Why Do You Stay Up Too Late? An exhaustive look at great excuses Your Top 10 inside!

Get To Know Your Credit UnionDo you know how your credit union got its

start? Chances are, it was started by ordinary people with a dream to make a difference. Go to your credit union’s website and look for the

“about us” section and read up. You might learn something

new that really surprises you.

Spring 2012!Your Credit Union is packed

with CU Succeed info.

www.cusucceed.net

by: Velia Colunga

Last year I remember having the worst relationship with my mom. Our biggest blowout was in the spring, when I was involved in both track and a competitive basket-ball league.

Here’s why there was a lot of tension: my basketball team worked out at a gym three times a week, requiring a gym membership of approximately $25 a month.

My track team worked out 2 hours daily. Funding demanded multiple ex-penses including a $40 track fee. Plus I needed shoes for tennis, workouts, basketball, and track. Not to mention the uniforms, gym bags, ankle braces, tournament admission fees, gas money, etc. One tournament I was playing occurred immediately after I ran the 800-meter race at a track meet. I sprained my ankle during it and was taken out of both sports. I went from barely having enough time to eat my Cliff Bar and Gato-rade dinners to the kid who begged her teacher for extra credit worksheets so she’d have something to do at home. With my injury came more disheartening bills, and the depression from dis-ability and lack of social life began eating at me. I sat around on Facebook and began online shopping, much to my mother’s displeasure. Within the first week I’d gotten on her last nerve.

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& FrictionFinances

Back PocketSpring 2012 Newsletter

...at home

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Anytime I asked for anything an abrupt “No!” was the receiving answer. The feedback got louder and more aggravated. Ultimately I realized that any new pair of Vans or Hollister sweaters that I wanted would have to be bought on my own.

It’s hard to get everything you want, and have no job. Things I do to get money are baby-sit, extra chores, and odd jobs in the neighborhood. To budget I prioritize and estimate the cost of what I want. I decide what I want and what I can do without. For example, I have an outdated cell phone, but it functions. Instead of spending $100+ dollars for a new one, I use the money for things like movies and shopping.

It took a while for me to prioritize and realize that my expenses can be manageable. Yours can too.

Search & Save Before you buy anything at the store, do a quick Internet search. You can often find some amazing deals and coupons with a quick click or two. Or simply get free shipping and skip the trip to the mall completely.

Money Matters It costs pennies to create money, whether it’s a penny or a dollar.

Good TasteIt’s a fact, girls have more taste buds than boys.

Top 10 Excuses for staying up too late!

10. Nyan Cat.

9. Texting

8. Four movies in a row was a bad idea!

7. Angry Birds

6. Avoiding homework!!!!

5. Planning world conquest

4. Planning

tomorrow’s wardrobe

3. Too. Much. Coffee.

2. I blame

YouTube

1. 4 a.m. isn’t late...it’s early.

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When you were a kid, you learned all about saving money. Back then, you bought little things like candy bars and teddy bears. So what are most teens saving for today?

Smart Saving/Spending

College Bound Going to college is a great idea. Look for scholarships, grants or working full time for a few years to help offset the costs as much as possible.

Rubber Meets the Road Saving for a car is a huge undertaking. Here’s something else to consider as you save for your four-door freedom machine: add in the cost of maintenance and insurance. When you do that, the cost goes up a lot. Buzz kill, right?

Saving up money can go a long way even if it’s in the smallest form. There are many great ways to save money, but there is also a lot of terrible ways too! Here are a handful of fun ways to start saving up your hard-earned money!

1. Open up a credit union account. When you do, your money will be secured so you won’t have to worry about it being stolen or just simply forgetting where you put it. Opening up an account is a great way to save money and you won’t have the temptation of spending it. The money in the credit union will even earn interest!!!

2. Saving up loose change. I wish I had a nickel for every time I heard someone say I hate change. Change is still money!!! Best option here: every time you have loose change put it in a jar. You’ll be surprised at the money saved in loose change in just a few months.

3. Earn money from small odd jobs. Start cutting grass for neighbors, rake up leaves, trim bushes, or even help build something. When you get paid, don’t go spending the money on the latest new game. Try to save half of that money and use the other half for fun. Put one half of the money in the credit union and it will go a long way.

4. Take advantage of inexpensive fun! Instead of going to the movies, have a movie night at a friend’s house. It’s a great way to save money! Especially when you have everyone pitch in on food and snacks.

Saving up money is a great way to afford that new game, gift, car, and even college! Starting at a young age is awe-some, but you can start at any age…and should.

Simple Ways to Save Up Some Money!!!

Where I Plan to Be Somedayby: Rebekah Drake

by: Andrew Patterson

In ten years I will be almost 24. By then, I plan to have graduated from cosmetology school.

Not sure what cosmetology is? Here’s the rundown: it’s cutting hair and doing makeup. Stuff like that. It’s a school that teaches good customer service, how to make smart busi-ness decisions and how to manage a career.

When I was younger I wanted to own a horse farm. I’d teach horses to behave and how to carry riders. However, that changed a few years ago. I still want to own some horses because I love them, but I want to cut hair too.

The future is wide open, but I do have some directions I’d like to go. One more thing: I want to live in Kentucky so I can cut hair and have horses. Who knows, in 10 years, I might be cutting your hair.

www.cusucceed.net

What Comes First?

Career?or College?

Spring 2012 Newsletter

Life does not have a set timeline. Regardless of what the news says, not everyone goes right to college after high school. Some go into the military or go to work for a few years to earn enough to go to school without going into debt. Tell us what you think and what you plan to do after high school at www.cusucceed.net. Your submission could be worth $100 if we use it in this newsletter. If it goes online, we’ll send you $50. We look forward to your thoughts and ideas.