Perfect 10 Rewards Magazine

BREWER FCU

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS PERFECT 10 REWARDS CHECKING DO YOU WANT TO START EARNING REWARDS? Use your debit card, earn Rewards!

2016 SCHOOL DRIVE SUCCESS Five surrounding schools receive a tremendous amount of supplies!

56TH ANNUAL MEETING The election of our Board Members, Dinner, Giveaways, and more!

ENDING HUNGER IN MAINE Read more on the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger!

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Letter from the President

Member Appreciation Day

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MCUL and Ending Hunger

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Free4ME Checking Program

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Every spring/fall we like to celebrate with our members and give them something back for their loyalty to Brewer FCU. We have a BBQ and some give-a-ways for anyone who wishes to stop by and grab a bite and visit with us on these special occasions!

Shared Branching

Holiday Closings 13

Swish Out

Memorial Day Monday May 30, 2016

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56th Annual Meeting

Independence Day Monday July 4th, 2016

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National Youth Savings Challenge

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Dollar Tree

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Perfect 10 Rewards Checking Program

Do you clip those Box Tops or Labels for Education from the items that you use, but never seem to make it to the school to donate them?

Financial Advice

Here at Brewer FCU, we have the perfect solution.

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Box Tops

Bring your Box Tops or Labels for Education to one of our branches and let us donate them to one of the area schools for you.

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President’s Message This past winter has been exceptionally warm, but we’re about to crank up the heat on some spring products and activities!

Brewer FCU has been busy in a course of a year rolling out our new Perfect 10 Rewards Checking Program, continuing as local corporate sponsors of the Maine Principals’ Association, raising money for Ending Hunger, and even winning a National Marketing Award!

We have also continued to develop our company’s website, social media, and will soon be implementing new trends in our Mobile App! Coming up this spring season we have our 56th Annual Meeting, Member Appreciation Day, registration for our 2nd Annual Disc Golf Tournament, and the Children’s Miracle Network Auction! But we are never too busy to put our members’ and their needs first!

Our main focus is to continue to expand and be apart of such fun and exciting communities in Penobscot County! With new sponsorships, products and services, and friendly staff, we look forward to accommodating you and your loved ones who work, worship, live, attend school, or have a business and other legal entities located in the rural district consisting of Penobscot County or the Town of Dedham, Maine.

Sincerely, Rick Kaul President/CEO

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Maine People Helping Maine People $6.5 million raised since 1990 The Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger is a 501(c)(3), which means all contributions are Tax-Deductible!

BREAKING NEWS! A new record for 2015 - $622,933.63!

Each year, nearly all of Maine’s credit unions participate in the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Since 1990, the year that this collective effort began, Maine’s credit unions have raised and distributed more than $6.5 million to help end hunger in Maine.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to the Campaign, please visit your local Maine Credit Union, or mail a contribution and make checks payable: Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger ATTN: 2016 Campaign PO Box 1236 Portland ME 04104

How the Ending Hunger Campaign works Participating credit unions raise funds for the Campaign at various times throughout the year. However, the primary period of fundraising is in the fall from September - December. All money raised is distributed to hunger organizations and food pantries throughout Maine.

100% of all of the money raised by credit unions stays in Maine and goes directly to thecause of ending hunger. All administrative costs are covered by the Maine CU League’s Social Responsibility Committee.

The month of November is designated as ending hunger month in Maine and Maine’s credit unions are usually involved in a variety of food drives and fundraising activities for ending hunger.

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LOCAL DONATIONS TO END HUNGER

Brewer Area Food Pantry’s Rich Romero accepts a check from CEO Rick Kaul and Branch Manager and Collections Officer, David Stanhope.

Principal of Hollbrook Middle School, Richard Modery, accepts a check from CEO Rick Kaul and Branch Manager and Collections Officer, David Stanhope on behalf of CHEFS Food Pantry

Brewer FCU donates over $5,000 to it’s local food pantries: CHEFS and Brewer Area Food Pantry on Tuesday March 29, 2016.

Money was raised during Brewer FCU’s 2015 Ending Hunger Campaign!

