Hi there, credit union friends,
Even though it’s still toasty here in Central Florida, signs of fall are cropping up: pumpkin spice everything, Friday night football, and kids—including my own daughter—heading back to school.
What better time to connect with students and families than during the new school year? So consider this newsletter your crash course in financial education partnerships that work!
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Kickin’ It After School: Great Lakes Credit Union‘s “Great Wave” volunteers bring money smarts to a local elementary after-care program, leading 45-minute weekly sessions for K-3 students.
These young learners use The Money Mammals’ educational tools to:
- Discover how to earn and save money
- Discuss goal setting and opportunity costs
- Create personalized “Decision Dollars”
And each 8-week program culminates with a field trip to a local Great Lakes branch—hosted by Piggs the Bank himself!
Community Outreach Specialist Makenzie Marsell says families are noticing real-world change:
“Parents have made comments about their children being able to understand wants and needs when they are out grocery shopping and saving their allowances for bigger things rather than spending it right away.”
👏 “Wave” to go, Great Lakes!
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Hottest Club in Town: White Sands Federal Credit Union teamed up with New Mexico State University (NMSU) to launch a powerful program with a catchy name: the Lil’ Aggie Club.
NMSU fans 17 and under who open accounts at White Sands can take advantage of some serious perks:
- A swag bag packed with Aggie gear
- A chance to be named “Lil’ Aggie of the Game”
- Free admission to select home sporting events
- Access to Money Mammals and Adolescent$ content
- Parental tools for family financial wellness
As Assistant Vice President Stephanie Martinez puts it:
“By giving kids fun tools to learn about saving and money management early, we’re supporting stronger financial futures and healthier communities.”
📣 School spirit + money smarts = a winning team!
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Hot off the Press: One way White Sands plans to spread the money-smart message at NMSU games is by sharing the Money Mammals Messenger. This print newsletter features:
- Deposit incentive coupons
- Custom promo opportunities
- Website traffic drivers
- Themed games and puzzles
And this fall’s theme? “The Secret in the Stacks,” where Joe the Monkey helps kids track clues—and their money habits. Because families who follow how dollars flow can crack the code to smarter spending!
White Sands also mails each quarterly edition to current young members, allowing the newsletter to pull double duty by:
- Engaging kids with a piece of mail just for them
- Keeping the credit union top-of-mind for parents
📰 Now that’s a powerful im”press”ion!
— Extra Credit —
Supermarket Sweep: Here’s a money-smart tip to share with parent members this season.
Turn a family trip to the grocery store into a lesson on advertising! Art of Allowance Podcast alum Erin McNeill explains how a walk down the cereal aisle can spark a conversation on manipulative marketing practices.
Until next time, here’s to putting our best fin lit (and pumpkin spice) flippers forward!
📸: Tostoini on Giphy
Erin Prim
Marketing Manatee
P. S. Budget season is upon us. What’s the #1 challenge your institution faces in engaging families right now? Just hit reply—I’d love to hear!
