Teaching kids about financial literacy early in life is key to helping them develop lifelong, healthy money habits that make their dreams possible. Unfortunately, financial literacy education often does not get the attention it deserves, and when it comes to important money matters, helping kids learn healthy habits early is better than leaving them to learn from costly mistakes.
Promoting the financial health of our youngest members
Providing financial education embodies the movement’s ‘people-helping-people’ philosophy. As more Americans seek financial guidance and more credit unions begin to offer services like financial counseling, it’s essential to consider initiatives that also educate young members. If parents have trouble managing money, you can imagine that it’s going to be even more challenging for them to have conversations about money with their kids. Credit unions can serve as an important ally for parents in their mission to teach their kids to be financially responsible. Providing this kind of support and education can help build long-term member loyalty.
Common financial concepts kids should understand:
- Saving
- Spending
- Charitable giving
- Investing
- Budgeting
If you have been wondering how to empower youth to save for their future, National Credit Union Youth Month is a great opportunity to start or boost your youth initiatives! Every April, credit unions across the country focus on educating youth about financial health. This year’s kid-friendly theme, “Money Magic! Share, Spend and Save at Your Credit Union,” emphasizes the benefits of wise saving and spending using a cast of whimsical, kid-friendly characters. This celebration is a great time to engage kids at your credit union and within your community to help them develop healthy money habits. All the while, you’ll be nurturing long-term relationships as you show youth that credit unions are supportive financial partners.
Want to bring Youth Month celebrations to your credit union? Learn more at cuna.org/youthmonth.