Interested in learning about our latest initiatives? Connect with us today!
If your credit union intends to participate in any of the following of the workshops or competitions below, please click here to sign-up to recieve additional materials and information.
Is your credit union looking for ways to connect with students during this time of uncertainty? Schools may not be open to visitors, learning may not be done in the traditional way, but credit unions are adapting and are still able to support students through financial education in a time when it is needed more than ever. Join the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation as we provide complimentary expert training to enable your credit union to facilitate virtual reality fairs, financial fitness competitions and offer suggestions to utilize the Biz Kids program in a virtual setting.
Financial Education in a Virtual World
The Mad City Money Simulation transforms the classroom into a fun, interactive city where teens adopt new identities that include instant families, careers and other financial responsibilities. Mad City Money, filled with mock merchants, includes a pushy car salesperson and a commission-based Realtor, who give teens a true taste of the real world. In this fun, comfortable environment, teens learn how to:
Suggested grade level: Middle school to college (adaptations can be made for younger groups or special education students).
To purchase your own Mad City Money kit through CUNA, click HERE.
The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is also excited to be able to provide a VIRTUAL reality fair option through 2021 at no cost to your credit union. If your credit union is interested in hosting the virtual version of “Bite of Reality” reality fair, contact secuf@lscu.coop.
Click the training video below to view our pilot session of the virtual reality fair. You are welcome to use this as a training tool for your credit union to facilitate the fairs. You will simply need to request a code from secuf@lscu.coop for each event at least one week in advance.
Virtual Reality Fair Sample Session
Measuring impact is an important part of any financial education program. To assist the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation in measuring impact of this program, please have students complete the survey below BEFORE and AFTER participating in the reality fair. We suggest sending the survey link directly to the teacher to have them filled out online and include the survey link again in your follow-up email after the activity.
Check out the training videos for more information.
What is a Financial Fitness Tournament?
The Financial Fitness Tournament is a way to engage teens and young adults and promote financial education through an interactive on-line trivia-style game. Credit unions can take the lead on teaching the material and facilitating the competition or simply provide the materials to teachers for use in the classroom. Make Financial Football a part of the classroom curriculum with integral, engaging lesson modules. Each module is structured as a comprehensive teaching tool for easy integration into classroom curriculum or a fun after school program. Students learn key concepts about saving and spending, budgeting and the wise use of credit in preparation for gameplay. The modules are available for three age levels — Rookie (11-14), Pro (14-18) and Hall of Fame (18+).
Interested in holding your own Financial Fitness Tournament? Although the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation will not be holding a Championship tournament in 2021, we are providing all the tools your credit union needs to hold a tournament of your own!
What are the benefits?
Click on the links below for tools to help with facilitating a Financial Fitness Tournament:
Previous Participants and more about the Financial Fitness Tournament.
Editable Financial Fitness Tournament flyer for your credit union to use to promote your event.
Suggested Financial Fitness Tournament guidelines and scoring.
Study Modules and Instructor Materials: (Suggested materials come from Visa's Financial Football Game)
Rookie Level (Suggested for Middle School)
Pro Level (Suggested for High School)
Hall of Fame Level (Suggested for College or Adults)
The Show
Biz Kid$ is a national financial literacy initiative based on the Emmy Award-winning public television series where kids teach kids about money and business. The series consists of 65 episodes, each of which reaches more than one million viewers around the world. Using a clever blend of entertainment and education, each episode shows kids how to make and manage money by introducing concepts of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. To keep young viewers engaged, the series includes a fast-paced mix of direct education delivered by young actors, sketch comedies, animation, and stories featuring real-life young entrepreneurs.
The Educational Resource
The show is complemented by a resource-rich website, free lesson plans for teachers, outreach activities, and a monthly email newsletter. https://bizkids.com/. To assist credit unions in using Biz Kid$ to connect with students, the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation created a “Biz Kid$ Showcase” competition where students (recommended for ages 10-18) can put their creative minds to the test by coming up with and developing their own business ideas!
The Biz Kid$ Showcase
Biz Kid$ Showcase Competitions are a unique way for students to put their ideas into action. The Biz Kid$ Showcase will attract and engage young members (and families) and allow students to continue to be creative in our current virtual world.
Beginning at the state level, students, ages 12 – 18 years old, will complete three learning modules, each focused on a different aspect of business planning. Each learning module consists of a brief webinar and two Biz Kid$ episodes. After completing each module, students will work, either as individuals or teams, to answer the call to action. Points are received for each learning module completed. Upon coming up with their business idea, students will then submit a business plan and an entry into the virtual Biz Kid$ Showcase. Students have the choice of creating a website, a short commercial video or a display to showcase their new business idea. Entries will be judged by a panel of credit union experts from each state (think Shark Tank style…but virtual…and a little kinder)! The top three submissions from each state will be awarded a cash prize and move on to the national judging for a chance at another cash prize!
The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation is excited to bring this program to you at no cost to your credit union. We provide the toolkit to easily roll it out, we provide the materials and webinars (all on-line in one convenient place) and we do the tracking of the points! We even provide the prizes at the state level and the National Credit Union Foundation provides prizes at the national level! Your credit union’s only commitment is to spread the word of the competition to the communities you serve! It’s an easy and fun way to stay connected, get connected and provide financial education to schools, youth agencies, homeschool groups or any other youth you may have a connection with.
Registration for the Biz Kid$ Showcase is open now through April 26, 2021 with all work to be completed by April 30, 2021.
