Maine CUs Help Teens Get Fiscally Fit

WESTBROOK, Maine - Some 200 students from 12 schools in the central Maine area were able to shape up their money skills during the third annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience Event, put on by Maine's credit unions. With a focus on how to become more fiscally fit, the half-day event helps high school juniors and seniors experience what their life would be like at age 22. In the morning students receive a scenario packet that includes their occupation, income and credit history. From there, they have to map out their financial future from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing. The day, which can be compared to an interactive "game of life," is designed to build awareness for youth education and for credit unions' dedication to financial literacy in their communities. This year's event packed in a record number of attendees. "As students near graduation, this is an opportune time to start learning `real life' financial responsibility," said Maine Credit Union League Governmental and Public Affairs Manager Jon Paradise. "In the junior and senior year, students are in the process of planning their future, whether they decide to apply to go to college or to get a job after graduation, and it is critical that they gain a strong understanding of money and how to spend and save. Maine's credit unions are proud to be part of the educational process and to once again be presenting this unique program." Representatives from the Norm Nolette Chapter of Credit Unions, the Maine Credit Union League, the Maine Council on Economic Education and Central Maine Community College helped to organize the Financial Fitness Money Management Experience. The event also marked the beginning of a month-long list of activities coordinated by Maine's credit unions as part of Governor Baldacci's proclamation of April as "Financial Literacy for Youth" month.