
Credit Unions' Tax-Exempt Status Matters to You
Credit unions provide financial services in a democratic, not-for-profit, cooperative manner.
Own a Credit Union--Me?
Your credit union is totally different from a bank. It starts with who gets the profits...
Keeping Members Dry
Under the credit union umbrella people are worth more than money.
Coconuts Anyone?
Experience teenage life on a coconut plantation.
Get Used to it: Life on the High Seas
Dharma, 15, earns his living "selling fish and ferrying tourists out to sea."
The College Life: Shilpa's Story
Shilpa shares her first days at a college for women in Chennai, India.
Thaipusam: A Festival of Thanks
Learn about Thaipusam, a Hindu full-moon festival, from 16-year-old Arasan.
What About Filene's Legacy?
Find out how one man's creativity in the early 1900s affects more than 160 million Americans today.
Credit Union History Timeline
Click your way through the history of credit unions.
Kare-Kare and a First in Fiji
Find out how Kare-Kare, the tradition of "giving 'til it hurts," almost derailed Father Ganey's efforts to help local residents start the first credit union in Fiji.
Profile of a Credit Union Pioneer
In the early 1930s, Louise McCarren Herring started organizing credit unions. She was 23 years old.

Extracurriculars: Go for More
"Just because you have a lot on your plate doesn't mean you can't make time to help others," says Elijah, 17.
Tough Mudder Racing
It’s probably the toughest event on the planet!
Putting Others First
"With volunteering, you get to pick what really interests you," says Alex, 14.
Share Your Gift and Become a Tutor!
Turn your talents into a fun and rewarding business.

Four Continents in 48 Hours
While studying abroad in abroad in Toledo, Spain, Jemma shares how she traveled to Egypt, Israel, Spain, and back to the U.S.--all in 48 hours!
Travel on the Cheap--a European Adventure
Kelsey tells you how to plan, organize, and travel in Europe without spending a fortune.
From the Classroom to Costa Rica
"I'm not an adventurer," says Jemma, 17, "yet somehow I ended up going on what could only be called an adventure!"
The Euro: 23 And Counting
Why the Euro, how did it develop and how does it compare to the U.S. dollar?

Take Action: The Freshman 15
"You CAN avoid the it," says Hannah, 17.
How to Audition for a Play
Cassie, 15, says, "Being in a play is not easy, but it's not as hard as you might think, especially if you are prepared."
Smart Art or Insane Stain?
If you’re convinced you need to get a tattoo, make an informed decision before you do it.
Don't Wait--Get Into Extracurriculars!
Molly, age 17 loves all of her activities. "I have made many great friends, and the skills I have learned will lead me to success in my future," she says.
Decide How You Want to Learn
Have you ever sat in a class, bored out of your mind?
Senior Year
Survive your high school senior year and use it to prepare for what's next.
Dream Big
"Sometimes we just have to hit the mute button in our lives," says Leah, 17.

Why They're Called Credit Cards
Learn how to make the most of credit cards--safely.
Make Sense of Credit-Card Laws
The CARD Act is "meant to protect all consumers, but it will especially affect us as young adults," says Kelsey, age 25.
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
Protect your future by protecting your credit score today. Find out how.
Debit or Credit: Which To Use?
Both cards have a place in your pocket.
When Are You Ready for a Loan?
Loan approvals are based on the four 'Cs' of credit.
Should You be a Co-Signer?
Some borrowers need a partner in debt.

College Costs: How to Prevent a Disaster
"As if paying for tuition hasn’t already cleaned out your bank account..." says Hannah, 19.
How Much Do You Spend in a Year?
Do you spend your money within a week of getting your paycheck? "This hurts our pockets!" says Katie, 16.
Financial Duel in the Desert
This annual "duel" helps students learn about financial management. Marissa shares her valuable experience.

Invest Now for Big Future Benefits
Ionnie says, "I have been investing in my Roth IRA for 10 years and the interest that I’ve made has grown exponentially."
Make Your Money Work in a Roth IRA
Hannah, 15, asks, "Where do you want to be in 60 years?"

Pumping Iron: Work Out a Deal
“Pumping iron is a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress,” says Jacob, 17. He shows you several ways to make it happen.
Enjoy Special Nights Without Busting the Budget
"It's nice to get all dressed up and have a special night out with friends without breaking the bank," says Samantha, 16.
How to Date and Save Money
"What do you do if you're the one who's paying (or not paying) for the costs of a date?" asks Hannah, 17.
Thrifty Movie Tickets
Movies are about as American as apple pie, but can be a drain on your wallet. Save money on flicks when watching the new Hollywood blockbusters.
Impulse Buying: Beware the Snare
Do you purchase things that you had no intention of buying?
ATM Cards are Powerful Plastic
Want 7/24 access to your money?

