Did you know?

So now that I'm on the mend and recovering from whatever illness I had...for 4 days! I figure we need a new blog. I found myself searching around my twitter a bit tonight and I came across the MB Credit Unions tweets. It is the 75th anniversary of Manitoba Credit Unions in 2012!!! Now that's exciting stuff.

Here is some background information thanks to the MB Credit Union page:

"2012 International Year of Co-operatives/
75th Anniversary of Manitoba Credit Unions

The United Nations has declared 2012 the International Year of Co-operatives. It also marks the 75th anniversary of financial co-operatives in Manitoba.
These two events are significant milestones for the Manitoba credit union system and throughout 2012 Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM) and the province's 41 credit unions will be celebrating them in a variety of ways.
We'll be using Facebook and Twitter to share information on events and activities related to both the International Year of Co-operatives and the 75th anniversary. We would love it if everyone would like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and help us spread the word about both events."

You can find them at these social connections:
facebook.com/ManitobaCreditUnions
twitter.com/ManitobaCUs

That's a big number of Credit Unions....41 are out there and giving their members the service they deserve! I wonder what everyone will be doing to celebrate? I've checked out the facebook page and the twitter and both are very good! Check them out for your self and see what you think!

Watch for my new video coming soon: Why Credit Union's are the smart choice!

TTYL

Whitney

When is the right time to start an RRSP?

Young or not, I am sure we've all heard about or have been told about RRSP's and saving for our retirement. Today I read a great article in the Brandon Sun regarding views of University students on starting RRSP's when your young and the benefits. 

I myself found it a hard thing to understand when I first obtained my professional career, but nonetheless I started one.  I figured out how much I could afford a month and opened up an account for my RRSP to go into at my local bank.  I now continue to contribute to it every month, I don't really miss the contribution from my paycheck as it comes out at the start of every month.  I suppose you get used to it I could say, I forget about it but I know in years to come it will be there and it's growing!

I think most young adults find it hard to part with their money for an RRSP at this age because the end is so far from where we are now.  However, saving for retirement will be beneficial in the future when you can take a cruise to somewhere warm or maintain the home you live in and don't want to part with.

There are other options than an RRSP, most banks have Tax-free savings accounts, or TFSAs, which allow Canadians to save up to $5,000 each year with all earnings and withdrawals exempt from taxation. Most students in the article said they would prefer this option at a young age. I never thought about it at the time, but I do have one now for my smaller savings!

(Bruno Delorme, the students' business teacher, said young people want and need more financial literacy in the classroom, including information about RRSPs and tax-free savings accounts.
"One of the key success factors in finance is that compounding effect of money, the compounding value," Delorme said.
"If the students begin to invest, albeit a small amount like $500 annually, if they should start at the age of 16, 17, 18 by the age of 50 or 55, they could be rich people.") Brandon Sun

I think that if it's right for you then you should do it, if it's not seek something that is. Your local DPCU branch can guide you in the direction that's best! Drop by and see them today!

If you are interested in reading the article from the Brandon Sun you can check it out here:
http://www.brandonsun.com/business/breaking-news/teens-say-rrsps-are-for-after-university-when-its-time-to-get-serious-138582389.html?thx=y

TTYL

Whitney

Valentine's Day Contest!

So gone is January and we say "hello" to our new friend this month February!  The month of groundhogs seeing or not seeing their shadows, chocolates and overpriced stuffed animals. That's right the count down is on to Valentine's Day. It is pretty fitting then that today I announce our new contest for February!

We want you to post your BEST "money saving ideas for valentine's day" on our facebook page. Give us some great ideas to share with all our fellow facebookers and tweeters on how to save a few bucks during one of the most expensive holidays of the year.  What can you win? Well, you have a chance to take home a $100 gift certificate to a Dauphin Area restaurant, you can treat your special someone to a great dinner with this prize!

 I am interested to see what tips are out there! I shared mine today on facebook: cook dinner for yourselves, its way cheaper to buy your ingredients than it is to cram yourselves in a busy restaurant on the actual day of Valentine's.  Just think a lobster tail is about $9.99 and potatoes a 5 lb bag for $6.00. Add some french bread for $1.00, a bagged salad $2.99 and a bottle of mid-range wine $15.00...what do you get?

You get a great meal for about $46.00 and some change- if you don't know how to cook, google can become your best friend! Plus you get a wonderful evening at home, together without waiting 20 minutes for your reservation!  Pop in a movie or play a fun board game after and continue your night together!

I hope you post- and we'll help you wine and dine if you win!

ttyl
Whitney