For my birthday I played a show in the North Carolina Mountains.  What a pretty place!  It was a great place to get inspired to write songs.  People probably feel that way about Florida too, come to think of it.  But I’m just so used to it around there, that it was inspirational to see a different type of place.

The coolest thing was when I got home my band threw a surprise party for me!  At first, I didn’t get it. I walked in, and everyone yelled SURPRISE and there were streamers everywhere, but I just said, “O, hi.”  Then my mom had to tell me that this was a surprise party for ME.  Then I finally got it!

So fun!

So, here’s to the teen years!  One step closer to driving!!!!

So I’ve pondered ways to help my teens navigate through the manipulative real world of “Buy Now, Pay Later”, “We’ll Beat Any Competitors Price” and “Zero Interest Until 2014”. We all have numerous experiences can we share with our teens on the art of negotiation and importance of reading the fine print, (which goes along with the mind bending exercise in trying to understand it.)

That fine art of negotiation works best when confidence fuels it, (and confidence is fueled by knowledge). Negotiating will be important not only in purchases but also in the career world as they seek to move up the ladder.

Below are 10 valuable tips compiled from Entrepreneur, Psychology Today and Consumer Reports.

1. Be Informed. Want to buy a new car, TV or rent an apartment? Do your homework first and research on the internet. The virtual world is bursting with information that’ll allow you to compare prices and important product details. Often there are online calculators that will factor in the price and most fees for you. These calculators are not entirely accurate but will give you a foundation to start from.

2. Create A Budget. The amount you spend can be determined by either what you are “able” to afford or what you “should” spend based on market prices. Both should be considered when establishing a budget. But be prepared, in most cases there are additional hidden fees known as taxes, interest, processing charges, insurance, maintenance packages, etc.) To account for the hidden fees, seek a product that is 85-90% of your total budget to allow for the average fees of 10-15%, (however it varies for every industry).

3. Shop Around. Find local (or online) businesses that are willing to beat any competitors advertised price. For smaller purchases, you can simply scan the bar code with your smart phone to compare prices. For larger purchases, it’s time to step away from your computer and iPod because the best places to find businesses offering price-beating programs are in your local newspaper or on the radio.

4. Make A List. After doing your research, write down what you need and what features are important to you. Your list will keep you focused so the “shiny objects” don’t lure you into buying something you don’t need or can’t afford.

5. Watch, Read & Listen. Find out what others are saying about the product or business. Testimonials can be found throughout the internet on Yelp.com, all search engines (Google, Bing & Yahoo) and in social media you can search via SocialMention.com. Another great source is Consumer Reports, a magazine and an app on your smart phone that is considered the supreme source of product research and reviews.

6. Put Your Game Face On. Your research and list will give you the confidence you need to get in the game. There are many types of sales people out there. The helpful, informative type and the commission-minded type. Keep your enthusiasm to yourself, evaluate your sales person to see if they have your true interests in mind, (and don’t be afraid to request a different person if they are not helpful). Stick to your research, list and budget but consider any new information you may gleam from an informative type sales person.

7. You’re In Charge. Always keep in mind that you are the customer. Never allow manipulative tactics to pressure you into purchasing on the spot. In the midst of negotiating a price or payment plan, or evaluating which product is best for you, take notes and prepare do more research.

8. Don’t Buy Now. Try not to rush into anything. Take the time to evaluate your experience, any new information and compare it with your research and list. This will prove valuable.

9. Cash vs. Credit. If you have been diligent in saving your money, you are miles ahead of others. The money you save in paying for your purchases vs. using credit can equate to a 15-40% savings. Of course, there are times we must use credit. If the company offers a “no interest” time period, this is timeframe in which you must to pay as much as you’re able to avoid high interest which will save you a lot of money.

10. Enjoy. Life is sweet! You’ve made a smart purchase on your own. Whether for need or pure entertainment, you can be assured you’ve paid the best price for a great product without over extending yourself.

I strongly encourage that you share these 10 valuable tips and your own experiences with teens and young adults as an important step towards a solid financial future. As stated in Tip #9, encourage them to save some of the money. They can start by opening a U22 account. It’s perfectly designed for 12-22 year olds.

Today we discuss purchasing, next month we’ll discuss negotiating in the career world.

GTE Federal Credit Union Courtesy Pay

Know your options when it comes to overdrafts.