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Statistics on Hunger in Maine More than 40% of Maine kids under the age of 12 show some evidence of hunger while 68,950 Maine children are food insecure.

New data shows that 15% of Maine households, representing 200,000 people, experience food insecurity.

Maine ranks 13th in the nation in food insecurity and first in New England. In addition, a new report from the Good Shepherd Food Bank found that nearly 40,000 people a week were being provided with food assistance from one of its 640 member agencies. This is double what was originally estimated.

Hunger and the risk of hunger are widespread among Maine’s low-income families with children. The likelihood of experiencing hunger or the risk of hunger is directly related to income.

Children living in households which experienced hunger or the risk of hunger are more likely to experience health or school-related problems.

Several groups are found to be at greater risk of hunger in Maine; children, adults in low income families, disabled persons, persons with special needs, the elderly, those living in rural regions and the inner cities of Maine’s largest urban places.

Several factors contribute to hunger in Maine; including income growth that is outpaced by cost of living; high level of underemployment; widening gap between rich and poor; illiteracy; and lack of consumer information on nutrition.

Maine CUs’ Ending Hunger Walking Tour History Founded in 2002, the Maine CUs’ Ending Hunger Walking Tour is a partnership between Maine’s credit unions and Brenda Davis, long-time ending hunger advocate in Maine and the Executive Director of BBC Opportunity Center, a hunger organization serving eastern Maine, to raise awareness and funds for ending hunger in Maine.

2015 Tour - October 21 - December 2 A Success!! 800 miles on foot, nearly $30,000 to hunger organizations Walk Route Food Pantries Receiving Contributions in 2015 Walking Tour Facts and Information Since it began, the Tour has covered more than 12,000 miles by foot and car, combined, and is part of the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger, which has raised more than $5.9 million to help end hunger in Maine!

Seen in photo: Liz Wyman, Brenda Davis, David Stanhope and Kayla Moreau at Brewer FCU North Main St.

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OLYMPIC ICON PRESENTS CHECK Olympic Icon, Mark Spitz, Helps Maine CUs Announce Raising Record-Total Of $622,933 For Ending Hunger In 2015 February 9, 2016 On Tuesday, February 9, one of the greatest Olympic champions of all-time, Mark Spitz, joined Maine’s credit unions at the Harraseeket Inn for the 2015 Ending Hunger Campaign Results Celebration Luncheon. At this annual event, credit unions are recognized for raising funds for the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. The official, record-breaking total was announced—coming in at $622,933.63 raised during the 2015 Campaign—more than $70,000 greater than last year’s record-breaking total. With the 2015 total, the Campaign surpassed the $6 million mark in funds raised since 1990; the Campaign has now raised more than $6.5 million in its history.

“The generosity of the more than 665,000 credit union members in Maine is extraordinary,” explained John Murphy, President/CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “Hunger affects communities in many ways, however, credit unions use it as a chance to change lives and put forth the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’ As we celebrate the close of another year of the Campaign, we are humbled by the remarkable efforts each credit union has made to make their communities a better place. Every cent raised in this Campaign goes directly to helping Maine people of all ages – adults, teenagers and young children.

These funds will help people who otherwise may not have had enough to eat have food and that is pretty great,” Murphy added.

The luncheon event featured an address by, Mark Spitz, who captured a then-record setting seven Gold Medals at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. Spitz, who was named by ESPN and Sports Illustrated as one of the Top 50 athletes of the 20th Century and the only swimmer on the list, has been involved in multiple businesses and ventures since he retired immediately following the Olympic achievements.

Philanthropically, Spitz is active in supporting several charities including hunger and poverty through his work with The Lareus Sport for Good Foundation.

In his remarks, Spitz congratulated Maine’s credit unions for “having your own ‘gold medal’ performance.

What you are doing to help your fellow citizens is amazing, and awe-inspiring. Though swimming is mostly an individual sport, I always felt more inspired when I was part of a team, such as the relay, and the team work shown through this campaign is pretty special. Collectively, your team has accomplished great things for Maine people, and I am proud and honored to be here today to help you celebrate. You are true champions.”

