The month of April has been designated as Financial Literacy for Youth Month. Bottom line, teaching our youth NOW is most important before their financial duties as adults start stacking up. In fact, in 2003 the United States Senate designated April specifically for just that, according to this Wikipedia article. So if you have kids of your own or know kids that you want to tutor as far as finances go, here are a few ideas on how to get them started:

1. Start saving...now! It’s never too early to begin saving for the future. Even the smallest deposit will add up in a savings account. And what better motivation, than to see your savings adding up with dividends on your monthly statement.

2. Put a lot of thought into big purchases (car, college, vacation, housing).It may be tempting to run out and get approved for a loan on that sports car you’ve been dreaming of or that big 4x4 truck. But really put some thought into the purchase. Maybe you can get approved with a co-signer, but can you afford the insurance payment or the gas costs associated with owning the vehicle? Really think it through before you make the purchase.

3. Credit is important, maintain a good score. Educate yourself on what goes into a credit score and be mindful of that as you are using credit.

4. Life is not about having the biggest and best, being frugal is sometimes the better way to go. In these troubling economic times, take a step back and be practical. Instead of owning the newest vehicle and not having any money to drive it, consider purchasing a pre-owned vehicle to save you money on your payment and insurance and use your savings to do other things!

5. Know how to keep a budget. Keeping a budget helps keep your finances on track and will keep you from overspending and it can also help you save as well.

With these five ideas, you'll get them headed in the right direction. It's a long and hard road if you aren't financially sound as an adult. The easiest thing to do is start while you're young and develop good financial habits. If the child you know does not yet have a savings or checking account, you may want to consider signing them up soon! TDECU offers the M3 Money Club account for kids ages 4 to 12, the Elements of Money membership for our 13 to 17 teens and the Go2 account for our young adults aged 18 to 25. Have any questions? We're here to help!

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With the events that occurred in Japan last Friday, it makes those of us who were more fortunate think - would I be prepared for a catastrophic event like that? It definitely gets us thinking about being equipped with the right tools and having an action plan.

There are a number of things to think about that we take for granted on a daily basis: water, electricity, electronics, pets, food, you name it. What about family? Start off by sitting down with your family and having a good plan of action. Discuss where you will go to seek shelter, what you should grab if you have to leave your home and a good meeting point in case you get separated. This may seem like overkill now, but you'll be happy you did it should the occasion ever arise (but let's hope it never does).

Home safety is also something else to keep in mind. Take the time out of your day to make sure the following are done: checking on smoke detectors, make sure hallways and doors are cleared for easy evacuation, make sure everyone knows the location of fire extinguishers placed around your home and storing flammable or reactive chemicals in a safe and tight container. You can find a more detailed list on this site.

And last but not least is what the 72hours.org site calls your "go bag". This will be especially handy if you have to leave your home or car behind. Pick a pretty good sized backpack that can carry quite a few items, but don't make it too unbearable to carry. Items to consider packing are: flashlight, battery operated or crank-up radio, pocket/swiss army knife, emergency cash/coins, some water and food, I.D. tags, prescription medications and a local map. More items listed can be found on the same site mentioned above. After you've packed your go bag, make sure each one of your family members not only has their own but knows right where it is.

Right now you may be thinking "this seems a little unnecessary", but you may be glad you did it should a disaster ever strike. It doesn't hurt to be prepared or overly prepared at that. Like my Mom always said, "it's better to be safe than sorry!"

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You either love it or hate it - grocery shopping. I'm definitely a lover of food so it's one of my favorite pastimes. When you don't have a whole lot of money to spend though, it may not always be the most enjoyable thing to do. If you're a little short on cash for the month and still need groceries, here are some things you can keep in mind:

1.Coupons, of course! If you can get something cheaper with a coupon, use that to your advantage! Obviously you won't be able to use a coupon with everything you buy, but those some odd cents that get taken off definitely add up. Scroll through your Sunday newspaper, online coupon sites as well as in-store coupons that are being offered. Depending on where you go, there are sometimes great deals that offer you a "buy this item and get this item for free." However, if you don't need those items being offered, don't waste the money. Simple as that.

