Wednesday, April 30, 2008

My Trip to Washington D.C.

Today I was in Washington D.C. and had the honor to represent Hawthorne Credit Union, the Credit Union National Association and 8,400 credit unions around the country at the Subcomittee Hearing on Finance and Tax of the House Committee on Small Business to tell more of the credit union story on how we serve small businesses with Hawthorne's business services.

I am very proud of the fact that Hawthorne has twice now been prominently used as a great example of how credit unions serve their membership. This is indeed a testimony to the fine work our staff does in their daily contact with our members.

I'm grateful for the support of our staff in making this happen. I would not be here without their effort. Today also happens to be my birthday. This has been a great birthday so far.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Helping Kids Get Smart With Money

National Credit Union Youth Week April 20-26

From saving to planning and investing, Hawthorne is committed to teaching young members how to be financially successful. Join us for our special events during National Credit Union Youth Week

This year's youth week theme - "Got Green" Grow it at your Credit Union - aims to help children understand the credit union difference, explaining that as members of a not-for-profit credit union, they earn better rates on saving and loan products, pay lower fees, and receive personalized service.

In 2006, according to the Commerce Department, Americans spent everything they made, and then some, pushing the savings rate to a negative one percent, the lowest level since the Great Depression. Many parents are hoping for more for their children, which is why it's never too early for us to start talking with them about money.

In a nationwide survey released on April 9 by the Federal Reserve as part of National Financial Literacy Month, high school seniors had the worst scores so far in the six years the survey has been conducted. American teenagers answered only 48.3 percent of questions correctly about personal finance and economics.

Whatever your goals and dreams might be, at Hawthorne, we believe it's really cool to save! Since we are not-for-profit, which means we work harder to return more money back to your account, you can deposit your money into your Hawthorne Youth (Savings) Account, and your saved money 'earns' more money.

It's never too late to begin setting aside a portion of your allowance, or money made from your part-time job or lawn-mowing business and put it into a youth savings account. Start saving today!

Join us on Saturday for our FREE Kids Activity Day, click here for details.

In addition, refreshments, giveaways, coloring sheets will be available for all kids. The event is open to everyone in the community.