From Dorm Rooms to Board Rooms

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Hi there, credit union friends,

Incredibly, I recently returned from my 15th college reunion.

An onyx is {still} a girl’s best friend!

Here are a few observations from my time back on campus:

  • The dorms haven’t changed in a decade and a half. (Yes, alums once again inhabit the residence halls during Reunion Weekend!)
  • I can still recite “The General Prologue” to The Canterbury Tales in Middle English. (One of the many traditions—and a graduation requirement—of my alma mater!)
  • Cookie pie will always be the best dish served in the dining hall. (This sweet treat was the highlight of our Fridays as students!)

But enough of my reminiscing! Let’s instead shift our focus to today’s college grads. Read on for fresh resources to help young adults thrive as they enter the (Gasp! 😱) real world.

— 1 —

A Sign of the {New York} Times: Chief Mammal John Lanza was featured in a New York Times article on how to talk to kids about money, especially during challenging economic times.

In the piece, personal finance columnist Ann Carrns shares practical strategies from John and other money experts (including two-time podcast guest Ashley LeBaron-Black) to help families navigate tough conversations with confidence:

  • Don’t assume kids are unaware of financial challenges. They often pick up on more than you realize.
  • Talk openly in age-appropriate ways. This technique helps reduce anxiety and builds understanding.
  • Learn together. Explore unfamiliar financial topics as a family.
  • Start with what you have. Everyday items—like receipts, play money and picture books—can spark valuable money conversations.

John’s top tip? Provide children with a sense of control by including them in family budgeting.

“Kids want to be a part of the solution.”

-John Lanza in “How to Talk to Your Children About Money in These Uncertain Times” by Ann Carrns

Want more money-smart takeaways from John? You can read the full article here.

— 2 —

“The Get Ready Blueprint”: Exams are completed, papers are submitted, and tassels are turned. Now what? 🤔

Our latest Art of Allowance Podcast episode features financial readiness expert Tony Steuer, who walks listeners through what recent college grads really need to know.

Tony and John explore:

  • Tactical steps young adults should take [4:43]
  • A major expense most overlook [6:47]
  • One money mistake that’s okay to make [12:50]
  • One money mistake that can haunt recent grads [13:46]
  • A money myth many believe that can land them in financial trouble [24:48]
  • Getting people thinking for themselves [42:54]

For more on this last topic, watch the following short to hear Tony emphasize the importance of curiosity and asking questions:

You can tune in to Tony’s full Art of Allowance Podcast appearance here. And for a perfect companion piece, check out this episode with money maven Bobbi Rebell. She offers tips to help financial conversations continue even after (almost) adult children have landed jobs.

— 3 —

Branch Bandicoot Bonus: Are you a current partner looking for ways to support families with kids who are heading out on their own? Never fear, your Art of Allowance website is here!

Point parents and guardians to the “Answers to your biggest questions about kids and money” section for newly updated content, including a selection of streamworthy shorts. These podcast snippets feature, among other topics, advice for young adults navigating:

Each short includes a share button for easy forwarding to family and friends plus a link to the corresponding full episode for those who want to dig deeper.

Pro Tip: Use the new “Young Adults” filter in the middle dropdown menu to cue up resources tailored to this life stage.

And for even more Art of Allowance Podcast shorts, be sure to visit our YouTube channel.

Well, credit union friends, I hope this edition of Marketing Manatee Musings helps your institutions’ newest grads chart a money-smart course from dorm rooms to break rooms and, perhaps eventually, board rooms. The tools I shared will certainly not ease all your young adult members’ growing pains, as our sirenian pal below suggests. But they can serve as a compass for navigating the financial future ahead.

“Adulting,” am I right? (📸: Tostoini on Giphy)

Until next time, here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward!

Erin Prim

Marketing Manatee