What happens when you put smart people on a bus, drive them to interesting places in Washington, DC and Virginia, introduce them to even smarter people, and challenge them to improve consumers' financial lives?
Jamming in Wisconsin
I made my maiden voyage to Wisconsin last week. Known as the Credit Union Mecca, Madison is home to CUNA, CUNA Mutual, WOCCU, CUES and the Filene Research. Matt Davis gave me the grand tour while I was there. It was a pretty cool trip.
Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
My beloved Jeep finally gave up on me, so I found myself needing to get a new set of wheels. Once I'd selected my lovely new ride it was time to do all of the necessary little things ou have to do when you switch vehicles—secure financing, get it inspected, etc. I made the decision to switch insurance companies because my rate tripled with my current company, and only doubled with another. I scheduled a good chunk of time (because these things always take hours) and gave them a ring to cancel my policy.
My Favorite Commercial This Year... Is From Kmart?
I haven't been shopping in a Kmart in at least fifteen years. And it's been about ten years since I've seen one here in Texas—they've mostly closed up all their shops due to poor sales (and bankruptcy) in this region. owever, I do have a few words that I associate with Kmart. Low-budget. Bankrupt. Old-fashioned. Tired. How-are-they-still-in-business. Need I go on?
Tweeting in Times of Tragedy
Avoiding cringe-worthy tweets during times of tragedy just takes a little forethought. Here are some fails, and a few tips to help you navigate tweeting when world events take center stage.
Meanwhile, I Still Live in A Two Bedroom Apartment
very few weeks a credit union that I've done some business with the past few years sends me a mailer or two. The message is almost always the same: Get Your Home Loan Through ABCDEFG Credit Union! Refinance Your Home Loan Through ABCDEFG Credit Union! The photo on the mailer is always of a smiling family, posing in front of their lovely McMansion as a dog frolics in their begonias in the background. hey look darn happy.
April—Financial Literacy Month
We are at the tail end of Financial Literacy Month in the US for 2013, with the week of April 21–27 tagged as National Credit Union Youth Week.
Credit Union Unboxing
Recently, I bought a new thermometer for our home. There was nothing wrong with our current model—it was programmable and did a fine job of controlling the heat and air conditioning. In fact, I had never given the subject any thought whatsoever.
Young & Free Florida Launched by Tropical Financial Credit Union
We helped Tropical Financial Credit Union launch Young & Free Florida today. Based in Miramar, Florida, Tropical Financial has over $600 million in assets and serves 55,000 members in the South Florida market. Tropical Financial has a number of key components going for it that will make Young & Free Florida really work.
Google Glasses and Other Things We Scoff At
hile at SXSW a few weeks ago, I got a chance to visit Google's "Playhouse" - an interactive area they had set up that featured some awesome food (gourmet tator tots and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches) and prototypes of new projects (some sort of electric shoe!), including a guy walking around wearing Google Glasses.