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.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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.
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!
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.
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.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Maine vacations are filled with fun, without emptying your wallet
School is out and summer is here, now it’s time to relax and take a vacation! But with rising gas prices and today’s economy, taking a trip can be hard on your wallet. So why go broke taking a vacation out of state? People travel from all across the country to vacation in Maine! Why spend your summer going somewhere else when there are plenty of things to do right here! Maine offers everything from sailing in Bar Harbor to shopping in Portland and Kittery, with everything in between. So whether your ideal vacation is shopping, laying on the beach, white water rafting or visiting amusement parks Maine has something for everyone without ruining your budget.
Maine’s credit unions offer over 200 ATMs as part of the SurF network, and many are part of the Shared Branch Network. So, you know that you will never have to pay a four dollar surcharge fee to use an ATM, or have to wait till you get home to access your account. With access to branches and ATMs throughout the state you know that whether you’re antiquing in Belfast, waterskiing in Naples, hiking in Acadia National Park or visiting the Wildlife Park in Gray, there’s always a credit union there to help you save your money. So why go elsewhere? After all, Maine is Vacationland.
Maine’s credit unions offer over 200 ATMs as part of the SurF network, and many are part of the Shared Branch Network. So, you know that you will never have to pay a four dollar surcharge fee to use an ATM, or have to wait till you get home to access your account. With access to branches and ATMs throughout the state you know that whether you’re antiquing in Belfast, waterskiing in Naples, hiking in Acadia National Park or visiting the Wildlife Park in Gray, there’s always a credit union there to help you save your money. So why go elsewhere? After all, Maine is Vacationland.
Monday, June 15, 2009
A lot goes into having your first job, Maine credit unions are here to help.
Starting your first job is equal parts daunting and exhilarating; you think about everything from what you have to wear, to what time you need to wake up in the morning. There are some things that you don’t always think about, though. Things like needing an account in case your job requires direct deposit, or making sure you have enough money saved if you happen to have car trouble.
Then there are numerous problems that can occur. What if you need to make it to the bank one day, but it closes before you can get there, or your bank is charging you for several fees? That’s when being a member of a credit union becomes helpful. You will have an account already set up for direct deposits, and with many credit unions a member of SURF and Shared Branching, you have access to over 200 ATMs and over 100 credit union locations throughout the state. And because credit unions tend to have lower interest rates, getting a car loan is easy, ensuring that you always have transportation. The transition from school to your first job is exciting, and being a credit union member helps make the transition a smooth one.
Then there are numerous problems that can occur. What if you need to make it to the bank one day, but it closes before you can get there, or your bank is charging you for several fees? That’s when being a member of a credit union becomes helpful. You will have an account already set up for direct deposits, and with many credit unions a member of SURF and Shared Branching, you have access to over 200 ATMs and over 100 credit union locations throughout the state. And because credit unions tend to have lower interest rates, getting a car loan is easy, ensuring that you always have transportation. The transition from school to your first job is exciting, and being a credit union member helps make the transition a smooth one.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Recent college grad finds that Maine credit unions offer more when entering the ‘real world’
After four long years of staying up drinking coffee and RedBull like it’s your job to finish those last minute term papers, a new group of college graduates are released from the safe confines of college campuses to the real world. Just when you thought life would get easier we are faced with the economic problems of the world today. From the struggle of finding a job, to having to move back in with your parents, money is a big issue. From where to get it, to how to save it; college graduates just know that they want it, now.
Looking back, I realize that college would have been a lot easier if I had used a credit union that had Shared Branching, allowing me to access more than 200 ATMs throughout the state, instead of my small local bank that was three hours away nine months of the year. But like many college students I didn’t even know there was a difference between a credit union and a bank. I hadn’t considered what would happen after graduation, or how I was going to manage my money; I was more concerned about passing my classes, hanging out with friends and being obsessed with checking Facebook every minute of the day.
Now that I am done with school, reality has set in. With the price of apartment rentals and car insurance weighing on my mind, I’m wondering how I will start to pay off my school loans in a few months, in addition to rent, food, and other daily expenses. This has helped me to appreciate the difference being a CU member makes. Credit Unions have lower fees and lower interest rates on loans than most banks; with loan types ranging from personal to credit card, this makes affording the things I need easier. Maine credit unions are owned and organized by its members, not shareholders making money off of my account.
Looking back, I realize that college would have been a lot easier if I had used a credit union that had Shared Branching, allowing me to access more than 200 ATMs throughout the state, instead of my small local bank that was three hours away nine months of the year. But like many college students I didn’t even know there was a difference between a credit union and a bank. I hadn’t considered what would happen after graduation, or how I was going to manage my money; I was more concerned about passing my classes, hanging out with friends and being obsessed with checking Facebook every minute of the day.
Now that I am done with school, reality has set in. With the price of apartment rentals and car insurance weighing on my mind, I’m wondering how I will start to pay off my school loans in a few months, in addition to rent, food, and other daily expenses. This has helped me to appreciate the difference being a CU member makes. Credit Unions have lower fees and lower interest rates on loans than most banks; with loan types ranging from personal to credit card, this makes affording the things I need easier. Maine credit unions are owned and organized by its members, not shareholders making money off of my account.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)