Since 1990, the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised $6.5 million to help end hunger in Maine. All contributions to the Campaign are tax-deductible.

Resources Used: All the information presented can be found on the Maine Credit Union League’s website: http://www.mainecul.org/community-involvement/maine-cus-campaign-ending-hunger/ Thank you to the MCUL for allowing us to help promote the great cause with the information you provided.

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Maine’s Credit Unions have a special program just for 18 to 25 year olds! Young & Free Maine is your resource for tips on everything finances, credit unions and having fun in Maine!

Our Young & Free Maine Spokester shares entertaining, educational content, with tips and tools to help members of the Generation Y manage their day-to-day lives and finances.

College finances will be hassle free with your FREE4ME Checking Account No monthly service fee!

No minimum balance!

Unlimited transactions Free access to Shared Branching Network- Maine has over 155 CU’s and 5,000 across the country!

Go Green with FREE CU e-Statements!

Free VISA Debit Card. ATM card but with better perks!

You can use your Visa Debit Card a an ATM or to pay for purchases Member Privilege* NCUA Insured up to $250,000 AND AS AN ADDED BONUS!!!

You automatically qualify for our new Cash Back Rewards account with our Perfect 10 Rewards Checking Program!

BANKING IS FUN WITH MALLORY LAVOIE “I also write and make videos about fun stuff and pop culture. I live in Portland and I am the Young & Free Maine Spokester representing Maine’s Credit Unions. If you are an 18to 25-year-old Mainah, I am your voice.”

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What is Shared Branching?

“Shared Branching is a national network of credit unions from all over the country that share facilities to give members thousands of convenient locations to perform financial transactions.”

“MORE THAN 5,000 SHARED BRANCHES WORLD WIDE” At ANY Shared Branching location you can: -Get a copy of our account history -Make loan payments -Withdraw money -Transfer funds -Make deposits -Cash checks

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Annual CU Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge Swish-Out and Junior Swish-Out Childhood Cancer Challenge (Presented and coordinated by Maine's Credit Unions) 2017 Tournament will be held Sunday, January 15, 2017!

UPDATE: 2016 event raises new record! $52,453!

100% of all sponsorships go directly to helping children with cancer and their families! That's right, 100%.

2017 Support (Sponsorship) Opportunities - Support opportunities for the 2017 Tournament will be available soon! For additional information and/or to reserve a sponsorship or discuss options, please email Jon Paradise, or call him at (207) 773-5671, ext. 273.

The 2017 Swish-Out and Junior Swish-Out will be held on Sunday, January 15, 2017.

2016 Tournament sets new fundraising record!

Once again, Maine's credit unions came together to help the community with the 22nd Annual Swish-Out and Junior Swish-Out held on Sunday, January 17, 2016, at USM in Gorham. Nearly 60 teams competed and raised a record-setting $52,453 for the Maine Children's Cancer Program. Winners of the various divisions are pictured below. Thank you to everyone that supported this year's event!

Maine's credit unions would like to recognize other organizations that were significant supporters of this event in 2016: Tyler Technologies Liquid powered by PCH Kepware Technologies CU Promise WEX Five County Credit Union Symquest Hannaford Supermarkets Alere Martin's Point Health Care WPOR 101.9 University of Southern Maine Time Warner Cable Portland Sea Dogs Moody's Collision Centers

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2016 Champions Elite Division - Hoops We Did It Again took home the championship for the first time.

Second Place: MCCP Philanthropy; Third Place - Team Tommy; and Fourth Place - White Men Can’t Jump.

Just For Fun Division - The winner of the 2013 Division Championship, I am Ron Burgundy, took home the 2016 Championship in a 3 OT thriller.

Second Place: High Tops;

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Forever Young (40 and older) Division- Matt Rogers Team won the third Forever Young title.

Runner-Up was: Tyler Ball ‘Til You Fall; Third Place: Tyler Over the Hill Gang; and Fourth Place: Team Endo.

