Stories that
Move Us

Haley

I just want someone to know how amazing Mr. Jonathan at the Suwanee branch was! As a current Math teacher of middle school students, so many kids are lacking the knowledge of such an important life skill!!  My girls Caroline and Rebekah opened their first savings account today. To say the experience was wonderful is an understatement. Being taught Savings 101 from Mr. Jonathan, getting to sign their name to their account document, having a card with their account number/member ID, taking their deposit slips with their cash up to the big counter full of the sweetest ladies getting an official Peach State FCU bag with a piggy bank, setting a realistic 2 year long term goal while getting to learn about it all from Mr. Jonathan, is an experience they will cherish forever!!!!!! His approach made them feel so big and so responsible while having fun at the same time!  Every kid needs a Mr. Jonathan when opening their first savings account!

Dionte

When I first walked through the front doors of the Lawrenceville location of Peach State Federal Credit Union back in 2012 – guided by hand by my mother, who swore to me a credit union would be a far better option than a bank – I had to admit I was nervous. I had no idea what to expect, especially since I knew nothing about credit unions. I hadn't even heard of them before. Aren't they just fancier terms for banks? That's what I'd assumed. I was wrong, of course.

I think my nervousness must've been obvious, because the employees who helped my mother and I set up an account were extremely kind and patient, explaining who they were and what they did. They made the entire process easy, quick, and pain free.

I left that day with a shiny new debit card and an eXtreme checking account, still feeling a little nervous but, unknown to me at the time, far more financially secure than when I'd arrived. Little did I know that in the years to come, I'd be relying on that checking account through thick and thin.

I have been a member of Peach State for 12 years – back when it was called "Gwinnett Federal Credit Union". I still have the paperwork telling members about the name change on January 2, 2013! I think it's definitely better. The employees are still just as kind and helpful as they were all those years ago. And through all sorts of ups and downs, throughout family medical emergencies, car breakdowns, home floodings, jobs, moves, trips, funerals and birthdays – everything – Peach State has been my one solid rock foundation. I'm grateful to my mother for having taken me to the credit union that day. And I'm grateful to Peach State for having my back for 12 years running.

Emily

In January of 2023, I made my first "adult" purchase, driving home in my brand-new (to me) car. As a recent college graduate starting my teaching career, this was a milestone for me. It had been months of careful planning, budgeting, and working to find the best interest rate (which, by far, was with Peach State FCU) to make this dream come true.

Then, just four months later, my world was turned upside down by a horrific car crash. While I was incredibly grateful to be alive, the aftermath was overwhelming – endless insurance claims, legal matters, and the daunting task of finding a new car. I felt like I was drowning. That’s when Peach State became a breath of fresh air.

One of my biggest fears after the crash was not being able to afford the same car that had kept me safe. I was terrified that rising market prices and interest rates would make it impossible. But to my incredible relief, Peach State’s great rates made it possible for me to buy yet another dream car.

Not only did they make this endeavor possible, but they met every one of my calls, questions, and concerns with genuine patience and understanding, going above and beyond to keep the process of me closing my original auto loan and beginning a new one as simple as possible.

What felt like an insurmountable financial challenge became something I could navigate with confidence thanks to Peach State’s commitment to care. They truly helped get me back on the road!

Jennifer

During the final year of my business degree, I was awarded a Career Advancement Scholarship from Peach State. At the time, my husband and I had just welcomed had our first child and purchased our first home. We were unsure of how we could afford finishing my degree (the first step on the path to become a CPA) but the scholarship was just enough to cover all the costs. Right before graduating we had to replace the roof on our ‘new to us’ home and Peach State was amazing. They provided financing at a great interest rate. I am now taking my CPA exams, and we have almost paid off our roof. I am incredibly thankful for Peach State.

Charles

Peach State Federal Credit Union has saved me twice. My wife lost her job and she made all the money! I am a high school teacher in Gwinnett. We had a new baby, a new house, an old house (unsold). We were suffering financially. And then my car was unrepairable. Peach State Federal Credit Union worked with my finances, and the Auto Assistance program to put me in a certified used car without busting our budget. Using the Auto Assistance program and a used car auto loan from Peach State helped me gain financial security.

