Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Why spend more when shopping this summer, with Maine Credit Unions you don’t have to.

When shopping in Maine today, there are two major payment options, paper or plastic. Today many people choose to use plastic in the forms of debit or credit cards, instead of choosing to carry cash or writing checks. And whether you are shopping at the Maine Mall or in a small shop in your hometown card seem to be accepted everywhere. But what do you do when a store doesn’t accept cards? As a credit union member, you don’t have to worry.
Recently I was in a store that only accepted cash, and like most people I rely on my debit card, so I was forced to go look for an ATM. As a credit union member finding an ATM is easy. Most credit unions in Maine are a part of the SurF network, where as a member you won’t be charged a surcharge fee for using another credit union’s ATM. That can save you from having to pay nearly $3 in surcharge fees every time you want to withdraw money from an ATM or use a Shared Branching location.
After all credit unions don’t think you should have to pay money to access your money. And while most stores accept cards, it’s good to know that whether you are buying a new sundress for the beach, or investing in new golf clubs, your Maine Credit Unions are here to help you save your money.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Heading to school? Stop at your local credit union on the way for more

While is seems like the summer weather has just begun, September is almost here, and that means time to go back to school. And whether you have a son or daughter just starting as a freshman, or returning for their senior year, there’s sure to be a lot on your mind and their mind. And between shopping for new bedding and packing clothes, thinking about all of the expenses school brings often gets pushed aside.

There are the basic expenses, tuition, books, and food, but what about other expenses, like a car? Most schools charge for a parking permit, add that into the cost of gas and insurance, it can add up. Add in money for food and spending money, and it is easy to see how many students leave school with credit card debt in addition to their student loans. And parents feeling overwhelmed.

Many college students are managing their own accounts for the first time, and a big part of that is learning how to budget. Starting and maintaining a budget can be difficult. Being a member of a credit union can help students start out on the right track. Because credit unions are member-owned, they charge fewer and lower fees, have lower minimum balance requirements, and offer better rates than banks. And what could be more convenient than a financial institution that offers so many conveniences, like surcharge free ATM’s and Shared Branching.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

There's more at Maine Festivals

Maine is full of events to go to during the summers, and whether you are watching the Sea Dogs play, or listening to music at the Blue Grass Festival, your credit union will be there. Look for us throughout the state this summer sponsoring some of your favorite summer events.

Maine Credit Unions are sponsoring the Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield from July 11th to the 19th, the Blue Grass Festival in the County July 23rd to the 25th, the Maine Lobster Festival in Rockland July 29th to August 2nd, and the American Folk Festival in Bangor August 28th to the 30th. You can also see us on the Jumbotron during the Sea Dogs 7th Inning Stretch, and during WAGM’s Potato Pickers Special through the months of September and October. We hope to see you there!

Let a Rainy Day Account from Maine Credit Unions Help You Save Money for the Next Rainy Day

While you can’t make the rain go away, you can be more prepared for the unexpected. Whether it’s a month of rainy weather, an accident or another financial burden, having a rainy day fund can make getting through it easier. Many credit unions offer accounts that help you save money in case of an emergency, or even just a rainy day. These accounts can be specific such as the Christmas Club to help you save for the holidays or just an account designed for emergencies. With Maine credit unions you are always prepared.

When creating these emergency savings accounts, it is best to keep at least two months’ pay saved up. Despite the economy, this can be easier than you think. It can be as simple as having a portion of your paycheck direct deposited into the account, or if you’ve paid off a car loan, a mortgage or an equity loan, keep right on making that monthly payment straight to your rainy day savings account. Having an emergency account with your credit union is a way of preparing for your future. So whether you use the money to make ends meet if you lose your job or if you use some extra savings to take the family to the aquarium on a rainy day; you know that like your credit union, your rainy day fund is there when you need it most.