DR. WALLACE: I've just started working and am looking to open a bank account somewhere soon in my local area. I have a few friends who do their banking online, so I'm thinking about that, but my mom likes to bank at a big national bank with several local branches in our city.

My father suggested that I use his credit union since he's had an account there for over two decades. What even is a credit union, and should I consider using one? — Need to Open an Account, via email

NEED TO OPEN AN ACCOUNT: First of all, you can't just join any credit union! You'd need to have a direct connection yourself to the group, or join a group that allows family members to be included. This is likely the type of credit union your father has an account with.

Credit unions often are formed by a group with a common bond, such as an occupation or association. Member deposits are known as shares and allow the members to become the overall owners of the credit union itself.

This allows members to maintain democratic control over the union as each member has a voting share. These credit unions are then governed by a locally elected board of directors.

Credit unions are indeed viable financial institutions for many individuals. Have your father take you in to see what they can offer you as a family member before you make your final decision on what type of institution you'd like to use for your financial needs at this point in your life.

I'D LIKE THREE EASY, GREEN TIPS TO GIVE TO MY PARENTS

DR. WALLACE: I hear so much these days about the need to "go green" to help our planet! Often, I hear about it at school, or via friends and friend groups I participate in.

This inspired me to ask my parents to do more at home, and a bit to my surprise, both of my parents were receptive to the idea. My father actually asked me to give him three suggestions that may be applicable to our family. Have any ideas on which three might make sense to give him? — Always Interested in Helping, via email

ALWAYS INTERESTED IN HELPING: Let Mom and Dad know that they should always aim to power down their electronic devices whenever feasible. Their phones, computers, tablets and related devices use a lot more power than they likely realize.

They should limit unnecessary screen time, shut down devices when not in use and even make it a regular practice to clean out email files often to make their footprints a bit smaller.

Second, they should always seek to avoid single-use plastics! Something as simple as a reusable water bottle makes a big difference over time.

Third, ask them to make some permanent adjustments to their shopping habits by always using reusable cloth bags to carry grocery items home in. Further, encourage them to buy as many grocery items as feasible in bulk to help reduce packaging materials and waste. These are three adjustments most families or individuals can make quickly and easily. Together they will help to make a meaningful impact over time.

Dr. Robert Wallace welcomes questions from readers. Although he is unable to reply to all of them individually, he will answer as many as possible in this column. Email him at [email protected]. To find out more about Dr. Robert Wallace and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: Alexander Grey at Unsplash