Hey Hey,

Did you know GTE FCU is giving away Howl-o-scream tickets at Busch Gardens? Only 2 more weekends left!

Go on to your Facebook or MySpace page and become a friend of GTE FCU to enter. See our pages for details. You could win FREE Tickets, and at $50, $60 a pop, that’s an awesome giveaway!

Become a Fan:
GTE U22 Account: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GTE-U22-Account/141512079625
GTE FCU: http://www.facebook.com/pages/GTE-Federal-Credit-Union/11031481521?v=box_3#/pages/GTE-Federal-Credit-Union/11031481521?v=wall
MySpace: www.myspace.com/MyU22

Here is my insider’s scoop:
Howl-o-scream is back in action this year as they celebrate their 10th year of scaring the pants off of everyone. This year is supposed to be pretty cool too. They have a huge fashion show as you walk into the park, which seems not really that scary, until they show you their true form. There are seven haunted houses this year and if they’re anything like last year, then make sure you pack a change of underwear with you. If you’ve been to Howl-o-scream within the past 2 or 3 years then you’ll be able to recognize some of the returning houses, but the new ones are supposed to be really awesome. There is an evil toy factory this year. So if your frightened by small children, dolls, or clowns, then I would cruelly recommend this house for you. There are also 4 scare zones this year which means, “get ready to close your eyes and run”. There is also a magic show and a show called Fiends (aka a show with nurses in pink wigs). So if you’re ready to rest your heart from the scary madness, the nurses show is more entertaining than terrifying. Well I think I’ll leave the rest of Howl-o-scream up to your exploration. Your gonna have a blast! Just remember to spend your money wisely and stay away from those extremely large stuffed animals. They may be exciting to win, but they are a pain to carry around. And hey, maybe I’ll see some of you there… you’ll know it’s me by the really girly screaming…

What is it like having corporate sponsors?

Hi. It’s me again. Suite Caroline. I hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the stuff I have been up to. It actually gives me time to reflect on everything going on in my life. Us songwriters like that kind of thing. Anyway, I thought I would tell you what it is like to have corporate sponsors, like GTE Federal Credit Union. Well, in a word, it’s “cool.” Make that two words.. “totally cool.” You see, at first it was just all about me and writing some songs. Then it was about getting a band together. Now it is about being a part of a business organization that supports me and offers me some killer opportunities. I have gotten to know the people at GTE FCU very well. I even met the President of the whole company! I love promoting their credit union because they are so interested in kids. If you haven’t checked out the U22 program, click this link, www.U224U.com. If you are from age 12 (like me) to age 22 it might be just what you need to get good things going with saving and banking. Even if you don’t have a whole lot of money to manage, you need to have it somewhere safe, right? And whenever you need it, it only takes a swipe of your U22 debit card to get it! And it makes me feel like a VIP when I can use a debit card that is actually mine! As a matter of fact, I just used it to buy my Halloween costume. (I am going to be an M&M. The blue one.) BTW, I plan to say “Trick or Chocolate” this Halloween, instead of “Trick or Treat!”. BBYYEE!!!!

So, earlier this month I put together a top 10 list of saving tips that I myself have tried to take my own advice and do! It’s been going pretty well. I’ve been dedicated to finishing my left-overs, which is a big thing for me. Usually, they just sort of sit and rot. Since I revealed by 10 through 6 tips already, now, it’s time for the really good ones.

5.) Buying groceries instead of eating out.
This is a tough one for us college students, but it really can save you loads of money. By just buying groceries for yourself instead of eating nasty fast food or pricey restaurants every day, you’ll be saving money and learning how to cook!…. I know it doesn’t excite me either, but it works.

4.) Scheduling and Planning
As much as I hate to admit it, my mom was right. Making schedules to plan out your days and weeks really does save you time and money. When I was with my old bank, I don’t know how many late fees I had to pay because I forgot to make my payments – it’s scary to think about. My hard earned cash walking right out the door! I also like to make a list when I go shopping. This way, you’re only buying what you came to get and not everything else.