In 2018 I was awarded a grand prize in teaching excellence from Harbor Freight. A portion of the prize money was earmarked for Maxwell HS Welding program and a portion went to the teacher. When the taxes came in, I had only set aside 15% for taxes so we wound up owing the IRS. I was paying the IRS bill monthly, but 85% of the monthly payment went to interest. It seemed like I was NEVER going to pay that debt off. Peach State to the rescue! They were able to give me a signature loan that is deducted right from my paycheck. Since doing so, that debt has been seriously reduced. I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Thank you, Peach State FCU for helping me solve my financial situations again and again. I really feel like you are my financial family!

Jennifer

I needed a loan to get my home after my divorce. I was a single mother with five small children. They had no reason to take a chance on me, but they did. I paid off my house eight years early and my children are all grown except my baby girl. It has been life changing to be able to own our home and know we have a place to always come back to that is ours...our safe place. Thank you so much for giving us our home sweet home!

Eileene

In 2012 I purchased my first home after recently divorcing. Shortly after that, I had just returned to work from an extended medical leave. Two weeks later, and after eight years of service, I was told my services were no longer needed. Four months later, I still had not found employment and had just about depleted my savings account. Since I had turned 41, I decided it was time to get my 1st mammogram. In February 2013, I was driving home from a job interview. I remember the exact moment I got the call from my doctor asking if I was driving and in a safe place. The next few words I would hear would change my life forever. You have breast cancer. Now a jobless divorcee, with a four-year-old child, I was devastated to hear this news. I thought it was a death sentence. After taking a few days to process this life changing news, I decided I needed to figure out how I would continue to pay my car loan with Peach State. I went to the branch in Athens and ask to speak to a loan officer. After telling her my story, they were able to work with my while I was in treatment and helped to modify the loan to fit my budget. I didn’t care what I had to do to get that payment. I still did not have a job and had gone through multiple surgeries with complications. After 1½ years of surgeries, treatments and recovery, I did land a job. I returned to the work force, got on my feet, and traded my car in for another car. This same sweet loan officer came to my aid again with great financing options. The moral of this story is someone believed in me and showed me compassion while I was going through a difficult situation. Twelve years later, with perfect credit, and great health – 11 years cancer free – Peach State is still getting my business, even though I live in Michigan. Because of this beautiful woman, Peach State will always have my business, even from 1,100 miles away!

Tiffanie

30 years and counting – I am a Peach State legacy! I remember my mom, who was an educator, bringing me into the Lawrenceville branch when I was sixteen years old to start my first checking account. To this day, I remember how friendly the staff were and how comfortable they made me feel. I can honestly say that has been the case with every visit since. They have made my loans seamless and are always ready and willing to answer questions or offer support. My most recent wonderful encounter was only a few weeks ago when I signed up my daughter for her very first account. Only the BEST is passed on from generation to generation! Thank you, Peach State, for providing extraordinary service!

Nancy

I received a phone call from a teller at the Winder branch. During that call, she asked me if I had written a check for $1,200. She said a gentleman was trying to cash one of my checks for that amount and told him she would have to check to see if I had sufficient funds. She also said that there was something that didn’t seem right. I told her no I did not, and she asked me to go to the nearest branch and report it. I did and member service jumped right on it. As a bank teller for 15 years, who later got my teaching degree, I know how important it is to say something when you don’t feel comfortable with a transaction. She was a very sharp teller, and I am grateful to her to this day!

Tara

In 2019 I became a SA survivor. Through this traumatic experience I found out that I had become pregnant several months after the incident, with my handsome baby boy. (He’s 4 now!) I am still new to Peach State, but this credit union has given me the chance to pave a better financial way for my son and I. In a sense, I feel like I am claiming a big part of my life back. Peach State has offered so many ways for me to budget, save, and build up my credit score. This has opened so many more opportunities for me and my son because I was able to qualify for a student loan with my new school. This is setting me up to grow in my passion for baking and creating a legacy for my son! I will most definitely stay with Peach State for the rest of my life!! I don’t know what I would do without this credit union. I am forever thankful.