Manage Your Time--and Your Sanity
Looking forward to college? "I'm juggling a bit more than I'm used to this semester..." says former C-Note Teenage Panel Member, Hannah, 19.
Be a Frosh Phenom!
Hannah, 19, dives into the pros and cons of trying out for a sports team your freshman year.
Make the Most of Your Freshman Year
"Be friends with your roommate," says Austin. He and seven other college students give you a real perspective on college life.
The 'Major' Decision
College junior Kelsey dispels the myth that you have to know your major when you start college.
The College-Bound Shakedown: Affording Education
Kelsey, a college sophomore, shares her experience on how to figure out your finances for college.
Your Streamlined College Application Machine
Alec shares how he turned college application into a streamlined process.
Plan B for College
Increase the likelihood that the college you choose, chooses YOU.

Typical Day Working at a Credit Union
Chloe, 16, has been working at her credit union since she was 14. She says, "I can say it is one of the best first jobs I could have."
Comics Make a Good Living
Learn how you can make a good living, choose your own hours, live wherever you want, and be free to let your artistic vision soar!
Summer Athlete in Business
Meet Marvin, 16, a young entrepreneur who splits his summers between sports and creating his own business.
Let's Go to the Documentary!
You can put together a documentary if you have a vision, a keen idea, and some imagination.
A Run on the Wild Side
Hiring: Need one energetic young person, willing to learn. May be required to run fast for short distances...
Part Time to Career
Derek's part time high school job guided him into his career.
After High School, Choose Your Adventure
There are so many options for after high school. Kelsey shows you how to make the first major decision.
Choose the Right Career
Certain career choices have better prospects than others.
Mind Your Own Business, Entrepreneur
Kyle, 17, says "You already have many of the qualities entrepreneurs need to create and run a business."
Internship: How to Get One
An internship allows you to test drive a career.
Make the Most of Your Internship
Go from drudge to dynamite--learn how to make the most of your internship.
We're Hiring--Bloggers Apply Here!
Calling all bloggers and potential bloggers: Get paid to have fun!

Fast Food, Meet Better Choices
Everyone likes to enjoy some fast food from time to time, some more than others...
Network Without Getting Bit
Kelsey tells you how to guard the information you put out on the Internet.
Operation: Cook Food!
Hemisha describes her experience making her own food. Try her recipes for some easy and delicious treats.
Life Below the Line
Meet Sarah, a teenager living below the poverty line in America.
What's Work Worth?
How little can you make? Get the lowdown on minimum wage.
The Balancing Act
Part 1: Keep Good Records
Part 1 in a 2-part series on balancing your checkbook: Why bother?
Checking into Checking Accounts
You get a paycheck and make larger purchases. It may be time to open a checking account!
The Balancing Act
Part 2: How to Balance Your Checkbook
Part 2 of a two-part series on balancing your checkbook.

Video Games: Solid Entertainment
Kevin, 16, tells you how video games provide jobs for many people worldwide.
Share Your Web Smarts With Elders
Jemma shows you how to keep your grandparents safe from online elder abuse.
Shopping...Online vs. the Mall
How to be safe no matter where you shop.

Driver's Dilemma
"Driving doesn't have to break your bank!" says Spencer, 17.
Txt Bak? U Can W8!
How drivers next to you on the road are on their phones or txting someone? "What’s it worth?" asks Kelsey.
Savings and Benefits of Buying Used Wheels
Kevin, 17, shares the ins and outs of buying used cars.
Find the Best Car
What's the right car for you? Part 1 in a 6-part series.
Used Car: Get the Best Price
There's always room to negotiate the price. Part 2 in a 5-part series.
One For The Money: Financing Your Car
There are many ways to pay for your first car. Here's how to get a loan. Part 3 in a 6-part series.
What's Cool About Auto Insurance?
Ignoring auto insurance is what's NOT cool! Part 4 in a 6-part series.
New Drivers: Start your Engines!
Maintaining your car is worth the cost. Part 5 in a 5-part series.
Auto Accidents--What if?
Plan what you should do now - before you're in one. Part 6 in a 6-part series.

Looking Good on a Budget
Kendall, 16, has figured it out. "Nobody will ever be able to tell, so go out and get some awesome clothes!" she says.
New Ways to Use Old T-Shirts
Don’t throw out your "comfortable ol’ tees," says Hailey, 15. She gives you 10 ways to make new use of them.

DIY Computers
Bryan, 15, shows you how easy it is to build a computer.

Pumping Iron: Work Out a Deal
“Pumping iron is a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress,” says Jacob, 17. He shows you several ways to make it happen.
Crazy, Costly, Soccer
Is the cost of playing competitive soccer worth it to you?
Photography to Money-ology
Mariah, 14, says, "Forget about careers, take photography and make it your hobby!"
| Houston Texas Fire Fighters Federal Credit Union | What makes credit unions so great? Members like you. Every dollar you invest in your credit union earns you money while other members borrow it. When you're ready for a loan, other members' savings will be there to help you out at the lowest possible cost. |
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