2.Stick with generic items. We all have our personal preferences on what to buy name brand or generic. If it makes more sense cost-wise to buy the name brand item, then stick with that instead. Items like generic cereal that come in the big bags are not always so cost effective, as an example. Just use your best judgment when it comes to this.

3.Read your grocery fliers. Now I know each one of us receives these in the mail already. You tend to throw them out without even glancing at them. Folks, I can tell you it's a good move to start looking at these. With food prices going up, especially on certain fruits and veggies, these fliers let all of us consumers know what is currently cheaper for the current week. Keep your eye out for specials and plan accordingly to when you'll be doing your grocery shopping.   

4.Don't shop hungry! This is definitely key and something NOT to do. When you're starving and haven't eaten all day, everything in sight looks appealing. Therefore, you end up buying a bunch of food you'll never touch. Save yourself the dough and eat ahead of time.   

5.Plan out your meals. It may seem like a pain, but with some careful planning you can avoid buying food that you don't necessarily need. Meal planning is especially handy when you are eating better as well. But by writing down the food items you need for meals, you can save yourself the extra bucks.

When it comes to grocery shopping, it doesn't have to be expensive! Keep these ideas into consideration and you'll be amazed at how much more money you'll have in your wallet.

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It happens - you shove receipts in it, business cards, gift cards, you name it. Have you thought of cleaning your wallet or purse out lately? It's getting to be that time to do a little spring cleaning. Don't just focus on your house this year, give your wallet some rejuvenation!

1. Receipts. You're in a hurry and you shove them away. But when you do your cleaning, do you end up just throwing them away or do you write them in your check register and save them? Aside from software that you can install, have you thought about scanning your receipts from your smartphone instead? Apps like Prizmo for your iPhone or Receipt Scanner for your Android can scan receipts for you and store them in your phone. It's convenient and yet another reason why you don't have to cram those receipts in your pocket. In case of something happening to your phone, you may also want to back these up on your desktop or laptop ahead of time!

2. Frequent Flyer Miles. If you have a card that allows you to rack up frequent flyer miles, have you checked on your points lately? You may be able to cash in on some of those. Save yourself the extra money if you're able to fly for free. Also, keep in mind using these points for longer and more expensive trips. If you don't plan on using these yourself in the near future and want to cash them in, consider using them for a great birthday gift for someone. On that note, anyone want to buy me a ticket to Hawaii? Only kidding.

3. Gift Cards. If they aren't burning a hole in your pocket and have been in there since Christmas of 2009, consider calling to check on the balance. Why waste more space in your wallet or purse on something that has a zero balance or barely any change on it? If it's still a reasonable amount, cash it in before it's too late.

4. Odd and Ends. Keeping little oddities like movie stubs or notes to yourself take up much needed room also. Either file them away at home or toss them in the trash. The more clutter you have in your wallet, the less room you have for more important items!

Now that you've gotten your wallet or purse cleaned out, you know what that means? More room for money! No but seriously, you will have more room for things you need like cash, credit cards or business cards. Now, doesn't that feel better?

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Written by: Caite Blount, Director Business Development - Lending Products

If you've just recently graduated, you're probably already bogged down with mail from lenders and the companies who serviced your loan. So why are you getting all of this mail from companies you don't recognize you ask? In the past two years there have been enormous changes made to the federal student loan program. Unfortunately, this creates a lot of confusion for student borrowers.

The very first thing you need to do is see a total list of the federal student loans you have - by balance, by type, by due date and by lender. In order to do this, you can go here for a comprehensive list. All you need is your pin that you used to fill out your FAFSA.

It's also a good idea to go ahead and reach out to lenders who you don't have a statement from. The list of student loans you acquire will help you to find these lenders. Keep in mind also that updating your personal information is a good idea. This can include anything from your address to your telephone number. It's important you do keep this information updated so that you are able to be reached and your loans don't go into default.