Junior Swish-Out Division - Middle School (grades 6-8) A team of Greely Middle Schoolers (Junior Franchise) in Cumberland took home the Middle School championship for the second straight year.

Runners Up: Nate Rogers Team; Third Place: Team 21; and Fourth Place: cPort CU.

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Brewer FCU’s 56th Annual Meeting is on April 22, 2016 at Jeff ’s Catering, beginning with social time from 5:30-6:00pm, with meeting & election of officers starting at 6:00pm, followed by a buffet style meal. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by April 15th by calling 989-7240 or email info@brewerfcu.org.

If you’re ever in the mood to get some ink work done to symbolize something or someone meaningful in your life, stop in and see: William Cassio 101 Main St. East Millinocket, ME 04473 207-746-7380 Check out his Facebook page at Lucky 13 Tattoo

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National Youth Savings

SIGN UP AND WIN ME! Enter to win a Fitbit simply by opening a Youth Account at Brewer FCU!!

Are you ready to to be Credit Union STRONG? Cause if you are, you will be entered for a chance to win a Fitbit to track just how strong you really are!

Brewer FCU is participating in this year’s National Youth Savings Challenge by offering to enter any of it’s members under the age of 18 who open a savings, holiday, or cerfiticate account by April 30, 2016.

The adult who accompanies the child must provide the child’s social security number upon opening. You will need to fill out a small entry form: Name, date, and current age, to help us track participating entries for a chance at the Fitbit!

Your child will also recieve a take home coloring page to show how strong their savings account is! It is important we help our youth strive for savings early and help guide them on their journey!

Come in to speak to a Member Service Representative about opening an account this month!

Stop in at 229 Dirigo Drive or 77 North Main Streeet in Brewer (207) 989-7240 memberservices@brewerfcu.org www.brewerfcu.org

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Ask our tellers about our coloring page!!

STRENGTHEN your COMMUNITY!

YOU’RE CRUSHING IT!

GET MONEY FIT!

DREAM BIG!

SPEND LEAN!

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YOU CAN EARN CASH BACK, DONATE WITH GIVING REWARDS, OR EARN INTEREST WITH DIAMOND INTEREST REWARDS YOUR account, your choice!

It’s not unheard of that a company of any background prepares to launch a new ‘Rewards’ program of some kind to help benefit their customers. Of course each program is different, with different qualifications, different rewards, and different advertising campaigns. But the key word that draws the attention of the audiences is REWARDS. And now at Brewer FCU, we want to do just that, REWARD our members with options like a Cash Back Rewards Checking, Giving Rewards Checking, or a Diamond Interest Rewards Checking account!

Choose to have all three, choose one or two, it doesn’t matter! You can open completely new accounts or convert your existing account. Our Member Service Representatives are always on call or at their email 24/7 to help assist any members in managing their account.

You can call us at (207) 989-7240 or email us at: memberservices@brewerfcu.org Or visit: www.brewerfcu.org/perfect10 Start earning your Rewards today!

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FINANCIAL ADVICE P L AY I N G C ATC H U P ? LO N G E R L I V E S M E A N LO N G E R R E T I R E M E N T LO N G E R L I V E S M E A N LO N G E R R E T I R E M E N T S , A N D F O R W O M E N , E S P E C I A L LY, W H O A R E E X P E C T E D TO L I V E F I V E Y E A R S LO N G E R T H A N T H E I R M A L E CO U N T E R PA R T S , T H I S FA C T C A N P O S E A R E T I R E M E N T D I L E M M A . YO U S E E , A CCO R D I N G TO B LO O M B E R G . CO M , W O M E N , O N AV E R A G E , F I N D T H E M S E LV E S M O R E T H A N $268,000 S H O R T O F W H AT T H E Y ’ L L N E E D TO R E T I R E CO M F O R TA B LY AT A G E 65. M E N A R E N ’ T I M M U N E E I T H E R . T H E Y ’ R E $212,000 O F F T R A C K .

