After months of complaining about the cold, snow and lack of sunlight, the heat is finally here (or will be, after the rain stops)! While it can be tempting to complain about the climbing temperature, learning to combat the heat is a far more effective way to stay comfortable while taking advantage of this short weather window. Here are some ways to beat the heat, while still saving money!
• Find a cheap, cheerful and air-conditioned activity! Museums and libraries can be a great way to spend a hot afternoon!
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color, choosing cotton over synthetic fabrics.
• If you do have an air conditioner, take time to clean it to make it more energy efficient.
• Buy ice cream! It worked when you were little, and it will still do the trick today! As many smaller stands often don’t accept credit cards, be sure to stop by a Shared Branch, or Surcharge Free ATM, to get fast cash to fund your treat!
Enjoy the summer sunshine!
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Prevent the dreaded ‘summer brain drain’ and give your kids a head start this summer.
School is over and summer break has begun, time for your kids to relax and enjoy a summer of leisure. But did you know that on average, summer leads to the loss of two months worth of grade level math and reading skills? This is commonly known as ‘summer brain drain’ and can put children behind for the upcoming school year.
You can prevent summer brain drain by encouraging your kids to continue learning during the summer. No I don’t mean math worksheets and book reports; summer is the perfect time for kids to realize that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. For example, if you are going to the zoo or aquarium one weekend, have your child research their favorite animal the week before and they can tell you everything they learned while you are there.
Depending on your child’s age they could plant a garden; this can be a family activity as well. They can learn about seeds and food comes from; plus this is an easy way to exercise during the summer. You can plant a garden in your backyard, or get together with other families in your neighborhood and start a community garden.
Going to a summer barbeque? Have your child help you bake cupcakes to bring, not only is this fun and tasty, but it’s also a great way to have your child work on measurements and reading directions. Pick up some food coloring and let them get creative with the frosting.
A great way to help foster reading skills is to encourage your kids to start a neighborhood book club. Depending on their ages, kids can organize this on their own or you can help get them started. Let the children choose what books they want to ready, and allow then to hang out and play together afterwards. Books that have been made into movies allow them to compare and note any differences between the two.
Another great way to improve math skills is to teach your kids about money. Have them open a savings account at your local credit union. They can track any money they deposit and learn how to keep a ledger book. At the end of the summer they can use some of that money to purchase something for the new school year.
Preventing the dreaded summer brain drain doesn’t mean summer can’t be fun. These are just a few of the ways that you can help learning be fun and more relaxed than it might be in a school environment.
You can prevent summer brain drain by encouraging your kids to continue learning during the summer. No I don’t mean math worksheets and book reports; summer is the perfect time for kids to realize that learning isn’t limited to the classroom. For example, if you are going to the zoo or aquarium one weekend, have your child research their favorite animal the week before and they can tell you everything they learned while you are there.
Depending on your child’s age they could plant a garden; this can be a family activity as well. They can learn about seeds and food comes from; plus this is an easy way to exercise during the summer. You can plant a garden in your backyard, or get together with other families in your neighborhood and start a community garden.
Going to a summer barbeque? Have your child help you bake cupcakes to bring, not only is this fun and tasty, but it’s also a great way to have your child work on measurements and reading directions. Pick up some food coloring and let them get creative with the frosting.
A great way to help foster reading skills is to encourage your kids to start a neighborhood book club. Depending on their ages, kids can organize this on their own or you can help get them started. Let the children choose what books they want to ready, and allow then to hang out and play together afterwards. Books that have been made into movies allow them to compare and note any differences between the two.
Another great way to improve math skills is to teach your kids about money. Have them open a savings account at your local credit union. They can track any money they deposit and learn how to keep a ledger book. At the end of the summer they can use some of that money to purchase something for the new school year.
Preventing the dreaded summer brain drain doesn’t mean summer can’t be fun. These are just a few of the ways that you can help learning be fun and more relaxed than it might be in a school environment.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Make Summer a Time for Sharing!
