Press
CUNA, the Foundation celebrate National Financial Literacy Month
WASHINGTON, DC (April 1, 2015) — National Financial Literacy Month and National Credit Union Youth Month in April marks a time for credit unions to make it a priority to talk with their members – particularly youth – about the importance of financial literacy while teaching all consumers how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits.
“Credit unions speak to their membership throughout the year about financial literacy, but April offers an excellent opportunity to take these talks to a whole new level with youth outreach,” said President and CEO of CUNA, Jim Nussle. “Helping members make the best informed financial decisions possible puts more Americans on the right track to budgeting, saving, managing credit and paying down debt.”
“National Financial Literacy Month is definitely a theme near and dear to the credit union system’s heart,” said Gigi Hyland, Executive Director of the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation). “It’s really part of credit union’s DNA to incorporate financial education and resources to help people afford life and improve their financial lives.”
April 1 is also Financial Fitness Day, where the Foundation invites credit union organizations to participate in the daylong fundraising activities for the financial education activities of the Foundation and state credit union foundations.
The theme of this year’s National Credit Union Youth Month is “Wild About Saving,” which was chosen from ideas submitted by credit union staff nationwide. Credit unions and their members are encouraged to use #CUYouthMonth on Twitter to highlight the work that is being done to help convey the importance of financial education at a young age.
CUNA will also sponsor its annual National Youth Saving Challenge during April. The contest will reward 25 savers with $100 cash prizes. Last year, 8,844 new accounts were opened, and 94,466 young members deposited more than $20.5 million into savings accounts during the month-long challenge.
About CUNA:
With its network of affiliated state credit union leagues, Credit Union National Association (CUNA) serves America’s credit unions, which are owned by more than 100 million consumer members. Credit unions are not-for-profit cooperatives providing affordable financial services to people from all walks of life. For more information about CUNA, visit www.cuna.org or follow @CUNA on Twitter. For more information about credit unions, visit www.aSmarterChoice.org and follow @asmarterchoice on Twitter. Visit the CUNA Press Room for a full listing of media mentions, press releases and resources to stay informed on current events within the credit union industry.
About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop):
The National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation) is the charitable arm of the U.S. credit union movement and works as a catalyst to improve people’s financial lives through credit unions. Through Foundation grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services, and empower more consumers to save, build assets, and own homes. The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. Donations to the Foundation enable credit unions to help their members reach life-changing goals and achieve financial freedom.