thinkcheap

My church just notified me that they have EFT (Electronic Drafts) for donations given to the church. I’m thinking about auto drafting from my savings each month a set amount to give to my church. Often when I rely on last minute offerings, I sometimes am caught off guard with an empty wallet or less money than I usually give. An automatic draft may make things more reliable and giving more consistent. Plus it makes stewardship an integrated part of my monthly budget.

Credit Unions are member-owned cooperatives which provide checking and savings accounts, loans and other financial services for its members. They leverage their member assets to gain better rates and pricing from larger banks. Because credit unions are more grass-roots oriented, they tend to have a lot of family friendly features and offerings.

One such offering is special accounts for minors and new members. These offers vary from low minimum balances to special high-rates of return. I just opened a new account for my youngest daughter and got a rate of return on a Certificate of Deposit that was at least twice the normal offering. Granted it has restrictions and a limited maturity date, but wow, what a start! I’m sure in the future with other gifts and funds saved for my daughter I will put more money into her credit union account.

While taking a coffee break at a local bookstore, I noticed a large group of people gathered in a corner of the coffee shop chatting and having a good time. Apparently the bookstore itself sponsors a number of book clubs where the members read a topic book, then meet weekly to discuss their reading experience. A great way to find new friends!