Clinetta

Pursuing a doctorate in special education has been a lifelong endeavor. As an orphaned child, separated from her siblings, I was illiterate until the age of 10. Being placed in special education due to my learning and emotional deficits helped mold me into the individual I am today. I worked hard, persevered, completed high school, a bachelor's degree, a master's, and now a doctorate to help children like me placed in a broken system who need an advocate to meet their emotional and academic needs. The Career Advancement Scholarship was a game-changer, enabling me to reach the dissertation phase when I was struggling with financial resources, especially after having knee surgery, being out of work earlier that year, and the death of my father-in-law. Not only was I able to defend my dissertation, but I am now on track to graduate in May. The Career Advancement Scholarship was the catalyst that helped me reach my lifelong goal of advocating for children in special education.

Anthony

Once upon a time, I found myself in a tight spot. I had been dreaming of owning a reliable vehicle that would not only serve as transportation but also provide a sense of stability in my life. However, my dream seemed to crumble when I was turned down for a vehicle loan by multiple financial institutions. 

Just when I thought all was lost, a ray of hope emerged in the form of Peach State FCU. I had heard about their exceptional service and their commitment to supporting their members, so I decided to give it one last shot. Little did I know that this moment would change my life forever. 

As I stepped into the Peach State branch, I was greeted by warm smiles and a genuine eagerness to help. The staff listened attentively to my story, understanding the challenges I had faced. They empathized with my situation and assured me that they would do everything in their power to assist me. 
With their expertise, the team at Peach State reviewed my financial history, taking into account the circumstances that had led to my previous rejections. While other institutions had only seen numbers and statistics, Peach State saw me as an individual with dreams and aspirations. 

In a world where rejection had become the norm, Peach State offered me a lifeline. They believed in my potential and were willing to take a chance on me. With their guidance, I navigated the loan application process with renewed hope, feeling supported every step of the way. 

With the loan from Peach State, I finally acquired the vehicle of my dreams. It was more than just a means of transportation; it represented a fresh start and a newfound sense of independence. Every time I sat behind the wheel, I was reminded of the incredible service and kindness that Peach State had extended to me. 

But their impact didn't stop there. Peach State continued to support me throughout my journey, offering financial guidance and resources to help me navigate other aspects of my life. Their commitment to their members went beyond a simple transaction; they genuinely cared about my well-being and success. 

Thanks to Peach State’s unwavering belief in me, I not only obtained the vehicle I desperately needed, but I also regained my confidence and hope for the future. They proved that sometimes, all it takes is one institution to change your life, and for me, that institution was Peach State. Their exceptional service and genuine compassion showed me that dreams are still attainable, even when others have turned you away. 

Lauren

I received the Peach State career advancement scholarship two years in a row. Peach State helped me achieve my future career goals by providing funds for nearly 3 of the 6 semesters I had to complete in my Master’s program. I am so grateful for the opportunities that Peach State allowed me to pursue because of these scholarships. These scholarships allowed me to avoid getting a loan and build my Peach State savings account to set me up for a more secure financial future. Now I am almost finished with my degree and am so grateful to Peach State for the two scholarships I received that have helped me get there!

Michael

In 2022 I was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent chemotherapy. It was a very difficult process. I got through it by concentrating on the things I promised myself I would enjoy after my recovery. One of those things was to start motorcycle riding again. I decided I would get a Harley Davidson once my recovery was complete. 

After months of treatment, I was given a clean bill of health and headed straight to my large nationwide bank which to my disappointment did not offer signature loans, did not loan money for motorcycles, and being a 15-year customer did not help me at all. My wife directed me to Peach State FCU and within 24 hours I was purchasing my next Harley Davidson in celebration of beating cancer. Peach State made the process so easy and before you knew it, we moved all of our accounts to the credit union, and canceled our big bank credit card and got a credit card through Peach State. I am so pleased with our decision, and am reminded of the great member service and care we get from Peach State every time I ride my motorcycle, which is quite often. 

Thank you, Peach State, and a special thank you to Member Service Advisor Ashley who helped us through the entire process!

Tracy

Peach State has always been my go-to for loans over the years. I can always count on Peach State to finance loans for different life circumstances. I would be at a loss if I didn’t have Peach State in my corner. The staff are always so kind and willing to help. I’ve been a member since 1997 and the relationship with Peach State is hands down one of the best banking relationships I have ever had. 

