FAIRFAX, Va. — In-school financial literacy efforts have paid off big for Apple Federal Credit Union.
Ten students from one of its partner high schools, Stone Bridge High School, have scored in the top 25th percentile of the National Financial Literacy Challenge, a program sponsored by the Office of Financial Education division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
"This challenge presented students with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge of today's financial reality," said David Palanzi, business teacher for Stone Bridge and Apple FCU's student-run credit union liaison.
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The National Financial Literacy Challenge is a voluntary test that measures the personal financial knowledge of high school students. It was a joint venture between the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, Junior Achievement USA, the National Council on Economic Education, the National Endowment for Financial Education and a handful of private-sector economists.
To prepare for the challenge, participating students worked with Apple FCU's Business Development Manager Dave Gorham and Ashburn Branch Manager Edwin Ramos. Each provided insight into the credit union's role in financial management and success, while also providing practical, reality-based workshops, such as Apple's Reality Store, that spoke to the importance of budgeting, establishing credit and more.
The Office of Financial Education will award students Meredith Cliett, Cullen Fleming, Brett Gallahan, Harry Hough, Brett Larson, Hunter Lipski, Mike Pirrello, Margaret Rountree, James White and Andrew Yandziak certificates of merit for their achievements.
Prime Financial Tries to Ease Pinch at Pump
CUDAHY, Wis. — Prime Financial Credit Union is stepping up to relieve its employees' gas pump pains.
"We've all been affected by the rising cost of gas. Employees find themselves feeling the pinch at the pump as their daily commute to work becomes more costly. As a credit union and foremost a people helping people organization, we've taken the initiative to provide our employees some nee ded relief," said Prime Financial CU President/CEO Rich Koenig.
Kicking off this month, the credit union will be depositing a monthly gas allowance into its staffers' accounts to help offset gas costs. The allowance is provided to full-time employees and offered exclusively to those who are not employed in either an executive or senior management capacity.
In conjunction with the gas allowance, Prime Financial CU will offer a coupon to employees for a discounted oil change and 20-point vehicle inspection at Donald Driver Auto Sales and Leasing service department.
"We know a car that's in tip top running condition runs more efficiently and conserves on gas. We really want to do everything possible to assist our employees during this stressful time," said Prime Financial CU Executive Vice President Steve Schultz. "Our employees are what make us a great credit union and we strive daily to make PFCU more than just a great place to work."
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