Find out how much of a difference Arsenal Credit Union plays in the lives of young people. This year’s scholarship applicants submitted a written essay that discussed how their future is affected by learning about financial responsibility now by using various products, services and financial education tools offered by the credit union. No changes were made to the excerpts.
I am grateful to Arsenal Credit Union for the services you offer and the dialogue I have had with my parents about good money management.
Meghan L.
At Arsenal Credit Union, I am currently using a savings account, have a few certificates of deposit, and I have a credit card through the [credit union]. Each of these services has helped me learn how to handle my money responsibly.
Last year, I took a personal finance class at my high school. During this class, there were things that I did not fully understand and the book made it difficult to understand as well. Every time this happened, I went onto the Arsenal Credit Union Web site and looked up the information. This Web site not only allowed me to pass my class but it also taught me some very valuable lessons that I can take with me for the rest of my life.
Michelle M.
Arsenal Credit Union clearly makes an effort to create awareness in their younger customers about the need to practice financial responsibility. I have received brochures and other correspondence from Arsenal Credit Union advertising the different services offered to help encourage and educate youth.
Colleen C.
Arsenal Credit Union...helps me by sending quarterly literature that educates me with banking tips. As a member of the Advantage Point Teen Club, Arsenal Credit Union offers me great resources and opportunities to expand my knowledge of banking.
I believe that Arsenal Credit Union is doing a great job on educating today's teenagers about the importance of financial responsibility.
Amanda H.
Arsenal Credit Union has such wonderful programs for young members that are not available at other places. Not only are you able to have your own ATM card, but you can write checks from your checking account. And having my own debit card that can be used as a Visa credit card has really been great.
Arsenal Credit Union also has the terrific Young Investors CD. This allows members ages 13 through 18 to open certificates of deposit with only $100. How brilliant! At other places, you would have needed $500, or even $1,000, to open a CD. Because of the terrific Young Investors CD idea, I was able to save my money when I earned it, without a problem.
Elizabeth N.
Learning financial responsibility now gives me a head start on my future. Maintaining a checking account with a debit card has taught me to track my savings and purchases. My finances, though small, are still treated with respect by Arsenal Credit Union staff. This has encouraged me to treat my account with responsibiliy and integrity.
Stephanie F.
The Arsenal Credit Union Web site has many tools that help me with money management decisions. On my sixteenth birthday, my parents allowed me to get an Arsenal VISA credit card. I use many of the financial calculators to help me plan my credit card use. The Credit Cards and Debt Management section is very helpful to me. The Web site helps me to make projections on credit card balance payoff. It is also useful in informing me of how much I need to pay each month to keep interest payments at a minimum.
I use the Personal Finance section to help me build a budget to track the different things I am required to pay for each month. The budget is my roadmap. It tells me if I am getting off the path I have established for myself. By using the financial tools that Arsenal Credit Union has to offer, I can get back on track before I get lost in financial debt.
Ardella D.
I feel Arsenal Credit Union is doing its part to educate today's youth on financial matters. The credit union's Web site provides a youth-friendly environment with tools such as the financial calculators and definitions of financial terminology to help them become knowledgeable and responsible consumers.
Thomas L.
Going away to college will be a challenge for me because I will be in charge of my own spending. I have had my checking account from Arsenal Credit Union for two years so it has been a learning experience on managing my income versus expenses. I have also been responsible in keeping a credit card through Arsenal. I have learned to pay off my balance every month. I am confident that I will be able to continue to manage my accounts effectively in the future.
Brittany C.
I am currently using a savings account at Arsenal Credit Union, which sends me newsletters in order to teach me about how to use and protect my money. In the future, I plan on purchasing a car and a house so Arsenal Credit Union can provide me services to acquire these items and help me along the way. Based on what my parents have used at Arsenal, I plan on opening an IRA. Although this will be far in the future, I know that Arsenal Credit Union can help.
Ravi N.
I believe that Arsenal Credit Union is doing its part to educate today's youth, teenagers, and anyone else on financial matters. Whenever I had a question regarding my checking, savings, direct deposit payroll, ATM/debit card, or online banking, I found that anyone I asked for help at Arsenal Credit Union was more than willing to assist me. I found Arsenal Credit Union's "Member's Edge" to be very helpful and informative. Arsenal Credit Union is committed to educating youth about financial responsibility before they develop any bad spending habits.
Patrick J.
Recently, in order to begin building my credit, my parents and I opened a Student Visa account through Arsenal Credit Union. With a relatively small limit, I am learning to keep track of my spending and have learned what happens when you go over your limit! Learning while still under the protection of my parents is a valuable experience. I am sure this will help prepare me for my college days when I will have to be responsible for my own spending.
Cassie R.
Currently, I have a checking account with checks as well as a debit card. This really helps to keep me on track and it makes it really necessary to manage my finances and know how much money is in my account at all times. The debit card is my favorite part of my checking account because while it gives me the ability to not have to carry money on me all the time, it also makes me more responsible about how much I am spending, if there is enough in my account, and really more responsible with my money overall.
Kathleen F.
I have used some of [Arsenal's] resources personally, such as the ones online. They have taught me about budgeting, buying a car and home, and planning for retirement and other things.
Jessica P.
For National Credit Union Youth Week in April 2007, we asked teens why they love their credit union. Here’s what they said:
Arsenal Credit Union gives high school kids like myself the opportunity to manage money and learn about different types of accounts. I am only 17 years old but, thanks to Arsenal, I now have a savings and checking account, ATM card, debit card, and a Visa credit card. Arsenal Credit Union teaches kids responsibility and important information on how to succeed in life by managing different finances. What really stands out in my mind about Arsenal is the courteous employees who always treat me like I am an adult.
Mark W.
Arsenal Credit Union is always an enjoyable place to visit. The staff is welcoming and always ready to answer any questions that I have about my account. When I got my first ATM card, they guided me through the process and did not make me feel as if I was not smart. They understood that I was new to the banking process and did not hesitate to help me.
Kristen F.
One of the many reasons why I love my credit union is because Arsenal Credit Union offers me free advice on ways to improve my current credit and teaches me to plan for my financial future. As a responsible teen, I know that I need to start thinking about how to pay for college. Arsenal Credit Union has helped me do just that. They have even informed me on ways to avoid credit card debt, which is something that can prevent me from making large purchases in the future, such as a car or a home of my own.
Thomas L.