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.

New Year’s Resolutions for Financial Health

Next to physical health, financial health is at the center of many Americans’ New Year’s resolutions. If you’ve resolved to finally get your finances in check this year, use these tips to save more, spend less, and make this your year!

Like other lofty goals, taking small, manageable steps in the right direction is going to be the key to actually succeeding. And just like other improvements in one’s life, deciding to make a change is the biggest hurdle to making a difference.

1. Save Wherever You Can

A person’s financial health depends on many factors, not the least of which is their ability to pay for emergencies out of savings rather than cash flow. So how do you boost your savings on regular basis?

First, decide on the portion of your tax return, bonus, or financial windfall that will go to your savings account and what will go toward paying off any debt you may be carrying. Second, slide some of your income into savings before it even gets into your hands. Use payroll deductions from St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to put a portion of your paycheck directly into savings.

2. Get on the Same Page as Your Spouse

According to a study by SunTrust banks, nearly half of all respondents have different spending habits than their partners, which is why this made our list. It is difficult to reach financial goals as a couple if you don’t agree on the goals or how to get there. Not to mention that financial stress is the number one cause of marital stress for those who indicated stress in their relationship.

Sit down together and take stock of where your finances are. Make the following decisions together:

• Decide what you’d like to accomplish in the next year, whether it’s paying down debt, opening a college savings fund, or just keeping monthly spending to a specific and firm budget. 
• Decide who is best to manage your finances. If the current arrangement isn’t working, think about having the other person step in.
• Set your budget and make a plan to stick to it. That brings us to the next suggestion.

3. Watch Those Little Purchases

Whether you’re single or attached, make a budget. Look carefully at your monthly and yearly income, and where it was spent last year. Are you happy with what you see? Is it what you expected?

Setting a weekly and monthly budget with spending caps can help you reach your year-end goals. Watch those little purchases that may have made up more of your spending than you thought, such a parking, eating out, coffeehouse visits, or traffic tickets. Although they seem small at the time, adding these small tickets to your burden every single week or month will end up creating a big hole in your financial plan.

4. Watch Those Big Purchases

Ah, the splurge. Whether it was a Christmas gift or a mid-winter vacation, one large purchase outside the scope of your budget can throw things off for months. Discuss these big ticket items with a financial advisor to proactively set a plan for achieving it. Americans often have a habit of buying first and thinking about it later, which is a sure way to rack up debt. Shop around, compare prices, check your impulses, and remember that it’s ok to say no to yourself in favor of your greater goals of financial freedom.

5. Check Interest Rates

If reducing your debt is one of your goals—and if you have debt, it should be—look at the interest rates you’re paying. Get rid of the balances that carry the highest rate, and work down from there. If you’re not sure where to start, this is one strategy for tackling debt.

Similarly, compare interest rates for savings accounts and money market accounts. Talk with a representative at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to determine if the money you’re saving could be earning you more.

6. Plan for Retirement

According to the 2016 Financial Literacy Survey, one-quarter of Americans don’t save any of their annual income toward retirement. Lauren Brouhard, Senior Vice President of Retirement at Fidelity Investments, recommends saving 15% of your income to ensure a comfortable retirement.

If you haven’t opened your 401k retirement plan or checked in on its performance, do that immediately. If your employer offers a matching contribution to your 401k, be sure to take advantage.


For assistance with any of these tactics, we encourage you to let St. Cloud Federal Credit Union help you maintain this year’s New Year’s resolutions!

Financial Fitness Resolutions

With 2014 at a close, it’s time to set your New Year’s Financial Fitness resolution. Setting a financial goal for 2015 will develop a rewarding habit that will continue for many years to come. Whether you are spending less money on the morning coffee, or setting aside a higher percentage of your paycheck for retirement, it’s time to start thinking about your financials, and we are here to help. The following are four easy tips to start your year off right.


Start envelope budgeting- Envelope budgeting is putting cash aside every month for your spending. You can start by dividing your money into certain categories. These can include taxes, rent, child expenses, groceries, date night and more. Assign each category to an envelope and budget your money to each category. Use the money as needed for each category. This will help you decide whether you need to spend the money, or if you can leave it for another time.

