Hi there, credit union friends,
Earlier this month, my oldest daughter graduated from her preschool gymnastics class into a more advanced recreational group.
This transition wasn’t without its challenges: Goodbyes to her longtime coaches led to protests and tears the morning of her first session. But all was well once she donned her new sparkly leotard and recognized some friends on the mat.
Action shot!
Do you ever feel the same uncertainty when it’s time to “level up” your youth program? Then never fear … the Marketing Manatee is here! Read on to discover resources and tactics to take your credit union’s efforts from “hanging on” to “top notch.”
— Level 1 —
Podcast Power-Up: Want to inspire your young members and their families with a vision of financial freedom? Share the latest episode of The Art of Allowance Podcast featuring JL and Jess Collins.
JL, known as the “Godfather of Financial Independence,” has spent decades investing in the stock market as well as inspiring followers through his blog and New York Times bestselling book, The Simple Path to Wealth. Jess, once a “little girl who wouldn’t listen,” is now in her thirties and applying JL’s lessons on her own journey to financial freedom.
During their conversation with Chief Mammal John Lanza, the father / daughter duo discuss:
- The timeless principles of The Simple Path to Wealth
- How to introduce kids to money early
- Navigating market ups and downs
- JL’s belief that homeownership is misunderstood as an investment
- The power of values-based spending
Watch the following clip for a deeper dive into that last topic. JL and Jess explain how their saying “no” to designer labels allowed them to say “yes” to meaningful adventures.
You can stream the full episode here. It’s a must-listen for anyone committed to family money lessons or interested in the financial independence movement!
— Level 2 —
A “Banner” Season: Looking to elevate your youth program marketing—literally? Take a page from Community Choice Credit Union.
This institution went big with signage at Jordan Creek Mall, the largest shopping center in Iowa. In addition to digital touchpoints and food court displays, a sky banner measuring over 14 feet long by 8 feet wide greeted the mall’s visitors during peak winter months.
Here’s what Chief Marketing Officer Angie Richards had to say about this campaign’s extra large impact:
“At Community Choice Credit Union, our goal is to show up UNexpectedly in the communities that we support. A great example of this is utilizing advertising space at Jordan Creek Mall in West Des Moines, Iowa, where we can promote our products and services, like The Money Mammals® Saving Money Is Fun Kids Club™. From giant banners and table sticks to digital ads, more than 20 million people visit Jordan Creek Mall each year and get to experience a small piece of UNbanking!”
And the “mall madness” continued in May, when Joe the Monkey swung by as part of an ongoing Community Choice social media series. You can read more about that initiative in the March edition of this very newsletter.
Joe on the go!
These creative efforts helped Community Choice achieve an explosive year-over-year increase in youth account openings. Talk about taking your growth to new “heights”!
— Level 3 —
Get in the Game: When I think of “leveling up,” I can’t help but picture video games. (The Millennial in me is showing! 😅) Why not bring that same energy to your youth program?
If you’re already an Art of Allowance partner, then don’t miss the latest upgrade to your Money Mammals portal. Its over twenty money-smart games are now optimized for full-screen play on mobile devices.
To activate full-screen mode, simply click the arrow icon in the lower left corner of the game. It will expand accordingly to fit your tablet or smartphone in portrait or landscape orientation.
Thanks to longstanding partner GECU for this screenshot!
Want a preview of the play? Check out this highlight reel from “Joe’s Credit Union Game,” where kids manage their own branch and learn firsthand why member happiness is the coin of the realm.
Well, credit union friends, that concludes my lowdown on leveling up. I hope these resources and strategies give your programs a boost as we head into the busy back-to-school season. Speaking of, I’ll be back next month with more insights on how our partners are making the most of the academic year.
📸: Tostoini on Giphy
Until then, here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward!
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
