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Keeping you and your money safe: shopping online this Christmas    Ahead of the festive season, many of us find online shopping to be a convenient way to buy gifts, but it’s important to stay alert and vigilant to protect yourself online.  Online scams are now a common threat. Did you know in 2025, Australians lost $259 million due to scams online (Scamwatch). GMCU Fraud & Disputes Lead, Duane Cousins shares his top tips to staying safe when shopping online:  Keep your devices up to date by having the latest updates installed and having strong passwords for all devices and accounts Use a trusted network such as your home Wi-Fi or 5G rather than public Wi-Fi  Shop at trusted sellers by doing checks prior to make sure they’re genuine sellers  Know your rights as a buyer by taking the time to ready the terms and conditions carefully Use secure payments such as PayPal, PayID PayTo or debit card to make the transaction as secure as possible  Check your bank statements regularly to make sure you’ve been charged the right amount and if you see something you don’t recognise, it could be a sign that a scam has occurred  Products that are for sale at an unusually low price compared to usual or other more reputable websites often indicate a scam  Be wary of social media stores that are new, scammers like to post fake ads and fake reviews  “Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every year, but with a few simple precautions, you can shop online with confidence. Staying informed and vigilant is your best defence,” says Duane.  “Our members and community should be able to enjoy the festive season without worry. A little extra care when shopping online can make all the difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones.”  If you think you’ve been scammed, report it to Scamwatch and call us on 1800 MY GMCU or drop into your local branch.  Don’t let scammers take your joy this festive season.  Learn more at safety tips at: www.beconnected.esafety.gov.au or at scamwatch.gov.au  

You can make a big difference with small changes. The team at GMCU have landed on their top 10 tips to make your money work harder, with simpler ways to save money: 1. Try Online Grocery Shopping Supermarkets are designed to encourage spending. Buying only what you need is easier when you’re not walking down the aisles. 2. Limit Online Impulse Buys Consider setting a maximum online spend per pay week to ensure you don’t blow your budget. 3. Look for Coupons or Vouchers Next time you buy something online, take a minute to check the retailer’s website to see if they offer discounts for your first purchase or sign up for a newsletter. 4. Choose Efficient Heating Consider looking for a heater that has a five or six-star energy rating. 5. Try the Timer Setting the timer to turn on when you wake up in the morning and off during the warmest time of the day will help you use less power. 6. Keep Your Home Between 17 and 20° The higher your air conditioner’s thermostat is set, the more energy it will consume and the more it will cost. During winter, setting your thermostat between 17°C and 20°C is usually the most efficient and could save you money. 7. Close and Open Your Curtains at the Correct Times Closing your curtains when the sun goes down and opening them to let the light in is a great way to keep the warmth in without wasting money. 8. Shop Around for Better Utility Providers Many providers may offer new customers different sign-up incentives or lower rates, so comparing your internet and energy bills could save you hundreds of dollars. 9. Pay Yourself First Consider automating your savings by setting an automatic transfer every payday into a savings account. 10. Put Your Money to Work for You That extra interest incentive can be a great reason to avoid dipping into your savings so you can continue to watch it grow through the winter and beyond! Our local team are here to help. With Savings Accounts and Term Deposit options that will allow you to put your money to work. Talk to us today.

Despite the importance of savings, many Australians find it difficult to set money aside on a regular basis. Whether your financial goals are big or small, these Top 5 tips will see your savings balance increase so you can achieve your financial goals faster. 1. Set Yourself a Budget Consider the weekly activities you need money for, whether playing a sport or going to the gym, fuel, groceries, and other expenses. Make sure you set a budget that will allow for money output for these activities. 2. Track Your Expenses Checking your spending regularly ensures you’re on the right track towards your savings goals. 3. Consolidate Your Debt Debt consolidation can give you greater control over your financial situation, helping you confidently reach your savings goals. 4. Choose a Competitive Savings Account A good Savings account can help you earn a high level of interest on your savings, helping you meet your financial needs in a shorter time. 5. Automate Your Finances Automatic bank transfers help minimize the risk of forgotten payments and ensure all important expenses are covered before any extra personal spending. Our local team are here to help. With Savings Accounts and Term Deposit options that will allow you to put your money to work. Talk to us today.