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Free financial literacy course available to HCC students
TAMPA, FL (September 25, 2013) — Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union announces the launch of a free six-week financial literacy course available to students attending Hillsborough Community College (HCC).
Every Wednesday until October 23, 2013, HCC students can enroll or walk-in to the following courses in the Hawks Landing Town Hall:
Course No. 1/Sept. 18, 2013: Dealing with debt
Course No. 2/Sept. 25, 2013: Budgeting for life after graduation
Course No. 3/Oct. 2, 2013: Money potholes
Course No. 4/Oct. 9, 2013: Budgeting – Keeping track of money
Course No. 5/Oct. 16, 2013: Money management actions
Course No. 6/Oct. 23, 2013: Preventing identity theft
Brian Smellie, a member financial associate at Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union with experience in personal banking and finance, is spearheading the weekly courses, and worked with 22 HCC students on dealing with debt during the first session on September 18, 2013.
“As a recent college graduate, I understand the pitfalls students can easily get into. As tempting as it may be to put everything on a credit card or acquire other types of debt, I believe that immersing yourself in financial education, goal setting and budgeting, college students and young professionals can enter the workforce financially healthy,” says Brian Smellie, member financial associate at Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union.
Studies show that college graduates carry an average of $27,000 worth of debt today, topping $1.1 trillion in the United States.
“We believe that in today’s economy, it’s essential for students to develop the financial literacy skills and understand money matters to survive in the real-world,” says Juli Lewis, youth marketing manager at Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union.
Seating is limited to 30 HCC students. To register in advance, students can text SUNCOAST to 82257.
In addition to financial literacy courses at HCC, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union operates 34 student-run branches throughout southwest Florida, allowing elementary, middle and high school students to participate in financial literacy courses and operate a credit union branch weekly.
About Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union
Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, chartered in 1934 as Hillsborough County Teachers Credit Union, operates 53 full-service branches and serves more than 550,000 members in the following Florida counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Lee, Levy, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sumter. With assets of more than $5.4 billion, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union in the state of Florida and the 14th largest in the United States. For more information visit: suncoastfcu.org or facebook.com/suncoastschoolsfcu.