See what 1st Ed Credit Union is doing in the community
Financial Education Seminars and Workshops for Members
We host various educational seminars on topics such as wealth management, insurance, paying for college, home purchasing, social security, improving credit scores, avoiding financial and cybersecurity scams, and much more. Financial education is important at all ages, so we also offer education in the classroom for students as young as 1st grade up to high school. We focus on age-specific, fun, and engaging topics such as saving money and building a good credit score. For high school students, we also offer education on resume building and job interviews.
Reality Fairs for Local School Districts
High school students get a taste of “reality” and financial planning during our interactive Reality Fairs. Students choose their career path, research their salary, and visit tables where they plan their monthly budgets with housing, utilities, transportation, clothing, and food costs.
At each table, students have to choose from a minimal, average, or extravagant choice for each life decision, including home, car, nightlife, and food. Before they sit with a Financial Counselor to finalize their budget, they have to spin the Wheel of Reality. They may get lucky and win the lottery or have a bad day and get a flat tire.
After the students complete their budget worksheets, they add up their debits and credits with a Financial Counselor to see if they are on track. If they are negative, they have to go back and change some of their choices to be able to live within their income and still have money left over. If they are positive, they discuss alternative options such as paying off debt or investing in their future rather than spending.
Donations to Local Organizations and School Districts
We’re proud to donate to various schools and organizations in our communities, including the Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg, Hanover YMCA, Franklin County United Way Stuff the Bus Program, and other local food banks and pantries. We participate in the Adopt A Family Program every December through the Boys and Girls Club of Chambersburg and Shippensburg and purchase Christmas gifts for the family, and donate a check every December to the Hanover YMCA. We also support other various charities and organizations in our community.
Community Shred Day Events
Document shredding is one of the safest ways to ensure personal information isn’t found and reduces the likelihood of becoming an identity theft victim. Once or twice a year, we invite everyone in the community to shred their personal documents. Members and non-members can bring up to 2 boxes of documents to shred for free!
Members of Chambersburg, Greencastle Antrim, Gettysburg, and Hanover Chamber of Commerce
We are members of four different chambers of commerce in the communities we serve. Being members of these organizations allows us to network and work with other businesses in our community and support local businesses through various events.