In the Spotlight
Did you know?
Review beneficiary designations
Match up your will and account beneficiaries to make sure you don’t accidentally disinherit a loved one. If beneficiaries on your will are different from those on bank accounts or insurance policies, those designations cancel out what’s in your will.
Put tax refunds to work.
Getting a tax refund? Consider using the funds to pay off debt or put into savings to improve your financial situation.
Best way to use P2P payments
Peer-to-peer mobile payments (P2P) are best used among those you know and trust. Otherwise, you risk giving money to thieves. Most P2P transactions happen in an instant and are irreversible — a detail scammers tend to exploit.
Denied a loan? Appeal it!
Did you know we have a Loan Review Committee made up of member volunteers? Members have the right to ask this committee to reevaluate a loan decision. This is one of the unique benefits our Credit Union offers that banks don't.
Catch up on retirement saving
If you’re age 50+, you may need to save more to fully fund your retirement. You can put extra money into a plan like a Roth IRA. Get caught up by making a contribution over the standard limit.
Use scholarships first to pay for college
Look for scholarships before turning to financial aid to pay for college. Learn about the LGFCU Scholarship and find other resources at www.cfnc.org.
Volunteers are the LGFCU secret sauce
Our volunteers are the best example of the credit union grassroots philosophy "people helping people!" Contributing time without pay, volunteers are crucial to LGFCU’s success.
Life change? Update your will!
Remember to update your will each time you have major life changes such as marriage, divorce or starting a family. Get it done with the Estate Planning Essentials Program.
Save for education, get tax breaks
Coverdell Education Savings Accounts generally allow for tax-deferred growth on investments. You typically pay no taxes when you use the funds for qualified education purposes.
Use caution when using Zelle,® Cash App® and others
The Credit Union doesn’t have access to information about your P2P app transactions even when you use an LGFCU account. Payment apps and services makes exchanging cash easier, but learn the provider’s customer support policies before using them.
You don't have to pay for your credit score
If you have a loan with LGFCU, log in to Member Connect where you can see your FICO credit score for free. Your score is updated quarterly.
Review your will regularly
If you haven’t looked at your will in the last three years, it’s time for a review. We can help you get it done with the Estate Planning Essentials Program.
Choose your executor wisely.
When choosing an executor to handle your estate, choose someone with some financial savvy. Many people choose a relative or close friend simply because of a personal bond. But if that person knows nothing about how to handle your finances – or doesn’t want to – you’re better off naming someone capable and willing to ensure your wishes are carried out.
The LGFCU Routing Number is 253184537
These nine numbers are always shown at the bottom of all pages on this website and on the Contact Us page. And, if you have checks and deposit slips, the number is printed on the bottom left corner.
Strong passwords protect your devices
Add a long, unique password keep devices secure anytime, anywhere. Make it a phrase that can’t easily be guessed. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
Enjoy using Zelle®, Cash App® to pay friends?
Pay friends with these and other similar payment systems. Know that these cash transactions are instantaneous and irreversible. Double-check before you hit send. Use them only with people you know to lower your risk of losing money to fraud.
Help for a financial emergency
In case of a financial emergency, avoid increasing your debt by borrowing from credit cards. And skip payday lenders too! A small short-term, low-interest loan against your future salary from a trusted lender like LGFCU may be your best bet.
Take advantage of employer-based retirement plans.
Learn as much as you can about the plan. Contribute the maximum possible for you. Then get familiar with your investment options and invest based on your goals.
Make your estate plan today!
Don’t wait until your hair begins to gray to plan for your estate. Secure your wishes and intents in the present by completing your will, your health care directive, and a durable power of attorney.
A savings account for more than just holidays
Save all year and get a payout in late October! Use the money for travel, to start an emergency fund, cover homeowner expenses, or for whatever you may need. That's the flexibility of a Holiday Cash Club Account.
Should you have a special needs trust?
If you have a disabled adult child receiving public benefits, consider a special needs trust. A Deposit Trust Account like this allows you to gift money to your child upon your death while still protecting those benefits. Talk to an attorney specializing in trusts to determine if this is right for you.
You’re a member AND an owner of LGFCU
One member, one vote is how LGFCU members equally participate in electing the leadership, setting policies and making decisions about the Credit Union. We’re a financial cooperative owned and controlled by members. It’s what makes credit unions different from banks.
Sometimes a DIY will isn’t enough
While do-it-yourself (DIY) wills are quick to create, you might overlook something important that ends up costing your family. An estate planning attorney in our Estate Planning Essentials Program will ask the right questions to make sure nothing is missed.