W H AT T H I S M E A N S I S T H AT A W O M A N P R E PA R I N G F O R R E T I R E M E N T N E E D S TO S E T A S I D E $126 F O R E V E R Y $100 A M A N S E T S A S I D E – A 26% G E N D E R G A P. W I T H 53% O F W O M E N P L A N N I N G TO R E T I R E A F T E R A G E 65 O R N OT AT A L L , T H I S I S S U E B E CO M E S A L L T H E M O R E I M P O R TA N T. A N D T H E R E A R E M A N Y R E A S O N S W H Y W O M E N T E N D TO FA L L S H O R T W H E N I T CO M E S TO S AV I N G F O R T H E L AT E R PA R T O F T H E I R L I V E S . A LO N G W I T H FA C I N G T H E P O S S I B I L I T Y O F LO W E R WA G E S CO M PA R E D TO T H E I R M A L E CO - W O R K E R S , M A N Y S P E N D T I M E AWAY F R O M T H E W O R K P L A C E D U R I N G T H E I R C A R E E R S TO R A I S E C H I L D R E N O R P R O V I D E C A R E G I V I N G A S S I S TA N C E TO FA M I LY M E M B E R S .

S O W H AT C A N YO U D O ? W O M E N N E E D I N G TO M A K E U P F O R T I M E S P E N T O U T O F T H E W O R K P L A C E C A N CO N T I N U E TO W O R K I N R E T I R E M E N T, E I T H E R F U L L O R PA R T T I M E . A N D W H I L E W O R K I N G LO N G E R A N D D E L AY I N G R E T I R E M E N T C A N B E A N I M P O R TA N T I F YO U H AV E N ’ T S AV E D E N O U G H F O R R E T I R E M E N T, YO U ’ V E S T I L L G OT T I M E O P P O R T U N I T Y TO B R I D G E A S AV I N G S G A P, S I M P LY N OT R E T I R I N G I S N ’ T E X A C T LY A S U S TA I N A B L E R E T I R E M E N T S T R AT E G Y. T H E G O O D N E W S : I T A P P E A R S T H AT W O M E N A R E B E T T E R S AV E R S A N D PA R T I C I PAT E I N M O R E W O R K P L A C E - S AV I N G S P R O G R A M S T H A N T H E I R M A L E CO L L E A G U E S . A N D W O M E N A R E J U S T A S L I K E LY A S M E N TO I N V E S T I N S TO C K S , W I T H 73% O F T H E I R S AV I N G S I N V E S T E D I N E Q U T I E S . T H E Y ’ R E A L S O M O R E L I K E LY TO TA P I N TO I N V E S T M E N T V E H I C L E S L I K E TA R G E T - D AT E F U N D S , W H I C H A D J U S T P O R T F O L I O S AU TO M AT I C A L LY A S A P E R S O N

nears retirement age. Although generally higher wages give men an initial advantage, women tend to be more disciplined savers through the course of their careers. This slow and steady approach, coupled with the power of compounding, can help make up for gaps created by devoting time and energy caring for children or family members. Despite facing some obstacles, it’s possible to offset these issues with a little planning and patience, some tips for doing so are included below. By saving diligently and working closely with a knowledgeable financial advisor, you and your loved ones will be better prepared to live comfortably in retirement.

Six Steps to Boost Your Retirement Savings PLAN EARLIER – Work with your financial advisor to define your future retirement and what you’ll need to fund the lifestyle you envision, making sure to include your employer sponsored retirement plans and outside savings.

SAVE MORE – If you need to save more, create a plan to gradually increase your savings by committing bonuses, salary increases and extra spending money to retirement savings or just adding 1% a year to what you already sock away in a retirement account.

MAXIMIZE YOUR EARNINGS – Harness your worth in the workplace by capitalizing on education opportunities available through your employer and by speaking with your manager about future opportunities, which could lead to career growth and a higher salary.

RETIRE TOGETHER – By working in coordination with your spouse you will both be better able to maximize your retirement potential.

SET REALISTIC GOALS – When deciding whether to reduce work hours or take time out of the workforce to be a parent or caregiver, carefully consider the financial trade-offs and options to help mitigate the impact on your long-term financial security.

