OAKLAND — New Dimensions Federal Credit Union put on a Financial Fitness Fair on Jan. 17 for around 720 students at Messalonskee High School.
The mission was to provide education on financial security and basic real-life budgeting concepts. The students chose a profession, were assigned an annual salary and credit score. They then visited several booths tagged housing, furnishings, credit cards, autos, student loan debt and more.
The students made the rounds of the booths complete with little twists such as the “reality wheel of life” that threw in real-life “curveballs,” such as speeding tickets and cellphone repairs. The test was that they had to come back with a balanced budget, which needed to include a savings plan, at the end of the exercise.
New Dimensions FCU President/CEO, Ryan Poulin met with Messalonskee High School to discuss the idea and ability to host a Financial Fitness Fair for the students. This was a huge undertaking.
“The importance of educating our young people about financial stability and sustainability needs to be a priority. Not enough education is provided in this area, and they are not always ready for the real world,” Poulin said.
New Dimensions Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, financial cooperative with more than $80 million in assets that offers a full array of personal and business banking services, has locations in both Waterville and Augusta and proudly employs nearly 40 employees who are available and ready to assist our community with their finances. For more information, contact us at 800-326-6190 or visit www.newdimensionsfcu.com.
