Blog
Our monthly blog articles will offer financial education and keep you updated with other relevant industry topics. Check out our current and past blog entries below:
2025
April
Celebrating National Credit Union Youth Month
April is National Credit Union Youth Month, a nationwide effort to help encourage children and teens to think critically about money from an early age and help set them up for future financial success. Youth Month makes saving fun for kids and teaches young people why it’s important to save early and establish good financial habits.
We aim to assist the next generation in navigating an increasingly complicated financial landscape. Below are some tips and tricks to help empower them to make smart money decisions from an early age:
Set Savings Goals. Saving money is much easier with a specific goal in mind. By deciding together what to save money for, you can help the kids in your life mark their progress, stay motivated when they’re feeling tempted to spend, and celebrate victories when their goals are achieved. Together with your youngster, brainstorm ways for them to earn money and then consider matching their savings to help them reach their goals even faster. That will keep them motivated and less likely to spend their money sooner. And don’t forget to celebrate once they reach their goals.
Open a Youth Savings Account. Consider opening a Youth Savings Account, which helps kids learn how to save while allowing parents, guardians, or immediate family members to monitor spending and make deposits. Our Youth Savings Accounts offer special perks like a $25.00 new account deposit bonus* and a printable budget worksheet for teens.
Play Money Management Games. Games like Monopoly and the Game of Life provide fun ways for kids to learn about finances, from budgeting their hard-earned money to long-term planning for the future. Kids may also have fun saving their money by using a clear jar. As they watch their money grow over time, you can incentivize them to keep saving by allowing them to buy something special once the money reaches the top.
Make a budget. Use simple language to teach children how adults earn money and make spending decisions. Ask them to help write a budget for basic needs like mortgage or rent, food, car payments, and cell phones. Explain how your family handles any shortages each month and share your savings goals, like purchasing a car or taking a vacation. Be sure to include a line for savings on the budget to help children get into the habit of saving money each month. And don’t forget taxes. Children need to understand that we don’t keep everything we earn.
Talking about money can be as natural as deciding what to have for dinner if you make it a regular practice. When children learn money management skills, they have a solid foundation for achieving financial independence later in life.
*New members only. Must be eligible for Emerald Credit Union membership and must pass ID verification and ChexSystems requirements. The $25.00 bonus will be given as a deposit into the new Youth or Minor Savings Account. The new account must be funded with a minimum initial deposit of $25.00 to earn the $25.00 bonus. Subject to change without notice.
March
Steer Clear of Dealer Financing
February:
Get Ready to File and Save on Taxes
January:
Winterize Your Wallet
2024
December:
Don't Fall Victim During the Season of Giving
November:
Cut Costs and Make Holiday Memories
October:
Achieving Essential Cyber Hygiene for 2025
September:
What is GAP Insurance & Do I Need It?
August:
How to Afford a Mortgage in 2024
July:
How to Teach Your Children About Money
June:
Account Takeover Prevention & Recovery
May:
401(k) Basics
April:
ATM Safety Tips
March:
Preventing Elder Fraud and Financial Exploitation
February:
The Power of Preapproved Auto Financing
January:
Keeping Your New Year's Resolutions