Summer is not only a time for vacationing; it’s also a great time for volunteering! Take advantage of the sunny skies to do some good while having a good time! Work in your community garden, help clean up your neighborhood, or even help build a house! Check out volunteer opportunities here.
If you are short on time, but not on caring, why not take a look at what your credit union is doing in your community, and how you could make a donation to help their efforts. While credit unions participate in a variety of causes, credit unions throughout the state also take part in raising funds to end hunger through the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. These efforts are especially needed during the summer, as hunger organizations are working to feed a number of Maine’s children during summer vacation when there are not meals provided at school. Visit your CU today to see how you can help support this important cause!
If you are short on time, but not on caring, why not take a look at what your credit union is doing in your community, and how you could make a donation to help their efforts. While credit unions participate in a variety of causes, credit unions throughout the state also take part in raising funds to end hunger through the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. These efforts are especially needed during the summer, as hunger organizations are working to feed a number of Maine’s children during summer vacation when there are not meals provided at school. Visit your CU today to see how you can help support this important cause!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Savor the Season with Simple Summer Savings
The wonderfully warmer weather we’ve been enjoying lately (despite the recent damper of rain) may have made you start to daydream of the summer fun that is awaiting you – either through a well-earned vacation, or sending your children to the summer camp of their dreams. While these are certainly worth-while splurges, they can also mean significant damage to your budget. To ensure that you can have your strawberry shortcake and eat it too, here are some simple ways to save for whatever fun awaits you this summer!
• Eat out less – the season screams “picnic time”
• Hit up farmers markets for ingredients for your picnics! Local food is often cheaper – and taster
• Before splurging on a new summer wardrobe, take a look at last year’s clothes to see if you have any forgotten favorites
• Skip the dryer, and cut down your electricity bill by drying clothes outside
• Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use
• Before heading to a theater to see one of the latest blockbusters, ask yourself – do I really want to be inside on a sunny summer day?
• If faced with a rainy day, pull out the board games before ducking into that tempting movie theater
Wherever your plans take you, SURF and Shared Branching are always great time and money savers when traveling, or check out online or mobile account access – all great ways to stay in touch with your credit union!
Best wishes for summer fun (and savings)!
• Eat out less – the season screams “picnic time”
• Hit up farmers markets for ingredients for your picnics! Local food is often cheaper – and taster
• Before splurging on a new summer wardrobe, take a look at last year’s clothes to see if you have any forgotten favorites
• Skip the dryer, and cut down your electricity bill by drying clothes outside
• Replace air conditioner filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and can cause the system to run longer, increasing energy use
• Before heading to a theater to see one of the latest blockbusters, ask yourself – do I really want to be inside on a sunny summer day?
• If faced with a rainy day, pull out the board games before ducking into that tempting movie theater
Wherever your plans take you, SURF and Shared Branching are always great time and money savers when traveling, or check out online or mobile account access – all great ways to stay in touch with your credit union!
Best wishes for summer fun (and savings)!
Thursday, May 24, 2012
There’s more to do in Maine this weekend
Memorial Day weekend is coming up and the weather looks to be in our favor; so if you are looking for a way to spend the weekend with friends and family, look no further than your own backyard. There are plenty of activities for the whole family to participate in… all while staying in Maine.
1. Host a BBQ. This can easily be done on a budget. Offer to supply the location, grill and main dish, and have everyone bring a side dish or dessert. Not only will you get to hang out with friends and family, you never know when someone will bring a new recipe that you will love.
2. Go to the Beach… and bring your own snacks. Maine has one of the largest coastlines, and going to the beach is a free or low cost activity and can be an enormous amount of fun for friends, family and colleagues. Also, during the summer months the beach will be full of people of every age, creating an environment and atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure to pack your own lunches and snacks in a cooler. Being prepared with drinks, sandwiches and other items will save you money on concession stands and restaurants that are near the beach.
3. Visit a state park. Did you know that Maine has over 30 state parks? With that many places to choose from you are bound to find something for everyone. If you pack a picnic lunch this will only cost you the park admission fee with plenty of activities for the family.
