Hi there,

Spring has officially begun! April showers brought this month’s flowers, but they also left quite a mess. By doing some spring cleaning, you can clean up all the mud you’re tracking around and renovate, refresh and re-energize your home. Instead of thinking of spring cleaning as a chore, think of it as a way of finding hidden cash in your home. It’s time to look around and really think about what you need and what needs to go. I’ve got some tips to help you cash in on the process!

The 2017 season of High School Quiz Show: Maine is officially underway. Eight teams will battle it out over the course of this season to see who will become the inaugural High School Quiz Show: Maine champion and take home a $1,000 prize for their school's Project Graduation. Maine’s Credit Unions are a proud sponsor of this new education program. I made it to their final taping of the season for an inside look, where I had an amazing time. You won't want to miss this show!

Millennials are slowly, but surely becoming homeowners. With massive amounts of student debt and job struggles, our generation has lacked the money and motivation to buy a house. We’ve been deemed a generation of renters. We were hit hard by the recession, but we’re starting to catch up. Many millennials are starting to establish themselves financially and show more interest in homeownership. With rent prices continuing to rise, a monthly mortgage has potential to be a lower payment. I’m currently renovating a home here in Southern Maine, and I’m happy to be dodging the rent costs in and around Portland. Still, I’m on a budget. I’ll be sharing my experiences; as well as money-saving tips as I bring an old farmhouse back to life!

Are you unsure of what credit union membership means? Maine’s Credit Unions’ Own It Moments are short ‘how-to’ and informative videos to help you maximize all the products and services available at a credit union. Whether you need help in understanding SURF, Shared Branching or even the convenience of mobile banking, the Own It Moment videos are here to help you. New videos arrive monthly to keep things fresh and help you maximize your member benefits!

In this It's a Money Thing video, Jen shops for a new mode of transport. The decision to lease or to buy a new car will have an impact on your finances as well as your lifestyle. Understanding the differences will help you make the best decision for you.

Thanks for stopping by! What would your dream home be like? I’d love to know!

Take care,

Jake Holmes
Young & Free Maine Spokester