Big changes are happening in the financial world. You may have heard about the Consumer Protection Act and the changes the Federal Reserve is making in regards to overdrafts for example.

Why should you care? I’d like to start off with a story first…

Let’s say you are driving in Wimauma, Florida and happen to swerve your vehicle to avoid a tortoise in the road and you happen to hit a tree. Well, to have the tow truck come out and then get your car fixed so you can drive home, well that may be $400, money you may not have in your checking or savings account right then. Moreover, you left your credit cards at home! If you have not opted-in to your financial institutions program, you will no longer be able to take out more money than you have in your account, leaving you stranded in Wimauma. Your ATM and debit withdrawals will be denied.

It used to be that if you wanted to buy something that exceeded the available funds in your account, a financial institution could automatically allow a transaction to go through, to overdraft your account. So, if you wanted to buy a $5 coffee, but only had $2 in your account, the purchase would still clear, and you would be charged a fee. Fees, especially at some of the larger banks, have now been deemed excessive. Another complaint was that consumers were not adequately alerted when they overdrew their account and could incur numerous overdrafts that carried increasing fees.

As of August 1, 2010, all financial institutions are required by new Federal Regulation E to get approval, via opting-in, from their customers before an overdraft transaction can be processed. Unlike previous overdrafts, account-holders will only be charged a one-time fee upon overdrafting using an ATM or debit card. However, some banks, like Bank of America, are not giving their customers a chance to opt-in; they are denying any debit purchase or ATM withdrawal, regardless of whether or not the customer would like to be able to overdraw their account, for example in an emergency. They are however, letting patrons link an account such as a savings account, charging $10 for an automatic transfer.

GTE Federal Credit Union recognizes that being able to make a debit purchase or ATM withdrawal, even if funds are not available right then, for a one-time fee of $29, may be of value to some members. For purchases under $5, the $29 fee does not apply. The program is called Courtesy Pay, and it has been recently improved!

(Just as a little FYI, Wells Fargo, BB&T, Fifth Third Bank and Sun Trust offer an opt-in program, some of which, charge up to $36 per overdraft transaction.)

You may be thinking…well…I NEVER WANT TO BE ABLE TO OVERDRAFT! But, remember the Wimauma story.

At GTE Federal Credit Union, it costs nothing to opt-in for Courtesy Pay. It’s 100% free. So, even though ideally, you never want to overdraw your account…YOU CAN IF YOU NEED TO!

Before you decide, read GTE Federal Credit Union’s handy-dandy web site further describing Courtesy Pay. May not be the most exciting thing you’ve ever read, but it may help you avoid getting stranded in Wimauma – or at least, help you make an informed decision!!!

Courtesy Pay – https://www.gtefcu.org/CourtesyPay/CourtesyPay.aspx

Courtesy Pay FAQ – https://www.gtefcu.org/CourtesyPay/CourtesyPay.aspx

Opt-in Today – https://cuathome.gtefcu.org/default.aspx?ptp=odo

This is a great article we used for some inspiration!

Don’t you miss the days when you never had to worry about money? School was the only thing we had to deal with and that was enough. Summers were filled with fun and laughter, and not once did we ever think to ourselves, “Ugh, I gotta go to work at 7am everyday.”

Well that’s what stinks about getting older, summer jobs. In order to do things or pay for things you have to have one. With that being said, if you look hard enough and just get lucky enough, you can find a fun job out there.

Everyone talks about how it is to first, find a job and apply, but the next biggest thing you can’t overlook is having a successful interview. Some people are naturals at having good interviews, but for many people, it can be a nerve-wracking and awkward experience.

If you’re one of those people, or it’s your first time, here are a few tips that can help you nail the interview:

#1
Get there early! If you come to an interview late, you’re already giving the company a reason not to hire you.

#2
Turn off your electronic devices! That includes cell phones, mp3 players, pagers (if your reading this in 1995). Nothing says, “I’m obnoxious” better than picking up a cell phone or listening to music during an interview.

#3
Keep eye contact! Don’t overdue this and creep the interviewer out with a death stare though.

#4
Be honest! Lying will get you no where, but don’t be too honest and throw out information that doesn’t need to be shared. For instance, there’s no need to tell them that you named your dog Luke Skywalker (that is an awesome name though).

