Winter 2022
FEATURING GEORGIA SWARM
Lyle Thompson Also Inside:
Tax Prep Checklist Spring Break on a Budget Rainy Day Fund Experiencing Black History Throughout Georgia GE O RGI ASO W N . O RG/ B LO G
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WINTER 2022
IN THIS ISSUE From the Editor 03 Q&A with Lyle Thompson 04 Rainy Day Fund 09 Top Workplaces of 2022 10 Spring Fever? 11 Tax Prep Checklist 12 15 Experience Black History Notes from our editor, Brianne Heape
We always want to hear from you! Tell us what you like, what you don’t like, or what topic you want to see us cover. Send your comments and questions to bjheape@georgiasown.org and we’ll see what we can do!
Interview with Georgia Swarm forward
How to save $1,000 and why it matters
Georgia's Own named to list
Want to know more about what’s going on with Georgia’s Own or Ne[x]t? Like us on Facebook (facebook.com/ georgiasown) and follow us on Twitter (@georgiasown) and Instagram (@georgiasowncu)! You can also visit the blog at georgiasown.org/blog to find money-related articles and tips. We want you to be a part of the conversation, so let us know what you’re thinking!
Spring break on a budget
A guide to prepare for filing your taxes
Throughout cities in Georgia
FROM THE COVER
Lyle Thompson FROM THE EDITOR
2022 seems to be the year we bring the sporting events back! The Georgia Swarm players were as eager as the fans to return to the arena after a year and a half hiatus. Fans were able to catch the first faceoff of the season back in December and can continue to do so, with a full schedule of games through April. Swarm forward, Lyle Thompson, expressed how happy he was to be back on the turf with his teammates in this issue’s cover story. You can read the full Q&A with Thompson on page 4. Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter, but the weather in Georgia says otherwise. These warmer temps have given me spring fever, which is why I’ve compiled a list of destinations that can help you plan Spring Break on a Budget! Planning ahead is always a good idea when budgeting for a vacation. Let’s be honest, filing taxes can be
overwhelming and often confusing. To simplify filing, check out our our Tax Prep Checklist. It’s broken down into categories to make this year’s tax season as hasslefree as possible. In honor of Black History Month, you can find a list of eight cities in Georgia that document the footsteps of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He called Georgia home and therefore, many major civil rights events were organized here. From Atlanta to Albany, you can follow Dr. King’s journey and experience the course of history. It was no surprise to me to learn Georgia’s Own was named a Top Workplace in the USA. I feel pretty honored to be apart of such a highly regarded organization. Serving our members and giving back to our communities is only a small part of our mission. You can read more about this recognition and what other employees have to say about our workplace on page 10.
GO EO R GASO IASOWN. R G /B BLO GE RGI W N . OORG/ LO G
WINTER WINTER 2022 2022
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Lyl Thom Thomp
GEORGIA SWAR
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Lyle Thompson forward #4 6'0 @lyle4thompson
le pson
RM FORWARD
What does a typical day in the life of Lyle Thompson look like? I wake up with the sun and practice an hour of stillness. From there, I like to head to the gym for a few hours. When I get home from the gym, I usually make a nice meal for myself and the kids, and I’ll spend some time doing what the kids want to do. Then, I typically do some business work and take some calls. I wind down the evening with some mobility movement followed by a family dinner and then off to bed.
Where do you call home? Six Nations.
Tell us more about your personal life. I am a father of five. Four daughters and one son. I love to train and spend time with my family.
how did you get into the sport of lacrosse? I come from a community where lacrosse is very intertwined with culture, so I had a stick in my hands before I could walk.
At what point did you realize you wanted to go pro? I would say sixth grade. I was able to see a few people from my community play at the pro level, and it inspired me to want to play pro.
Describe for us the feeling of being drafted #1 overall by the swarm. It was a dream come true, and I was excited to have the opportunity to play alongside my brother.
It was a dream come true,
and I was excited to have the opportunity to play alongside my brother.
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What or who inspired you to pursue your dreams?
What is your favorite thing about georgia?
My family. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system that is always there to encourage me.
what do you miss most about Onondaga nation?
From a lacrosse standpoint, who was your role model? My oldest brother, Jeremy, who currently plays for Panther City Lacrosse Club, was my role model. He sort of blazed the trail for the rest of us.
What is your best memory playing the sport? Winning the National Lacrosse League Championship with the Georgia Swarm in 2017...
You mentioned your brothers play too. Who amongst your siblings is the best athlete?
I miss my family.
tell us a fun fact that most people would not know about you. I love to write, draw, and listen to music.
you want to help grow the game of lacrosse. Do you have any advice for today’s youth who may be starting out?
We all bring our own uniqueness to the game.
It’s unlike any other game. It’s fast, creative, physical, and fun. The stick brings a real uniqueness to the game because it is a reflection of you. Not one stick is the same, and neither is the player using it.
did you play lacrosse as a family?
what advice would you give young athletes?
Yes, backyard games were a regular thing.
Follow your passions, your passions will make you happy. They will make you want to work hard and can really occupy your mind. And if you’re lucky, your passions will lead you to your purpose. You know it’s a passion when it makes you happy, you know it’s your purpose when what makes you happy makes other people happy.
