saved. Each month, we’re awarding 14 winners with $100, and one grand prize winner with $500! Scan the QR code for the Official Rules or enroll at: gecreditunion.org/challenge
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Automate your savings
Set up recurring automatic transfers from your checking account to your savings account. This “set-and-forget-it” approach ensures you’re consistently saving without thinking twice. Looking for another effortless way to save? Try Round-Up!³ Every time you use your GECU debit card, we’ll automatically round up your purchase to the nearest dollar and transfer the spare change to your savings account. We’ll also match—and you’ll earn—5% of your rounded-up funds, up to $350 per year!
Just as it’s important to plant seeds in the right soil, make sure your money is in the right place to grow. A Thrive Money Market account allows you to earn interest on your balance, ensuring higher returns than you’d get from a traditional savings account.
Don’t have one yet? Open yours online in minutes or schedule a Virtual Branch appointment for one-on-one guidance from a team member. Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/thrive-offer
A message from our President and CEO
2026 is off to a fantastic start, with our teams building on last year ’s innovation, service enhancements, and community impact. Guided by our NextGen philosophy, we are excited to carry this momentum forward and deliver greater value to you as a GECU member.
An important part of our NextGen philosophy is recognizing the broader economic environment and what it means for you. While most forecasts indicate steady but moderate growth for this year (supported in part by technology and infrastructure investment), many households may continue experiencing restrained spending. As always, we remain committed to providing you with the tools, guidance, and service you need to navigate the year ahead with financial confidence.
One way we are working to support you is by making your everyday banking more seamless and intuitive. As you may have seen, we recently made several updates to our Online Banking and mobile app, including navigation modifications and customization options. We have also integrated Violet, our virtual assistant, into our phone system for a smoother experience when you call. Instead of going through complicated phone menus, you can now simply ask your question and be connected right away—just like chatting with Violet on our other platforms.
Timothy D. Ballinger
One way we are working to support
you
is by making your everyday banking more seamless and intuitive.
Other enhancements this year include improved card controls and new tools designed to give you greater control and convenience in how you manage your accounts. Simultaneously, we are developing a new system that will help us better understand and support your financial needs through more personalized and seamless interactions. And last but not least on the technology front, a redesigned GECU website is currently in the works. Separate from Online Banking and our mobile app, our new website will offer a cleaner layout, easier navigation, and improved functionality. Stay tuned for more information soon.
This year will also see us begin to expand our physical footprint throughout the Tri-State. Following the opening of our Dent branch, I am excited to share that additional branch locations are in the early stages of planning. These new branches will allow more of our members to visit us in person, and I look forward to sharing updates as our plans progress.
Through our GECU Cares volunteer program and the dedicated efforts of our team members, giving back and connecting with others continue
to be a central part of who we are. That same spirit of connection guides many of our broader community efforts, including our commitment to supporting education. This year, we introduced the Next Step Career Path Scholarship, designed for individuals pursuing trade-related programs, alongside our annual Robert A. Cunningham Memorial Scholarship Look for our scholarship recipients in the next edition of Bright Horizons
We also continue to invest in and engage with events that bring our community together. In February, we were proud to serve as the primary financial institution sponsor for the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show This year, GECU will also be the presenting sponsor for the Cincinnati Zoo’s Zoo Babies and HallZOOween events, and for the fourth year in a row, we will join the Reds Opening Day Parade to cheer on our hometown team.
As we continue through the year, we look forward to strengthening your experiences and deepening our impact within the communities we serve. As always, thank you for your continued trust and support. It is an honor to serve you.
GECU is once again the proud sponsor of Zoo Babies at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Visit in May for big smiles as your family discovers the newest, cutest additions to the Zoo family! For discounted tickets, scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/zoo-babies
Join us in May for Use code: GECU for discounted tickets.
Memorial Day Monday, May 25th
Juneteenth Friday, June 19th
4th of July Saturday, July 4th
Our ITMs, Online Banking, and mobile app are available 24/7–even on holidays!
Photo credit: Michelle Peters
Relocate, renovate, or refinance—GECU can help you spring forward
Relocate
Ready to relocate? Spring is a great time to move forward. Whether you’re buying your first house or moving into your forever home, GECU offers mortgage solutions to fit your needs—fixed or adjustable rates, low closing cost options, and local, expert guidance every step of the way.
Renovate
If your home is where your heart is, but you’d love to make improvements, home equity financing can help bring those ideas to life. From updating your kitchen to creating an outdoor oasis, we’ll guide you through financing options that make sense for your budget. Visit: gecreditunion.org/home-equity
Refinance
Love your home, but not your loan? GECU has great rates and closing options, and will service your new loan from start to finish—so you always know who to turn to. Plus, our mortgage experts can help you determine if refinancing is right for you, whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payment or change your term! Meet with us to see how you could take advantage of lower rates.
