Summer Newsletter
Congratulations to Excel’s Three Scholarship Recipients!
Congratulations and accolades to the recipients of the 2026 Excel Federal Credit Union Scholarship: <NAMES>
Each applicant was asked to create a video essay describing a time when they helped someone and made a positive impact in their community while incorporating the demonstrated teamwork and collaboration involved.
We look forward to seeing what the futures for
Kudos to you <NAMES>
Time for a Mid-Year Financial Checkup
Summertime. The halfway point of the year is the perfect time to pause, review, and reset your financial plan. A quick check-in now can help you stay on track or make smart adjustments before year-end.
Here are five simple ways to give your finances a mid-year refresh:
- Revisit Your Budget – Take a look at your spending so far and adjust where needed. Have any life changes—like a new job, growing family, or major purchase—shifted your priorities? Make sure your budget reflects your current reality. If you have not created a monthly budget do so. You’ll be amazed at the places you can curtail spending. Set priority spending and adhere to it.
- Check Your Credit Score – Review your credit to ensure everything looks accurate. It’s also a smart way to catch signs of fraud early and stay prepared for any future borrowing needs.
- Review Your Investments – Evaluate how your investments are performing and whether they still align with your long-term goals. This is a great time to consider increasing contributions, especially toward retirement. If you do not have your CDs at Excel, now is the time to consider the move. Our rates and terms are designed with YOU in mind.
- Adjust Your Tax Withholding – Check your current withholdings to avoid surprises later. The goal: not owing a large amount or overpaying and missing out on money you could be using now.
- Tackle Your Debt – List out your balances and focus on paying down high-interest debt first, while continuing to make minimum payments on the rest. A clear plan can help you make steady progress toward becoming debt-free.
- Avail Yourself of Our Free Financial Education Webinars through our trusted partner GreenPath. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn to help set even a stronger foundation for your financial journey. We’ve got you!
- Set a Strong Financial Foundation by Extending the Financial Management skills you develop and use by discussing money management with your entire family. Let your children see the value of money and how it is handled correctly. And if you have not had discussion on finances with your aging parents, take the step. You may learn some valuable insight from them or be able to assist in ways they have been reluctant to mention. Make it a family affair.
A mid-year checkup doesn’t have to take long, but it can make a big difference in many ways. Small adjustments today can set you up for a stronger finish to the year and in life.
Dream Car to Driveway
We’ve got THE low-rate, no payment for 90 days auto loans that can help put your dream car in your driveway! Make summer better. Make your life better. Make your drive better. Ride in style.
Why finance with us (other that we are YOUR most trusted financial provider)?
- Great financing deals for new and used vehicles. Our current annual percentage rate is as low as 3.49%* AND we recently lowered rates for longer payment term options giving members more ability to get their payments exactly where they want them to be.
- Quick and easy application process. We’ll walk you through it if you have concerns or questions.
- Preapprovals so you can know your budget before you shop … and that gives you MUCH better negotiation power on the dealer lot.
- AMAZING pricing (compared to dealer costs) on GAPPlus coverage, debt protection and a great warranty option. We’re here for YOU! Not to fatten our pockets. With us you are a member. A part owner. All we do is for you. People helping people.
And if stepping onto that dealer lot is intimidating … we invite you to try our auto buying service. Alleviates the frustration, the headaches, and sometimes the hassles, you might encounter when looking for the best deal and the car of your dreams. We do the work. You enjoy the benefits. No extra cost to you, and we do the negotiation on price so you don’t have to. Check out our inventory!
Don’t see what you are looking for, we’ve got you there too! Let us know and we’ll work to find THE car – at the best price. Add that to the great financing from Excel and you have a convenient …. seamless … car buying experience.
Put your dream car in your driveway. Get your perfect car at the perfect rate and at a payment you can afford. Get started today!
*Rate disclosed are as an Annual Percentage rate. This as-low-as rate is a discounted rate gained with an Excel checking account in good standing with direct deposit and automatic loan payments. See credit union for details.
AI-Powered Scams Are Getting Smarter
What to watch for
AI-powered scams can take many forms, including:
- Phone calls that sound like Excel FCU employees, your employer, or even a family member
- Voice messages or videos that appear real but are actually manipulated (deepfakes)
- Highly personalized emails or texts that use your name, recent activity, or familiar details
Why it matters
In the past, scams were easier to spot. Today, that’s no longer the case. These messages can sound and look authentic, making it harder to rely on instinct alone. If something feels urgent or unusual, it’s worth taking a second look. Verify with us in every situation where there is a request for your info from pins, multifactor authentication numbers, transactions …. Anything. We have that info. Suspicious? Ask us. We are just a call away on our trusted number that YOU call.
Protect yourself:
- Don’t act on urgency, pause before responding. Always.
- Never share passwords, PINs, or verification codes.
- Verify requests by contacting us directly using our trusted number.
- Be cautious of unexpected messages, even if they seem familiar.
As scams evolve, awareness is your best defense. When in doubt, slow down and verify because even the most convincing message may not be what it seems.
REMEMBER! Your credit union will never ask for sensitive information like passwords, PINs, or full account details through unexpected calls, texts, or emails. If something doesn’t feel right, make it a habit to pause before you respond.
Summertime is your time to Renovate. Refresh. Relax.
Thinking about upgrades, consolidating debt, or covering a big expense? Your home’s equity could help. With an EXCEL Home Equity Line of Credit, HELOC for short, you can turn what you’ve built into what you need next. Gain peace of mind. Know you’re covered.
