Credit Unions are Experts in Lending…a Hand!

For Maine CUs, the credit union philosophy of ‘People Helping People’ extends far beyond offering lower rates, fewer fees, and the non-profit structure that makes credit unions unique. Credit union employees are out in their communities making a difference each day. These efforts were recently highlighted during National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), when the Maine Credit Union movement's unique volunteer program called Credit Unions Share for ME released the final results of volunteer efforts by Maine's credit unions in 2009, and the amount of hours credit unions spent volunteering in their community. A grand total of 23,945.5 volunteer hours were documented by credit union staff and directors from January 1-December 31, 2009, the second highest mark in the program's history!

If 23,945.5 hours can be accumulated just from Maine CU employees, think how many could be racked up if we all pitched in. With warm weather (minus recent hail and flurries!) finally here, there’s no reason not to get out there and get helping! Need some motivation? You can find a volunteer opportunity that meets your interest, availability and location at www.volunteermaine.org. Happy Volunteering!

Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

Get a Glimpse of a Real Financial Fitness Experience!

Thanks to Maine’s credit unions, high school students from across the state are getting the opportunity to get a glimpse of what it means to make decisions about their financial future, without the consequences! This is the idea behind the regional Financial Fitness Fairs hosted by Maine’s credit unions each year.

The Financial Fitness Money Management Experience is a half-day event during which students receive a scenario packet of their life at age 22, which includes their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing. They also experience the consequences that come from having a high or low credit score, a great advantage compared to the many who only realize what a credit score is when they are declined for a loan! Not only does this dose of reality give students an incentive to start preparing for their future today, it also gives them a greater appreciation for the challenges their parents are faced with each day.

To find out more about how Maine’s Credit Unions can help you gain a better understanding of your finances, or for more information about Financial Fitness Fairs, click here.

-Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

It’s Time for Spring Cleaning!

Tired of washing windows? Why not take a break from housework, and tackle a spring cleaning project that could really use your attention- your finances! Whether it is as simple as balancing your checkbook, or as daunting as paying off that credit card, the relief that comes with not having to stress about money can feel even more satisfying than a clean closet.

Or, why not simplify your life by moving your money, from your savings account to your car loan, to a credit union? Not only will you save time by only having to deal with one financial institution, you can also save money, as credit unions are known for their great rates and fewer fees.

If your financial situation is messier than your sock drawer, a credit union is also a great place to start. They can give you guidance on how to take control of your finances, and will work with you to help you get back on your feet.

The Maine Credit Union League also has a variety of resources for both youth and adults, with links to organizations that can help, where to go to check your credit score, activities to promote financial literacy at a young age, and more! Click here to find out more.


-Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

One CU Member Has $500 More to Share as Our Share It! Winner

Congratulations to P.W. of Augusta, the winner of our Share It Competition! She has won $500 to share with a friend or charity! Her story shares how by using Shared Branching, she was able to share with someone in need:

"I, like many other hard working citizens, found myself in a rather precarious financial situation. A member of my church encountered an emergency situation that needed immediate attention. The person affected did not have the funds to take care of the emergency. A number of folks were rallying together to assist this person. I desperately wanted to help, but did not have the funds right at that moment. I shared this with my sister, and she understood that I desperately wanted to help, and wanted to help me. We brainstormed the different ways that $$ could be shifted from her to me, so that I could help. All of the brainstorming ideas failed to make funds immediately available.

Then, suddenly, she said, "Wait -do you use a credit union?" I replied that I did. She said that she remembered seeing something about Shared Branching at her credit union. She did some quick research and sure enough, her credit union and mine both had Shared Branching. She immediately went to her credit union and made arrangements to have $$ transferred from her credit union account to mine. The funds were available almost immediately. I went to my credit union, withdrew the funds and passed them along to the person who was overseeing the effort to assist the person in need.

Without Shared Branching, I wouldn't have been able to help another person. Shared Branching helped a person, help a person, to help a person. What a wonderful thing!”


We received many great examples that showcase what Sharing Branching is all about- making life better for Maine people as they share time, money, or simply the convenience of Shared Branching.

Congratulations also go out to our Second Place winners: N.R. of Topsham, N.L. of Great Pond, and E.D. of Presque Isle, who will each receive a GPS System!