When it comes time that your loans are due, the payments will automatically be based on a standard 10-year repayment plan. If you think this is going to be an issue, there are other options and you can change plans down the line if you need to. A good example of this would be the Income-Based Repayment program. You can get more information on it at this site.

Another option to help you with this process is being able to combine multiple loans (if you have them) into one single monthly payment and one fixed interest rate. You can do this by going through the Direct Loan program. To find out more information on this and to read the pros and cons, visit this website.

One last thing to mention: open and read every piece of mail, paper or electronic, that you receive about your student loans. Don't let uncertainty 'freeze' you into taking no action. The quicker you get it taken care of, the more you'll be able to focus on your new path! Have questions or concerns? Feel free to leave us a comment below, we'd love to help you out.

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It's crazy to think that we are just days away from approaching a new decade. And we all know what New Years brings right? You've got it, resolutions. But how many of us actually keep them? Losing weight, quitting smoking and getting organized are just a few on the top ten list. The question is, how do you follow through on such goals? Below are a few ideas to get you going.

 

Start out slow. Sometimes going full force all at once is not always such a good idea. It's like working out seven days a week for the first week and then getting too burnt out to continue (I've done it, believe me). Take it day by day and then week by week. According to this article, it takes roughly about 66 days to form a habit. If you're dedicated and wanting to work on one of your resolutions, getting past the 66 day mark will be well worth it.

Journal Your Activity. The purpose of doing this is so you can see your progress on whatever it is you're working on. This can be a number of things you may feel you need to work on. You can add rows and columns and track each task by day. Adding columns will help keep you organized as to what you did that day. For example, if you decide you want to get on a workout schedule, you can add a column titled minutes, weight lost, cardio, meals for the day, etc. Seeing your progress week by week will help to encourage you to keep pushing forward.

Be patient. Keep in mind that these changes won't take place overnight. It's going to be a slow process but will definitely pay off in due time. If you've seen that you've made progress, treat yourself once a week or every other week. It's nice to have a reward for your hard work and effort.

Make 2011 the year you completely turn something around for yourself. It's a new decade, so make a fresh start!

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If you're anything like me, you wait until the last minute to shop for everyone on your list. Not only is this incredibly stressful with store crowds, but it can take a toll on your wallet. Think smart and shop during the year.

You sometimes have a better chance at finding something really unique and personal for a special someone when you least expect it. Instead of making a purchase at the last minute (we're talking a few weeks before Christmas), buy it during the year when you see it in the store. That's one step closer to getting things crossed off your list.

Don't forget, after Christmas is done, the sales are out! Stores will be discounting merchandise a few weeks after the holidays, so keep your eyes peeled. The crowds may be a little hectic, but the deals will be well worth it. Keep wrapping materials in mind as well: boxes, bows, wrapping paper, etc. What can normally be high in price, you may just be able to get it for cheap afterwards.

Keeping on the subject of sales, take advantage of them during holidays around the year. After Father's Day is over with, buying great gifts for the men on your list will be taken care of. The same goes for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, you name it.  

One more thing to keep in mind: make room somewhere for all of your gifts. Keep them hidden away somewhere in a storage bin in your closet, attic or under the bed. And just think, when Christmas rolls around you'll already be ten steps ahead of everyone still doing their Christmas shopping!

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 You're walking around in the mall trying to think of that one perfect gift to give someone for Christmas. That plaid sweater isn't going to do, nor is the electronic helicopter...they already have one. The next thing you think of is a gift card - but why limit them to buying at just one store? Consider getting them a TDECU Visa gift card.

"What's so great about a TDECU Visa gift card?" you ask.  First, take a look at the huge selection we have by visiting here. There are 22 different designs - everything from balloons to holiday designs; plenty to choose from depending on the occasion. Make sure to check out the full terms and conditions here.

A gift card’s a great idea because it allows the one you are purchasing it for to visit any store they wish. Instead of buying a gift card to a specific store, these Visa Gift Cards can be used at any location they choose that accepts Visa. I'm sure they will appreciate getting this instead of a box of socks or a tie that blinks that will never be worn.

