SIU Credit Union Encourages Youth to Get Financially Fit

April 1, 2016 – Carbondale, IL – Financial literacy is a crucial life skill for young people, but it’s one that too few are learning.

That’s why in April, SIU Credit Union is focusing on helping youth become more financially fit. For the entire month, SIU Credit Union will be helping local youth strengthen their money skills and pump up their savings.

“Youth fitness has become a national priority, with an emphasis on exercise and proper nutrition,” said SIU Credit Union VP of Business Development Kim Babington. “But with all the hurdles facing young people in the future, historic levels of student debt, we believe financial fitness is just as important.”

The theme of the month-long event is Credit Union Strong. Like all credit unions, Babington said, SIU Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. “Member education and concern for the community are part of the foundational principles of our business structure,” Babington said. “Passing along basic money skills to the next generation so that these kids might have a brighter future embodies both those principles—and that’s what we believe it means to be credit union strong.”

Here are some of the upcoming activities that all members are invited to participate in at SIU Credit Union branches:

• Open a youth account or make a deposit into a Bailey Bobcat or Jr. Executives account during the month of April and select a prize at each branch location.
• Youth ages 13 through 17 are invited to submit a photo of themselves and savings goal using the #MySavingsGoal hashtag at www.facebook.com/siucreditunion. One winner will receive a $100 Visa Gift Card.
• Youth members 12 or younger can participate in a coloring contest by downloading and completing a Credit Union Strong coloring sheet. One winner from each branch will receive a $25 Visa Gift Card.

Full contest rules and materials are available at www.siucu.org/events/youth-month.