SURF, Shared Branching Help Make Memorial Day Memorable!

With what seems like weeks of rainy weather (hopefully) behind us, the idea of a long weekend getaway is even more appealing! While we can’t ensure that the weather will be wonderful, Maine’s credit unions can make sure that your long weekend travels are memorable for great reasons (say, finding a hidden gem of a restaurant) instead of for less great ones (such as being stranded with a flat tire and no access to cash).

While my travels aren’t taking me out of the state – only a couple hours north to attend a concert in Bangor, I know that I won’t have to add “stocking up on cash” to my pre-trip to do list. Rather, I can visit one of the several SURF ATMs in the area, and even use this search tool to find one near me! iPhone users can even simplify the process by downloading the SURF iPhone App!

Should any unexpected events cause me to need to access my credit union account, there are also several Shared Branching locations throughout my travel route, where I can be assured access just as if I were at my own credit union branch! Check out the many Shared Branching locations in Maine or across the nation, and celebrate the weekend worry-free!

Happy Long Weekend!!

Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

Vote for Your Voice!

The time has come to vote for Maine’s first-ever Young & Free spokester! After an impressive field of 26 applicants submitted video applications, the Top 3 finalists were revealed on May 20! They are: Becca Hodgdon from South Berwick; Monique Pelletier from Presque Isle; and Seth Poplaski from Bangor.

Maine’s credit unions have been connecting with young adults through this statewide search for a person between the ages of 18 and 25 years-old for to represent Generation Y (ages 18 to 25) as the 'Spokester' (spokesperson) for the Young & Free Maine program. Connecting with young people through social media networks, local events and more, the Young & Free Maine Spokester will develop entertaining educational content, tips and tools to help members of Generation Y manage their day-to-day lives and finances.

The finalists will each be posting a “challenge” blog and video soon, and from what we’ve seen from them so far, they are sure to knock your socks off!

Visit YoungFreeMaine.com to cast your vote today! Voting will be open until noon on Monday, June 6.

- Diana D., Maine Credit Union League

Credit Union Member Wins Cash For Sharing Unique Money Saving Tip!

One Maine credit union member is heading into the warmer months with an extra $250 to spend, thanks to their winning entry in Maine Credit Unions’ Shared Branching Savings Tip Competition. Bangor FCU member Jessica Anderson of Orrington, ME is the competition’s April winner for sharing her tip, “I collect the change that my two teenage daughters leave laying around the house and when they need money I give it to them!”

The Competition is part of a recently launched Shared Branching Campaign. Marketing materials direct members to a microsite, ShareItAndSave.org, where they can share their own financial tip. Each month, the member who shares the most unique tip will be awarded $250! The site also features a Shared Branch Locator, with which users can enter an address or intersection to find the three closest Shared Branches.

There are currently nearly 140 Shared Branching locations in Maine, and over 4,300 locations across the country and internationally. To find a location near you, or to share your savings tip, visit ShareItAndSave.org. Or, for a listing of the thousands of nationwide locations, visit www.cuservicecenter.com.