#5
Avoid using slang or foul language! Words or phrases like, “Yeaaa Boi!!”, “$%&*”, and especially, “$%^&$$*” will get you back on the street looking for another job.

#6
Do a little research on the company you are interviewing with. It’s good to know something about them in case they ask, and with web sites nowadays, research is a cinch!

Most importantly just try to remain calm and confident and you should be well on your way to a new job.

For more tips check out these web sites:

http://www.quintcareers.com/interviewing-dos-donts.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_4847256_have-a-successful-job-interview.html

Part 1: Young & In Debt.  Avoid The Real Life Drama of Financial Frustration.

It started with one of those letters sent home from school.   Whenever my teens bring letters from their principal home, call me crazy, but I usually cringe as I skeptically prepare for news about the PTA or changes in school operations. Like you, it’s not that I question their ability to run the school, but as soon as I get in the groove, new changes are made.

But this letter was different. I liked what I read, it was glorious news! The letter announced programs for the upcoming year which, much to my pleasure, included new courses on personal finance. In fact, financial planning classes are turning up in schools throughout the country as students and administrators recognize a lapse in financial literacy among American youth.

Sad but true, it turns out that high school seniors know less about finance today, according to a biennial survey by JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. That survey saw a drop in scores from 57.3% in 1997 to 48.3% in 2008.

For those in college, a recent Sallie Mae study on undergraduates’ use of credit reported that 84% of college students have at least one credit card and a whopping 82% carry balances. Worse yet, the median debt owed has grown 74% since 2004.

Part 2 coming soon! An Idea from a Teacher in Texas!

First,
the new Suite Caroline U22 Debit Mastercard is out and I tested mine out at the mall today! My little sis is turning 11 soon, so I wanted to get her a crystal. She collects Swarovski crystals. I got her a little duck. She’s gonna love it! The cashier told me how cool she thought my card was, and I told her I agree. Of course, I felt a little awkward saying it was the Suite Caroline card, so I just smiled. She said she had never seen a card decorated so cute! She said it made her happy just to look at it. I smiled again. “Me too,” I said.

Second,
I will be singing the National Anthem at the Rays v. NY Game at Tropicana Field on July 31, 2010, and for me, that is going to be a really big deal! The game is supposed to be sold out and that means thousands of people! oooooo! I prepare differently to play the anthem than I do for other shows, because it is such a song of reverence. Not only that, but everyone knows it so well. The pressure is really on not to mess up. Plus, the whole place goes quiet for it, for a little added pressure. I hope you come to the game, and that you get to your seat early.

I will try and do a good job!

Lastly,
Make sure to enter the U22 Takes Over the Trop Contest and you could watch the game and hear my National Anthem rendition for FREE.

This is your BIG CHANCE to get involved in the big time!! If you are between the ages of 12-22 (like me) you can enter to fill one of four VVEERRYY cool positions:

1. You could be the junior bat boy/girl for the game (just don’t stand too close to home plate .. u know why!)
2. You could throw out the ceremonial first pitch (notice how we have to say ceremonial, so you realize that you are not actually pitching to the first professional batter up in the game LOL)
3. You could be the junior announcer, and help call all the action as it happens (this one would be good for my cousin Danny, because he knows A LOT about the team)
4. And this one may be my fave … you can sing during the 7th inning stretch!!!Oh, and I bet now u are wondering how to enter….

All you have to do is submit a video or photo at http://www.u224u.com/get-in-the-game before July 14th. Good Luck!!!!

Hello, Kathy Here!

The summer is here, finally! For weeks now, my teens were electric, anxiously readying for endless fun in the sun. Now that the final school bell has rung, my days are filled with trying to get ten minutes of quality time and a family dinner in here and there! One thing for certain, all this fun time gets expensive the older they get. So in my ten minutes of quality time, we discussed a balance of who will pay for the fun. The result? Half parents, half teens.

Now personally, I understand the need for kids to have a summer break before they head off for college or a career, (since there will be very few breaks in life until retirement). However, the reality is life costs money, its good to understand that now. So we’ve created a ‘pay for play’ model that helps them make money without having a full-time obligation.