HAVE A BACKUP PLAN – Work with your financial advisor to create a plan in the event that you are unable to work up until your planned retirement age. To do this, identify key cost-cutting areas, such as moving into a smaller place or renting out a spare bedroom to a roommate or friend.

Thomas W. Duff Branch Manager

Joel M. West Financial Advisor

Duff & Associates, an independent firm, 470 N Main St, Brewer Me.207-989-6082 Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, an independent broker/dealer, and are not insured by credit union insurance, the NCUA or any other government agency, are not deposits or obligations of the credit union, are not guaranteed by the credit union, and are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal.Material created by Raymond James for use by its advisors. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources considered reliable, but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Raymond James is not affiliated with any other entity listed herein. ©2016 Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. 15-BDMKT-1902 BS 1/16

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Top up your savings at the gas pump Winter driving has become easier for Northern New Englanders in one important way: we’re saving lots of money on gas. Going into February, the national average price of a gallon of regular had dropped to $1.85, compared to $3.94 in April of 2012. If these low prices last, the Wall Street Journal calculates that a driver who covers 15,000 miles a year will save roughly $1,200.

1. Save your gas receipts when you fill up.

2. Once a week, add up the number of gallons you bought that week. Multiply by $2.09 (the extra amount you’d have paid for that gas in 2012).

3. Using our Mobile Banking or Online Banking, transfer the total from your checking account to a savings account.

simple fuel-focused plan, we guarantee you better mileage.

Source for gas prices: Brad Schaeffer, “Where Have All the Oil ‘Speculators’ Gone?”, The Wall Street Journal, 1/27/16

Need help to open an account or sign up for electronic banking? Just stop by and see us.

Why not put this nice chunk of change where it can really help you—in a savings account at Brewer FCU. Here’s how to We think you’ll enjoy make it watching your savings balance happen in three easy steps: rev up. In fact, when you try this

How to ground your “Hellicopter” when your kids are grown After hovering over the kids for 18 to 20 years or more, “helicopter parents” may have a hard time backing off once the young folks are ready for more privacy. Thanks to smartphones and social media, it’s easy—perhaps too easy—to keep looking over their shoulders even after they’ve moved into a college dorm or apartment.

The etiquette in these new situations is still evolving, but here’s what family counselors suggest: •Be prepared for a flood of initial messaging to taper off. Soon after leaving the nest, your kids may be in contact multiple times a day with news, questions, or requests for help. As they get used to being on their own and create their own support network, communication tends to drop off. Don’t assume you’re no longer important to them. (That will become clear as soon as they need to borrow a little cash.)

• Respect your kids’ boundaries. Don’t deluge them with advice about dating, reminders to buy toothpaste, or pleas to get in touch at once. Let them start living their own lives. By the same token, discourage them from treating you like a reference librarian or a cus-

tomer support rep. (“How do I unjam my printer?” “What does ‘F.I.C.A.’ mean?”)

You have a life, too, and there are some things they need to start figuring out on their own.

• Use their preferred way to communicate. If you leave a voicemail or send an email, don’t be surprised not to hear back. That’s so passé. Learn to text, if you don’t already know how. Emojis are optional.

• Be sensitive to their relationships. No matter how close you feel to your kids, don’t intrude on them and their buddies on social media. In the real world, would you follow them to their favorite hangout and barge into their conversation? Well, maybe you would. But don’t.

• Don’t hesitate to use your parent radar.

Sometimes communication will be skimpy (“im jst busy. L8r”). If your loved one falls silent for days on end, send a quick text (“r u ok? rsvp”). As a parent, you’ll know if it’s normal for your kid to get wrapped up in a project and forget about everything else. On the other hand, if he or she hinted at something stressful going on, or sounded emotional the last time you talked, use your instinct—this could be a time you need to step in.

• Aim for quality time instead of hovering. Digital messaging is blamed for replacing meaningful conversation and person-to-person bonding. So when you’re together with your kids, set a good example by being 100% there. Don’t keep checking your smartphone or tablet, or responding to texts. While you’re practicing not to be a helicopter parent, you’ll be helping your kids learn to be better grounded.

