What Credit Unions Did for Youth Month (and What’s Next)

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Inside: Two new partner launches, a parent engagement upgrade and practical ideas for keeping family financial wellness momentum going.

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Hi there, credit union friends,

We recently celebrated a big day in the Prim household. Our oldest daughter, Lilly Ruth, saved for her very first goal!

My husband and I introduced a full allowance system at the beginning of the year. But Lilly Ruth took a few months to decide on and save for her item of choice: a stuffed rabbit complete with carrier, carrots and toys.

My Newest Coworker 🐰

This money-smart milestone was one of many celebrated during Youth Month. Our team also welcomed new credit unions to the Money Mammals menagerie, and they wasted no time bringing financial wellness to life in their communities.

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Super Nova: Nova Credit Union kicked off its Youth Month efforts by connecting with families across central North Carolina and upstate South Carolina.

(Personally, as a Tar Heel, I’m especially excited to see this money-smart work happening in my home state! 🤩)

​Andrea Van Beek, Nova’s VP of Marketing and Community Development, shared:

“As a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we prioritize giving back not only to our members but also to their communities. This partnership will add a new dimension to our outreach efforts, allowing us to offer age-appropriate, money-smart resources to young members, their families and local schools.”

And Nova is already transforming both its digital and physical presence by:

  • Updating its program splash page with engaging resources for kids, teens and parents
  • Adding themed animations to in-branch electronic displays
  • Installing Money Mammals banners and posters in its locations
  • Printing custom activity sheets for young members to complete and display during in-person visits

With these foundations in place, we’re excited to see Nova continue spreading the money-smart message throughout its communities and local schools.

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Making the {High}mark: Highmark Federal Credit Union launched its family financial wellness programming with an impressive multi-channel Youth Month campaign across the Black Hills of South Dakota and northeast Wyoming.

Its approach included:

  • A “Share & Save & Spend Smart” social push
  • Conversation-starting staff buttons
  • Printed newsletters delivered to families
  • School visits featuring readings of Joe the Monkey Saves for a Goal
  • Live mascot engagement at the Rapid City Youth & Family Services Kids Fair

Learning to Save in Second Grade 📚

Blazin’ Bananas … A Money-Smart Fist Bump 👊

Highmark had this to say about partnering with us:

“At Highmark, we believe in educating and inspiring families while enriching the lives of our members and communities. The Money Mammals program aligns beautifully with our values of family, service and community partnership. Together, we’re equipping kids and parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.”

👏 We applaud Highmark for its community-first approach and look forward to building on this strong start together!

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An Age and Stage Upgrade: While our partners were activating in their communities, our team was busy behind the scenes enhancing the parent experience within The Money Mammals powered by The Art of Allowance.

This upgraded digital portal provides age-and-stage guidance, helping parents confidently navigate financial lessons from early childhood through the teen years.

Because the money-smart journey doesn’t begin when a teen opens an account—it starts much earlier. From first allowance to first debit card to first taste of independence, families need support every step of the way.

And credit unions that provide that guidance become more than institutions—they become trusted partners in family financial wellness.

👉 We’re opening an exclusive preview group for credit union leaders and financial literacy practitioners. Reply to this email if you’d like early access and the chance to share feedback.

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Moving Forward by Circling Back: For a sneak peek of the insights inside our updated parent portal, check out this Art of Allowance Podcast short featuring Joe Saul-Sehy of the Stacking Benjamins Podcast.

He shares how “circling back” with kids after a purchase—especially one that didn’t go as planned—can turn everyday moments into powerful learning opportunities.

Well, credit union friends, Youth Month may be behind us, but the money-smart momentum doesn’t have to stop. What new ideas did your institution test in April? Hit “reply” to let me know. I’d love to highlight your story and celebrate the milestones—big and small—that help kids (And credit unions!) grow stronger every day.

Now bring on a summer of sharing, saving and spending smart! ☀️

Here’s to putting our best fin lit flippers forward,

Erin Prim

Marketing Manatee