I never truly understood why my parents did not do their banking with the big time bankers like US Bank or Wells Fargo until now. Those corporate banks may be easy to access, but they really do not bring their earnings back to the community.

About ten years or so ago, I opened my first checking account. I remember feeling so grown up at the time. Most of my friends had checking accounts with those big corporate companies while my family has always done their banking with smaller community banks.

Ever July my local bank, Ideal Credit Union, holds a seminar for teens to learn how to manage money. It is a day-long seminar where teens learn the basics of budgeting, saving, credit cards, banking and how to start your retirement account. After a day of useful life skills education we had a chance to take aFinancially Ready exam, for those who passed the test with twenty percent or higher received one-hundred dollars for their savings.

Ideal Credit Union's original name was Postal Credit Union, however, recently they changed their name. This Credit Union has been around since 1926, in fact, they are celebrating 90 years this year. This is not a new company they have been around for decades, this shows that they are trusted place to bank with.

I have never heard of a well-known bank holding a educational course for their young adults like Ideal Credit Union is doing. This hometown community credit union has a couple other locations too. Everyone that I have met at my credit union are extremely friendly and genuinely want to help you.

TOP 4 Reasons to join a credit union

1. All the money put into credit unions serves and goes back out into the community

Credit unions give back to your community by redistributing funds in the from of loans, making charitable donations, volunteering and more.

2. The credit union is owned by its members

To become a part owner of the credit union- you must have a Share Savings account

3. Not for profit

Credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that exist to serve their members. Like banks, credit unions accept deposits, make loans and provide a wide array of other financial services. But as member-owned and cooperative institutions, credit unions provide a safe place to save and borrow at reasonable rates.

4. Lower rates

The money deposited is not used to issue stock or pay it out to outside stock holder. Instead, the money brought into the credit union is returned to members in the form of lower loan rates, higher interest deposits, and lower fees.

When you go out to open a bank account consider going with a local credit union like Ideal Credit Union. Banking with credit unions give back to the community and genuine care about you and your banking.