April is National Financial Literacy Month in an effort to raise public awareness about the importance of financial wellness. Genisys Credit Union is partnering with local libraries during Money Smart Week, April 10 - 17, to promote financial education to those 18 and under.
"We place a focus on being a resource to our communities for financial education,” said Jackie Buchanan, President and CEO of Genisys Credit Union. “Financial knowledge and capability are key in empowering an individual or family to reach their goals for financial freedom and choice - it’s never too early to start that education.”
The credit union is working with libraries in White Lake, Highland Township, and Springfield Township to support their “Money Smart Story Time,” where the kids participating receive a free book, Give It! by Cinders McLeod, which explains basic financial principles through the eyes of “Chummy the Bunny.” The Michigan Credit Union Foundation supports this initiative by working to partner credit unions with libraries and providing supplemental materials.
In addition to partnering with local libraries, the credit union works with area high schools to host Reality Fairs for students to get hands-on, interactive experience to advance their financial understanding through realistic approaches to budgeting.
Since the program began in 2019, Genisys has hosted 20 fairs in various school districts such as Orion, Chippewa Valley, Vassar, and Rochester. When the program began, the Fairs were hosted in person, but have since successfully transitioned into virtual versions to meet the needs of each district.
Outside of financial education for students, the credit union also has a Financial Wellness Center on their website, www.genisyscu.org. The Wellness Center offers tools and information about budgeting, spending, saving, managing debt, retirement planning, and more. This resource, for both members and non-members alike, offers a “financial toolbox” with links to ebooks and videos, budget calculators, webinars, subject quizzes and more.