Pay down debt- Write down all your cards, their balance, and what the interest rate is on each. Increase payments on the card with the highest rate. If you aren’t already, try paying off the most expensive debt first, and try paying more than the minimum balance on it. Paying only a small percentage of the balance only prolongs the payoff.

Save more for retirement- Start saving, and keep saving! You will reward yourself in the long run if you continue to put 10 to 15 percent of your paycheck in a retirement fund. Make sure you know your retirement needs. Every individual’s retirement needs are different. Determine your needs ahead of time so you can prepare yourself- and your money- for the long haul.

Meet with a financial advisor- These men and women have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through financial decisions. They offer realistic goals that you can reach with their help. Invest in a good advisor and you can get started towards retirement in the right direction.


The best New Year’s resolution you can make is one to develop your own financial fitness. St. Cloud Federal Credit Union is here to answer all your questions you may have about getting yourself “in shape” for 2015. Give us a call at 320-252-2634 for more information. Have a very happy Holiday season and New Year!

5 Ways to Save Money During the Holiday Season

The holiday season can be great for many reasons. It’s a great time to be with friends and family, throw company parties, and attend religious gatherings. While the holiday season can be great it can also be very stressful. Naturally there are a lot of reasons for this, but it seems the one main reason is financial obligations. With so much going on during the holiday season, it is quite easy to lose track of how you are spending your money until it is too late. Here are five ways to save money during the holiday season…

1. Know Your Budget

The biggest piece of advice we can give is to know your limitations. Figure out what is worth purchasing and doing and what is not. We’re not saying that you should limit your holiday activities, but we are encouraging you to be smart with your money. By setting a budget of how much you can afford to spend during the holidays, you will be putting yourself in a position to stay #FinanciallyFit. Your budget should include: gifts being purchased, food costs, travel costs, event costs, and anything else you plan on doing over the holidays. Create this budget, then be prepared to stick to it. It won’t be easy, but it will be rewarding.

2. Homemade Gifts
Some of the best gifts are not ones that cost a lot, but rather those that come from the heart. Instead of spending your money on gifts for family and friends, invest your time and talent into creating their gifts yourself. To most people, family and friends mean more than anyone, so think of something that they would enjoy. Here are some possible gifts to make:

• Blankets 
• Hats & scarves 
• Toy chests & jewelry boxes 
• Artwork 

3. Do Activities That Don’t Require Money

An outing with friends and family is a great way to spend time with those closest to you. However, not everything you do needs to cost money. There are plenty of things that don’t cost money, such as:

• Iceskating 
• Sledding/Skiing 
• Caroling 
• Snowshoeing 

These are not only examples of creative family gifts that they will remember forever, but also a good way to stay active and get outside during the winter.

4. Potlucks
The typical holiday feasts are definitely something that most people look forward to. The holiday season is sure to be filled with delicious meals. However, these meals can be quite expensive for one person or family to host. Consider pitching in and having a team effort. A potluck is a great way for everyone to join in on contributing to the feast. Through a potluck, you might be able to enjoy foods you would perhaps normally be hesitant to try.

5. Save your money

Earlier, we covered setting a budget and sticking to it. Have you ever thought about the best way to use the gift cards and financial gifts you receive during the holiday season? It seems as though our natural impulses tell us to instantly spend it, but that is not acting #FinanciallyFit. Rather, resist your natural urges and save your money. Think about what you would spend money on if you had not been given the money as a gift. Once you are absolutely sure what you want and CAN afford it, go ahead. You will be in a much better situation to enjoy your purchases.


Hopefully these five tips help you better stay ahead financially and enjoy the holiday season!

Financial Fitness Tips For College Students

Hey, everyone, Financial Fitness Phoebe here, hoping this finds you thoroughly enjoying this beautiful summer season.

If you’re a student, chances are you’re beginning to think about the start of that fall semester, and everything that goes along with it. Now, while we’re all acutely aware of the fact that college tuition is expensive, we might not always meditate on just how much money it costs to live the student lifestyle.

