Teaching Your Children to Control Their Finances

April is National Youth Savings Month, which is a good time to show that we value each of our members–especially the children! If you haven’t already, now is a good time to teach your kids about the value of a dollar and the power of financial control. Show them that they can invest, manage and grow their money as they grow, too. We’ve gathered easy ways children can build their savings and learn to be financially secure.

Set Up a Savings Account

To get started, set up a Youth Savings Account at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union. We provide youth savings accounts from birth to age 16. Valuable benefits come along with all youth accounts. Special incentives are given to children who make a deposit and prizes are awarded when a new youth account is opened! Our savings accounts are designed to make financial sense to youth and young teens–not just their parents.

Use Birthdays and Special Occasions as a Learning Opportunity

Children are given a number of gifts every year for their birthdays and holidays. Most of the gifts and cash they receive gets forgotten and rarely makes an impact on the child’s future. Next time your child receives cash for a gift, teach them that setting aside a percentage for later will be valuable for their future. Encourage them to save up for a big-ticket item instead of asking for one for gifts. This way, not only will your child get what they want, but they will understand the means it takes to get it.

Set Chores Around the House

According to The Center for Parenting Education, “Research indicates that those children who have a set of chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification...” Not only can your children earn small rewards for doing their chores, they are becoming financially fit without realizing it!

Encourage Your Kids to Become Mini Entrepreneurs

The next sunny summer day, make some lemonade with your children and help them set up a stand. They will begin to understand the value of working for the money you earn and exposes them to the idea of success. They’ll better understand finance by making change and saving their profits.

Babysitting

Babysitting teaches responsibility and will help young teens prepare for the future. Babysitting is common for young kids to put on their first job applications. The quality lessons they’ve learned will better prepare them for future jobs. The cash they earned can be put into savings for the future, too!

These are just a few of the ways you can get your kids involved in saving and becoming more financially savvy. For more ideas, follow St. Cloud Federal Credit Union on Facebook, or visit our website.

Seven Safety Tips for Trick-or-Treating

Halloween is just around the corner, and as always – the safety of our Members and Community is very important to us.  Below are 7 tips for making sure you and your gang Trick-or-Treat safely this year…

1. Plan Your Route

It’s a good idea to decide what neighborhoods and streets you’ll be visiting for Trick-or-Treating ahead of time so you know you aren't wandering too far from home, which may result in some tired little legs.  Make sure it is a familiar neighborhood, in case any one gets separated.

2. Be Seen

When you’re putting the final touches on costumes and treat bags, consider adding a few strips of reflective tape to assure your kiddos can be seen.  Also, remember to carry along a flashlight, for when it gets dark – it’ll be helpful for tying shoes and seeing where you’re going.

3. Walk on the Sidewalk

This safety tips has two parts; first, make sure you and your goblins and ghosts walk while Trick-or-Treating for everyone’s safety. Second, make sure they stay on the sidewalk or a cleared path.  You never know when a car is going to turn down a street, and you may not be able to see items on the road that could cause a spill.

4. Make Trip-Free Costumes

When you’re getting ready to go, make sure everyone’s costumes are an appropriate length.  This may mean trimming the bottom, or adjusting the height of where a costume is worn, but it will also make for a safe, comfortable, and fun evening.

5. Fuel Up

Make sure you take the time to have a good meal (or snack, depending on the time) before Trick-or-Treating.  Also, have a water bottle along so that everyone stays hydrated.  It’ll help the kids (and you!) enjoy the night without having to substitute Skittles for a sandwich.

6. Lit Houses Only

This rule of thumb is one of the most basic Trick-or-Treating practices, but we wanted to include it in our reminders.  Make sure to only approach houses that are well-lit.  If there’s a light on but no one answers your knock, skip the house – they must like the tricks more than the treats.

7. Check the Candy

Before your kids dive into their bag of goodies, have a look at their candy. No, we don’t suggest this so you can pick out your favorite pieces (although 1 or 2 might not hurt), but so that you can assure that any candy that is not properly wrapped or labeled can be thrown out. Better to be safe than sorry!

We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween night, not-so-full of tricks and abundant in treats!

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

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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.

ID Theft: It Can Happen to Anyone!

Safety of our Members and our Community is always a priority at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union.  In the past, we’ve posted blog about how to stay safe online, and what we can do to help should any sort of identity theft occur. 

