Skip to main content

Banking

Talking about money was not a popular topic of conversation in my family when I was growing up.  Some of the conversations I overheard regarding finances were negative.  My parents had a high school graduation dinner for me at Antonio's in Harlingen, Texas and thankfully I received some checks from family and friends.  I was 18 years old and my mother took me to First National Bank (now PlainsCapital Bank) to open my first checking account so I could cash those checks.  Like many of you, my past experiences shaped how I handle money today with my family.

I have always taken my daughters with me wherever I go.  I have even taken them on some important errands to PlainsCapital Bank.  I feel like it is important for them to listen to me interact with bankers.  My daughters, like most children, are very perceptive.  There have been times when we return to the car and they ask questions or share comments that let me know they were listening!

Girls with "Mo" the Buffalo

My wife and I spend time talking to our girls about "needs" and "wants."  They have completed chores that have earned money.  They have received money and gift cards for their birthday.  We have discussed the importance of saving, donating, and tithing.  I have shown them how to compare prices at different stores to get the best deal.  We have spoken about how coupons can save us money.  The earlier we begin teaching our children about finances the better!

I encourage all parents to save some money for their children if possible.  Open up a Youth Savings Program with a bank so that interest may be earned.  If you saved $5 per month for 18 years, your child could have $1,080 (that does NOT include interest)!  There is a strong link between behavior and finances.  If you look really hard, you can find that $5 per month.  Start by sacrificing one trip to Whataburger (we're in Texas and that #5 combo is more than $5)!

We went to PlainsCapital bank, where we've been customers for about 20 years, so that our girls could get some banking done.  The PlainsCapital Bank Youth Savings Program is great because there are NO FEES and they earn interest PLUS $5 on their birthday!  On today's visit, they were even given some cool swag!  PlainCapital Bank understands that loyalty is important to me and that I would like my children to continue banking with them for life.

PlainsCapital Bank Swag (coin purses)

If your organization is interested in collaborating with RGV DADS, please see the contact information below:

E-mail:  rgvdad2@gmail.com
Website:  fb.me/rgvdads
Twitter:  @rgvdads
Instagram:  rgvdads

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Protest Property Taxes

Image:  Dave Lieber Steps for filing an Electronic Protest: 1.  Visit Hidalgo County Appraisal District website:   http://www.hidalgoad.org/ 2.  Click Protest Online (red button, center of screen). 3.  Enter username and password (or Create New User).  Click Login. 4.  Click Online Appeals (right of screen). 5.  Click here to E-File (green button - top right of screen). 6.  Click E-File (blue button - left of screen). 7.  Enter comments (I chose not to enter anything).  Click Submit. 8.  Enter Opinion of Value (I chose to enter last year's value - this may depend on a *Market Analysis if you have one from a realtor).  Enter Protest Reasons (I chose 1 and 2).  Click Submit. 9.  Click Done. 10.  Click Log Out. You should receive an e-mail stating that a protest and case number have been successfully created for your property. *Market Analysis:  Call Christian Chavez 956-47...

UTRGV Men's Basketball

Chasse Conque and his team at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley have been working hard to enhance the fan experience at athletic events.  We arrived in Vaquero Village about one hour before the game started and we were impressed!  They have a great lounge area outside, a bounce house for the kids, food (at reasonable prices - credit cards accepted), drinks (yes, beer), and a live band!  The band played music from Daft Punk, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and my personal favorite - Rage Against the Machine!   Jesus T. Pena and Chasse Conque We purchased general admission tickets for the game.  Every seat in the house is great!  During the game, there are plenty of raffles and activities to engage the fans.  The men's basketball team is very competitive and we were on the edge of our seats the entire time! Warming Up We were glad the game ended with the Vaqueros winning.  We are looking forward to another Vaqueros game soon! ...

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is an opportunity to show our children love and it does not have the break the bank! NEVER sleep on Dollar Tree!  I was able to find quality, yet inexpensive, glass votives for roses.  I had an existing rose bush that I had been caring for and that is where I picked and trimmed my roses for my daughters.   While at Dollar Tree, I picked up some boxes of chocolates that they liked!   Don't. Forget. The. Card.  Spend some time choosing a card that matches the recipient.  Write something meaningful in there and they will cherish it forever.  I did not splurge for the balloons, but Dollar Tree has those too! Roses | Chocolates | Cards The reality of societal pressures gives us an opportunity to display our love for our family on this holiday.  We love our family EVERYDAY and we show it! Jesus T. Pe ñ a, M.Ed. If you or your organization is interested in partnering with RGV DADS, please see the contact information below: E-mai...