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Great Erie eNews

APRIL 2025

Welcome to Great Erie eNews, the monthly e-Newsletter from

Great Erie Federal Credit Union.

From your finances and family to lifestyle and useful tips, your financial co-op is here for you.

April News

How to Avoid Dormant Account Status

In today’s fast-paced world, where transactions are made by tapping a screen, it’s easy to forget less frequently accessed accounts. It’s essential to keep your account active, and here’s why it’s in your best interest.

Great Erie is known for offering more personalized services and great rates than other financial institutions. The membership benefits are clear, with competitive rates, low or no fees, and various member advantages. By keeping your account active, you maintain eligibility for better deals and financial benefits in the future.

Great Erie emphasizes building strong relationships with its members as a community-based financial institution. Actively participating in your credit union and keeping your accounts active strengthens this relationship, leading to a more personalized banking experience and improved service when you need financial assistance.

If your credit union account becomes inactive and is subsequently closed, reopening it can be tedious. Keeping your account active allows easy access to your funds and services without unnecessary delays. Just to let you know, accounts are flagged inactive after 12 months, resulting in a dormant fee of $10. We strive to help our members avoid fees whenever possible. Additionally, inactive accounts may fall under New York State Abandoned Property Laws and could eventually be turned over to the State.

I would like all members to help keep their accounts at Great Erie active. A simple way to do this is by setting up an automatic deposit to ensure consistent account activity. Managing an active account provides a safety net in times of need; being prepared for unexpected expenses or emergencies is always wise. Communication is key—please inform us if you have any changes to your contact information.

Maintaining an active account offers peace of mind and ensures your member benefits remain intact. If you have questions or need help, please call us at 716-662-1311. We’re here to help you avoid dormant account status while ensuring easy access to your funds.


Warm regards,

Robyn

Robyn Young/President & CEO

Great Erie FCU

Fuel your spring adventures. Spring into savings with low auto loan rates!


Whether you're planning spring road trips or simply upgrading your daily drive, we've got you covered with auto loans at a great rate. The season for savings is now!


*APR (Annual Percentage Rate) Terms & Conditions Apply. Contact the credit union for full details and available terms.

Learn More

GREAT ERIE GIVES

March 2025 Giving

Making Strides Together: A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Members.

We are thrilled to share the success of our March MS Member Footprint campaign! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our staff and members, we have donated $1,100 to the Western New York Multiple Sclerosis (WNY MS) Society. This contribution will support vital research and services for individuals affected by MS in our community.

Andy Yates from the WNY MS Society expressed their gratitude, saying, "With the support of people like you, we will realize a world free of MS. Your contributions help us move closer to our vision and empower those affected by MS to live their best lives."

Your support truly makes a difference. Together, we are helping to create a brighter future for those living with MS. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in this campaign. Your commitment to making a positive impact is inspiring. Thank you for being a part of the Great Erie FCU family and for your continued support.

Learn more about the Multiple Sclerosis Society

Great Erie's Annual Meeting

Last call for registration! Please join us on Tuesday, April 15th @ the Columns Banquets for our Annual Dinner Meeting. Reach out to us by Friday, April 4th. Come to our Orchard Park office/branch or call the credit union at 716-662-1311. We hope to see you there.

Learn More

FINANCIAL WELLNESS CENTER

Celebrate National Financial Literacy Month with Great Erie FCU!


April is National Financial Literacy Month, a perfect time to take charge of your financial well-being. At Great Erie Federal Credit Union, empowering our members with the right resources and tools is key to achieving financial success. That’s why we offer a variety of educational resources to help you enhance your money management skills, build financial confidence, and plan for the future.


Explore these four valuable resources, all available to you at no cost:

Learn More

Co-op Shared Branching Network

Great Erie is part of the Co-op Shared Branching system, a nationwide network of 5,000 financial institutions. You only need your account number and valid photo ID to use this free service. Visit Co-op Shared branch locations for deposits, withdrawals, account inquiries, loan payments, account transfers, and money orders. It's easy to locate a Shared Branch wherever you are or wherever you plan to go.

Learn More

ONLINE SAFETY (SCAMS & FRAUD)

Understanding Pig Butchering Scams

While it's a month to grow your financial knowledge, it's also a time to stay aware of financial threats. One troubling scam that has been making headlines is known as pig butchering. Understanding how it works can help you stay protected despite its unsettling name. Pig butchering scams are sophisticated forms of fraud that combine elements of romance scams and investment frauds. The term "pig butchering" comes from fattening a pig before slaughter. In this context, scammers "fatten" their victims by building trust and encouraging them to invest increasingly more significant sums of money into fraudulent schemes, often involving cryptocurrency.

Learn More

2025 Scholarship Opportunities

Check out Great Erie FCU's 2025 college scholarship opportunities. Learn who is eligible, how to apply, and more.

Read More

GREAT ERIE BLOG

Why You Should Track Your Spending

There are financial (and psychological) benefits to knowing where your money goes.

Do one thing: If you haven't looked back over your account statements in the last few months - or ever - now is the time to review your spending habits to figure out where your hard-earned money is going.

Read More ...

Earn $100 with Our Updated Refer a Friend Program!


Exciting news—our Refer a Friend program has been revamped and is better than ever! Starting this April, when you refer a friend, family member, or co-worker to Great Erie FCU, you’ll receive a $100 bonus as a thank-you.

It gets even better—they win too! Your referral will enjoy all the benefits of banking with a local credit union that puts members first. It’s a win-win!

How It Works:

✅ Submit a quick online referral form or stop in a branch

✅ Your friend joins Great Erie FCU

✅ You both enjoy the rewards!


Start sharing today and get rewarded for helping others experience the Great Erie difference! Learn more and refer a friend now!

APRIL

Calendar/Events/Sponsorships

April 15 Tax Day

April 15 Great Erie Annual Dinner Meeting

April 20 Happy Easter

April 22 Earth Day

Safe Driver Academy - Spring Defensive Driving Class

Thursday, May 29, 2025

5:30-9:30 pm

Orchard Park Community Activity Center

4520 California Road, Orchard Park

Registration opens on April 7. More info to come.

Results from our last poll:


Which financial literacy topic would you like to learn through Great Erie FCU?



Managing debt and loans effectively 28.6%

Investing basics and retirement planning 25.7%

Understanding credit scores and reports 17.1%

Budgeting and saving strategies 14.3%

Navigating home buying and mortgages 14.3%

NEW POLL: What Community Initiative Should We Focus on Next?
Environmental Sustainability Projects
Youth Education Programs
Health and Wellness Workshops
Support for Local Businesses
Community Volunteer Events
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