County credit unions host
largest Financial Fitness Fair for high schools
LIMESTONE — On Tuesday, March 22, The Aroostook Chapter of Credit Unions held its fourth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience at the Loring Job Corps Center in Limestone. This year’s event was the largest Financial Fitness Money Management Experience event ever held in Maine, with 450 students taking part.
Photo courtesy of Denise Cote
PLACE YOUR BIDS — With over 125 auction items to bid on, silent auction-goers who attended the Ending Hunger Dance and Auction sponsored by NorState FCU and the Madawaska K of C, were amazed at the variety. Merchants from Ashland to The Valley contributed to the auction. Items ranged from $4 to over $500 in price, so there was something for everyone’s budget and palette.
Participating schools included: Ashland Community High School, Caribou High School, Central Aroostook High School, Easton High School, Fort Fairfield High School, Van Buren District Secondary School, Limestone Sr. High School, Washburn High School, Presque Isle High School, Madawaska High School, Fort Kent High School/St. John Valley Technology Center, Wisdom High School, Loring Job Corps, Greater Houlton Christian Academy, Houlton High School, Hodgdon High School and East Grand 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 map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing.
Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League, said the experience is an effort to help students understand the importance of making smart financial decisions, in a difficult financial climate.
“With these students having heard a lot said on the troubled economy in the last couple years, this event actually gives them the opportunity to better prepare themselves by truly understanding the importance of being financially fit,” he explained. “These students are preparing to enter the real world, be it through applying to college or joining the work force. It is critical that they gain a strong understanding of money and how to spend and save. The interactive nature of this event allows them to do just that.”
Representatives from Acadia FCU, NorState FCU, St. Agatha FCU, The County FCU and the Maine Credit Union League helped to organize the event.
