I had a great time in Daytona Beach this weekend!

The surf in the Atlantic Ocean is a ton of fun!! I went there for a show.  We had several obstacles at that show though.  We took the stage, and after one song, we had to stop because of the weather.  We were so bummed. It was before the Jonas Brothers concert, so there was a good crowd, and the sound system was awesome.  About an hour later, they let us take the stage again and do a shortened set.  We were excited again!  BUT, they had lowered the awning covering when the weather got bad.  So when they went to put it back up, it wouldn’t go!  Basically, the only people who could see our heads were the people in the front few rows.  Everyone else could just see our dancing feet!!  Once again, I was bummed.  But my mom said to me, “Anything that is worth working hard for is going to have bumps in the road.  You just have to keep your eye on the big picture and not focus on the set backs.”

This also made me think of the Martin guitar I am saving for with my GTE Federal Credit Union U22 Account. I had hoped to be saving more money for it by now, but I haven’t.  Sometimes I want to just say “forget it.” But, you know what, it is worth waiting for and working for, even if I face a few bumps in the road!!

So, I found a way to kill 2 birds with one stone so to speak My friend and I decided to try out the Public Transportation in Tampa. I am from New York, so I’m used to not driving a lot, and trust me, it’s a lot easier to navigate routes here than in the subways.

HART is pretty much the option for Hillsborough County. They have an awesome web site. One-Way Cash Fares start at $0.85! There’s a local option, and an express option for those computing from the “suburbs” to their jobs. There’s also an In-Town Trolley for $0.25, which takes you to some of Tampa’s signature downtown hot spots like the Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Theatre. Just make sure you have exact change or bills no larger than $1.00 in most cases.

HART even has a USF U-Pass Program. Students show a valid USF ID and then they can ride HART’s local connector and limited express bus routes for FREE.

Honestly, it was a really nice experience – not scary at all. People from all walks of life were on the bus. My driver was really cool, and the routes were easy to figure out. I would recommend going with a friend the first time around. It’s like an adventure, getting from point A to point B. I know it sounds dorky, but we had a great time.

Check out U224U.com for more money tips and fun stories. Brought to you by GTE Federal Credit Union and the U22 account for 12 to 22 year olds.

School starts next week. Where did summer goooooo????  My neighbor is going off to college. Leaving home for the first time. Apartment. Car. Books. And her first checking account. Yes, her first. She has never read a bank statement or balanced a checkbook, and starting next week, she will be required to pay bills, tuition, etc. without bouncing checks!  Talk about OJT! Ya know, on the job training?  I am soo lucky that I have a U22 account. Even as a 13 year old, with GTE Federal Credit Union, I can follow my purchases, balance, and deposits. So hopefully by the time it’s my turn to go off to college, I will have the hang of this money management thing! Or at least I’ll have a good head start .

It’s also kind of crazy to think of how much things costs in college too. I found some crazy articles:

The Most Expensive College Dorms – We’re talking like $10K a year! Whoa!

How much will college cost calculator - This one is a little crazy, so I would grab a parent to help. It calculates how easily it will be to pay off your college debt based on your anticipated future income after graduation.

Top 20 Best-Paying college degrees in 2010 – It turns out, if you are really really good a math, you can make a really great salary out of college.

New College Graduates and the 2010 Job Market – Although this one can kind of be a little depressing, with the economy and all, it emphasizes how communication skills can play a big part!

Check out my U22 Suite Caroline page and start managing your money today, so you can be prepared tomorrow!

I have been playing their guitars for a few years, and they are awesome!  You wouldn’t believe all that goes into making a guitar.  They start with just a piece of wood!  There are all kinds of craftsmen who shape, bend, buff, sand, stain, string, test, retest (and the list goes on and on) before a guitar is sent out for sale.  That means one thing, these guitars are not cheap!  I got to see where they make the custom ones, where you can have words and pictures inlaid to your guitar.  I WANT THAT!

So, now for my next savings project!!  When I got home from the tour, I looked up my online estatement from GTE Federal Credit Union for my U22 account.  I was happy to see the balance was pretty good, BUT once I subtract the price of the guitar I want to get, that balance won’t be nearly as good. LOL.  So I have decided to deposit a set amount each month, earmarked for my new guitar.  Once that money is there, I will order that pretty guitar!  It might take me a while to save for it, but it will be worth it in the end.  What do they say about things worth waiting for?

There is no other account that I could have at my age that would make saving and tracking so easy.  Thank you U22!

The transition wasn’t easy, but now, I totally get it. There is a lot of pressure to dress in a certain way, and for many parents and kids, especially in today’s economic climate, school uniforms take away all the worry of having the hottest (most expensive) brands. Plus, it makes it a heck of a lot easier to get ready for school when you don’t have to try on 1,000 outfits before you find the most slammin’ combination.

Here’s a short comparison. Who doesn’t love Target right?

As of: August 10, 2010

Target: Boys Uniform Tops

Short-Sleeve Polo – $6.00

Long-Sleeve Polo – $9.00

Light-Weigh Jacket – $16.00

V-Neck Sweater – $10.00

= $41.00 (Eagle Athletic Pique Polo = $20.00 for 1 shirt)

Target: Boys Uniform Bottoms

Khaki Core Short = $9.00

Khaki Core Pant = $12.00

= $21.00 (AE Relaxed Khaki = $39.50 for 1 pair)

Target: Girls Uniform Tops

Short-Sleeve Polo – $6.00

Long-Sleeve Cardigan – $12.00

Long-Sleeve Woven Top – $9.00

Navy Twill Blazer – $13.00

= $40.00 (AE Colorful V-Neck T = $17.50, for 1 shirt.)

Target: Girls Uniform Bottoms

Khaki Scooter = $9.00

Tab Pleat Scooter = $13.00

= $22.00 (AE Trousers = $44.50 for 1 pair)

So, although American Eagle may be more in-line with your personal style, look how much more you can get at Target going with a uniform! Plus, there are always cool things you can do with your backpacks and accessories. PS – Did you know men are wearing scarfs now? Crazy!

Check out the U224U for more money-savvy blogs and to get to know me, Alex, GTE Federal Credit Union spokesperson.

Why? Why you ask? This was a record-setting weekend for the Tampa Bay Rays – an incredible series against one our most anticipated rivals the New York Yankees!!!!

The coolest part…seeing 4 Tampa Bay youths participate at the Rays game like never before. This summer, teenagers from around the area entered photos and videos to be able to fill exclusive positions at the 7.31 game at Tropicana Field – GTE Federal Credit Union’s U22 Takes Over the Trop Contest.

Congratulations:

Kate – Junior Announcer (Click to watch the video)

Zane – Ceremonial Pitcher (Click to watch the video)

Amanda – Bat Girl

Amber – 7th Inning Stretch Singer (Click to watch the video)

Suite Caroline

Also very cool – Suite Caroline, U22′s official spokesperson, sang the National Anthem (Click to watch the video)! It was amazing!!!

We will be sharing photos of our winners this week!

GTE FCU has taken a special interest in providing unique, enriching opportunities for teens and young adults in Tampa Bay. We’ve been proudly serving the Tampa Bay community for 75 years. In 2009, we were extremely excited to introduce our newest service, the U22 Checking Account for 12 to 22 year olds. Learning how to manage money, gaining financial independence in a safe and fun environment, and empowering youths with the tools to make smarter financial decisions in the future is what U22 is all about.

Learn more about U22 Takes Over The Trop. Click.

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!

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!!!!

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!