The fact is, a staggering number of students leave their alma maters with tens of thousands in debt - and not just because of tuition loans. So, in the spirit of kickstarting some healthy habits pre-fall semester, we’ve come up with a few ways to minimize unnecessary spending - and none of them involve killing the fun of college. 

PAIR UP WITH A FRUGAL ROOMMATE

One of the best ways to stay on top of maintaining good habits is to stick with someone who will hold you accountable. When it comes time to select living arrangements, look for a domestic pal with budget-conscious tendencies. Like any good routine-building, it always helps to have someone to lean on.


HAVE HEALTHY HABITS

Get exercise; studies show that physically fit people are happier and liable to be more driven and focused in everyday life. If you’re a smoker, ditch it. At over $8 a pack here in Minnesota these days, it’s a habit that few can honestly afford to maintain.


BE A HOMEBODY
Now, this is definitely not to say that you shouldn’t hit the town now and then; after all, as a student, you shouldn’t deprive yourself of much-needed time out with friends.Still, preparing meals at home is a killer method of saving money. By making dinner and drinks out the exception, instead of the rule, you’ll see a lot more green in your bank account at the end of every month...and you’ll be able to splurge guilt-free on those treasured occasions.


USE THE LIBRARY

The best free resource for books, movies and music is right at your fingertips - the library. Sure, you might have to wait for a particular title to return to circulation, but you’ll be enjoying the things you like at no cost to you, whenever you like. Just make sure to avoid pesky late fees by delivering them home on time...


JOIN AN INTRAMURAL SPORTS TEAM

Plenty of us well-intentioned folks sign up for memberships at fitness clubs, only to watch our memberships collect dust on our own dimes. Most colleges and universities boast a wide array of intramural sports, completely free (after buying the necessary gear.) Have a favorite sport? Contact the program board at your school and see if there’s a league you can join!


SAVE YOUR MONEY
Ahh, the no-brainer that must be mentioned. When you manage to stick to your budget (by using the tips above and more) you’ll likely end up in the black after your bills are paid. Get that cash into a savings account!

Now, if you do find yourself short on the cash you need for collegiate expenses, remember, we’re here to help! It really is in your best interest to be frugal, but if you do need short-term funds, we can help with a small loan to help you succeed this fall. We’ll be right here with you to make sure you stay on top of your finances and repayment options!

Affordable Summer Fun in Central Minnesota

Howdy folks, Financial Fitness Phoebe here, hoping this finds all of you happily soaking in this elusive season called summer!

Here at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, our focus is on helping you save your pennies while getting the most out of life. And frankly, at times, it can seem like everything fun costs money.

Well, central Minnesotans, during the summer months, that’s not completely true. Our area is teeming, week in and week out, with a ton of highly affordable community events and activities perfect for the whole family.

Today, we’ll give you a rundown of a few things to put on the calendar this summer!

SUMMERTIME BY GEORGE

Since it’s inception in 2011, Summertime By George has continuously thousands of people into the center of St. Cloud on Wednesday evenings for live music from beloved local musicians, food from area restaurants and vendors, handmade arts and crafts, and a whole lot more. The weekly outdoor festival happens each week through August at Eastman Park, more commonly known as Lake George.

If you haven’t attended one of these yet, not only are you missing out, but you’re rapidly becoming a minority! Last year’s final Summertime by George night pulled in a whopping 13,000 attendees. We figure this many people can’t be wrong - and at no cost, it’s well worth your while to explore Summertime by George! 

MUSIC IN THE GARDENS

Here’s another regular musical outing in a lovely Mississippi River-side setting. Music in the Gardens brings talented musicians together every other Sunday afternoon near the Gazebo in Munsinger Gardens. Like Summertime by George, the tunes are free - and if you’re feeling decadent, you can snag a root beer float for a buck! 

BENTON COUNTY FAIR

There are a ton of fairs to visit around central Minnesota, but for our purposes, let’s talk about the one closest to the St. Cloud metro area - the Benton County Fair. This is the highlight of summer for a lot of people, and it’s not hard to see why. The fair, held from August 5-10 at the fairgrounds in Sauk Rapids, has something for everyone: barns full of fun and prize-winning animals, great, classic fair food from local vendors, a talent show, live music and a beer garden in the evening and, of course, the fairway. Yes, we know the fair can take a chunk out of the wallet, so budget a little cash for the goodies. And remember - there’s no charge to walk around and people-watch! :) 

QUARRY PARK

We here in central Minnesota have something not everyone has - easy access to beautiful, natural places. One of these is the perennially popular Quarry Park and Nature Preserve.