1. Host a BBQ. This can easily be done on a budget. Offer to supply the location, grill and main dish, and have everyone bring a side dish or dessert. Not only will you get to hang out with friends and family, you never know when someone will bring a new recipe that you will love.
2. Go to the Beach… and bring your own snacks. Maine has one of the largest coastlines, and going to the beach is a free or low cost activity and can be an enormous amount of fun for friends, family and colleagues. Also, during the summer months the beach will be full of people of every age, creating an environment and atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Just make sure to pack your own lunches and snacks in a cooler. Being prepared with drinks, sandwiches and other items will save you money on concession stands and restaurants that are near the beach.
3. Visit a state park. Did you know that Maine has over 30 state parks? With that many places to choose from you are bound to find something for everyone. If you pack a picnic lunch this will only cost you the park admission fee with plenty of activities for the family.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Busy Year of Financial Fitness Fairs Ends on a High Note!
Credit unions in eastern Maine presented their eighth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience on Tuesday, May 15, at Eastern Maine Community College in Bangor. One hundred students from Bangor-area high schools participated in this year’s event. Participating schools included: Bangor High School, Bangor Christian Academy, Brewer High School, Hermon High School, and Orono High School. The day, which can be compared to an interactive ‘game of life,’ builds awareness for youth education and for credit unions’ dedication to financial literacy in their communities.
The Financial Fitness Money Management Experience is a half-day event during which students check in and receive a scenario packet of their life at age 22, which includes their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students will have to map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing.
This fair, as well as a smaller fair on May 18 in Dixfield, wraps up a busy year of Financial Fitness Fairs! During the 2011/12 school year, Maine credit unions are planning a record number of Financial Fitness - A Money Management Experience fairs across Maine, reaching 9,000 students!
Click here to see the fair in action!
The Financial Fitness Money Management Experience is a half-day event during which students check in and receive a scenario packet of their life at age 22, which includes their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students will have to map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing.
This fair, as well as a smaller fair on May 18 in Dixfield, wraps up a busy year of Financial Fitness Fairs! During the 2011/12 school year, Maine credit unions are planning a record number of Financial Fitness - A Money Management Experience fairs across Maine, reaching 9,000 students!
Click here to see the fair in action!
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Maine Credit Unions Share Words of Financial Wisdom
Credit unions are known for a lot of great things – from great rates on auto loans, to their willingness to go above and beyond to help a member. Something else credit unions are great at? Giving advice! Credit unions are often sought out to share their knowledge through the media on everything from fighting fraud to buying a home.
Maine’s Credit Unions were recently featured in the Graduation Edition of the publication, Navigating the Real World – a resource that goes out to all Maine High School students! In one article, Jon Paradise, Government & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, advises teens to ask for help if they get into financial trouble. “People do get into financial challenges and a lot of times it’s a learning experience. What you need to keep in mind is that you don’t have to be afraid to ask for help,” he says.
Seth Poplaski, Maine’s Young & Free Spokester, is also featured in the publication. As the voice of Maine’s 25 and under crowd, he cautions students about taking out too many college loans. “One of the best choices I ever made was to work through college so I could keep my college loans down,” he says.
You can read the articles, as well as see the interviews live at http://www.ntrw.org/.
Maine’s Credit Unions were recently featured in the Graduation Edition of the publication, Navigating the Real World – a resource that goes out to all Maine High School students! In one article, Jon Paradise, Government & Public Affairs Manager for the Maine Credit Union League, advises teens to ask for help if they get into financial trouble. “People do get into financial challenges and a lot of times it’s a learning experience. What you need to keep in mind is that you don’t have to be afraid to ask for help,” he says.
Seth Poplaski, Maine’s Young & Free Spokester, is also featured in the publication. As the voice of Maine’s 25 and under crowd, he cautions students about taking out too many college loans. “One of the best choices I ever made was to work through college so I could keep my college loans down,” he says.
You can read the articles, as well as see the interviews live at http://www.ntrw.org/.
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