Personal Management MB Info

Post date: Nov 27, 2012 2:54:38 AM

Email with information for Scouts who signed up for the Personal Management MB offered by A+

Hi Scouts and Families!

My name is Kelsey Balcaitis and I am the Youth Financial Education Coordinator at A+FCU. You are receiving this email because you have registered for the Spring 2013 Personal Management Merit Badge classes taught by A+FCU. I apologize for the long email, but the information is extremely important so please read to the end.

This will be my sixth time teaching this badge and I am very excited to meet the Scouts and get started. The badge requires a 13+ week time frame. Each class will cover a different requirement (or multiple requirements) and the largest, and most challenging of the requirements, is the 13 week budget. We have set up the requirements, especially the budget, in a manner that will (hopefully) allow the Scout to earn the merit badge in an organized and well-managed manner. 

·         Class Dates and Attendance

o   We ask that Scouts commit to attending at least 5 out of the 7 classes. Because of the popularity of this badge (we already have a waiting list for this session), we want to make sure that the Scouts who are signed up are attending. If you are unable to commit, please consider cancelling your registration and email me to be put on the notification list for the Fall 2013 classes (official registration will open in the next couple weeks) 

§  January 12 – this is a very important class to attend. This is the introduction to the badge, the requirements, and how Scouts will complete these requirements. I cannot stress how important it is for Scouts to attend (see below for additional information about this first class).

§  January 26

§  February 16

§  March 2

§  March 23

§  April 6

§  April 20

·         We cover the information for different requirements at each of the classes. Following the class, the Scout will need to complete the requirements by answering questions on an online form. We will go over this process at the first class.

·         Classes run from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If this should change, we will email ahead of time.

·         All of the classes will be held at the A+FCU Main Office.

o   If you use a GPS/Map Service to get directions, please be sure to enter the correct zip code (78723). If you do not, it will take you to southwest Austin, not to the Main Office.

·         Parent Involvement

o   Because of the nature of the badge and to ensure we are all on the same page, we are asking that at least one parent/guardian for each Scout attend the first session on January 12 in addition to the Scout. We will be going over guidelines for the classes and the badge, and more. This will make the badge requirements much easier 

o   Parents are welcome, and encouraged, to attend all of the classes. We open up the room so that you may stay.

·         Scouts are asked to wear their Scouting Uniform for every class.

·         We provide all the materials that the Scout will need for the badge. This includes any requirement information/papers, a binder, a pen/pencil, and more. They shouldn’t need to bring anything except themselves to the first class.

·         Saving Habits:

One thing we will discuss and stress throughout the merit badge classes is the importance of paying yourself first and developing a saving habit. At A+, we want to help youth develop strong money management skills. One way to develop a savings habit is by regularly depositing to a savings account. At A+, not only do we have youth membership savings accounts, but we also have a special share certificate that only takes $10 to open. You can add to the certificate at any time (up to $1,000) and it’s currently paying about 5.00%. As a scout and family member, you are eligible for membership with A+FCU. We even have a special coupon available for BSA members.  

We look forward to meeting you all on Saturday January 12. I will send another reminder email closer to the date. Please email me at kbalcaitis@aplusfcu.org or call me if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Kelsey