This spring, make your home goals happen. Our local mortgage experts are here to help you navigate your home goals with award-winning service. Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/mortgage
Make the most of tax season before the April 15th deadline
April 15th is almost here—wrap up your tax-season to-dos and make smart financial moves before the deadline.
Contribute to an IRA
If eligible, you can still contribute up to your 2025 annual limit for the prior tax year before the deadline—potentially lowering your taxable income.¹
File for less with GECU member discounts
Save 20% on TurboTax®²—whether you file yourself of have an expert file for you— or save up to $25 on in-office tax prep services from H&R Block.³
Save big on tax prep and learn how you could potentially get your refund faster by scanning the QR code or visiting: gecreditunion.org/tax-services
¹Taxes: Consult your tax advisor for actual advantages and any potential tax implications before establishing or making contributions to an IRA. ²TurboTax Offer: Visit http://turbotax.intuit.com/lp/yoy/guarantees.jsp for TurboTax product guarantees and other important information. Limited time offer for TurboTax 2025. Discount applies to TurboTax federal products only. Actual prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Terms, conditions, features, availability, pricing, fees, service and support options subject to change without notice. Intuit, TurboTax and TurboTax Online, among others, are registered trademarks and/or service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. ³H&R Block Offer: Void if sold, purchased, or transferred and where prohibited. No cash value valid at participating U.S. offices only A new client is an individual who did not use H&R Block or
gets a refund. See hrblock.com/guarantees for complete details.
Enjoy faster , more convenient support by phone
Our voice -assisted call - in experience, powered by our digital assistant Violet, helps you get support faster by letting you state what you need in your own words. For general questions—like “How do I enroll in Online Banking?”—or for self-service account transactions, Violet can assist you at any time of day. For questions that are more specific, say “Directory” to hear the list of departments and get connected during business hours.
Tips when calling:
Use the callback feature to hold your place in line.
For your security, you’ll receive a one -time passcode if you’re trying to complete a transaction. When it arrives, be sure to open the full notification, as preview banners may cut off digits. To ensure you receive these codes, make sure your cell phone number is up to date. You can update it in Online Banking, our mobile app, or with the help of a team member.¹
To use our voice-assisted call-in experience, call: 513.243.4328. Or get more information by scanning the QR code or visiting: gecreditunion.org/contact
Annual Meeting:
Wednesday, April 29th at 4 pm
Join our Annual Meeting to review 2025 and learn about our initiatives for the coming year.
To register or get additional information, scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/annualmeeting
Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/financials
Contact us
Did you know...
you can crunch the numbers with our online calculators for loans, savings, and more?
Get the insights you need to make financial decisions with confidence. Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/calculators
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Routing Number: 2420-7682-1
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Visit: gecreditunion.org/appointments to learn more and schedule today
Access your accounts
Secure Online Banking and Mobile App
Visit: gecreditunion.org or download the app for Apple® or Android™ Branch and ITM/ATM locations gecreditunion.org/locations
1Online Banking/Mobile App: We provide Online Banking and our mobile app to you for free; however, mobile and internet data charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details.
Feel confident in your financial future with professional guidance along your path
Learn more and schedule a free consultation with a financial advisor today. Scan the QR code or visit: gecreditunion.org/wealthmanagement
Comprehensive financial planning driven by
your personal goals
From planning for the future to navigating life’s milestone moments, GECU Wealth Management is here to support you. Our local advisors will get to know you and offer strategies and resources aligned with your unique goals and priorities. With their professional guidance, you can feel confident in your plan for major financial considerations, such as:
College funding and education expenses
Prepare for your student’s education with strategies to cover the costs and optimize your resources.
Retirement saving and income planning
From saving for retirement to planning retirement income that lasts for your lifetime, create a plan aligned to your vision.
Healthcare and Medicare
Evaluate how healthcare coverage and costs can impact your financial plan and decisions.
Your path, your future. GECU Wealth Management will help.
No matter what stage you’re at in your financial journey, the advisors at GECU Wealth Management are here to guide you toward the future you envision. As designated fiduciaries, they work entirely in your best interest, so you can feel confident every step of the way. Call or email a local advisor
Todd Blessing
Wealth Advisor
OH Ins. License #592161
todd.blessing@gecuwealth-lpl.com
513.577.8901
Mark Bonfield
Wealth Advisor
OH Ins. License #669874
mark.bonfield@gecuwealth-lpl.com 513.409.8688
Erik Waldron
Senior Wealth Advisor
OH Ins. License #1005593
erik.waldron@gecuwealth-lpl.com
513.204.7710
Zack Bailey
Wealth Advisor
OH Ins. License #1596907
KY Ins. License #915761
zack.bailey@gecuwealth-lpl.com
513.429.7473