Over the past months, we’ve been focusing on the Financial Fitness of our Youth Members, in addition to our adult Members.  ID Theft criminals are using children’s social security numbers more frequently for anything from employment, apartment applications, open credit, checking, or phone accounts, and even access government benefits.  Mark Pribish, Merchant’s Info Group Vice President, and ID Theft Practice Leader covers a plethora of ID Theft safety tips for children on the internet, and even their personal information in schools.  We’ve highlighted a few of these below…

Online:

- Discuss the differences between a safe and secure website, and one that is not.

- Consider creating a list of which sites are OK to visit and which ones are definitely not.

- Talk with your children about letting you know when they come across a website they feel is suspicious. 

- Keep virus and malware software up to date and running properly.

- Remind youth of some basic online safety practice like: never give a phone number or address, don’t use full first and last names, don’t post photos without permission, and don’t download or open unknown files or programs.

At School:

 - Ask schools how your child’s information is collected, used, stored, and thrown away each school year.

- Make sure you know how school and extra curricular programs use your child’s date of birth, address, telephone number, and photo.

- If you feel as though information is requested that is not necessary, inquire why such details are needed.

- Thoroughly read privacy policies and make sure you are aware of how information is used and shared.

Some other basic safety tips are to always keep confidential documents (social security cards, passports, birth certificates, etc.) in a safe or locked file, and never give more information that you feel comfortable with.  Go with your gut feeling, and your child will thank you!

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


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Six Back-To-School Savings Tips

It’s that time of year… you know, right after they put the red, white, and blue  picnic décor away, but just before the Halloween candy comes out – yes, Back-to-School time!  Getting ready to send the kiddos back to school can be exciting, nostalgic, and a little stressful.  Don’t let the rising expense of supplies and list of needs bring you down, there are ways to save and keep you Financially Fit…

1. Sooner isn’t always Better

While it is exciting to see those shiny folders, vibrant crayons, and fresh bottles of glue line the shelf early on, it’s not always the best idea to buy your supplies right when they hit the floor.  According to an article from MSNMoney, holding off on the first ‘Back-to-School Sale’ and waiting for later sales will save you money.

2. Make a list of Needs, BEFORE going to the store

Before you embark on the trip to the store for Number 2 pencils, make a detailed list of what you need.  Take the list the school has given, add any other necessities, and stick to the list.  Remember that in some cases, different children in different grades will need different supplies – so it’s important to look at various necessities.  Remember to stick to the list! If it says 24 pack of crayons and 2 glue sticks, get the 24 pack (not 48) and 2 glue sticks (not 5).

3. Reduce, Reuse, Save Money

Once you've made your detailed list, shop around at home first.  Check the supplies the kids brought home from school at the end of the year and see which folders will hold up, which markers still work, and if there are notebooks with a decent amount of paper left in them.  Reusing school supplies that still have some life left in them will save you money, and create a whole lot less waste.

4. Keep an eye out for Give-Aways

Watch your local ads and flyers for any back to school giveaways!  You might find a deal for a free notebook with a purchase of folders, or a free ruler with a pack of pens, etc.  If you need the items, it never hurts to get a little something free along with it that you can also check off the list!

5. Buy in Bulk

After looking at the handy-dandy list you made, you know you’ll have to pick up a half dozen notebooks and fifteen folders, why not buy in bulk? Depending on the age of your child, a large pack of loose-leaf paper may be a less spendy alternative to notebooks, and splitting a large pack of colored pencils could be cheaper than buying two or three.  If you don’t have multiple kids to split the supplies between, consider going supply shopping with another parent or two and divvy up what you need.

6.  Keep it Basic

There are loads of supplies with sparkles, gems, sports teams, and TV stars on them, but are often more expensive than the generic supplies as well.  While it’s fun to splurge by letting the kiddos pick out 1 or 2 ‘fancy’ items, the ‘plain’ colored folders and yellow pencils will work just as well, and save you some money.

Don’t let the cost of back-to-school time take the excitement out of your school shopping, it doesn't have to break your budget.  Make a list, have some fun, and get the kids ready for a great school year ahead!

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

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Summer Fun - For Less {Part 2}

As you may have read, we have a compiled a list of 10 ways you can have fun this summer, without spending 'an arm and a leg' - and below is the second half of that list.  We always strive for Financial Fitness, so this Summer vacation, we encourage you to try some activities that will keep more money in your account and smiles on everyone’s face...