Here are some great tips on small and part time jobs for teens and tweens:

• Pet sitting – this is vacation season, the need for pet sitters is at an all time high.
• Tutoring – summer is the time when tutoring is on the rise for math, science, writing and more.
• Lifeguard – requires certification but certainly puts teens at the top of the ‘cool’ scale!
• Camp counselors – camps come in all forms, your teen’s athletic, artistic or academic skills will be put to great use.
• Lawn care – a longtime tradition to make extra money.
• Arts & Crafts – handmade jewelry and accessories are very popular and it doesn’t even feel like work.
• Computer training – help seniors learn the ins and outs of the internet, E-mail and more.
• Web site & blog design – teens today are very computer savvy. They can put their technical and creative skills to great use for small businesses and individuals.
• Delivery – if they have a car, they can put it to good use for a few hours a week delivering pizza, flowers, newspapers and more.
• Caddy – the perfect time to learn or to perfect their game as you assist others.
• Music lessons – whether your teen plays an instrument or sings, they can put their skills to good use by sharing their knowledge and talent with others.
• Baby sitting – always a great way to make money as you help parents get a night out.
• Blogging – they can create and author their own blog to share unique knowledge, insights and skills with others, as they make money on advertising sold.

Believe it or not, there are many, many jobs you can find or create. Teens have more choices than just working at a fast food chain, especially if they want to explore their inner-entrepreneur side.

So the final question, what should they do with all that money? Skip the piggy bank, encourage them to save some of the money and open up a U22 account! It’s perfectly designed for 12-22 year olds.

Hey everybody!!

I really love a good old fashion baseball game. The beautiful stadiums with an entire field of the greenest grass and best dirt you’ll ever see. It just makes you wanna jump on the field and frolic in the dirt like a kid again. The aroma of mouthwatering hot dogs and toasted peanuts tickling your nose until you can’t resist yelling the words, “HEY, HOT DOG GUY!! TOSS ONE OVER HERE!!” And did I mention the atmosphere? Oh well it’s to die for, really, I mean imagine being surrounded by hundreds of like-minded people all cheering together in celebration, after your favorite player hits another homerun. And being able to sing and dance along to your favorite song that’s being played over the loud speakers, without fear of ridicule and shame!! Ok, well maybe a little ridiculous, but still baseball games are great.

Did I mention GTE Federal Credit Union has been reading my mind lately?

If you are a baseball enthusiast too, you should checkout www.U224U.com, U22 Takes Over the Trop. Four 12 to 22 year olds will be selected to fill exclusive roles in the Rays versus New York game on July 31st! Can you believe it? It doesn’t get any better than that! Rivals, playing at home, in a sell out game, and you could be right in the thick of it. The winners will also receive 4 FREE tickets to the game. Whoa!

Here’s what ya do:

* Grab a parent and go online at www.U224U.com
* Register for the contest and submit a video or photo – depending on what position you want to fill
* GTE Federal Credit Union will select their favorite entry for each category

Also, open a U22 Account at GTE Federal Credit Union before July 14, 2010 and you could meet a Rays player before the July 31st game! Complete an entry form at a branch. We will select 1 winner from the pool of collected entry forms. See www.U224U.com for details.

So, if you’re looking for something to do this Summer, go online and order some tickets to see a Rays game at Tropicana Field. They are doing really well this year, and they need our support!! And with tickets as cheap as 15 dollars, we can still keep saving up for our dream cars. So remember to use your U22 card to buy the ticket, and who knows, maybe I’ll see you there!!

PS – Vote for Evan Longoria, U22 Spokesperson, in the MLB All-Star Race!

I’M A DEBIT CARD! I’M A DEBIT CARD! Well you may think I meant to say that I HAVE a debit card. But nope, I meant to say that I am one!

GTE Federal Credit Union’s U22 Account now has a Suite Caroline U22 card and if you have ever seen my website or my myspace then you will know what this card looks like. It has pretty colors and peace signs and flowers. Totally love it!! If you already have a U22 Account just tell your branch you want to get the new Suite Caroline card and they will handle it. Or you can call the awesome people at member services 888.871.2690 x 40401. Or if you don’t have a U22 Account, now is a great time to become a member of GTE Federal Credit Union so you can get the cool design! Check it out!!!

The U22 Account is for 12 to 22 year olds! Learn more about how you can become a member. Click Here

I went to my branch today and asked them to order mine and they said it would arrive in the mail in about a week!! Can’t wait hope you like it too!!