Borrow up to 100% of your home value at rates as low as fixed for two years at 4.99% APR*. That’s phenomenal! This is a limited time offer and could change so we encourage you to complete your application today so that when the need is there – your money is there. Waiting. And you only pay interest on the amount you USE, not on the line of credit you establish.
Use your equity for:
- Renovate and refresh your home.
- Debt consolidation. Have high interest loans/cards? A HELOC can save you big bucks.
- Big ticket expenses like weddings and college.
- Emergency funds. You just never know when things can happen. Be prepared.
Your home’s equity is your key to peace of mind. Let’s get started. Learn more and apply now.
APR=Annual Percentage Rate . This Introductory rate is fixed for first 2 years. Introductory rate on loans of up to 80% LTV are as low as 4.99% APR based on a credit score of 740. Your rate may differ. The maximum LTV is 100%. After the introductory rate, the rate is variable and based on The Wall Street Journal’s prime rate plus 0.00 to 3.00%, with a floor rate of 4.00% APR. Closing costs up to a maximum of $1,500 paid by Excel. Maximum APR of 18%. APR. Prime APR of 6.75% as of 12/11/2025. Closing costs up to a maximum of $1,500 paid by Excel FCU. Minimum line of credit is $10,000. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Member must carry homeowners’ insurance on the property that secures the HELOC. Eligible properties must be in Georgia and include single-family detached and attached units, Planned Unit Developments (PUD), and condominiums. Qualified homes must be owner-occupied and the principal residence of the borrower. Investment properties, vacant lots, purchase money seconds, and manufactured homes are not eligible. Consult a tax professional regarding the potential deductibility of interest. Other conditions and restrictions may apply. NMLS # 571411. We are an Equal Housing Lender.
Cautious Travel Planning Tips
Travel Deals or Traps? Know the Difference
Watch for these red flags:
- Unrealistically low prices that seem too good to be true.
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, crypto or other hard-to-trace methods
- Listings with little detail, no reviews, or no verified contact information
- Urgency prompts, such as “last one at this price”, or it will be gone tomorrow.
Protect yourself before you book:
- Use only trusted travel websites and reputable providers
- Double-check listings, photos, and contact details
- Verify before you pay. This could pay off in a big way and avoid problems in the long run.
- Use secure payment methods for bookings, especially those with fraud protection
A little caution can go a long way. If something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s always better to pause than pay the price later! Your well being is important to us. We’re people helping people – because we care. You are our priority.
Direct Deposit Delivers More Than Convenience
With Direct Deposit at Excel, payday becomes easier, faster, and more rewarding. Your funds are automatically deposited into your account, giving you immediate access to your money without waiting in line or making a trip to the branch.
Direct Deposit can also help simplify your finances by making it easier to set up automatic bill payments, avoid missed due dates, and stay on top of your budget. Plus, it adds an extra layer of security by reducing the risk of lost or stolen checks.
Even better? Direct Deposit can unlock additional member perks. In some cases, members who establish Direct Deposit may qualify for lower auto loan rates or enhanced Share Certificate rates on select terms — helping your money work even harder for you.
If you haven’t enrolled yet, now’s a great time to make the switch and start enjoying the benefits!
Make Your Move Before Summer Ends
Summer is one of the best times to buy a home, giving families time to move, settle in, and get organized before fall schedules and a new school year begin. Whether you’re purchasing your very first home, upgrading to fit your growing needs, refinancing, or exploring the possibilities of homeownership, Excel and Our Mortgage Team are here to help make the process easier.
Today’s buyers have more financing options than many realize. In addition to traditional mortgage solutions, eligible borrowers may qualify for low down payment programs, down payment assistance opportunities, VA and USDA financing, or flexible FHA loan options designed to help make homeownership more attainable.
Excel and Our Mortgage Team also offer a wide variety of mortgage* solutions to fit different lifestyles and financial goals, including:
- Conventional Mortgages
- FHA, VA & USDA Loans
- Fixed & Adjustable-Rate Mortgages
- Jumbo Loans
- Specialty Loan Options
- Home Refinance Opportunities
- Free Mortgage Checkups & Preapprovals
No matter where you are in life, Our Mortgage Teams Licensed Mortgage Advisors are available to guide you through the process from application to closing and help you choose the financing option that best fits your needs.
If homeownership is part of your future plans, now may be the perfect time to take the next step and get settled before summer comes to a close. Learn more and apply today!
*Minimum loan amount is $50,000 and all loans subject to credit approval.
Our Mortgage Team NMLS #645585 | EXCEL NMLS #571411
The Excel Mastercard® Debit Card Advantage
Our Excel MasterCard® debit card has advantages as you get ready for your summer escapades. You get enhanced security. You get peace of mind knowing you are of not racking up high interest rate credit card balances and knowing you are staying in budget with the monies you have available. And you earn UChoose Rewards with usage. It’s a win win.
So, enjoy those BBQs, the warm summer beach days, travel adventures, family outings and all of the other summertime experiences that are calling your name. Enjoy to the max with an Excel MasterCard® debit card in your mobile wallet, or in your wallet.
Don’t let summer fun become summer debt. Use your card. Enjoy your card often. And stay in budget doing it. Fun does not have to be expensive. Simple moments can be just as memorable. Your Excel MasterCard® debit card. Your key to a great summer.
Holidays
Plan ahead and mark your calendars for the upcoming credit union closed dates. Also, please sure to check our website for additional closures or interruptions that may occur, including those for inclement weather.
Independence Day (Observed) – Friday, July 3, 2026
Labor Day – Monday, September 7, 2026
