NEW YEAR! NEW GOALS

COMPLAINT NOTICE

If you have a problem with the services provided by this credit union, please contact us at: Gulf Credit Union PO Box 848 Groves, TX, 77619 Telephone Number 409.963.1191 or email address info@gecu.org The credit union is incorporated under the laws of the State of Texas and under state law is subject to regulatory oversight by the Texas Credit Union Department. If any dispute is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may also file a complaint against the credit union by contacting the Texas Credit Union Department through one of the means indicated below: in Person or U.S. Mail: 914 East Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78752-1699 Telephone: 512.837.9236 Fax: 512.832.0278 Website: www.cud.texas.gov Email: complaints@cud.texas.gov

Access to Credit Union Documents

According to Section 91.315 of the Texas Administrative Code, upon request members of Gulf Credit Union are entitled to review or receive a copy of the most recent version of the following credit union documents: balance sheet and income statement, summary of the most recent annual audit, written board policy regarding access to the articles of incorporation, bylaws, rules, guidelines, board policies and copies thereof and Internal Revenue Service Form 990.

Please make requests by writing to Gulf Credit Union ATTN: Office of the President/CEO PO Box 848 Groves, TX 77619 or by phone: 409.963.1191

Changes to the economy, your situation, or your goals may prompt you to take a look at your budget for opportunities to save. But where do you start? These lists will help you make changes, both big and small, to your budget. ENTERTAINMENT AND HOBBIES This category can be the easiest to cut from (they aren’t necessities, you have a lot of control over what you spend, etc.) and one of the hardest (these are the fun things, why would you want to give them up?).

Ideas for trimming:

• Trade a night out for a night in - Movie and board game nights can be plenty of fun without a high price tag. • Limit your subscriptions - Between streaming services, music platforms, and gym memberships, you’re paying a lot every month. Figure out if you’re actually using each of them enough to make the cost worth it. • Find cheaper ways to do your hobby • Finish what you have before buying more - Give your budget a break by working through what you have first. • Vacation smart - Consider road tripping instead of flying, camping instead of staying at a hotel, and traveling during the off-season instead of when it’s most expensive. • Buy used rather than new - Consider checking out local thrift stores or garage sales when you’re on the hunt for new clothes or furniture. DEBT When it comes to debt, rather than trimming what you pay per month, it may be wise to pay a little more. This way you can pay your debt off quicker, avoid interest, and devote the money you were paying somewhere else.

Food: Food is essential, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make more cost-friendly choices. Get all the satisfaction of a full stomach without the sadness of an empty wallet.

Ideas for trimming:

• Cut down on eating out • Take advantage of leftovers • Focus on essentials - Fill your cart with things you know you’ll eat and that are versatile enough to be used before they go bad. • Meal plan or prep - You’ll be less likely to stop by the drive-thru or order delivery if you already have a plan for what you’re going to eat or a meal that’s basically ready to go.

BILLS

Ideas for trimming:

• Negotiate to lower your premium - If you haven’t had any recent accidents or used many of their services, your insurance provider may be willing to lower your monthly premium. • Change providers - If you feel you’re being charged too much by your insurance provider, cable company, or phone service, you may be able to get a better deal somewhere new. • Use less - Be conscientious of your usage and unplug or turn things off when you’re not using them, combine loads of laundry, or take shorter showers. The biggest savings often come from keeping your house colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. Overall, looking for opportunities to trim your spending is important in keeping a healthy budget. When you’re feeling squeezed for cash, small changes can make a big difference.