Students get help with finances

BANGOR – Credit unions in eastern Maine presented their fourth annual Financial Fitness Money Management Experience recently at Eastern Maine Community College.

One hundred students from these high schools participated in the event: Bangor High School, Brewer High School, Penobscot Valley High School, Hermon High School and Old Town High School.

The Financial Fitness Money Management Experience was created to address the growing need for increased financial literacy in Maine schools and the lack of understanding that many teens experience with regard to personal finances. The half-day event is unique because it allows students to consider a serious issue in a fun way.

Students are asked to participate in an interactive game of life in which they map out what their financial future would be at age 22, according to a scenario packet they receive, which determines their occupation, income and credit history.

Students then have the task of creating a spending plan according to their income and expenses.

Representatives from the Bangor Chapter of Credit Unions, which includes Bangor FCU, Bangor Hydro FCU, Brewer FCU, Down East CU, EMMC FCU, Maine Highlands FCU, Maine Savings FCU, Penobscot County FCU, Seaboard FCU, University CU, the Maine Credit Union League and Eastern Maine Community College, helped to organize the event.