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Why it’s harder for women to saveand how they can!

If you’re a woman, you’re apt to live longer than a man who was born the same year. Fair or not, this means you should probably plan on being retired longer than most men. But instead of accumulating a bigger nest egg to cover their lengthier lifespan, many women haven’t even saved as much as their male counterparts. In an analysis of 2012 IRA balances by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, for example, women aged 60-64 had saved only 60% as much as men had.

Why do women tend to save less money than men? There are two main reasons —and some possible ways to remedy the situation.

1. You don’t have as much money to save. The Vanguard Group has found that more women than men take part in retirement plans at work, and women save more of every paycheck than men do.2 These smart moves don’t translate into more dollars, though, because the median pay of women working full-time is just 79% as much as men’s, according to a 2015 AAUW study.3 Many women also interrupt their working years to care for children or elders, which keeps them lower on the pay scale.

Consider these ways to translate superior willpower into more savings: • Earn more. Starting in a new job, women often take the pay that’s offered while men tend to negotiate for more. Later on, men tend to be more proactive in asking for raises. Try to close this gap early and often by finding out what your job typically pays, and justifying why you deserve more than the average.

• Save more. Financial advisors recommend saving at least 10% of every paycheck. That may not be possible right away, but how about boosting your saving rate by 1% every six months until you get there? The sooner you start, the more compounded interest you can earn.

The tricky part is figuring out how much to save for what you want to achieve. That’s where a knowledgeable financial professional can help. Consider meeting with a Certified Financial Planner® who can develop a strategy for you, based on what you want to get out of life. (Two good resources for finding a fee-only pro who will put your interests first are letsmakeaplan. org and garrettplanningnetwork. com.)

2. You’re inspired by solutions, not scorecards. Psychologists find that women aren’t motivated by the same kind of savings goals as men are. Typically, men focus on numerical targets (“I’ll be OK once I have a million dollars” or “I beat the S&P index by five percent”). To most women, numbers are less meaningful than lifestyle goals. You’re more likely to care about “Will we have enough to send the kids to college?” or “I want to be able to travel every year.”

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At Brewer FCU, we know many of our women members want to save more, and have the “go power” to make it happen. A good plan may be all that’s missing.

Take steps to get one started today—and years from now, we think you’ll be glad you did.

Sources: 1Craig Copeland, “Individual Retirement Account Balances, Contributions, and Rollovers, 2012, With Longitudinal Results 2010-2012: The EBRI IRA Database,” Employee Benefit Research Institute, May 2014 2Anne Kates Smith, “What Money-Smart Women Want,” Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, September 2013 (www.kiplinger.com/article/investing/ T031-C023-S002-what-money-smartwomen-want.html)

Articles generously provided by Synergent.

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Looking for a great car with quality service? Say no more!

Visit our friends at D&S Auto today!

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JUST KIDDING!!

JK, ROFL, LOL, HAHA We love to kid around and have fun here at Brewer FCU, that is why we decided to dress down all day everyday! Don’t feel pressured or unappreciated by talking to someone in a suit, we are down to Earth, casual, and love to make our members feel welcomed!

Be sure to follow us on social media, Facebook especially, for chances to win cool prizes, get the inside scoop on fun activities we are doing, and of course, to read up on latest trends and events we are/have done here at Brewer FCU with our new digital magazine!

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For years, Brewer FCU has not been shy about helping out their community. We have donated generously to those who truly need the help in the towns of Dedham, Eddington, Holden, Orrington, and Clifton. This past year, we were granted charter expansion to all of Penobscot County, where took full advantage of it.

We hope to continue our support of Penobscot County and help those who need it! Our Credit Union would be nothing without the loyalty and committment of our members!

Brewer FCU also donates generous amounts to schools, charaties, commerces, events, businesses, and much more!

Have a story you would like to see covered?

What about promoting your business?

Give us a call today or send us an email!

Our Marketing Specialist is waiting to hear from you!

Amy Collinsworth: amy@brewerfcu.org

BREWER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 229 Dirigo Dr. & 77 North Main St. Brewer, ME, 04412 207-989-7240