This has been a great month for TDECU because of some exciting news we can't wait to share. We were awarded for three different categories in the Crossroads area by the Victoria Advocate: Best Financial Institution, Best Place to Work and Best Lender. To read the full story, you can check it out on this page.

In addition, on April 6th we officially released our TDECU mobile app for Android and Apple devices. If you haven't downloaded your app yet, do it now! Make sure you are enrolled in mobile banking by logging into online banking and selecting "Mobile" from the Preferences menu. From there, you can enroll and set up a mobile authorization code to do funds transfers. After that, you can download the app by searching for "TDECU" in your app market.

We want to thank all of our loyal members for making this possible. We couldn't have done it without you! TDECU thrives to treat our members as family rather than just another face like a lot of financial institutions do. We thank you for continuing to do business with us and can't wait to serve you in the future!

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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Embrace the outdoors. This is a prime time for it to just be you, your loved one and nature. The best part about searching a cave or taking a stroll through the park? You can have some of the best conversations during this time because you have no distractions! If you're a hiking enthusiast or bike rider, this is a great opportunity for your partner to enjoy it with you. If you're a kid at heart, visit your local zoo or playground. The places are there, you may have to do a little exploring first though.

Cook dinner for each other. Given, it's nice to go out to a nice restaurant every now and then, but it can put a dent in your funds if done too often. Fixing your significant other's favorite dish is just one more way you can show them how much you care. Plus, this is another great way to show off what an amazing cook you are!

Make each other gifts. This is probably a favorite of mine just because you can make it really personal. Not to say that store bought gifts or cards aren't nice, but you can put a lot of thought into something that is handmade. If you know what your sweetheart likes, this won't be hard to do. Something as simple as a love letter or burning a CD with their favorite songs is sure to put a smile on their face.

Learn a new skill. Showing your loved one that you want to learn one of their skills will definitely earn you some cool points. It shows that you want to take an interest in something that they already know. Ladies, does your gentleman know how to change the oil? Learn how to! Guys, does your lady know how to sew? Fix that missing button on your shirt! Hey, you can never know too much, am I right?

Take advantage of free or cheap events around town. No matter where you live there is always something free to partake in. Art museum events, live bands to see, free craft shows, bake sales, historic tours...you name it!

These are just a few ideas to get you going. And just remember, it's the not about the amount of money being spent between the two of you, it's all about quality time together.

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There's something we are all good at doing. It can be making a craft, fixing something, or offering a service that no one else does. If you're not already taking advantage of selling it, what are you waiting for? You may want to start putting yourself out there and make some extra cash. Here are some free and cheap ideas to get you started.

Facebook is evolving into more than just being able to keep up with friends and family. People who own their own businesses are putting themselves out there. The great thing about this? It's FREE! Starting up your own business can be pricey, so take advantage of using Facebook as a free way to get your business out to the public. After creating your business page, put a status out there advertising it, run a special, buy an ad, post pictures, share it with friends, do what it takes to tell people about your trade or talent. How are people going to know it exists if you don't shout about it?

Twitter is a great networking tool as well. The more people you follow and talk to, the easier the news will spread that you have something to sell. Remember, being on Twitter is not about gaining followers for the number, it's about gaining customers. You can also run promotions on your twitter site that can link back to your Facebook or blog. This brings us to our next topic of discussion.

Blogging has to be one of my favorite ways to get word out about what you're great at. It's more of a journal or diary for your customers to look at to let them know the current project you're working on, what is inspiring you at the moment, or items/services are selling. A blog may not be for everyone, but it is definitely another free and cheap way to sell your business.

Etsy. Now this may be a foreign word to some or familiar to others. This site is geared more for crafters who want to sell their product or for people who want to sell supplies to crafters. For example, if you make perfume and need to purchase a unique set of bottles, Etsy is your place. Looking for a unique gift to buy? You'll find everything under the sun here. Like Twitter, this is another great place for networking with other crafters. Your customers can also leave feedback on your product, which many online shoppers view when making their online purchasing decisions.

There's so much potential for someone who wants to make a little extra money using these online resources. The great thing about all four of these sites is that you can mention all of your pages on each site. So don't pass up the chance to make some cash. Get started today!

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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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We all know this holiday is all about the jewelry, the chocolates, the flowers and the stuffed teddy bears. It doesn't sound expensive, but you start buying those gift items for that special someone and it can really start to add up. Have you considered showing your love and appreciation in a different way? Give your wallet a small vacation with some of these ideas:

1. Dinner and a movie at home. No matter how you look at it, instead of going out to do this, you'll save yourself some extra money. When buying items from the grocery store, see what's on sale first and if you can, buy generic. A dinner for two at a local restaurant is sure to be pretty pricey. We're talking well over $50 easily. However, if you do decide to go out, you can always share a main course. The best thing about dinner and a movie at home, it's just the two of you. Awww, how romantic!

2. A stroll through the park. This is a prime time to get to know your loved one even more with some one-on-one time. And what's even better? It's free! Surround yourself with nature and take advantage by walking hand in hand at a local park. There are many good memories to be had at a place like this.

3. Make your gifts. If you're feeling crafty, you can get pretty creative by making your own card. Instead of the typical generic store-bought card, why not personlize it? Print out a favorite photo of you and your significant other and decorate to your heart's content. Some other ideas to think about? Decorate a box and fill them with love notes or poems, burn a CD with songs that you both love (this is so 90's, but still a great idea!), make a collage of favorite photos you took together or bake their favorite dessert. Really, the possibilites are pretty endless. No matter what though, they will appreciate the time you took to make something for them.

4. Do some chores. So your sweetheart may hate taking out the trash or doing the dishes, so do it for them today! Take the stress away and do a few things around the house or out in the yard that they may usually do on a typical day. Is the car dirty? Surprise them by detailing it inside and out.

You can make this day special, without making it expensive. It doesn't always have to be about the fancy gifts. Anything from the heart will show your sweetheart how much you love them!

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With Valentine's Day just around the corner, you may be considering an engagement to that special someone. If that's the case, you should also be thinking about a few insurance options, including wedding insurance and personal property insurance.

Wedding insurance can help put your mind at ease as you plan your big day. Coverage is available for a complete range of unexpected situations including a lost or damaged wedding dress, lost deposits, lost rings, severe weather, transportation shutdowns, ruined photos, calls to duty, damaged gifts, sudden illnesses, venue insurance, liquor liability as well as a variety of other expenses.

As for personal property, your engagement and/or wedding can also be the right time to take stock and make sure your newly combined household items are adequately insured. Because the engagement ring is such a significant investment, you'll want to make sure it is protected against theft or loss. And don't forget about her precious artwork and his rare baseball card collection.

Most homeowner's policies limit coverage of personal property. A personal property insurance policy may be exactly what you need to protect everything each of you own.

To get a free quote or to speak with a TDECU Insurance Agency representative, visit TDECUinsurance.org or call TDECU Insurance at 888.833.7358.

TDECU Insurance Agency, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Texas Dow Employees Credit Union. TDECU Insurance Agency, LLC and Texas Dow Employees Credit Union are not affiliates of the insurance companies represented. Insurance products are not deposits; not NCUA insured; and not guaranteed by TDECU Insurance Agency, LLC or Texas Dow Employees Credit Union.

*Originally published in TDECU's February 2011 Newsletter

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It's that time again! TDECU's 56th Annual Meeting is going on tonight at the Lake Jackson Civic Center. Registration starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting will kick off at 7 p.m., ending at 9 p.m.

The meeting will include highlights from 2010 and outline the direction for the credit union for 2011. We look forward to seeing you there! 

Lake Jackson Civic Center directions