As far as county parks go, it doesn’t get much better. The 684-acre preserve features a Granite reflecting pool, many miles’ worth of biking and hiking paths, some seriously fun trout fishing, and, of course, the beloved swimming holes that brave souls in our community leap into from high places! All you need is a day pass to cover the whole family - or, if you’re thinking about making a return appearance, you can snag an annual permit for the cool price of $16. 

Well, that’s our short list of things to keep you busy - and in the black - this summer. And we want to know - what’s your favorite central Minnesota activity for summertime? Leave us a comment and let us know! Enjoy the season, everyone!

Stay Cool For Less

Hey there folks! Financial Fitness Phoebe here, hoping you’re all enjoying this Minnesota enigma we call summer.

We all know that once summer hits, and hits HARD, it’s going to be difficult to resist cranking the air conditioner on full-blast. But, while A/C might hit the spot when it comes to comfort, it’s not as satisfying when considering your wallet. In fact, the typical U.S. home spends 17% of its annual energy bill on cooling; that’s about $375!

If you have central air or another AC unit, it’s inevitable that you’ll start it up on those blisteringly hot days. BUT, in this season of family vacations, ice cream outings, and general summertime decadence, we’ve collected a variety of ideas for staying cool without completely relying on that money-sucking air conditioning system - keeping more money in your pocket for fun! Here are 5 favorites!

WINDOWS SHUT AND BLINDS DRAWN

Yeah, I know, I know...it’s a little bit of a bummer to keep the sun out on these gorgeous days. Still, we stand to save a lot of green by shielding our homes from the sun’s powerful rays. tightly-sealed windows coupled with blinds or lined curtains can reduce the need for your air conditioner - just make sure you open up those windows on cool evenings!

FANS

It’s amazing how much cheaper it is to run a fan instead of an air conditioning system. Plus, a few strategically-placed oscillating fans can really move air through your home - and air flow can make all the difference! Another great resource which is part of most homes today - ceiling fans. But, there’s a catch - make sure your ceiling fan is spinning in the direction which forces the air down rather than pulling it up!

LIGHT BULBS

In addition to having a shorter “life span,” incandescent light bulbs kick out a ton of heat. You might not think much of it, but with all those bulbs going at the same time - well, it adds up. In fact, the US Department of Energy’s studies report 90% of the energy from incandescent light bulbs is given off as heat. So, not only is that lost energy hot, it’s basically money you’re just throwing away. Consider shifting over to the cooler and more financially sound CFL and LED bulbs on the market today.

TURN OFF APPLIANCES

Summertime is the perfect time to unplug - and more more than just one reason. You’ll save money and reduce heat output by turning off appliances you’re not using, specifically things like televisions and computers. Consider hooking them up to the same power strip so you can quickly snap it off on hot days.

As for those high-powered, heat producing appliances - I’m thinking ranges, ovens, washers and dryers - avoid using them during the hottest part of the day. Don’t put yourself through that misery!

THE POWER OF WATER

Last but not least, surround yourself with all things water. While not everyone has a lake or pool to plunge into at a moment’s notice, there are ways to use our world’s most valuable resource to take the edge off summer. Place an ice cube on pulse points; this is a slapshot method of quickly cooling down. Make sure to drink plenty of water, too. A dehydrated body doesn’t sweat, and a body that can’t sweat has a much harder time cooling off.





So, there you have it - a short, cool list sans air conditioning. Have something you do to keep cool on the cheap? Leave us a comment. Happy chilling!

Financial Fitness Tips For Summer Vacation Success

Howdy folks - Financial Fitness Phoebe here! After the brutal, relentless winter we experienced, it’s not a stretch to say this: we all deserve a vacation. However, after a season of high energy costs, the ever increasing price of gasoline, and potentially decadent comfort-food consumption, (admit it, you ordered a lot of pizza and chinese food) planning your trip with your budget in mind is crucial.