What has been the best part of this season? Being back with the team after a intermission due to the coronavirus pandemic.
How does living in Georgia compare to living in New York? I love the four seasons of the north. But I love the warm weather year round, as well...both are great.
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They have great golf courses.
NE[X ]T MAG A Z I N E
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APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31ST!
ELIGIBILITY
REQUIREMENTS*
ABOUT THE
SCHOLARSHIP
Need extra cash for school? Our What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship could help! We’re giving away a total of $15,000 to three deserving students who demonstrate good financial habits, a commitment to their community, and a commendable academic record. To enter, submit a short video (five minutes or less) telling us your goals, ambitions, and what’s next for you! *For complete rules and eligibility requirements, visit georgiasown.org/scholarship
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Graduating high school senior or current college student Enrolled or anticipate enrollment at an accredited institution for the 2022-2023 academic calendar A Georgia’s Own Ne[x]t member age 25 or younger
SUBMIT YOUR
APPLICATION
Scan the QR code below to submit your application!
SCAN OR VISIT georgiasown.org/scholarship/whats-next-application
Rainy Day Fund
HOW TO SAVE $1,000 AND WHY IT MATTERS In a perfect world, emergencies would never exist—but we all know that unplanned events or emergency needs can happen at any time. You don’t need to live in fear, but you do need to be prepared. That’s why we always recommend having some money set aside to use for life’s unexpected necessities. You hope you never need it, but it’s always better to have it. Read on for more info on how you can save up your rainy day fund and why it matters to you. WHAT IS A RAINY DAY FUND? A rainy day fund, or emergency fund, is exactly what it sounds like: money set aside for the express purpose of being used for an unexpected emergency. Please note that by emergency, we mean something related to medical needs, job loss, or something else necessary to life—not that your favorite store is having a once-in-a-lifetime sale. Be wise when spending your rainy day funds. HOW MUCH DO I NEED? Many experts recommend keeping at least $1000 in your rainy day fund to start with. Ideally you would be able to keep half a year’s earnings in your emergency fund, but starting small will allow you to create a fund without blowing up your budget. Even an amount like $500 can go a long way in an unexpected situation. There are multiple options for places you can store your rainy day fund—you may choose to keep it in a high-yield savings account or you may prefer to keep it stashed in your locked safe at home. The most important consideration is that the money needs to be easy to access during an emergency but not so easily accessed that you are tempted to use the funds for something else. For some people, that’s a regular checking account; for others, it may be a special account that your CPA helps you set up. Find the solution that fits your needs and plan accordingly. Emergencies happen all the time—it may be an unexpected root canal that your insurance only partially covers, or you might find yourself laid off from your job without warning. We don’t want to scare you, but it is imperative to understand that, since emergencies are part of life, using this fund for a rainy day need is the whole point. While you don’t want to spend your funds unnecessarily, it’s also critical to remember that you may have to use it—and you’ll be glad it’s there if you do.
HOW DO I SAVE THE MONEY? Setting aside $1,000 is an easy task for some and may take months of effort for others—only you know what your financial situation is. If it will take some planning to make it happen, we have a few ideas on ways you can build your savings until your fund is ready to go. Below are four tips to help you get started: 1. USE AN APP TO START SAVING There are lots of apps designed to help you set aside a little bit of money at a time, so put them to work for you and start investigating your options. You can determine the amount you want to set aside every month so you don’t sacrifice your budget for your emergency fund. 2. MAKE A MONTHLY GOAL If apps aren’t your style, you can still apply the same concept to saving money on your own. Use a large soda bottle or even a piggy bank to set aside your extra change and money on a regular basis—those small deposits will add up quickly and give you the opportunity to set aside a little money at a time. 3. REVIEW YOUR BUDGET Sometimes, saving up for your emergency fund is as simple as reviewing your budget. Look for places in your finances that can be trimmed down or eliminated and reroute that money to your emergency fund. It might not even be a permanent change—once your rainy day money is all set up, you can resume your previous budget spending. 4. CONSIDER SOME CREDIT We never recommend that you ignore your budget when using your credit card(s). But it might be wise to consider opening a card that is to be used only for serious emergencies. This would allow you to cover your expenses even if you haven’t had time to prep your emergency fund. We all hope that our rainy day funds never get used—but we also need to be prepared if they should be needed. Work with a financial planner to determine how much you can set aside each month and watch as your emergency fund grows to cover the expenses of keeping you and your family safe and well.
