Don’t let your spring vacation break the bank

Its spring vacation time and whether you are taking a family trip to the Grand Canyon, a cruise to Cancun with your girlfriends, or doing day trips through New England, it’s easy to overspend. If you are going away for more than the day you will need a hotel room; but that doesn’t mean you need the luxury suite with the adjacent living room. Odds are you won’t be spending a lot of time hanging out in your hotel room; you really only need a place to get a good night’s sleep so you can spend the day exploring the area.

That said, don’t spend all your time exploring like a tourist; you have to eat, but do you really want to spend $20 on a burger at a theme restaurant? Instead, ask the locals for restaurant suggestions. Not only will these places likely be cheaper, but you will get an authentic dining experience. Also you can avoid unnecessary spending by avoiding heavy tourist areas; they are called tourist traps for a reason.

If a day trip is on your to-do list during vacation you won’t need to worry about hotels, but sticking to local restaurants is a good idea. Not only are you saving money, but you are helping out local businesses. The best way to save money during day trips is to plan your trip out in advance. It may seem fun to just arrive at your destination and go as you please, but you will probably find yourself spending more time traveling from place to place than you would like. Planning out your trip in advance gives you time to figure out the best way to go from location to location.

It is possible to have an enjoyable vacation without the guilt of reaching for those credit cards. And if you do find yourself needing access to more money while you are there, look for a credit union on the Shared Branch Network. You can find the one closest to you here.

A ‘Golden’ Moment For Maine Credit Unions’ Efforts To End Hunger

On February 13, at South Portland’s Marriot hotel, Maine’s credit unions made a major announcement on the success of their efforts towards “thawing” out hunger in Maine in 2011 at the Thaw to End Hunger Celebration Event. At this annual event, credit unions were recognized for their success in raising the most funds ever for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, and the official, record-breaking total was announced. This year’s total funds raised is $446,929.56, an increase of nearly $45,000 over last year’s record!

Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $4.3 million to help end hunger in Maine.

On Golden Pond Author & Academy Award Winner, Ernest Thompson, Joins Maine CUs to Announce New Fundraising Record for Ending Hunger in 2011

On Monday, February 13 at South Portland’s Marriot hotel, Maine’s credit unions will make a major announcement on the success of their efforts towards “thawing” out hunger in Maine in 2011 at the Thaw to End Hunger Results Celebration Event. At this annual event, credit unions will be recognized for their success in raising the most funds ever for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, and the official, record-breaking total will be announced. In 2010, the Campaign raised $402,740.02, and officials say the 2011 total represents a significant increase over that record amount. With the 2011 total, the Campaign will also surpass the $4 million mark in funds raised since the Campaign began.

The celebration will feature an address by On Golden Pond Author & Academy Award Winner, Ernest Thompson. In addition to giving the keynote address on community-service and the “can do” attitude he learned from spending nearly every summer in Maine, Thompson will take part in the unveiling of the big check announcing the total raised during the 2011 Ending Hunger Campaign.

So how much will the grand total be? Check back here following Monday’s event to find out!

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 9 to 12, 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!