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Helping Kids and Teens Build Smart Money Habits That Last

The new year is a great time to focus on financial education for kids and teens. This blog shares practical, age-appropriate ways families can help young people learn about saving, spending, and building confidence with money.
 
January brings a fresh start, and it’s the perfect opportunity to introduce or reinforce money lessons at home. When kids and teens understand how money works early, they’re better prepared to make confident financial decisions later in life.
 
Our credit union was founded by educators, and financial education has been part of our story from the very beginning. We believe learning about money should feel supportive, practical, and empowering.
 
Start with Simple Money Lessons for Kids
For younger kids, the goal is to build awareness and positive habits:
  • Saving part of any allowance or gift
  • Understanding the difference between wants and needs
  • Setting a goal and watching savings grow over time
Visual tools like savings jars or goal trackers help kids stay engaged and make progress feel exciting.
 
Give Teens Real-World Experience
Teen years are a great time to introduce more responsibility:
  • Managing a checking and savings account
  • Learning how debit cards work
  • Tracking spending and planning ahead
  • Understanding the basics of credit and why it matters
These skills help teens feel confident and capable as they prepare for adulthood.
 
Learning Without Judgment
Mistakes are part of learning. A safe, supportive environment allows teens to ask questions, learn from experience, and build confidence without fear of getting it wrong.
 
How We Support Young Members
We offer youth and teen accounts designed to grow alongside your family, along with guidance and resources to support learning at every stage. When families start money conversations early, they help create a stronger financial future for the next generation.

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