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Georgia’s Own Credit Union is proud to be named to the 2022 Top Workplaces USA list. Organizations must receive at least a 35% response rate on their employee engagement surveys to be considered for the Top Workplaces award from Energage. Questions range from employees’ experiences with work-life balance and their overall well-being to communication, innovation, and values within the organization. As a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution, serving our members, giving back to our communities, and cultivating our employees is at the heart of what we do. That includes providing a flexible, innovative, engaging, and progressive work environment—just to name a few. We had an impressive participation rate of 75% in the employee engagement survey. Below is what some of our incredible employees have to say about working for Georgia’s Own: “In my work, I can be very flexible with my schedule, and I feel like I can contribute to the overall success of the company.” “Georgia’s Own is truly a fabulous place to work. I love my job because regardless of what area, everyone is focused on ensuring that our members have what they need to succeed. And that’s a good mission!” “I can contribute to the greater cause of providing our community with financial assistance to meet the dreams and needs of their families.” “I love the people that I work with and the vision behind who Georgia’s Own is and continues to be. I love being a part of an organization that cares for the community, starting with their very own employees and members.” We’re honored to be included among some of the most highly regarded organizations in the nation. This award would not have been possible without our extraordinary employees who work hand-in-hand to ensure our mission of Banking on Purpose remains the foundation of our work.
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Spring Fever? SPRING BREAK ON A BUDGET A key to successful budgeting is planning ahead. Start making plans for spring break now and enjoy a week in the sunshine without spending a fortune.
NEW ORLEANS Louisiana
PANAMA CITY BEACH Florida
KEY WEST Florida
OUTER BANKS North Carolina
DAYTONA BEACH Florida
SANIBEL ISLAND Florida
TYBEE ISLAND Georgia
CANCUN Mexico
SOUTH PADRE ISLAND Texas
WHETHER YOU’RE A COLLEGE STUDENT FILING FOR THE FIRST TIME, OR A NEWCOMER TO THE ADULT WORLD, FILING TAXES CAN BE DAUNTING. THAT’S WHY IT’S IMPORTANT TO LEARN THE RIGHT WAY TO DO IT NOW. BELOW IS A TAX PREP CHECKLIST THAT WILL HELP YOU PREPARE FOR FILING YOUR TAXES OR GATHERING INFORMATION FOR AN ACCOUNTANT TO DO SO.
5 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN
Buying a House TAX PREP CHECKLIST BASICS
DEDUCTIONS
A COPY OF PREVIOUS YEAR'S RETURN
HEALTH INSURANCE PAYMENTS
BANK ACCOUNT & ROUTING NUMBER
IRA AND HSA CONTRIBUTIONS
SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS
MEDICAL/DENTAL EXPENSES
LOAN/CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS
CHILDCARE EXPENSES
(YOURS & YOUR DEPENDENTS)
VEHICLE PURCHASE SALES TAX
INCOME W-2S
AMOUNT PAID FOR PREVIOUS YEAR'S TAX PREP EDUCATIONAL EXPENSES
(SUPPLIES, TUITION, LOAN INTEREST)
1099S
OTHER DONATIONS VOLUNTEER EXPENSES CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION RECEIPTS
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IRA/401K CONTRIBUTIONS
Coffee vs. Tea
Which is your preferred morning beverage? Coffee or tea? Both are popular options with breakfast or brunch. Both taste delicious. Both have nutritional benefits. Is your preferred morning drink the best option? I'm going to break it down for you and let you decide.
Contains nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and niacin Can help with depression
Decreases inflammation Promotes mouth health Certain teas have been proven to promote weight loss by shrinking fat cells
Can make you feel more alert May reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease Consuming coffee before a workout has been proven to stimulate muscles and increase endurance May protect against certain types of cancer Lowers the risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
95-200 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce cup 14
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May decrease the risk of heart disease and certain cancers May protect against diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Lowers the risk of high blood pressure
14-70 mg of caffeine per 8 ounce cup
EXPERIENCE BLACK HISTORY throughout cities in Georgia
Georgia was home to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is often considered the heart of the civil rights movement. Many major events of the movement were organized across the state, leaving a collection of landmarks that tell the course of history. From Atlanta to Albany, there are eight cities in Georgia that document Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s footsteps and provide an unforgettable experience to commemorate the Black history of our state.
ATLANTA
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, raised, and buried in Atlanta, Georgia. The Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park is probably the most visited landmark documenting Dr. King’s life. Here you can visit Dr. King’s birth home, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and The King Center. Other notable landmarks in Atlanta include: APEX Museum, Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, Prince Hall Masonic Temple, South-View Cemetery, Sweet Auburn Historic District, and Wheat Street Baptist Church.
ALBANY
The Albany Civil Rights Institute and Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church are both located in southwest Georgia. A crowd of more than 1,500 showed up to hear Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. speak in 1961, making the church in Albany a historical marker for the movement.
COLUMBUS
In Dr. King’s inaugural year as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, he spoke to more than 1,000 people at Prince Hall Masonic Temple. His speech was intended to encourage Black voter registration and non-violent action after the upcoming election. This site is currently being developed and preserved by students at Columbus State University.
SAVANNAH
Georgia’s oldest city, Savannah, is home of the First African Baptist Church and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Ralph Mark Gilbert pastored the First African Baptist Church from 1936 to 1956. It was his involvement with voter registration for the NAACP that helped him establish a legacy in the movement. You can visit the church in Franklin Square. The museum is closed to the public at this time. Other cities in Georgia that document Black History well include:
DUBLIN, MIDWAY, REX, AND STOCKBRIDGE
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Connect with Georgia’s Own!
facebook.com/georgiasown | @georgiasown | youtube.com/georgiasowncu | @georgiasowncu
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