Here at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union, we always support money-mindedness. With that in mind, here are a few helpful strategies to make your summer vacation a smashing success.



DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Airfare and travel costs seem like a wildly complicated algorithm, but by researching with vacation planning websites, you’ll quickly see certain months, and days of the week, can be much cheaper. Use online vacation booking resources to price-compare and find the best possible rates for your destination. During peak travel times, air, hotel and other expenses tend to rise. Work your trip dates around these times and easily shave hundreds of dollars off your vacation tab.

PLANS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Be flexible - frankly, some travel destinations will be cheaper than others, and so it’s important to keep your options open to new possibilities. Deal-tracking websites for travel, lodging and meals are your friends in this situation; use them to determine a relative sense of how much you should expect to spend there, reducing the likelihood that you’ll blow your budget.

CREATE A TRAVEL ACCOUNT

Keep your vacation savings in a separate account. Setting up a separate savings account specifically for your summer vacation is easy, and will help you keep better track of your money and focus on making that account grow. Contribute to it weekly if you can, and watch your vacation plans grow!


FRUGALITY GOES A LONG WAY

Cut corners. Take a few months before your planned vacation and live frugally. Don’t go out to eat as often. Studies show that dining out is one of the biggest, and one of the most avoidable, expenses to try and avoid while saving. Take a closer look at your spending habits, and consider how much you are spending on eating out, entertainment or even last-minute trips. Put yourself in a mindset of limiting extra expenses so you can maximize your budget.


ELIMINATE THE BIG COSTS

This one’s a little controversial, but stay with me. Cable television can be a huge strain on your finances, especially if you pay for hundreds of channels you never watch. As the weather becomes balmier and outdoor activities ramp up, consider disconnecting your cable for a while so you can plant those savings into your vacation fund. If you absolutely cannot live without your favorite programs, look into online streaming programs like Hulu and Netflix. And, yes, digital antennas still exist, and you can easily install one at a low cost to watch local and public programming.


USE TECHNOLOGY TO STAY INFORMED

Stay organized with budget apps. Account management is tricky for a lot of people, with or without a vacation on the horizon. U.S. News & World Report recommends using a financial planning app, like Mint, to keep a close watch on your dollars and cents. At SCFCU, we offer a host of smartphone apps that will keep you in close contact with your finances. To use an old but true statement - knowledge is power!


And there you have it - a short but good launch pad for getting your finances ready for that well-earned trip. Have another idea for saving? Did we miss one? Leave us a comment and tell us how you are preparing for vacation! Good luck!

xo,

~Phoebe

Grocery Shopping Tips

Check out the tips below to help you on your next grocery shopping excursion:

Make a List and Stick to It!

• Check your house for items that you need and write them down. Set up a meal plan for the week and buy only the items you need for your meals.
• The second part is key, don’t stray from the list. If you tend to buy items that aren’t on your list, think about adding a “bonus” item. This way you can get something that catches your eye, but make sure to only add one bonus item so you don’t end up with a cart full of unneeded items.

Coupons, Coupons and Coupons!

• We all know that coupons are good. However how many times do you throw out a .50 off or .20 off coupon, or just plain forget… Those small amounts can add up over a year. Check weekly ads for BOGO items too.
• Attach your coupons to your grocery list, this way you will have them in hand when you go to check out.
• Build your weekly meal plan around items that are on sale, you have coupons for or are BOGO. This can save you $$

Buy in Bulk (sometimes)!

• Buy in bulk for items that won’t expire or you know you will use up quickly. Some good items are: canned foods, frozen food, meat (you can store these separate and freeze), spices, cereal, ketchup, canned sauces, noodles, nuts, paper towels, cleaning supplies and toilet paper.

Lose the Brand Names!

• Today you can find pretty much the same item in an off brand or generic brand. Although there are some items that are always better in the brand name, it doesn’t hurt to try something new. Why spend the extra cash on items if you can same thing cheaper with the same ingredients.
• Most stores have the generic brands located right next to the brand name items, making it easier to compare ingredients and price.

Watch the Register!

