Each issue, Utah Valley Magazine features a member of UCCU. This time we hear from Orem-native and recent Orem High School graduate Ben Barton, who earned a $500 scholarship from UCCU’s high school essay contest. He will attend BYU this fall.

Why is learning financial literacy important to you as you move to adulthood?
If it weren’t for financial literacy, I would probably already be in debt. Financial literacy has taught me to avoid the potholes in the financial road of life. It is important to have a general knowledge of what your money is doing when you’re not hiding it under your bed or spending it.

How does your family make decisions about financial matters?
My parents discuss options of how to invest their money the best way possible. It is a joint decision. They often ask us to pay for half of an activity we want to do, so we appreciate it more. Saving for the future and spending wisely has always been a big deal.
How do your parents teach you about money?
They teach me all the time. Every time I receive a paycheck or have a little cash on me, they always tell me to put it in the credit union. They remind me to be careful with my money or it won’t be there when I need it.

What are principles that influence how you use money?
I would say that patience and hard work play into how I use money. I have to work hard to earn the money. I also have to work hard to not spend it. Patience helps me save up for items I want to buy. And patience helps me continually save my money.

What have you learned about money from having an account at UCCU?
I have learned that money isn’t easy to get. It’s important to save up for events in life that you don’t expect. You aren’t going to purposely break something, but it happens.

How long have you been a member of UCCU?
I have been a member my entire life. It was an easy choice to make. My parents have had accounts there for more than 30 years, my siblings are members, so I became a member as well.

What is your favorite aspect of banking with UCCU?
My favorite part of UCCU is the tradition and values they have. As a kid, I would receive a balloon or a sticker every time my parents and I went to the credit union. They are super friendly and a part of the community.

How do you typically use your UCCU accounts?
I use a savings account for long-term savings, such as my mission account. I also have a checking account, which I’ve used periodically with my debit card.

What features of online banking do you like most?
I check the balance of my accounts and transfer money between accounts. I like how convenient and easy it is to use. I can access it pretty much anywhere.

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