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Member Updates

 

Annual Membership Gathering

It’s almost time! Our annual meeting is right around the corner. Unlike other financial institutions, whose meetings are restricted to a few shareholders, The Southern Credit Union is a financial cooperative with annual meetings open to its valued member-owners: You! 

The Credit Union exists only to serve you, and your support is greatly appreciated. This year, two members of our Board are seeking reelection by acclamation. Nominees will serve a three-year term.

Board of Directors' Nominees are:
 
Mr. Mike Foran is a resident of Fayette County and has served on The Southern Credit Union Board since 1999. Mr. Foran currently serves on both the Audit Committee and the Budget Committee. He retired from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in
January of 2006 and has been a member of The Southern Credit Union since 1973.
 
Mr. Robert Matthews is a resident of Fayette County and joined the board in 2016. He currently serves as the chair of both the Audit Committee and the Budget Committee. Mr. Matthews was employed for 28 years by the US Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons in the roles of Warden, Regional Director and Assistant Director. He is currently the Vice President of Marketing for Correct RX JOIN US for our Pharmacy Services.
 
JOIN US for our 2026 Annual Meeting on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Carriage House behind our Fayetteville Branch, located at 430 E Lanier Ave., Fayetteville, GA 30214.

Spring Cleaning Your Savings

Spring is in the air! While the season often inspires us to declutter our homes and garages, it’s also the perfect time to clean up your finances. Organizing your savings and spending habits can create a strong foundation for financial health throughout the year and help you stay on track to reach your goals. Here are six simple ways to spring clean your savings and refresh your financial plan.

1. Organize Your Financial Goals

Start by revisiting your financial goals. Have they changed since the last time you reviewed them? Consider questions like:

  • Are you saving for a major purchase, such as a home or vehicle?
  • Are you building an emergency fund or planning a vacation?
  • Have new priorities—like a college fund or retirement savings—entered the picture?

Clearly defining your goals helps ensure your savings strategy aligns with both your current needs and future aspirations.

2. Polish Your Savings Accounts

Take a close look at your savings accounts and evaluate whether they’re working as hard as they should be:

  • Interest rates: Are you earning a competitive rate? You may benefit from moving funds to a high-yield savings account or another option that offers stronger returns.
  • Fees: Review your accounts for maintenance, minimum balance, or inactivity fees, which can slowly erode your savings. If you have multiple accounts you no longer use, consider consolidating them to simplify your finances.
  • Accessibility: Keeping all savings in easily accessible accounts can make it tempting to spend. Long-term savings may be better placed in accounts that are slightly harder to tap.

If you’re considering a change, speaking with a member service representative can help you determine which account best fits your goals.

3. Refresh Your Budget

Your budget is the backbone of your savings plan, and spring is a great time to give it a refresh:

  • Track expenses: Review your spending over the past few months to identify areas where you can cut back.
  • Adjust categories: Seasonal changes can affect your expenses. You may spend less on heating and more on travel or outdoor activities during warmer months—update your budget accordingly.
  • Automate savings: Set up automatic transfers from checking to savings to build consistency and eliminate the temptation to spend money before saving it.

4. Clean Up Your Subscriptions

Subscription services can quietly drain your budget. Review your bank statements or use a subscription‑tracking app to identify recurring charges for services you no longer use. Canceling unused subscriptions can free up extra cash and allow you to redirect those funds toward your savings goals.

5. Strengthen Your Emergency Fund

An emergency fund provides a financial safety net for unexpected expenses, such as car repairs or medical bills. If you don’t have one—or if your fund has dipped—now is a great time to rebuild.

Aim to save three to six months’ worth of living expenses. If that feels overwhelming, start small. Even saving $20 a week can make a meaningful difference over time. A strong emergency fund can help you avoid relying on credit cards or long-term savings when life throws a surprise your way.

6. Dust Off Your Debt

Debt can slow progress toward financial wellness and savings goals. Use this spring reset to create a clear repayment plan. Start by listing all debts, including balances, interest rates, and minimum payments. Then choose a strategy that works for you:

  • Snowball method: Pay off smaller balances first to build momentum.
  • Avalanche method: Focus on higher-interest debts first to reduce overall interest costs.

To accelerate progress, look for ways to reduce discretionary spending or explore opportunities for additional income that can be applied toward debt reduction.

 

A Fresh Start for Your Finances

As you tackle spring cleaning around your home, don’t forget to give your savings the same attention. A little organization now can go a long way toward building financial confidence and long-term stability. Use these tips to refresh your financial plan and step into the new season with clarity and control.

