Maine credit unions are also a valuable resource for helping adults with money management and financial planning. Credit unions want their members to be well informed so they can make the best financial decision possible. From providing tools to help members better manage their money, to hosting seminars on subjects such as decreasing debt or buying a home, Maine credit unions help Maine people of all ages achieve a secure financial future.

For these leadership efforts, the Maine Credit Union League and Maine’s credit unions were recently presented with their 12th national Desjardins Youth Financial Education Award from the Credit Union National Association. The prestigious award recognized the League and Maine’s credit unions “for consistently striving to expand financial education learning opportunities to reach new audiences and help more students understand money management and personal finance.”

Financial Fitness Fairs

During the 2013-14 school year nearly 6,000 students from 105 high schools in Maine participated in a Financial Fitness Fair: A Money Management Experience. More than 30 Financial Fitness Fairs were hosted last school year. At these fairs students have to complete a budget after facing real-world financial decisions. For many, it’s their first time getting the “money talk.”

For more information about the efforts of Maine’s credit unions towards both youth and adult financial literacy, visit www.mainecul.org and click on the Financial Education and Resources link in the “Community Involvement” section.