April is here, and we're excited to celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month and National Financial Literacy Month. Although financial education is a year-round commitment for us, this month offers extra opportunities to connect with our members and encourage healthy financial habits. We know teaching strong financial skills can feel challenging, so we're sharing simple ways you can help your child grow their "money garden" and start saving today for tomorrow's possibilities.
1. Help Your Child Set Savings Goals
Kids are more motivated to save when they are working towards a clear goal. Help them pick something meaningful to save for, gently remind them of that goal when they're tempted to spend, and enjoy watching them experience the excitement of reaching it!
2. Open a Youth Savings Account at Members First
Opening a youth savings account at your credit union gives kids a head start on building strong financial habits. Every deposit—whether it's allowance, birthday money, or earnings from chores—helps them see how savings can grow over time. It's a simple and fun way to teach them the value of planning ahead and saving for the things that matter most.
3. Use a Jar or Piggy Bank for Saving Money at Home
Use a jar or piggy bank for savings at home. Tell your child, "When the money reaches the top, you can use it to buy something you want." This lets them see their progress, practice delayed gratification, and learn the value of saving.
4. Play Money Management Games Together
Games like Monopoly and The Game of Life get kids thinking ahead, teaching valuable lessons about budgeting, saving, and planning for the future, all disguised as fun family play.
5. Consider Matching Your Child's Savings as an Incentive
Employer retirement plans use matching contributions to inspire people to save—and you can try the same strategy at home. If your child is saving for a goal, offer a small match when they hit certain milestones to help keep them motivated.
6. Start Saving for Higher Education Now
Just like any savings goal, starting early for your child's higher education gives more time for those savings have to compound and grow. Even small contributions made now can turn into a strong foundation for their future education.
Grow Your Money Garden With Members First
- Stop by any branch — Pick up your exclusive Professor Cash Adventure Kit (includes a savings tracker and a surprise gift!)
- Deposit at least $5 in your account — Keep your savings growing like seaweed and be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card!* (Don't forget to fill out your deposit/entry slip to qualify for the drawing.)
- Complete Professor Cash's ultimate savings challenge — Earn more by saving more! Make a one-time minimum deposit of $25 or more, and we will match your deposit up to $25.**
*Youth members aged 12 and under will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card when they make a minimum deposit of $5 from April 1 - 30, 2025. Deposit/entry slip must be completed and turned in with their deposit to be entered into the drawing. Account must be in good standing to qualify. This offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice.
**Youth members aged 12 and under will receive $25 when they make a one-time minimum deposit of $25 from April 1 - 30, 2026, into their youth savings account. Funds will be distributed at the time of deposit. Limit 1 (one) $25 deposit per member. Account must be in good standing to qualify. This is a limited-time offer and may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice.
Special Reward for Returning Members!
- Chance to Win a $25 Gift Card — Every minimum $5 deposit earns you an entry into our monthly drawing. Fill out a deposit/entry slip to turn in with your deposit for a chance to win.
*Youth members aged 12 and under will be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a $25 gift card when they make a minimum deposit of $5 from April 1 - 30, 2026. Deposit/entry slip must be completed and turned in with their deposit to be entered into the drawing. Account must be in good standing to qualify. This offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice.
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