When my daughter was ready for her first checking account, of course we came to Peach State. When she was ready for her first car, Peach State financed it. When she wanted a credit card to build her credit history, Peach State provided it. Peach State has been such a blessing to me and my family over the years. 

Thank you, Peach State. I am forever indebted to you!

Sally

In early August of 1973, I moved to Georgia as a 23-year-old new teacher. I was going to share an apartment with another new teacher. Our rent was about $300 a month. We didn't get our first paycheck until the end of September after we'd taught a month, and I did not have the money to cover the rent! 

Someone suggested I contact Gwinnett County Teachers Credit Union, now known as Peach State FCU. Thankfully I set up an account and borrowed $150 to pay my rent! I have now been an active member with both checking and savings accounts (and another loan or two over the years) for 50 years! And to this day, I'm very proud of my three-digit membership number! I was among the first 600 to join! Thanks for years of excellent service!

Traci

I had moved to Georgia to get away from an abusive relationship and other than having family here, my daughter and I had practically nothing but the clothes on our backs. I was fortunate to be hired by Gwinnett County Public Schools and was relieved as the little money I was able to bring with me was quickly dwindling. At the hiring event, I was given information on then Gwinnett FCU as a credit union that a lot of the teachers used and I could set up direct deposit there. 

I went in and explained to the woman that I had very few dollars at the time, but had been told that I needed to create an account for direct deposit. I believe the woman could sense that I was fragile and offered me a lifeline. She offered me a Teacher Loan to help get me started and get my daughter ready for school. That Teacher Loan was used to open my account. To say I was beyond emotional is an understatement as I am emotional now just remembering how what she did made the difference for my mental and emotional state as well as for my daughter who was just as fragile. I have been a member ever since and have done several auto loans and have several accounts. Thank you for being a part of my prayer for a new beginning.

Lori

A few years post-divorce, I resigned my job and moved out of the country for a year to work with a ministry helping/protecting/providing for women rescued from sex trafficking. While I was gone I had no income and no debt, only my previous home mortgage still in my name as a cosigner. My ex-husband had sole possession of the house and the incoming rent. When I returned in, I found my credit in shambles. I desperately needed a car, but the bank would not work with me. I had an account at Peach State, so I decided to give it a shot. They were SO kind and patient, answered every question, listened to my story, and NEVER made me feel less than. Not only did they work with me, to get the car (that I still own) I was given more help on how to increase my credit and how to get to where I wanted to be faster than I thought possible. I no longer bank with the original bank, though I do still have the credit card, unsecured now, only because it is my longest credit record. I bank with Peach State and now have a great credit rating. I have never missed a payment. I have taken the chance they gave me and got every ounce of use out of it I could. I have several diverse accounts with Peach State now as well. I hope I've made them proud and honored the chance they gave me. I am #PSFCUForLife.

Tracy

I won’t go into all the details, but I have had a very rocky marriage. My spouse has substance abuse issues. I put myself through school with the help of the Hope Forgiveness program and became a Special Education Teacher to protect myself financially in the event I would need to fully support myself. When I began teaching, I heard about being able to join Peach State Federal Credit Union. I have been a member for a long time. 

Thankfully I went to school and had an account with Peach State. I had to seek a divorce quickly due to some terrible circumstances. My spouse had kept our account open (credit card because of such a good interest rate) and he was an authorized user. I went to the Lawrenceville location and the lady there was so nice. I had the bravery to close my account and she sat with me and helped me fill out my own application for a credit card. I got it and it was close to the amount that I had with my spouse. I felt so independent. She also helped me apply for a personal loan to pay for my divorce. Without this money, I would not have been able to move out and do what I needed to do for me.

I am grateful for Peach State for helping me financially to be safe. I am grateful for an education degree and all that was set in place for me to be where I am today. I owe part of that journey to Peach State.