Another obvious benefit of these cards is that they don't act like credit cards. Setting a specific amount allows the person you are buying it for to not go into any debt whatsoever. Helpful personal finance hint: This may also be another great way to keep yourself to a budget as well. Load the card with a specific amount and when it runs out, it runs out. No being charged fees for going over a limit.

If traveling after the holidays, this card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted so you aren't limited to using it at a store that may not be near where you live or where you may be traveling to. On top of that, it's a great emergency fund as well if you don't want to use cash or credit. What it's spent on is completely up to the

Just a few things to think about if you're stumped on what to buy. Don't waste time by standing in the stores and scratching your head. When you're ready to buy one or a few, stop by your nearest TDECU branch to pick them up. We'd love to see you anyways!

As you may know, next Friday is well...Black Friday of course! This is one of the days out of the year when all of the crazy shoppers come out of the woodwork to partake in some really awesome deals. As for myself, crowds can be a little stressful. But, for those of you who are planning on taking advantage of the sales going on, here are some things to consider:

1. Shop online! Who said you couldn't shop in your pajamas? Grab yourself a cup of coffee and you might be able to catch some good sales starting at even midnight. It all depends on what sites you plan on visiting also. This is definitely a great way to avoid the crowds as well.

2. Strategize. Pick up those newspaper ads and check out some blogs online for deals going on that day. Blogs like Hip2Save.com have been featuring articles like this one that already list what is going to be on sale. Kind of a cheat sheet if you will! Walking around the stores with no plans of what you are already purchasing is going to leave you in a sticky and stressful situation.

3. Do your research. Just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's of high quality. If you plan on buying something like electronics, get on ConsumerReports.org and see what the experts are saying. The flatscreen you have in mind may not be as good as the one next to it. Yes, it may be a little more expensive, but quality is going to be better in the long run and worth your dollar.

4. Pack wisely. In other words, make sure to bring the ads that you found of the items you plan on purchasing. This will help avoid disputes of pricing as well as "low price" guarantees. If it's advertised in the paper, the prices should match the item in the store. And don't forget your coupons!  

5. Eat Plenty & Take Breaks. Running around all day will take the energy right out of you. If packing a snack is what may help, do it! Plan on either eating beforehand or take one hour out of the day to pick up something to eat. And for goodness sakes, take a break. Grumpy shoppers are not fun to deal with. Only kidding, but this will indeed help your shopping experience go much smoother.

With some planning and preparation, your Black Friday should go smoother than expected. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and happy shopping!

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Thanksgiving is a time of being thankful, hence the "thanks". However, between turkey and pie we get a little frazzled. Any good host or hostess has a million thoughts running through his or her mind: "The guests weren't supposed to arrive this early! The rolls are burning in the oven! Why are the Cowboys losing again!?"  This post is meant to get the stress level down a little so we can get to the most stressful part of the holiday: planning out the route of Black Friday sales to hit.

 Let's be honest - the Thanksgiving feast fills up all the food storage containers we have to spare. Why not eliminate just one dish this year? Sure, you can stick with the traditional items like the cranberry relish or the green bean casserole. Think of some food items that you can eliminate though.  Do you really need the oven-roasted acorn squash?  You’ve already got three desserts – is anyone going to miss the red velvet cake this year if they’re already having pecan pie? Something to consider!  

 Another tip: make sure to have plenty of foil and plastic wrap before the big day. And as for cleanup, one tip that won't necessarily save money but may save substantial time is to use festive paper napkins, tablecloths, and disposable plates. (Recycle what you can, of course.)

 If you're having a big family or friends get together, having one family or person bring a dish will also help to lower your stress level. It's one less dish you are having to prepare, therefore saving you time in the long run. Something else to keep in mind is making your desserts and appetizers a day in advance while also buying your veggies, rolls and fresh herbs beforehand.

 It's a simple list of things to do, but it will make it worth your while. Plus, you'd much rather be eating and being thankful and spending time with loved ones right?

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