ALASKA JOB CORPS STUDENTS SPEND MONEY WISELY WITH GUIDANCE FROM COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

It took Robert exactly 12 seconds to figure out how to spend his entire Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend check. “Send it to my Gram,” is what he said with a big smile. “She lives in Hooper Bay and fuel costs are really hurting out there.”

Johnathan from Kalskag said the same thing essentially. “I gotta give it to my family.” Was he sad that he didn’t get to keep it or spend it? “Naw. My family is more important.”

Elise from Chugiak was certain: “The money will help me and my roommate buy a rig.”

Dover, from Trapper Creek, said, “ I’m giving 10% to my church. I’m investing 50%. And I am going to spend the rest.”

All of these decisions weren’t made in a vacumn. Alaska Job Corps students were given an opportunity to hypothetically “pre-spend” their PFD, two weeks ago.
Community members helped Job Corps students make wise decisions regarding their money. This Financial Realty Fair helps students with budgets, decision making and understanding the real costs of living.

The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) check is issued to all qualified residents once a year from the State of Alaska, as a dividend paid to the public from sale of the state’s natural resources. This year it was slightly in access of $2000. For some people, the PFD is a treat; for some people, like Alaska Job Corps students, it is a way to invest or help their families. In some parts of Alaska, a gallon of milk is nearly ten dollars; a large container of laundry detergent is over 30 dollars. Much of this cost is the shipping costs involved in sending materials to distant villages.

Matt Sanford, the Marketing Operations Manager for the Matanuska Federal Credit Union set up the two sessions with the entire Job Corps student population. Individuals from following organizations assisted: True North Federal Credit union; Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union; Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union – Eagle River and Wasilla branches; Alaska Districts Federal Credit Union; Interact Ministries; Credit Union 1; Double Eagle Real Estate; University of Alaska Matsu; Northern Skies Federal Credit Union; Alaska USA Federal Credit Union; Matanuska Valley Financial Services
Combs Insurance; Matanuska Electric Association; George Lochner Family; and the FamilyPregnancy Center.