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Jeanne D’arc Credit Union-sponsored financial education road trip attracts nearly 100 people
LOWELL, MA (June 4, 2015) — Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s sponsorship of the second stop along a 10,000-mile cross-country road trip designed to start an in-depth conversation about money was a tremendous success, attracting nearly 100 people.
Created by Phroogal, the “Road to Financial Wellness” is a grassroots initiative to turn local money discussions into a national conversation on financial wellbeing. The mission is an unprecedented plan to participate in 30 events in 30 locations in 30 days with the goal of recording and sharing real conversations that will inspire members of the Millennial generation to take control of their financial lives and live their dreams.
“We are excited to have helped spark a conversation about money and financial wellbeing for members of our community,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “Credit unions were founded on the philosophy of people helping people and this initiative was an excellent way for us to support that concept.”
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union sponsored Pit Stop #2 on Tuesday, June 2nd, at Four Oaks Country Club in Dracut. The event featured the “Money and Mindset” seminar by Phroogal founder Jason Vitug, a question and answer period, and networking opportunities.
Mr. Vitug explained that everyone should start saving early, regardless of their annual income level, even if they can only save $10.00 or $20.00 a week. Starting to save early allows more time for interest to accumulate, resulting in a much higher balance at retirement.
“It’s not the size of the paycheck that matters, it’s how you spend it,” he said. “Don’t make purchases just to keep up with what your friends and family have. Remember, wealth is not measured by how much you spend, but by how much you’ve saved.”
Financial planner and blogger Eric Roberge, founder of Beyond your Hammock, who grew up in Methuen, told attendees that many people live their lives as though there are eight days in a week: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Someday. But people shouldn’t wait for someday to start saving, to reach for their dreams, because someday never arrives.
“Manage your money effectively so you can live the life you want to live, without waiting for someday to come,” Roberge advised.
Photo caption: (From left) Yaroslav Tashak and Julianna Anselmini, both of Phroogal; Phroogal founder Jason Vitug; Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union President and Chief Executive Officer Mark S. Cochran; Larry Valente Solha and Austin Strickland, both of Phroogal.
About Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union was established in 1912 and is a full-service, member-owned community-based financial cooperative with more than 68,000 members and more than $1.1 billion in assets. It operates seven full-service branches in Lowell, Dracut (2), Tyngsboro, Chelmsford, Methuen, and Westford, Massachusetts; two high-school branches at Lowell High and Dracut High schools; a loan center in Lowell, and mortgage centers in Chelmsford and North Reading.