Tiffany

I have been a member of Peach State FCU for years now. I recently went back to school after a few years off. I was unable to receive any financial aid upon returning and didn't know how I would pay for my books or tuition. While on the member website, I noticed a feature about the PSFCU Scholarships. Most of them were for graduating seniors in high school, however, I scrolled upon one that was for adults pursuing degrees for career advancement. I applied and waited for the results. I was chosen as a recipient! I was able to pay for my books and tuition! I excelled that semester and received both recognition from the Vice President of Student Affairs, and I have since received a two-step promotion on my job! I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given by Peach State, and I am currently only seven classes away from graduation.

Kathy

In 2019 I found myself in credit card debt that seemed to be going nowhere. I was paying high interest rates and seeing little decrease in my balances. There seemed to be no way out. I felt like I was drowning!

I contacted the credit union and spoke with Alexander about consolidating the credit card debt into 1 payment. I had little hope that he could help me because of my debt ratio. He came up with a creative solution where my van loan could be used as collateral to pay off all the debt. What a relief! My monthly payment was manageable, and my credit card debt was paid off.

Juan

I arrived with my family to the U.S. to pursue a professional opportunity after being transferred by my company far away from home. Our first months were really challenging and Ashley from Peach State’s Hawthorne Park branch in Athens, GA was the first person that helped us in solving one of our big challenges: getting a car. From the beginning we felt content by the Peach State community and that became really valuable, especially when you don´t know how things work in a new environment. With the help of Ashley, we were able to get a car loan and, on top of that, we have been assisted with finding a car, all within the credit union.

"THANK YOU" to Ashley and Peach State Federal Credit Union. I encourage other people to be part of this big family.

Kathryn

When my son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 6, it turned our world upside down. One of the bright spots in the journey we took was the promise of Camp Kudzu, a summer camp for kids with Type 1. In order to save the money needed to send him to camp, I opened a vacation club account to put away money every month. This way, when time came to make payments for camp, we would already have it in the account and not have to worry about having the full amount ready to go. With my account, we were able to send him to camp for 10 summers as a camper and one year as a junior counselor. This summer, he'll be a counselor for the first time, helping the kids aged 8 - 17 who are living with diabetes, thanks to our account with Peach State!

Tiffany

I always dreamed of having a fairytale wedding. When my husband proposed, I knew that I wanted everything to be perfect. I didn’t want to settle for anything less than my perfect day, but I also couldn’t afford all of the bills, so I reached out to Peach State for help. I applied for a personal loan, was approved and received the funds – all within three days! The best part – the payments are taken out monthly through payroll deduction, so I don't have to remember to make payments. I’m beyond grateful for the financial assistance Peach State provided to help make my big day memorable!

Peach State came to the rescue again not long after we were married. I was in my last semester of my doctoral program and had no idea how I would cover tuition, fees and books. Our finances were tight, but I didn’t want to drop out of the program because I was almost finished. Around this time I received an email about Peach State’s Career Advancement Scholarship. I decided to take a chance and apply. When I received a letter letting me know that I was awarded one of the $2,000 scholarships I immediately burst into tears. Thank you, Peach State for helping alleviate some of my school expenses! Without this scholarship, I wouldn’t have been able to complete my doctorate.

Caitlin

I joined Peach State Federal Credit Union my second year of college when I planned to start building credit. I was lucky enough to get my very first credit card. Opening the credit card at Peach State was the best thing I’ve ever done. I was able to start an account the very same day and would end up using Peach State for everything. I completely left my previous bank and have never looked back. I was able to pay off my 3rd and 4th year of college without needing any additional student loans all because Peach State worked with me. Once I had my daughter and had to put off school I decided to get a debit card and regular credit card with Peach State. The staff has always been amazing and friendly. I’ve always been able to rely on them to reach out through email, text and phone calls. I have never had to wait on a busy line for longer than maybe 5 minutes. This year I was so fortunate to refinance my car through Peach State and pay it off in July. My story is constantly growing. I adore Peach State and I recommend it to everyone!

Angela

I am a mother of 3 and grandmother of 1. Besides having a full-time job, I was also a college student. I graduated in September 2018 with my Masters in Accounting and Finance Management. That degree didn’t come with grants attached. I had to apply for loans. I was blessed by Peach State with a scholarship this year to help me with my expenses. I am also thankful for the quick loan. On multiple occasions from annual vacations to emergency issues, I have been able to borrow funds and per pay check, pay them back. I am truly thankful.