METHUEN — The Merrimack Valley Credit Union (MVCU) and Methuen High School (MHS) teamed up for the sixth year to present the Credit for Life Fair to hundreds of graduating seniors on Feb. 14.
Credit for Life is a two-hour financial simulation held in Klimas Field House at MHS where students selected a profession that best fits their post-graduation plans and received an estimated salary.
They then connected with volunteers and discussed financial decisions they would encounter as adults, such as attending community, state or private college; choosing between purchasing a car or a public transit pass; and deciding whether to rent or own a home.
Students also learned how their lifestyle choices, including eating out, purchasing a gym membership or owning a pet, would affect their budget.
They faced a “reality check” by spinning “The Wheel of Misfortune” that included items that could either have a negative impact on a student’s budget or provide the windfall to keep their monthly budget in the positive.
The students finished the fair at the credit counseling booth, where volunteers analyzed the students’ spending and salary to help them understand the importance of financial planning and how their decisions ultimately impacted their budget.
The partnership between MVCU and MHS began with the inaugural fair in 2018. The event is staffed by dozens of volunteers from local professional and community organizations, the Methuen school district and MVCU. The volunteers have face-to-face conversations with the students about the impact their choices have on their budget and offer decades of practical experience to the students.
“It is so important that we continue to teach financial literacy in the high school setting,” says MVCU Marketing Specialist and Credit for Life Fair Coordinator Olivia Pink.
“The ‘real world’ can be daunting and there are a lot more impactful financial decisions that you make as you get older, but the MHS Credit for Life Fair helps students tackle these decisions,” she said. “I believe that the best part of this event is that it shows students that they can make these big decisions and that, regardless of the outcome, there will always be someone in their corner rooting for their success. We hope to continue this event with MHS for years to come and look forward to presenting it to next year’s senior class.”
HS Associate Principal Glenda L. Javier called the Credit for Life Fair an interactive and educational event that provides senior students with invaluable real-world financial experience.
“The event allows students to step into the role of working adults, making important financial decisions about housing, transportation, education and other essential expenses. With the guidance of dedicated volunteers from our community—professionals who bring their expertise and real-world insights—students gain practical knowledge about budgeting, responsible spending and financial planning,” she said.
To learn more about MVCU’s community initiatives, visit www.mvcu.com/news.
Bank offering housing seminar
Merrimack County Savings Bank (The Merrimack) will be hosting four free construction loan seminars for anyone looking to build their dream home with confidence.
The Merrimack’s Home Lending Team will provide the step-by-step basics of getting a construction loan and how to resolve common issues that may occur throughout the process.
“Our construction loan seminars are the perfect opportunity to learn more about the process from experts in the field,” said Garry Cornelius, Vice President Residential Mortgage Sales at The Merrimack. “Having a better understanding of the process going in will help ensure your home build is successful.”
The free construction loan seminars will be held at the following locations:
• March 5, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hooksett Branch, 360 Londonderry Turnpike, Hooksett.
• March 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Concord Main Office, 89 North Main Street, Concord.
• April 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Letizio Enterprise Center, 55 Enterprise Dr, Windham
• April 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Concord Main Office, 89 North Main Street, Concord.
To register for an upcoming seminar, visit themerrimack.com.
Doctor named to medical society
LONDONDERRY, N.H. – Dr. Leon P. McLean with Granite State Gastroenterology has been named a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the nation’s oldest, and most prestigious medical society dedicated to disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Through the fellowship program, AGA honors superior professional achievement in clinical private or academic practice and in basic or clinical research. Fellowships are awarded to AGA members whose accomplishments and contributions demonstrate personal commitment to the field of gastroenterology.
“It’s an honor to be named a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association. I’m fortunate to be part of a group of outstanding physicians and advanced practice providers at Granite State Gastroenterology, all of whom are committed to delivering the highest quality GI care to our patients in southern New Hampshire and surrounding areas,” said McLean.
AGA Fellowship recognizes AGA members with exceptional professional achievement in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. AGA is proud to announce the 2025 AGA Fellowship inductees who have been recognized by their peers and community as being at the forefront of the field.
Granite State Gastroenterology is a private community GI practice based in Londonderry, with offices in Bedford, Windham, Raymond, and Berlin.
Free seminar on business law
ANDOVER — The Massachusetts School of Law, in collaboration with the Cummings Foundation is hosting a free seminar focused on critical business law topics relevant to small business management.
This in-depth seminar is designed specifically for small business owners and managers looking to enhance their understanding of essential legal principles and practices.
The event is scheduled for March 26 from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Massachusetts School of Law, 500 Federal St., Andover
Topics include:
• The role of project management in boosting small business efficiency.
• Managing allegations of workplace violations.
• Understanding and preventing workplace discrimination.
• Identifying and tackling fraud.
• Avoiding the pitfalls of employee misclassification.
• Understanding liability associated with employee and company signatures.
This seminar provides invaluable insights aimed at improving business operations and protecting against legal risks. Attendees will gain practical knowledge that can be immediately applied to their business practice.
A complimentary meal will be provided. Spaces are limited. For more information and to register, visit https://rb.gy/n6ulqe
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