On April 28^th, I had an opportunity to share ideas and information with 6 teenagers and 2 adults at a workshop at the New Ulm Public library. The 45 minutes spent together covered various topics including: savings, checking, budgeting, loans and credit scores.

The education system in our country today places an emphasis on many very important subjects: English, History, Math, Industrial Arts, Science, Family and Consumer Science, Physical Education and Health - financial topics seem to be forgotten about in the education system. SouthPoint Federal Credit Union feels it's very important as part of our "members helping members" mission to educate our members on savings, checking, budgeting - to name a few. For those teenagers in attendance, the workshop was led by somebody different than their parents, grandparents or teacher.  Setting a strong financial foundation as a teenager and young adult will lead to a much higher probablitity of being able to do such things as purchasing a home, car, camper, etc in the future.  Having the flexibility and peace of mind knowing these opportunities are out there as a result of doing the right thing at an early age is huge. If we can influence a small number of folks in a positive way in regards to their finances, that will go a long way in helping shape the reminder of their adult lives.

SouthPoint employees are involved in various educational activities throughout the year and within our field of membership.  We are actively involved with Junior Achievement, volunteering in the various school systems and also having a one on one setting within our retail branches - Sleepy Eye, Springfield and New Ulm.  If you have a need for financial education or would like to partner with SouthPoint Federal Credit Union in offering an opportunity to share ideas, please contact the credit union at (877) 794-6712.

Jeff Anderson, Financial Services Representative