6 Tricks to Make Halloween a Treat

Did you know that in 2013, consumers will spend just under $7 billion on candy corn, costumes, and creepy décor? That’s some serious Halloween dedication! However, more of us must have Financial Fitness on the brain, because spending is down from 2012, when spending peaked at over $8 billion.

Let us help you enjoy the Halloween season, without breaking your budget in the process!  Below are 6 frugal (but festive) tricks to make your Halloween a Treat …

1. Do a Costume Swap

Find a neighbor, relative, or family friend, and swap some costumes for the kids! This will help them have a variety of choices to choose from, and save you from those outrageously-priced costumes.

2. Create Your Own Costume
If your little one has their mind set on what they’d like to dress up as, but you don’t want to drop the cash on ‘the perfect outfit’, create your own costume! Figure out what pieces the costume is made of, and see how you can make it yourself for a lot less.  Inexpensive and unique!

3. Don’t Overstock the Candy Bowl

You never know just how many visitors you’ll have, so don’t spend an arm and a leg filling buckets and buckets of candy to hand out. While buying in bulk can get you more bang for your buck, don’t go overboard!  Set a price you want to spend, and know that it’s OK if you run out – just make sure you switch the porch light off.

4. Think Ahead

When buying your candy supply, plan on buying it ahead of time.  No, we’re not talking clearance Easter candy – but don’t wait until the few days before Halloween; that’s when prices are highest.

5.  Shop Around

If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin, do a little price comparison.  In some cases, a local pumpkin patch can offer reasonable prices (along with hay rides, free activities, and fun) – but sometimes a nearby supermarket may save you more.  Take the time to shop around and you’ll find the pumpkin and price you want.

6. D.I.Y.

If you want to really get into the spirit, look for ‘DIY’ (do it yourself) projects to make your own Halloween decorations!  Many projects use items you may already have around the house, and can be a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and kids – head to Pinterest for loads of fun ideas!

Halloween fun doesn't have to be expensive! By spending a little time comparing prices and getting your creative juices flowing, you’ll be able to enjoy the Halloween season, without it taking a toll on your Financial Fitness!

Our mission is to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit.

Fund Your Future!

It’s the time of year we find many High School seniors filled with excitement and enthusiasm (OK, nerves too) as college is on the horizon, closer than ever before.  While many are filled enthusiasm for the ‘next step’ in their life, they may also find they are weighed down with worry of the financial burdens that can come with college.  Have no fear; St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is here!

At SCFCU, we offer a Private Student Loan Program.  Our Student Loan program is affordable, easy to apply for, and has fast approval.  The program has a plethora of benefits, including:
-- Zero Origination Fees for all qualified student borrowers
-- Competitive Interest Rates (and with good grades, you’ll get even lower rates!)
-- 1% Interest Rate Reduction once 10% of the loan principal is repaid during the full repayment period
-- 30-day No-Fee Return Policy – allows you to cancel the loan if you find a better option
-- Cosigner Release available after 24 consecutive on-time principal + interest payments

You can borrow as little as $2,000 or up to the entire cost of attendance per year.  There is a maximum of $120,000 in Undergrad loans and $160,000 in graduate loans.  You can use your Student Loan for a variety of payments including tuition, cost of room and board, books or computer expenses, and even past due tuition bills!

You do not have to be a current Member of our Credit Union to apply, although to receive the loan you must become a Member for final loan approval.  The good news is, anyone who lives, works, or worships in the Tri-County (Stearns, Benton, or Sherburne) county area, or has an immediate family member that does can be a Member of St. Cloud Federal Credit Union!  For more information about our Student Loan program and it's requirements, visit https://stcloudfcu.coop/Student.php.  Or, CLICK HERE to apply now!

Congrats to all graduates, we’re proud of you and excited for what your future has to offer! 


 We are People Helping People.

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Youth Week 2013!

Who’s ready for some fun? At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we are very excited to announce Youth Week 2013, coming to our St. Cloud and Sartell locations the week of April 21^st – 27^th! We would love to have you come and help us celebrate National Credit Union Youth Week at a number of fun events we’ll be hosting…

All week you can stop by to pick up a coloring sheet for our coloring contest and have your “I’m a Star Saver because…” photo taken.  Also during Youth Week, all youth ages 12 and under who open an account at SCFCU will receive a Star Saver bank and gift bag!

Other exciting events include:

Root Beer Floats!

Join us Monday, April 22^nd from 2:30-4:30pm to kick off Youth Week with a delicious treat!  Root Beer floats will be offered at both locations.

Tour the Credit Union!

RSVP to 320-258-2161 by Wednesday 4-24 to have your very own tour of SCFCU on Thursday, April 25^th.  Tour times are at 10:30am, 3:30pm, 4:00pm, and 4:30pm.  There are limited spots available, so call today!

Winner, Winner!

On Friday, April 26^th we’ll choose 3 winners from our coloring contest and 4 random winners of our Star Saver photos and announce them at 3:00pm on our Facebook page.  Each winner will receive $25!

Movie Showing!

On Saturday, April 27^th at 10:00am we’ll be showing Wreck it Ralph in our lower level Community Room at our St. Cloud location (3030 First St. South).  Bring a pillow and blanket, we’ll pop the popcorn! Please RSVP to 320-258-2161 by Friday, 4/26.

We’re so excited to celebrate the Youth in our community and encourage Star Saving!  If you have any questions or would like to RSVP for our fun activities, please call 320-258-2161, or visit our Youth Week page on our website!  We hope to see you all during Youth Week!