iQ Credit Union Hosts Events for National Financial Literacy Month

iQ Credit Union Hosts Events for National Financial Literacy Month

More than half of Millennials say they are living paycheck to paycheck and unable to save for the future, according to the Council for Economic Education’s 2016 National State of Financial and Economic Education. Findings like these inspired iQ Credit Union to participate in April’s National Financial Literacy Month to help youth and adults improve their financial fitness.  

“The ability to establish and maintain healthy financial habits is an important life skill,” said Tim Walley, education coordinator, iQ Credit Union. “Understanding how to save money, pay bills on time, and how and when to use credit is critical for anyone who wants to buy a house, a car, or invest in a business.”

Events emphasize using credit sensibly 
iQ is sponsoring a series of Credit Camps to be held in April and May at locations around Southwest Washington. Reserved for ages 18 and over, the casual events are open to the public and will focus specifically on questions about credit: what is it, how do you get it, and how do you qualify?

The camps are scheduled at 6 p.m. for the following dates and locations:  

April 14, East Vancouver, Main Event East, 3200 SE 164th Ave.  
April 21, Battle Ground, Mill Creek Pub, 1710 SW 9th Ave.   
May 12, Hazel Dell, Billy Blues Bar & Grill, 7115 NE Hazel Dell Ave. 
May 19, Downtown Vancouver, Loowit Brewing, 507 Columbia Street
May 26, Downtown Vancouver, Loowit Brewing, 507 Columbia Street

For more information or to register, visit https://www.iqcu.com/workshops or email  tim.walley@iqcu.com. Information will also be posted at facebook.com/iQCreditUnion. 

Campus Branch Programs Teach Job and Financial Skills 

On Wednesday, April 13, at 12:30 PM, iQ will celebrate the grand opening of its newest campus branch at Mountain View High School, located at 1500 SE Blairmont Drive. Executives and board members from iQ Credit Union will join campus branch students, instructors, and school district officials in celebrating the newest branch. Food and beverages will be provided.  

Now numbering six participating high schools, the student-run and operated campus credit unions provide hands-on experiences for students involved. Other campus branches are located at Battle Ground High School, Camas High School, Evergreen High School, Skyview High School, and Union High School.

“This is a terrific opportunity to teach real world financial and on-the job skills,” continued Casey Van Daam, campus branch coordinator, iQ Credit Union. “Students perform the day-to-day transactions found in a real financial institution, and they learn about communication, teamwork and planning.”  

Students working in the campus branches are eligible to apply for a paid internship with iQ Credit Union. Several students who started in the campus branch program have gone on to work for iQ, including 28 individuals currently employed in professional positions throughout the credit union.  

“Over the long-term, poor financial management can have legal, social and financial consequences,” concluded Walley. “Anyone who wants to change habits or learn new skills should take advantage of the educational opportunities offered throughout the community this month to get on the right track.”