• Keep an eye out on when the items are being rung up, make sure your sale items and coupons are pricing correctly. Or check the receipt before you leave the store to make sure you got the correct prices.

Financial Fitness Workshop Series

We will be conducting a "Financial Fitness Workshop Series" of financial literacy programs on April 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Great River Regional Library in downtown St. Cloud.

Week 1 – April 1st, 2014 Don’t Be An April Fool! Attend Financial Fitness!

Presenter: St. Cloud State University’s Center for Economic Education

• Intro Quiz- What is your Money Personality? 
• Budgeting Project- How should you allocate your income (activity)? 
• Mending Your Spending 

Week 2 – April 8th, 2014 Your Credit: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Presenter: St. Cloud State University’s Center for Economic Education and St. Cloud Federal Credit Union

Credit

• How it works 
• How to build it 
• How to talk to your kids about it 

Week 3 – April 15th, 2014 Home Buying 101

Presenter: Jim Arnold – St. Cloud Federal Credit Union

• Buying vs Renting 
• Analyzing income and expenses 
• Credit Scores 
• Different Loan Types 
• Money needed to purchase 

Week 4 – April 22nd , 2014 Drafting Your Financial Blueprint

Presenter: Jackie Evavold – St Cloud Federal Credit Union

• Funding college education 
• Minimizing taxes by allocating your resources 
• Consider the benefits of a Roth IRA 
• Planning for income in retirement 
• Do you need an estate plan? 

Week 5 – April 29th, 2014 Protecting Your Good Name

Presenter: St Cloud Federal Credit Union

• Credit Monitoring 
• Identity theft 
• Payday loans, credit cards and other products 
• Credit Awareness 
• Program Evaluation & Wrap Up

Saving Money Like an Olympian

The Olympics inspire many athletes to pursue their sports dreams but here at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union it inspires us to be financially fit! In fact we believe the same principles to becoming a Gold Medalist are the same as being a financial fitness champ like our employee Phoebe!

Set a Goal

Setting a goal is the first step into any adventure, whether it is becoming an Olympian or saving money. Your goal doesn’t have to meet anyone’s expectation but your own. To be successful set a goal that you think you can achieve.

Create a Plan

You cannot simply say you want to save money just like you can’t simply walk into the Olympics and ask for a gold medal. You have to create a financial plan like you are training for the Olympics. This plan could be saving $5 a week or it could be saving $100 a week. It can be any amount you choose as long as it makes sense for your ultimate savings goal.

Train For the Gold

Once an Olympian makes their training plan, it’s time to put it into action! The same process can be applied to your savings plan. You have to train yourself to get into the habit of saving. One way to do this is to have a portion of your paycheck go into your savings account.

Patience

Your savings account will not grow rapidly overnight and that’s okay! Every little bit you put into your savings counts. Eventually you will make it to your savings goal just like an Olympian that gets the gold!

Keep Your Eye on The Prize

It is easy for us to slip back into old spending habits. Just like it is easy for an Olympian to have a sloppy practice. One way to stay focused is to write down where all your money goes and how much you want to save each month.

We are here to help you become financially fit champion like Phoebe! Feel free to stop by either of our locations or browse our website to learn more about our services.

WOW Story #2

"Our job every day is to help our members in any way we can, but we're not in the habit of "tooting our own horn". However, we're proud of the superior service we provide, and the great feedback we get from members. So here's a little "toot" . . .

One of our employees was recently at her doctor's office in St. Cloud. She handed her Debit Card to the person at the counter, who looked at it and exclaimed, "I love the Credit Union!" She then told how much she loves having her accounts with SCFCU, and that her husband has been with us since he was a child. She said specifically that she loves working with Joe Rose and Sandy Lehnen with their loans, and that SCFCU always takes such good care of them. Way to go to everyone who touches all of our our members' lives daily in positive ways. And kudos to Joe and Sandy for making a lasting impression on our member at the doctor's office!

Be Financially Fit This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day isn’t always about lavish and expensive gifts. It’s about taking a day to show your loved ones how much you appreciate them! Celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t need to put a dent in your wallet; there are many fun, affordable Valentine’s Day activities.

