SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine–Town & Country FCU brought its award-winning Financial Wellness Fair to the 200 seniors at South Portland High School, and feedback from participants indicated a positive and valuable experience.
The Workshops are similar to an interactive version of the game of “Life,” with students choosing a career and completing a spending plan based on a monthly budget. The students visit booths, such as transportation, housing, clothing, credit, education and others, and fill in expenses related to each. The goal is to have money left over at the end of the month, or to at least break even.
“Financial wellness is an important part of who we are and what we do, especially in helping the next generation get on the right path to financial wellness. Our roots as a credit union are to help people be financially responsible and successful, so this provides an opportunity to help students on the cusp of going out into the real world to be better informed and to have a greater understanding about money management. This is about making a difference one student at a time,” remarked David Libby, President and CEO of Town & Country FCU, who spoke to the students prior to the start of the fair. “I was impressed with questions and level of engagement that the students had, indicating how important this type of exercise is as they prepare to graduate.”
When Libby asked students about the experience at the wrap-up, all were appreciative of the opportunity to learn about credit, budgeting and spending. “We don’t have a chance to learn about credit in school so this was really helpful,” noted one student. Another remarked, “As I prepare to go to college, the financial aid part was really eye-opening.”
Throughout the year, the credit union frequently presents financial wellness workshops and related events to both youth and adults, reaching hundreds of people of all ages annually.
At right, Town & Country FCU’s Hetal Petal (r) works with students on their clothing expenses at the Clothing Booth at the credit union’s Financial Wellness Workshop held at South Portland High School for 200 seniors.