6. Keep Learning

Just because school is out doesn't mean learning needs to stop! Make a calendar with your youngsters and pick a different theme for what you want learn about that week.  Pick fun and interesting topics like stars and constellations, cloud formations, bugs and insects, the environment, animals, and more!

7. Go to the Library

Libraries are a jackpot for afternoons and days of fun, for free! Many local libraries not only offer an endless supply of summer reading, but you can also check out movies and audio tracks as well.  Ask at your local library for any summer activities for the kiddos or book clubs for adults.

8. Plan a game night

Gather a few neighborhood friends and families and host a game night!  Ask each family to bring a snack to share and a game of their choice and make an evening out of it!  You’ll get to know other families and maybe even learn a new game or two!

9. S’more fun

If it’s legal in your neighborhood, pick a night and have a bonfire and camp out!  Grab some hot dogs and s’more ingredients, maybe a game, and some music.  This can be a nice way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the summer evenings. 

10. Volunteer

There are many places that would love to have extra help during the summer months.  You can volunteer at all kinds of places – an animal shelter, a food shelf, or a recycling center – even an afternoon of picking up littered trash can be a huge help.  You’ll feel better too!

There are hundreds of other ways you can have fun this Summer without spending heaps of money.  Be creative, try new things, and think outside the box!  Whatever you do, make the most of it and have fun – Financial Fitness doesn't have to mean sacrificing a good time!

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


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Summer Fun - For Less! {Part 1}

Uh-oh, it’s the 3^rd day of Summer break and you've already heard the dreaded words: “I’m bored.” During Summer, it can be easy to slip into lazy habits, and redundant routines.  But don't worry- having fun and doing activities doesn't always have to cost money!  Because of our Financial Fitness goals, we've compiled a list of 10 things you can do this Summer without ruining your budget - below are the first 5...

1. Head to the Beach

There’s nothing like sand, sun, and waves to make for a great summer afternoon!  Find a nearby lake or pond, and go for a dip! Make a day of it and pack a picnic – the sun and water will be a refreshing way to enjoy the summer atmosphere.

2. Wash the Car

Unwind the hose, grab some sponges, and have fun!  Washing the car is another way for kids to cool off on a sunny day and still help out with chores – plus, your car will look great!

3. Check out Neighborhood Parks

The great thing about summer is being able to spend time outside.  You can play, relax, and maybe even get in on some fun events held at parks near you. Check  your local calendar for details!

4. Have a Lemonade Stand

When you come across a good deal on lemonade at the grocery store (or maybe the nearby dollar store), pick some up and make a lemonade stand! A lemonade stand can be a great way for kids to spend the afternoon, and learn about money too!

5. Visit Town Festivals

During the summer months, many small town communities host their own home-town festivals and offer local (and often live) music, food, art, and festivities!  Put on your walking shoes and see what all the excitement is about.

As you can see, having a good time doesn't always mean spending a lot of money!  Having fun and seeing new things can be low-cost, and even free.  Stay tuned for 5 more Summer activities that will keep you Financially Fit in Part 2!



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


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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!

Help Make Miracles

At St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we are always looking for ways to contribute to others and strengthen our sense of community.  Since January 10^th, we have been participating in the Chain of Hearts fundraiser for Gillette Children’s Hospital of St. Paul, MN.  There’s still time for you to join the cause!  Until February 28^th, you can purchase a paper link ($1) or paper heart ($2) at either of our Sartell or St. Cloud locations. 

All proceeds raised will benefit the children at Gillette’s and their clinics across the state, helping to relieve the financial burdens of children with disabilities and chronic conditions.  Since 1897, Gillette Children’s Hospitals have been on the forefront of medical treatment, education, and research for children with a variety of disabilities.  Gillette’s mission is to help patients realize the greatest possible independence, well-being, and enjoyment in life.

In 2012, Minnesota credit unions partnered with the Children’s Miracle Network were able to raise over $41,000 for Gillette Children’s Hospitals.  Each personalized heart or link purchased are displayed in our lobbies, a first hand example of our People Helping People mission. 

We strongly encourage all our members, community residents, and area businesses to contribute in any way they can.  Please show your love for Minnesota’s kids by stopping in, writing your name on a heart, and donating what you can to support Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare.

For more information about Credit Unions 4 Kids, visit http://www.cu4kids.org/