Affordable Valentine’s Day Ideas for Your Sweetie 

Watch a Movie Together

If ice-skating is too much of a slippery slope for you, consider spending the night at home. Make your favorite movie snack, relax on your couch and watch a movie together! Romantic movies are popular on Valentine’s Day but if that is not “your thing”, choose a movie you both will enjoy no matter the genre.

photo credit

Ice Skating

The MAC has open skating both on Valentine’s Day and Sunday February 16^th. Adults are only $6 each and skate rentals are only $3.00 per pair.  Whether you’re a pro at skating or someone who is a board hugger, skating with your sweetie will be a blast! After you make a few laps around the rink, take a break with a cup of Hot Chocolate.

photo credit

Share a Present

Think of one gift you both want and can enjoy together. It could be a practical item like an appliance or it could be something as simple as a fancy bottle of wine. Whatever it is make sure it is something you both want!

Make Handmade Vouchers

This is a gift you can really get creative with! Here are some examples: half hour massage, make dinner for you, do your least favorite chore.

Make “54 things I love about you” gift

It’s an affordable and thoughtful gift. All you need is a deck of cards, paper and a printer (or marker).

Affordable Valentine’s Ideas for Kids

Valentine’s seem to be getting more and more expensive and class sizes aren’t getting any smaller. Below are examples of DIY Valentines you can make at an affordable price with out looking cheap:

Pipe Cleaner Rings:  All you need to buy is a bag of Hersey’s Kiss, and pipe cleaners. Use paper that you have around your house to write the Valentines Day message. (Cost for 30 of these: $6 to $8)

Super Hero lollipop: All you need to buy is a lollipop and use any paper, and crayons you have around the house to decorate your super hero! (Cost for 30 of these: $4 to $6)

Mad Lib Valentine: Instead of getting candy, print off a Valentine’s Day Mad Lib and roll it up and tie a paper heart around it. Add decorative paper if you have some lying around the house. If you need paper, Crafts Directs Discount store has scrapbook paper for 10 to 25 cents a paper (three sheets should be enough). (Cost for 30 of these: $4 to $5)

These ideas are sure to make your Valentine’s Day special. You don’t have to break the piggy bank to celebrate. All that matters is that you are spending the day with the ones you love!

Meet Faye!

Hi all, Phoebs here…as many of you recall, I work with the folks at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union to educate, support, and encourage our Members to become Financially Fit. More recently, I’ve been helping my friend Frank look at his financial choices and help him find ways to make healthier decisions that can impact his overall Financial Fitness, which as many of us know – effects our overall well‐being.

Now I’d like to introduce you to my good friend Faye. I met Faye in college, and even though she’s a few years older than me, we’ve been great friends ever since. Faye is very intelligent and has been very successful over the years. After college she landed her ‘dream job’… which in her words, came with ‘a dream salary’. Because Faye makes a good deal of money, she doesn’t feel the need to budget and likes to ‘spoil’ herself and others from time to time – which isn’t a bad thing, but when it comes to working on Financial Fitness, I could tell Faye was struggling.

As I mentioned, Faye is extremely smart and savvy, so the conversation about Financial Fitness goals wasn’t an easy one; she tends to get embarrassed when talk of retirement plans, credit scores, and savings accounts are part of the conversation because it’s not something she’s familiar with. I explained to Faye that you should never be embarrassed to talk to someone about your finances – and many of us don’t understand some of those intimidating terms! A few years back when I struggled with my own Financial Fitness, it felt great to talk with the my friends at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union – they’re supportive, approachable, and very understanding…I assured Faye that it’s OK (and healthy!) to ask for a little help sometimes!

Long story short, after a great chat (and, ok, a little coaxing and encouragement), Faye has agreed that together we can get her on the track to Financial Fitness, and make her feel better about where her hard‐earned money is going (and not going).

Faye has been such a great friend to me, and I can’t wait to help her with Financial Fitness goals in any way I can. I’m sure I’ll be writing again soon to discuss our progress and/or road blocks. I’m excited to introduce her to all of you, and the friendly faces at St. Cloud Federal Credit Union – together we can make our financial dreams a reality!

Cheers,

~Phoebe