(Woodbury, MN – September 20, 2018) Ideal Credit Union recently hosted two sessions of its award-winning “Money Talks” financial literacy program in July, attracting 42 students from around the metro area. The unique peer-to-peer program, led and taught by high school-age Ideal CU Student Credit Union employees, teaches students the building blocks of personal finance: budgeting, savings and investments, credit, and money management tools. Students in attendance ranged in age from 16 to 22 years and came from a number of local communities, including Champlin, Hugo, Mahtomedi, Little Canada, St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale, South St. Paul, Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul, Cottage Grove, Hastings, Stillwater, Lakeland and more.

How much money do you spend each week for work lunches? Do you run to the fast food drive-thru or meet a friend or colleague for a sit-down lunch a few days a week? When you do the math on these occasional outings, the numbers may shock you. But, for just a few dollars and several minutes of your time, you can prepare something delicious at home. 

Your primary reason for attending college is to jumpstart your career, of course. But, did you know there are many other things you can do now to help secure your future? Here are just 5 things you can do today that will improve your after-college life:

You’re convinced: You really want that designer handbag. Or maybe you just know that gigantic entertainment center will transform your weekends. So you swipe your card and the dream item becomes yours. And you’re thrilled! That is, until buyer’s remorse hits. You can’t help wondering: Was it really worth the price? Before you say “yes” to a large purchase, ask yourself these 7 questions.