Planning your CU’s 2024 youth programming?

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Hi there, credit union friends,

‘Tis the season for holiday travel!

My family and I are leaving tomorrow for our ten-hour trek up to North Carolina. So I’m currently trying to figure out how to Tetris two adults, two kids, and two beagles into a midsize SUV. And oh yeah … all of our gifts and suitcases.

📸: Giphy

If you’re like me, then you’ll need some entertainment during your seasonal sojourns. So I hope this edition of “Marketing Manatee Musings” leaves you delightfully distracted!

— 1 —

The Power of Patience: Let’s start with something to listen to as you travel by plane, train, or automobile. On the latest episode of The Art of Allowance Podcast, guest Will Rainey offers strategies for parents to help children harness the power of patience on the money-smart journey.

Will is an award-winning investment consultant who has advised governments, insurance companies and some of the world’s largest pension schemes. His children’s book, Grandpa’s Fortune Fable$, encourages kids to plant money seeds that will, with patience, sprout into massive money trees. And his company, Blue Tree Savings, has helped thousands of parents begin money conversations with their children. Will also has been invited to speak at Fortune 500 companies, and his work has appeared in the Financial Times, Forbes, iNews and the National News.

During his podcast appearance, Will and our Chief Mammal, John Lanza, touch on the following topics:

  • The three rules of wealth 💰
  • How Will’s tree analogy helps kids understand the importance of patience in the investing process 🌳
  • “Wealthy” versus “Rich” 🤑

For more on this last point, watch the video clip below. In it, Will and John discuss enjoying occasional luxurious experiences instead of becoming dependent on luxurious lifestyles.

You can stream Will’s full episode here. And don’t forget to check out our new YouTube shorts series, which features snippets of the podcast that provide money smarts in a minute.

— 2 —

Ice, Ice, Baby: Whether you’re traveling to a cold-weather clime (or escaping one 😉), this next engagement strategy is for you!

Florida’s GTE Financial recently partnered with its hometown professional hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. As part of this collaboration, the credit union participated in the Bolts & Blue Faceoff Against Hunger event earlier this month. This annual outreach opportunity included food prep demonstrations by the Lightning’s Executive Chef, street hockey games, and holiday photos with ThunderBug, the Lightning’s mascot.

In preparation for the event, we worked with the GTE Financial team to refresh a hockey-themed Money Mammals printable by adding the Lightning’s logo.

This activity sheet was then distributed to young participants in both English and Spanish. Sofia Vidal, GTE Financial’s Marketing Engagement Specialist, had this to say about the custom piece:

“At our debut collaboration with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the printables at the Bolts & Blue Faceoff Against Hunger event made a significant impact. Our children’s station, showcasing youth accounts and The Money Mammals program, delighted kids with coloring sheets featuring Joe the Monkey and Lightning jersey-clad friends, creating a fun and educational experience!”

📸: GTE Financial

As GTE Financial’s efforts demonstrate, many opportunities exist to spread the money-smart message! And by focusing on engaging kids and empowering parents, you can give your credit union an edge when it comes to generational growth.

— 3 —

Events in a Box: Let’s face it, time in the air or on the road often doubles as a work session. So perhaps you’re planning your youth programming for 2024 while traveling to Grandma’s house. Hey, no judgment from this workhorse … er … manatee!

If you’re an Art of Allowance Project partner, then look no further than our trusty Partner Folder Team Drive for inspiration. Within the “Event Ideas and Proposals” folder reside what I like to refer to as “Events in a Box.” These prefabbed parties are based on the following themes:

Everything you need to make an impact with young members and their families is included, such as invitation templates, decor ideas, food suggestions, favor tips, and activity recommendations.

So Blazin’ Bananas! Here’s a sneak peek for those of you who are curious:

If you utilize these ideas in your branches or communities, then pretty please (🙏) send some snapshots my way! I’d be happy to highlight your credit union in a future edition of this very newsletter.

Well, that’s a wrap (Pun very much intended!) on “Marketing Manatee Musings” for 2023. So wherever your holiday travels take you, I wish you a festive season full of friends, family, and feasting.

And here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward in the New Year!

Erin Prim

Marketing Manatee