Get out of the Shadows and Sound Off to Share Your Talent!

While Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow today, that’s no reason to stay undercover for the (supposedly) six more weeks of winter. Instead, let your talent shine through Young & Free Maine’s Sound Off! Music Competition!

From February 1 to March 5, the contest is open to individuals, groups or artists. Sound Off entrants must be between 18-25 years of age (in the case of bands, at least one member must be ages 18-25), and must not be under a recording contract. Entrants will submit an audio or video recording of them singing or performing original music to a special page on the Young & Free Maine website, YoungFreeMaine.com. From March 7 to 16, the public will vote to choose a winner! The winning band or individual will receive a $1,000 gift certificate to Main Street Studio to be used for a recording session of their choice, and the opportunity to perform live at the 2012 KahBang festival, held August 4 to 9, 2012. The winner will be announced on YoungFreeMaine.com on March 19!

Visit http://www.youngfreemaine.com/soundoff/ for more information, rules, and to submit your entry today!

With Credit Unions, it’s Always a Team Effort!

On Sunday, January 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., a record number of more than 250 players and nearly 50 teams will take to the court to help swish-out childhood cancer at the 18th Annual Dr. Noel Paradise Memorial Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge. Coordinated by Maine’s credit unions, this is a 3-on-3, co-ed tournament of adults with the majority of teams representing area businesses. For the second year, the event features a Junior Swish-Out tournament, consisting of nearly 50 middle school students (grades 6-8). Additionally, there are two divisions for the Swish-Out Tournament with a 'Just For Fun' Division and an Elite Division that is by invitation only.

This event sees support from credit unions throughout the state, whether through a sponsorship, donating an item to the event’s Silent Auction, or even lacing up their sneakers and organizing a team to play!

While the teams are sold out, attending the event is a great way to show support for this important cause. Come and enjoy the tournament and bid on items in the Silent Auction – including Red Sox tickets and an autographed Boston Celtics jersey! Admission is free! All money raised goes to the Maine Children's Cancer Program! Click here for more information.

Ending Hunger Night at the Red Claws – A Great Game for a Great Cause

Start the New Year with a slam dunk for Ending Hunger! The Maine Red Claws Basketball team will host Ending Hunger Night on January 27, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. For every $12 ticket sold, $2 will go to The Maine Credit Unions Campaign for Ending Hunger! Click here to purchase tickets online.

Click here for a special message from the Red Claws!

Like! Maine Credit Unions Attend Special Facebook Event

On January 17, representatives from Maine’s Credit Unions joined business owners from throughout the state to attend Facebook’s “Small Business Boost” in Augusta. Maine’s U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe, who is Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, was the event’s special guest. In her remarks, she touched on the importance of Facebook for growing businesses today, describing it as “word of mouth – but on steroids.” She said that the continuing success of Maine’s small businesses is a priority for the state, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), who also co-hosted the event. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of the state’s economy,” Snowe said. “In today’s marketplace, it’s all about engagement. It’s not an easy environment, but we’re going to help you get there.”

Attendees then heard from Facebook employees, who explained why and how businesses should use Facebook to build loyalty, connect with current customers and their friends, and keep the dialogue going by soliciting feedback and engaging the customer. Other tips included posting at least one time per week, using page ads and sponsored stories, giving fans a “sneak peek” at new products or events, or holding contests and other online events.

Click here to see what Maine Credit Unions are up to on Facebook!

Sharing That Breaks Records! Over 1,219,000 Shared Branching Transactions in Maine in 2011

Shared Branching transactions in Maine soared in 2011, coming in at a total of 1,219,361 transactions. With over 150 credit union branches across Maine, the Shared Branch Network has more branches than any single bank in Maine, a fact that credit union members are clearly taking advantage of. And, with over 4,400 locations nationwide, it is a benefit of credit union membership that members can take with them, wherever they go!

“This high number of total transactions illustrates how Maine Credit Unions are meeting the consumer demand for convenience through this expanding network of Shared Branches,” John Murphy, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League, said. “Sharing the fact that we have more branches than any single Maine bank is an effective way to attract new members, especially Gen Y, a demographic that is important to the continued growth of credit unions.”

Resolve to Save with Shared Branching

If “saving” is on your resolutions “to do” list for the New Year, “sharing” can bring you closer to your goals! Because many Maine Credit Unions are part of the Shared Branch network, using Shared Branching is a resolution that can save you both time and money. From emergencies to every day errands, the ability to use nearly 145 locations in Maine and more than 4,400 nation-wide just like your own credit union can make managing your money as simple as finding the nearest shared branch.

It is an easy, fee-free way for college students to stay connected to their account as they begin their spring semester, and lets snowbirds enjoy their warmer winter weather worry-free. Does the nearest branch close before you can make it in? Head to a Shared Branch that offers extended hours! Make deposits, withdrawals loan payments, and account transfers. Some even offer money orders, travelers checks and official checks. However you use it, Shared Branching is a convenient way to save time and money! Finding a branch couldn’t be easier!

To find a nearby Shared Branching location in Maine, click here! For a listing of the thousands of nationwide locations visit www.cuservicecenter.com, or call 1-800-919-CUSC (2872). Or, go mobile with a free iPhone app, called Find Branch, which maps out the nearest location, providing hours, directions and a phone number. For more information, visit iTunes, or your iPhone's App Store.

D. Dionne
Maine Credit Union League

5 New Year’s resolutions to keep in your wallet!

Another year has come and gone, and now it’s time to make your New Year’s resolutions. With Occupy Wall Street and Bank Transfer Day bringing finances to the forefront, maybe one of the most important resolutions is to stay on top of your finances. Most people either try to tackle their resolutions and quit, or they forget about their New Year’s resolutions by February. The biggest reason for this is because we set our goal too high or too broad.

Here are five tips to help you control your finances in 2012, based on a recent article on Moneyland.com.

1. Use cash for small purchases. Make 2012 the year you try to pay for small things, like a cup of coffee, with cash. Or maybe you make a rule to spend only cash on items totaling less than $10. Studies have shown people are more aware when they pay with cash, so you may find yourself spending less.

2. Pay off one debt. Whether it is a credit card, car loan, or a student loan; choose one to pay off this year. Tackling one debt at a time will seem more manageable then trying to eliminate all your debt at once. The satisfaction you will get from completely paying off that one thing might push you to eliminate one more, and even if it doesn’t, that is one less debt you have to pay off next year. Just make sure you don’t replace the debt you are paying off by creating another one.

3. Make saving automatic. Everyone needs to have an emergency account, but saving money for unforeseen events is difficult. Try taking as little as $15 from each paycheck and putting it into a separate savings account. Odds are you won’t even miss it if you have the money automatically deducted from your account. It can be as simple as sacrificing one lunch or dinner out a week.

4. Look into a credit union if your accounts are somewhere else. If there is one thing that came from Bank of America’s proposed $5 monthly fee, it is that everyone needs to look at the fees their financial institutions are charging and what you are getting from it. Take some time to really look into any charges on your account, things like overdraft protection and out of network ATM fees can really add up. Also take the time to weigh what features you really want out of your account; is online and mobile banking more important to you than brick and mortal locations, or do you prefer a vast ATM network.

5. Keep track of your money. Many credit unions offer text alerts. These alerts let you know when you have a low balance so you don’t end up getting an overdraft fee, or they let you know if there is a transaction over a certain amount.

Keeping track of what you are spending can not only save you money, but it can also help protect you against fraud by letting you know if your account has been compromised. Happy new year!