• Yes, I felt a sense of accomplishment. (diploma in hand) 
• Yes, my parents were relieved and thrilled. (no more tuition for me)
• Yes! I had no idea what I was going to do with myself!

It’s not that I didn’t have a job, or a career plan, I was working and had been. What really puzzled me was not having any projects, papers, plans or proposals to do…. I had no more homework!

There were no more study groups. No more all-nighters before big tests. No more trips to the library for research. No more worrying about computers and lost work and no reason to walk up The Hill anymore.

I remember sitting down in my mom’s favorite chair, propping my feet up, and taking a nice long nap. So much for celebration, I had to work the next day because I had a car payment, rent, insurance, etc.  

So, if you are celebrating right now that you are a college graduate, regardless of where you went to school or how many years it took you to graduate, congratulations on reaching this goal in your life!

Now, you’re on to the next big thing and you’re going to need a bank beside you to help you with a lifetime of financial solutions. This is when you should walk over to the credit union in the University Center and tell Whitney you’re ready to open your account – or change your mailing address on the account you already have with UTFCU.

While you’re there, ask her about a new auto loan because you’re going to need a car to get back and forth to your new job.

Then, when you’ve caught your breath – let’s talk about consolidating your student loans into one payment. You’ll be glad you have us at UTFCU – the only bank on campus.

Holloway quarterbacked the Vols from 1972 to 74. He was the first African American to start as quarterback in the Southeastern Conference. For those who are old enough to have seen him play he was simply electrifying. Nicknamed the Artful Dodger, Holloway was famous for slipping past defenders when there seemed to be no openings. One highlight film from a game against Georgia Tech shows one play in which nearly every defensive player putting their hands on Holloway unable to bring him down.

He was drafted out of college by the New England Patriots and the Montreal Allouettes. Not content to merely play defensive back and goal line QB for the Pats, Holloway headed north along with other black quarterbacks of the era including Warren Moon. He played for three teams over the span of 13 years in the Canadian Football League, won two Grey Cups with the Toronto Argonauts, was named MVP in 1982, and was named to the CFL Hall of Fame in 1999.

Holloway is an assistant athletic director at UTK. And, he is an active member UT Federal Credit Union. He is a great representation of the many member/owners we have at the credit union.  

To paraphrase Luttrell-native country singer Kenny Chesney, it’s a bonus when you can meet one of your heroes and be glad that you know him as a person. Like so many in these parts, Chesney grew up a fan of Holloway’s. Chesney produced and directed the one-hour documentary on Holloway for ESPN.

But, have you thought about how compatible you and your sweetheart are when it comes to matters of money? Here’s a quick quiz to get you thinking about happily ever after that includes a positive bank account and good credit score.

From our partners at BALANCE Financial Fitness Copyright 2011. www.balancepronet.com

This seminar is designed to provide hands-on training and guides to teachers whose curriculum addresses personal finance skills, including income, savings and investments, spending, and credit and debt management.

Joining the group of more than two dozen local teachers is Suzue Sato, a highly respected financial planner from Japan. Ms. Sato is Director of International Relations for the Japanese Association for Financial Planners (JAFP). Her interest in attending this year’s two day program is due largely to the degree of which the NEFE program has been integrated into Tennessee’s school system.

“My objectives are to learn how teachers are teaching and how students are responding,” explained Sato.  “Financial education doesn’t have any borders, and I may be able to share some of the practices in Japan while visiting East Tennessee.”

Attendance at statewide NEFE workshops is free to any teacher interested in the program.  Each workshop participant will receive a 400-page instructor’s manual and a 115-page student workbook. Teachers have the opportunity to order additional materials such as extra lesson plans, games and activities.

“Since 2007, we have provided personal finance training for 621 teachers, reaching more than 50,000 students,” says Dr. Ann Berry, chief coordinator for the workshop.  “Tennessee is one of only a handful of states now requiring this financial training for young adults.”  

UT Extension and UT Federal Credit Union, as the only bank on campus, also offer financial education geared toward college students.

UTFCU has online learning modules- Balance Financial Fitness for College Students - that cover Finances for College Students and Repaying Student Loans.

The extension office is part of a pioneer program with other universities called Love Your Money.

In August when school returned to session, UTK students were given reusable aluminum water bottles by Aramark, UT Athletics, and other campus groups. The 10,000 bottles were distributed by WUTK 90.3 “The Rock” and were purchased with funds from the sales of Power Tees.  Maybe next year, The Only Bank On Campus can be a distribution center.

http://www.utk.edu/tntoday/2010/08/30/campus-groups-reusable-water-bottles/

The water bottle gift serves 2 purposes – being environmentally conscious is obvious, but what about the hidden cost in buying bottled water anyway? WalletPop from MSN agrees. Check out this top 10 list of items with the largest markup.

http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2010/09/27/10-most-overpriced-products-you-should-avoid/

Lines at the ballgame.

Lines on my forehead.

Lines at the ATM…

I hate lines! Most of these have no real solution unless you consider starving, not going to the game, or botox an option. However, you can do something about lines at the ATM. Switch to UTFCU, The Only Bank On Campus. With 5 ATMs at UTK and 28,000 across the country, you won’t have to wait in line.

28,000 ATMs? Yes! That’s roughly 10,000 more than Wachovia or Bank of America. And where is the closest branch for either of them? You’d have to take a bus to get to it wherever it is.

Plus, check out all of the things you get with the Exclusive Power U Free Checking Account.

We’ll be playing cornhole & we will have free cake. I don’t know about you, but I’d go anywhere for free cake made by the Sweet Shop at UT. Yum!

If someone else isn’t footing the entire bill for the next few years, you are responsible for making sure you have enough money for tuition, books, food, housing, entertainment, and/or other expenses. Even if your parents are supporting you now, once you leave the confines of campus, you’ll be faced with a whole new set of costs. Learning to make the most of your money today can help you prepare for tomorrow. Your credit union can help, check out the podcast or the online course from BALANCE Track. It covers topics including:

• Money Management
• Checking and Savings Accounts
• Credit Cards
• Household Bills
• Student Loans

Online Course: Finances for College Students – or listen to the podcast here.

The newspaper gives a rundown on options that include free books online, to cheap electronic copies downloaded to ipads and kindles, to used book sold online.

   http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/03/how-to-find-cheaper-college-textbooks/?src=me&ref=homepage

• Water Boy! UTFCU and the UTK Parents Association will be at Presidential Courtyard Saturday, Aug. 14 with refreshing cold water to help you beat the heat while moving into the dorms.
• The Only Bank On Campus – UTFCU – is open Saturday 8/14 from 10 am to 2 pm in Room 128 of the University Center. Stop by and open your account today. 
• Paint The Rock! It’s a tradition at UTK…. today in Presidential Courtyard you can paint your own rock, sort of. At the UTFCU tent pick up your very own version of this UTK icon – paint your “rock” with UTFCU. Then, watch The Rock throughout Welcome Week for some creative new faces.
• The Source: For all you need to know about Welcome Week, visit the UTK web page. Welcome Week 2010 at UTK