April is Financial Literacy & Capability Month in Wisconsin, and credit unions across the state have a lot to celebrate when it comes to helping foster financial well-being for Wisconsinites of all ages. Let’s take a closer look at just a few of the innovative ways credit unions improve the social and economic lives of their members:
Certified Financial Counseling
Wisconsin’s credit unions offer free financial counseling to members to help pay down debt, set budgets, and achieve financial goals. To date, over 290 credit union staff representing 50 credit unions have earned their Certified Financial Credit Union Counselor (CCUFC) designation through the Financial Literacy Counseling Program.
In-School, Student-Run Branches
Wisconsin’s credit unions drive youth financial education by supervising over 75 credit unions run by students inside schools and youth centers in Wisconsin. These branches are an effective best practice in providing schools with the expertise and resources needed to advance financial opportunity.
Bite of Reality®, Reality Fairs, and Other Financial Simulation Activities & Resources
Wisconsin’s credit unions are also at the forefront of hosting memorable financial education experiences through virtual and in-person financial simulations for children and young adults. By the end of this school year, more than 1,000 students will have participated in Bite of Reality, an app-based live simulation that teaches teens about real life financial decisions and is free to all of The League’s member credit unions courtesy of The Wisconsin Credit Union Foundation and Richard Myles Johnson Foundation. Additionally, many credit unions across the state regularly participate in the Finance & Investment Challenge Bowl, host “reality fairs” at local schools to teach money smart decision making, or set up life-sized financial board games like Royal Credit Union’s Go Big or Go Broke® for college students.
Financial literacy is key to financial health and well-being, and Wisconsin’s credit unions are proud to commit to the cooperative principles of promoting education and working toward the betterment of their communities each and every day!