FirstOntario Credit Union takes on unique challenges faced by young adults with new financial literacy program

MoneyOnTrees.ca provides financial resources and answers to everyday money management questions

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 10, 2013 /CNW/ - FirstOntario Credit Union, one of Canada's leading Member-owned financial cooperatives, has launched a financial literacy program designed to give young adults tips to help them manage their money and make informed everyday financial decisions.

The program kicks off with the launch of MoneyOnTrees.ca, a blog dedicated to providing answers to the common questions faced by young adults, whether they are in college or university, getting ready to graduate, looking for work, or well on their way into the next stages of life. FirstOntario is also launching a social media campaign using Twitter and Facebook to build community among young adults. The program will also include participation in a number of youth oriented events in the communities where FirstOntario has a presence.

"Young adults are faced with challenges that are very unique to their generation, and in many cases the odds are stacked against them like never before," said Dave Schurman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, FirstOntario Credit Union. "Our hope is that MoneyOnTrees.ca will provide them with straightforward, no-nonsense information about everyday financial challenges."

The blog will cover a broad range of topics, from cutting back on spending and how to save for major life milestones, to a section devoted to issues related to consumer rights. Readers can also get access to a resource library featuring a range of third-party informational resources such as personal finance blogs, financial calculators, and other links geared to young adults.

"It's tough out there - jobs are hard to come by, people my age are graduating with more debt than ever before, and personal finance is not something many people take time to think about," said Fabio Marrama, the social media coordinator at FirstOntario Credit Union who is acting as the blog's community manager and spokesperson. "This program will provide young people with a platform to learn, engage and understand their finances and rights as young consumers."

You can follow Money On Trees on their Twitter page @Money_On_Trees or check out their Facebook page and see what events Money On Trees will be attending in your community!

About FirstOntario Credit Union
In business since 1939, FirstOntario Credit Union has more than $2.9 billion in assets under management, serves nearly 90,000 Members and offers a full suite of banking products including daily banking, mortgages, lines of credit, loans and investments. FirstOntario operates 23 full-service branches and serving 13 communities across the Hamilton, Halton, Niagara, Haldimand/Norfolk and Oxford regions and Membership at FirstOntario is open to anyone. FirstOntario is a proud advocate of the communities we serve and supports many important community organizations. FirstOntario is a founding sponsor for Hive Hamilton, and supports Co-operative Young Leaders (CYL) and youth at risk through Soupfest. FirstOntario also offers a scholastic bursary program and a micro lending program in the Hamilton and Niagara regions.

For more information please visit: www.FirstOntario.com 

SOURCE: FirstOntario Credit Union

For additional information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Katy James
Pilot PMR
416-462-0199 Ext. 236
[email protected]

Rachel Swiednicki
FirstOntario Credit Union
905-387- 2874 x. 1297
[email protected]