3.) Look for Sales
Looking for sales in the newspaper or online is a great way to save a buck. The best thing is that there is always some store that is offering some really good deals. All you have to do is look around. Oh yea and don’t be embarrassed to cut out and use coupons. They are awesome and your mom will love you for finally realizing how cool they are. Plus, it’s fun to cut stuff out… it’s therapeutic for me… what? Don’t judge me!!

2.) Comparing Prices
This one is really important for us to learn. Although it can sometimes be tedious, comparing prices with other stores or other brand’s prices is an extremely good thing to learn. Research is key here. If you really want something or need it, then it would be wise to know all that you can about the product and the differences between brands. You’ll learn that just because it’s more expensive it does not necessarily mean it is better. This will come in handy in the future when you want to buy a house, a pet, a car, or anything for that matter. Trust me, this will save you money.

1.) Wants vs. Needs
Almost everyone will have problems with this one some time in their life. The question you should always ask yourself before you buy something is, “Do I need this? Or do I just want this?” Being honest with yourself is key for this one. Whenever I try to convince myself that I really need something, I begin to realize that if I really needed it, then I wouldn’t need to convince myself of that fact. This is soooo important to learn. And I’m very guilty of buying things that I would never need. Buying things you don’t need is the biggest waste of your money and can cause lots of financial problems for anyone. It’s not a bad thing to buy something you want. Just make sure you do it sparingly and make sure you’re going to actually use it more than once.

Wow! Well I think I’ve lectured you all enough. I hope you will take my advice and learn from my mistakes. Now go out there and start saving!!!! FOR FINANCIAL FREEDOM!!!!!!!

www.U224U.com

It can be really challenging for us teens and young adults to save money nowadays. This is why I’ve decided to give you my top ten list of money saving tips that will help you get closer to your goal. I know… thank me later. Here are my first 5!

10). Saving your spare change
I know you’ve all probably heard this before, but it really works. Saving those quarters, dimes and nickels really add up after a while. I actually saved up about 50 dollars worth of change once. So start pulling out those piggy banks.

9). Be Creative!
This tip helps me a whole lot because I’ve been very cheap ever since I started saving for my car. All you have to do is use stuff you have lying around the house for things you normally wouldn’t use them for. For example, instead of buying a mouse pad for my computer, I use a newspaper. If you do this your kinda recycling at the same time, and if you want to go for the trifecta you can actually read the newspaper!! So you’ll be well informed and green at the same time YAY!!

8.) Eating left-overs
This tip is a challenge for me because I sometimes hate eating left-overs (especially if its rice or fries eww), but it can actually save you some money. If you divide your meal so that you have some for later, then you can enjoy two meals for the price of one! “Wow that is soo easy Alex!” I know right!!!

7.) Re-discover your old stuff
If you guys are anything like me, then chances are you have a lot of stuff you don’t use anymore. Like clothes, books, games, and all sorts of things. Well what I do is go through that big pile of stuff and see if I can use it again. Many times I buy new stuff and I forget that my old things can still have a lot of value to them. So before you go buy something new try reading that book that you remember nothing about or playing through that old video game that you used to have fun with. You never know, you may re-discover something amazing.

6.) Driving Less
This one is self explanatory. Gas is expensive so no more joy rides. Just be aware of the gas you plan on using.

Check back in for more money tips – my top ones!

Visit www.U224U.com to learn more about me and the GTE Federal Credit Union’s U22 checking account for 12 to 22 year olds!
Or friend me on MySpace – www.myspace.com/myU22
Or become a friend on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/GTE-U22-Account/141512079625

Hello Moms and Dads!

Well, today I was having yet another discussion with my daughter Gloria, now 15, about a driver’s permit. Since we opened her U22 account, she has committed to helping save for a new car, so the minute she turns 16 . . . ugh . . . she’ll be able to drive. Now, when we opened her GTE Federal Credit Union U22 account, Gloria was given a U22 debit card, which the parent inside of me was super excited about – it’s plastic in her eyes, and yet has limits and control at the same time, which is golden in my eyes.

In my research, the debit card is mentioned as a great prerequisite for a credit card in a lot of the articles I read. Gloria is managing her own money and feeling good about having her own account, but she doesn’t run the risk of getting into debt. To me, debt is a very scary word, but to Gloria, it just doesn’t have much impact yet. So to better convey why a U22 debit card is perfect for her right now, I switched gears and put the whole credit card, debt thing into terms she would understand – how credit could affect her CAR aspirations. More poignant still – how BAD credit could affect HER future car loan. Here’s how it went . . .

