BrightStar Credit Union holds free Financial Fitness Fair ON JANUARY 30, 2014

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. - Jan. 21, 2014 - PRLog -- BrightStar Credit Union, a non-profit cooperative and one of the largest credit unions in south Florida, in partnership with the City of Pembroke Pines, will hold a Free Financial Fitness Fair for the community for high school students, residents and their families, as well as small business owners on Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The event will take place at Walter C. Young Middle School (901 NW 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines), and attendees will be given the opportunity to be educated and get on track for a healthier financial future.

Approximately 250 people are expected to attend this second annual free event. Activities include a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank C. Ortis, financial literacy and educational seminars, vendor tables with businesses from the local community, music, giveaways and free pizza from Papa Johns.

Financial literacy is fundamental to functioning in today's society. Rising identity theft, consumer debt, home foreclosures, and the growing number of predatory financial services have resulted in a greater need for comprehensive education and counseling.

According to new legislation passed in Florida in 2013, no high school student should graduate without a good understanding of personal finance, including realistic notions of their earnings potential along with the basics of saving and investing, managing a checking account, credit scores and college costs. Surveys consistently show that young college students are uninformed about financial fundamentals. BrightStar Credit Union is committed to educating its members and the community at large by offering free financial literacy seminars. These seminars help individuals and families take control of their finances, reduce personal losses, reach their goals and maintain their personal financial well-being.

BrightStar Credit Union is a full-service, non-profit, member-owned cooperative and one of the largest credit unions in South Florida with 50,000+ members. BrightStar is open to the community—but also has specifically served employees and students of Broward Schools for more than 65 years. With a total of seven branch locations in Broward County, BrightStar offers a variety of financial services including checking and savings accounts, auto, home equity and mortgage loans and investments and insurance. For more information, visit www.bscu.org.

A nationally designated All-America City, Pembroke Pines is a hub of traditional and international flavor, ranging from its residents and businesses to its food and shopping. Easily accessed from I-95, the Florida Turnpike, I-75 and The Palmetto Expressway in South Broward County, Pembroke Pines enjoys a reputation as an innovative and progressive community, which boasts a strong commitment to education, business, and the environment. For additional information about the City of Pembroke Pines please visit www.ppines.com.

Seminar Schedule
5:30 p.m.          Welcome - Pembroke Pines Mayor Frank Ortis and Vendor          tables
5:45 – 6:00 p.m.          Magic 102.7 Money Machine –Win Cash and Prizes
6:05 – 6:25 p.m.          College Planning; Every little bit helps
6:30 – 6:50 p.m.          Secrets that Auto Dealers Don’t Want You to Know
6:55 – 7:15 p.m.          Lending 101 – Understanding Your Credit Report
7:20 – 7:40 p.m.          Small Business Solutions; Reduce Expenses, Minimize Risk,          Increase Sales
7:45– 8:15 p.m.          Q and A with all speakers