Coaching Kids To Stretch A Buck Makes A Memorable Lesson

Make smart shopping a family affair! Studies indicate that parents who encourage their children to participate in the shopping process provide their children with an opportunity to gain valuable experience in how money works and are more likely to develop strong money management skills.

Here are some ideas to involve your kids as you develop – and stick to – a family budget!

1. Coach your kids on the concept of budgeting. Explain that spending too much now means there may not be enough later for something else they want.
2. Set a budget that encourages them to plan. Provide each child a set amount for needs and help them stick to that budget.
3. Help them inventory what they already have before going on a shopping trip.
4. Ask them to make a list of what they really need vs. want.
5. Hold a yard sale of outgrown or unneeded items to raise money for their next shopping trip. While you’ll probably want to oversee the sale, encourage your kids to get involved in the pricing, set-up, and selling. They’ll value the profits more, having worked for them.
6. Find fun ways to avoid paying full retail price. Start with charity and consignment shops. If you do need to buy new, peruse sale flyers and search for online coupons first. Above all, stick to your shopping list.
7. Consider sharing with the less fortunate. Thinking about those truly in need helps put shopping “must haves” into perspective.

Click here for other tools and resouces to help kids start out on the best financial foot!

There's More End of Summer Fun in Maine

Summer is almost over so make the best of it by attending local fairs, festivals and farmers markets!  There are several events happening this weekend throughout the state, from the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, to The American Folk Festival in Bangor, and the Acton Fair in Southern Maine. You can find additional events near you here.

Or if fried fair food isn’t what you are looking for check out your local farmers market.  This is a great way to support local farmers and pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables.  This is a great opportunity to try an ingredient you have never used before and create a new and exciting dish.  If you have small children take them along and use this as an opportunity to teach them about where their food comes from; plus they may be more inclined to eat their vegetables if they helped pick them out.  Click here to find a market near you.

Don’t forget that many fairs and farmers markets only accept cash.  Look for a SURF ATM along the way and you won’t have to worry about those pesky surcharge-fees.  Find a SURF ATM here or download the SURF locator app from iTunes so you always have the ability to SURF on the go!

Maine’s Credit Unions Celebrate the Last Weeks of Summer with a Bang!

There are still several weeks of summer left – and Maine’s Credit Unions have been taking advantage of every sun-soaked minute! Last weekend, Maine’s Young & Free Spokester, Kylie Keene, helped Bangor celebrate the KahBang Festival as she introduced bands and connected with the crowd! Young & Free also showed a musical side as Sound Off! Competition winner, Rob Burnell opened the KahBlock Party! Check in to Youngfreemaine.com soon to see Kylie’s footage of the exciting event!

The summer still has many festivals, fairs and celebrations in store as we make our way to Labor Day! Here’s just a few for you to look forward to!

August 18, Brunswick
Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival

August 23-26, Presque Isle
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Northern Maine Fairgrounds

August 24-26, Bangor
American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront

August 25, Wells
Annual Chili-Fest

August 30-September 3, Blue Hill
Blue Hill Fair

August 23-26, Acton
Acton Fair

Click here for a complete listing, and here to find a listing for Maine’s largest Surcharge-free ATM Network, SURF, should you need cash along the way!

Surf Wherever You Go and See the Savings Roll In!

 Did you know that Maine Credit Unions have the largest surcharge-free ATM network in the state?  As a credit union member you have access to over 200 surcharge free ATMs throughout Maine, using these ATM’s can save you an average of $300 a year in surcharge fees alone. Who would want to pass up a deal like that, but have you ever been out and needed to use an ATM, but don’t know what ones are on the SURF network.  Just look for SURF Dude.

If you see SURF Dude on your ATM then you know that you’re in the SURF Zone – and that means no ATM fees!  If you are on the go, look up our SURF locator app on iTunes, or click here for a list of locations.  So next time you are out and need to access an ATM, whether you’re taking out cash or making a deposit, look for SURF Dude and keep your money where it belongs...  with you!

Credit Unions with Character!

When it comes to connecting with kids, Maine credit union’s have some pretty big personalities. Credit unions throughout the state have been using mascots paired with unique youth programs to connect with their youngest members, helping to create life-long savings habits!

From the legendary Monty Moose, who can be seen at community events throughout the state, to the quirky Kirby Kangaroo or the Superhero “Centsables” credit unions are all about making finances fun and accessible for all Mainers.

Bring the fun – and learning – home! Click here for a complete listing of Youth Financial Literacy resources – from fun games for five year-olds to tips for college Freshmen!