Parents, feel free to use this – here is how I explained credit – in car terms.
- Getting a credit card is the first step in establishing good credit, or the first step in putting dents in it.
- When you get a credit card, it’s like a permanent record; everything you do, or don’t do, will be noted and possibly judged, so if you get in to debt, and can’t make your payments, it can follow you around for a very long time.
- Car loans refer as far back as 7 years, so when you turn 22, Gloria, and want a new car, the credit card payments missed when you were younger could hurt you.
- Credit ranges from 850 to 300. Let’s say by the time you’re 22 and your credit rating is around a 650 – about average. You may qualify for around a 7% annual percentage rate or APR (The amount of interest you would pay per year on your auto loan for the money that is lent to you).

AVERAGE CREDIT SCENARIO:
So, you want to buy a $17,000 car and you have no money saved for a down payment?

The total amount you will pay for your $17,000 car would be $18,530.

BAD CREDIT SCENARIO:
That same car with bad credit, can mean that you’re denied a loan or must have your parent co-sign on the loan. For the few that are able to get a loan, you could pay as high as a 25% APR. The math now?

That’s over $14,000 MORE than if you qualified for 7% with decent credit!

By, the way, the first thing Gloria said to me when I used a $17,000 car for an example was “But, the Mercedes I want is over $35,000.” I was thinking in my mind – 22 with a Mercedes? Good luck with that, but at least she has big dreams right?

Anyway, I went on to explain that a debit card is a great way to ease into “plastic.” And, although her GTE U22 debit card only lets her buy what she can afford, because she has to have the funds actually in her savings account to pay right then and there, she’s already on her way to establishing good credit just by creating an account history.

Here are some other great articles I found that helped inspire this blog:

Ehow.com: How bad credit can affect a car loan
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4565415_bad-credit-affect-car-loan.html

MSN.com: How Teens Get Sucked Into Credit Card Debt http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/ManageDebt/HowTeensGetSuckedIntoCreditCardDebt.aspx?page=2

Edmonds.com: Auto Loan Calculator
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/calc/CalculatorController

Hey All!

So, now that I have my U22 account, I have been learning more and more about what makes GTE Federal Credit Union’s account different. One thing for sure? The PERKS. Have you guys heard about the FREE money GTE FCU is giving to U22 members? That’s right I said FREE. Pretty cool. All you have to do is the following four things:

1. Use your debit card to make a purchase
As if debit cards are hard to slide, they’ve made it even easier! U22 debit cards use a new “contactless” checkout method, which means no swiping; no waiting; no signing! And because everyone makes mistakes you also get once-a-month overdraft forgiveness. The overdraft forgiveness thing is pretty huge. Most banks actually charge teenagers and young adults more when they overdraft. This benefit is just another way GTE FCU helps us out.

2. Log into CU@Home –online account access
CU@Home makes it so easy to find what you’re looking for and almost always saves me a trip to the branch. I can check my balance and even see when the money that Mom transferred is available. I keep my bills paid and my parents proud by using the bill-pay program that lets you schedule regular monthly payments. With GTE FCU’s financial management guidance, it should be easy to survive college and save money for my new car.

3. Log into CU2GO – mobile account access
If you’re anything like me, your phone is your best friend and MAN does GTE FCU make managing money easy! If you’re on the go and you need a fast and convenient way to transfer money or check your account, there’s no need to freak out, you can do it from your phone! You can even pay bills simply and securely in minutes!

4. Set up an account balance alert at CU@Home

That’s it!! Then GTE FCU will automatically put $25 in your U22 account.

You were probably gonna do all of those steps anyway, so the fact that they give you money for that is seriously nice of them. Especially since school is almost back around. Twenty-five bucks is about one or two good meals at a nice restaurant…or 4 fast food meals if you’re broke and saving money like me.

I gotta admit, it’s been pretty tough saving. I find myself always wanting some new video game or new pair of sneakers that’s just a bit too expensive. I have given into temptation once or twice, but I’m still on track to that new car. I will not let myself get in the way of my goal!!