You get a second chance here
Members have the right to appeal the decision when a branch office denies a loan or credit card application. Discover how the volunteer Loan Review Committee could help you.
Start early for tax time.
Don’t wait until the last minute to get organized for tax time. Set aside an hour or two each month to gather and properly store receipts, cancelled checks, and other documents necessary to prepare your taxes. Take it one step farther by scanning your information.
Make your wishes known.
Leave clear instructions about medical decisions that need to be made on your behalf if you can't make them. Essential estate planning documents such as a living will and a Healthcare Power of Attorney help make it easier for your loved ones to make tough decisions.
Shopping for a car?
Do a little research to get the best deal possible. Visit multiple dealerships and don’t be afraid to walk away if you don’t like what the dealership is offering you. Or use a car buying service and leave the negotiations to a trusted source.
Use Member Connect to order checks
You can order new checks or reorder your supply just by logging in to Member Connect. Choose the Services tab, go to the Order menu and select Checks.
Big life changes? Review your insurance.
Have you recently gotten married or had a child? If so, you should review your insurance needs. Consider purchasing a Life Insurance policy or adding to what you may already have.
Where can I find the routing number?
The LGFCU Routing Number is 253184537. These nine numbers are always shown at the bottom of all pages on this website and on the Contact Us page. And, if you have checks and deposit slips, the number is printed on the bottom left corner.
Blow your budget? Don’t give up.
Okay, so you overspent and now you’re over budget. Don't get frustrated. Start fresh the next month and commit to stay in budget. If you need help with your finances get information here or make an appointment for financial counseling at a branch near you.
P2P payment apps are for personal use only
Most peer-to-peer payment services prohibit using them to buy and sell goods and services. If you violate the provider’s terms of use, you may lose the right to use the app.
Turn lunch money into retirement money
Eat lunch in for a week. If that saves you $25, use it to open a Roth IRA. It’s one small way you can get started saving for retirement. Then, let your money grow tax-free until you need it.
Changing jobs?
Resist the temptation to withdraw funds from your retirement account. Roll your funds into your new employer’s plan or into an IRA to save you from taxes and penalties.
LGFCU is a cooperative
That just means we’re a group of people united to meet our common economic needs. We’re a member-owned, democratically-controlled cooperative, doing business using these credit union values.
Roth IRA: Tax-free retirement money
Fund your retirement savings with after-tax dollars now. Then withdraw your earnings tax-free later with a Roth IRA. Discover what an IRA can do for you.
Everyone needs an estate plan
Even if you don’t think you have a lot of assets or you're too young, you still need an estate plan — especially if you have young children. When you create a will, name a guardian to take care of your children upon your death. You’ll be able to rest in peace, knowing the person you chose is in charge.
If you’re an LGFCU member, your family members can join, too!
Invite your spouse, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings, grandparents, and other family members to join the Credit Union focused on you! See a complete list of who’s eligible to be a member.
Tech support scams
If an unknown caller says your computer needs an emergency update, hang up. Tech support scams can steal your money or worse, install a virus or malware on your computer, mobile or electronic devices. Only let people you know and trust access your devices.
Track your expenses.
Tracking your expenses is key to staying on budget. Make sure you use a checkbook register, a spreadsheet or an online tool to help keep you on track.
Every dollar counts when saving for retirement.
No amount of money saved toward retirement is too small. Even when money is tight, small, consistent contributions to your retirement accounts will make a big impact over time.
LGFCU is a part of an international movement that puts people first
While our focus is North Carolina, we’re also a part of the worldwide credit union movement! That’s why in October we celebrate International Credit Union Day. This day is dedicated to member appreciation and the seven basic principles that make credit unions unique. See how LGFCU lives those values everyday.
Don’t take phishing scam bait
An email says you won a prize from a contest you didn’t enter. Or a foreign prince wants you to cash a check. If the message seems odd, delete it. It’s probably a phishing scam to trick you into sharing personal and financial details.
Lock down your home network
Got guests? Create another wireless network name and password on your home router specifically for visiting devices. You’ll improve the security of your wireless network since it’s separate from the family network.
Send money fast with a wire transfer
A wire transfer is perfect for sending or receiving a large sum of money quickly and safely. Find out more, then contact your local branch to get started.
Make saving automatic.
Pay yourself first! Use automatic deductions from your payroll or checking accounts to make deposits in IRAs, mutual funds, or other savings and investment accounts.