 

 
Scams targeting credit union members are on the rise. Protect yourself by staying vigilant when sharing personal information online or by phone. Never share:
  • Social Security Number
  • Bank Account Details
  • Passwords

Common Fraud Tactics

Money Transfer Scams: Only send money to people you know.

Mobile Phone Number Theft: Your mobile number is stolen and access to your mobile device is turned over to criminals. Learn More.

Fake Invoices & Refunds: Don’t share account info for debts you don’t owe.

Crypto Scams: Research before buying—stick to reputable sources.

Grandparent/Parent Scams: AI can mimic loved ones’ voices asking for money or claiming legal trouble.

Imposters & Romance Scams: Fraudsters pretend to be someone you trust.

Prize & Lottery Scams: Legitimate prizes never require upfront fees.

Charity Scams: Verify charities before donating.

 How Scammers Move Money

  • Wire Transfers
  • Mobile Payment Apps (Venmo, PayPal, Zelle)
  • Gift Cards
  • Cash Withdrawals

The Southern Credit Union will NEVER ask for personal info via unsolicited emails, calls, or messages. If you receive a suspicious request, report it immediately:

📧 tscu@southernonline.org | ☎ 770.719.1111

Your security is our priority. Stay informed. Stay safe.

 

Unfortunately, scammers are out there, working hard to steal your information or identity to access your hard-earned money. We want to remind you to be vigilant and cautious when sharing personal information online or over the phone. 

Some important tips you need to know:

  • Do not reveal personal information or financial information to unsolicited callers via phone, text, or in an email. We will NEVER call you randomly to ask for this information.

  • Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of attachments. Email scammers often try to elicit a sense of fear or urgency in victims.

  • Use trusted sources—such as legitimate government websites for the most up-to-date fact based information.

  • Always verify a charity before making donations by contacting the charity directly or verify the charities existence. Do not donate if the solicitor is using high-pressure tactics or insists on a cash donation.

  • Be alert to a person calling claiming to be from The Southern Credit Union, a government agency or anyone asking you to verify sensitive information. Hang up and call the correct number to verify the call.
If you think you might be a victim of a scam or have questions, call The Southern Credit Union at 770.719.1111. The Telephone Service Center is available Monday – Friday, 8 am. – 5 pm. Visit our Financial Resources landing page for more information.

Title theft is a scam where criminals forge a property owner's name on a deed to fraudulently transfer the property to themselves, then either sell it or take out a loan using the home as collateral. This identity fraud can leave the legitimate homeowner with significant financial losses, potentially facing foreclosure or eviction. Victims are often targeted through vacant properties, such as second homes or those owned by recently deceased individuals, but it can also affect occupied properties.  

How Title Theft Works

1. Targeting:

Fraudsters identify vulnerable properties, often vacant second homes or those of recently deceased owners. 

2. Identity Theft:

They steal the owner's identity to create fake IDs and documents. 

3. Fraudulent Deed:

The criminal forges the homeowner's name on a deed, transferring ownership of the property to themselves. 

4. Illegal Actions:

The scammer then sells the property to an unsuspecting buyer, collects the money, or takes out fraudulent loans against the property's equity. 

5. Discovery:

The legitimate owner usually discovers the fraud when contacted by a new mortgage company or if they notice a change in their property's record. 

Consequences for the Homeowner 

  • Loss of Property: The property can be sold to a new, innocent buyer, leaving the original owner without their home.
  • Financial Debt: Fraudulent loans can lead to foreclosure if payments aren't made.
  • Eviction: The scam can result in the homeowner being evicted from their own home.

Who is Targeted? 

  • Owners of vacant properties: or second homes.
  • Estates of recently deceased individuals .
  • Elderly homeowners: who may miss red flags or be more susceptible to scams.
  • Longtime homeowners: with substantial home equity.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Monitor Your Property's Deed:
    Check with your local county recorder's office for information on protecting your deed. 
  • Contact Your Lender if You Notice Suspicious Activity:
    If you notice your deed is missing or suspect theft, contact your lender and the county recorder's office immediately. 
  • Report Suspicious Solicitations:
    Report suspicious real estate solicitations to your state's Attorney General's office. 

Local lawmakers have worked together to help stop this fraud with the creation of FANS, Filing Activity Notification System, that Georgia citizens can opt-in for access to tools to monitor activity regarding their property and records. Learn more at https://fans.gsccca.org. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the FANS, please contact the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority customer support at (800) 304-5174 or email help@gsccca.org.