Students (ages 12-18) can register to be a part of the Biz Kid$ Showcase HERE.
Credit unions and educators, click HERE to access ideas to spread the word about the Biz Kid$ Showcase!
Hear from 2020 Biz Kid$ Champion, Jada W from Birmingham Alabama!
Virtual Biz Kid$ competition sample.
Suggested age: 12-18
The Empowerment through Financial Education program, created by the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation offers informational resources and templates for credit unions to share with their members. To gain access to download the below free financial literacy materials, simply fill out and submit the form below.
Title | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Taking Financial Control | Automated Bill Pay, Debt, Credit, Insurance policies, filing, digital documents |
Budgeting Basics | Budgeting, Debit, Income, Expenses |
Budgeting for Families | Budgeting, Debt, Income, Expenses, College Savings, 50-20-30 rule |
How to Foster Budgeting for Kids | Budgeting for ages 3-18, Coins, Money, Giving, Saving, Earning, Investing, Goals, Wants, Needs, Building a Budget for College, Youth Accounts |
Budgeting in College | Budgeting, Debt, Income, Expenses, Housing, Investing |
Budgeting in Retirement | Retirement, Budgeting, Fixed Income |
Taking Financial Control in Retirement | Automated Bill Pay, Debt, Credit, Insurance policies, filing, digital documents |
Mobile Banking Basics | Mobile Banking, Secure Network, VPN |
Debit Card Basics | Debit Cards, Overdraft, Tracking Expenses, Protections |
Prepaid Card Basics | Prepaid cards, Gift Cards, GPR Cards, Student Cards, Overdraft, Tracking Expenses, Protections |
Credit Card Basics | Credit Cards, Interest, Annual Percentage Rates (APR), Debt |
Credit History Basics | Credit History, Credit Reports |
Credit Score Basics | Credit History, Credit Reports, Credit Scores |
Books Make Cent$, created by the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation, offers an interactive way to introduce students to credit unions and basic financial concepts while building relationships with schools and community partners. The Books Make Cent$ program provides book recommendations and associated lesson plans for preschool, elementary, and middle school levels. To gain access to download the associated lesson plans, simply fill out the form below.
When ordering your copies of the books, don't forget to use Amazon Smile and select the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation as your charity of choice. Using the link is no extra cost to you, and Amazon Smile donates a percentage of your purchase to the Southeastern Credit Union Foundation.
Book | Age/Grade Level | Financial Literacy Topics |
---|---|---|
![]() Earn It!; Save It!; Spend It!; Give It! MoneyBunny Book Series Author: Cindy McLeod Book Type: Series |
Ages: 3-5 Preschool - Kindergarten |
• Budgeting & Saving • Need vs Want • Spending choices based on what we have and what is important to us • Counting • Budgeting/Not going to plan and extending a goal • Saving without missing out on simple pleasures • Helping other with money |
![]() Follow the Money Author: Loreen Leedy Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 6-9 Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
• Coins • Spending |
![]() The Lemonade War Author: Jacqueline Davies Book Type: Chapter/Series |
Ages: 9-11 4th-5th Grade |
• Underselling, Value-Added, Profit Marge, and Franchises • Business Planning |
![]() I Want More Pizza Author: Steve Burkholder Book Type: Chapter |
Ages: 11-14 6th-8th Grade |
• Topics covered range from why saving your money is really the foundation for the rest of your money management, to investing (while understanding both the potential rewards and risks). • The lesson covers topics such as mental blocks to saving, goal setting, and types of accounts |
![]() The Missing Money: Money Monsters Author: Okeoma Moronu-Schreiner Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 3-5 Preschool - Kindergarten |
• ATM • Saving • Earning |
![]() One Cents, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent Author: Bonnie Worth Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 6-9 Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
• History of Money/Money Around the World • Bartering • How Money is Made |
![]() My Money Bunnies: Fun Money Management for Kids Author: Mike Michalowicz Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 6-9 Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
• Earning • Saving • Spending • Giving |
![]() The Magic Money Tree Author: Karl Woodhouse Book Type: Illustrated Poem |
Ages: 9-11 4th-5th Grade |
• Cashflow • Quick Money Cons • Business Development • Compound |
The Banks are Made of Marble Author: Les Rice Book Type: Song/Poem |
Ages: 11-14 6th-8th Grade |
• The Credit Union Difference |
![]() Money Plan Author: Monica Eaton Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 3-5 Preschool - Kindergarten |
• Budgeting & Saving • Need vs Want |
![]() Praline Lady Author: Kirstie Myyett Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 6-9 Kindergarten - 3rd Grade |
• Careers • Entrepreneurship • Power of marketing |
![]() Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire - The Lemonade Escapade Author: Ty Allen Jackson Book Type: Chapter Book w/Journal |
Ages: 8-10 3rd-4th Grade |
• Earning and Saving • Banks/Credit Unions • Interest |
![]() Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business Author: Rebel Girls Book Publications Text provided by: Denene Millner |
Ages: 9-11 Ages: 11-14 |
• Entrepreneurship • Business development and growth |
![]() Mo's Bows: A Young Person's Guide to Start-Up Success: Measure, Cut, Stitch Your Way to a Great Buisness Author: Moziah Bridges Book Type: Chapter |
Ages: 11-14 6th-8th Grade |
• Entrepreneurship • Business development and growth • Persuasive Pitches |
![]() Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid Author: Ebony Beckford Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 11-14 6th-8th Grade |
• Social Entrepreneurship • Business development and growth |
![]() Madison's 1st Dollar: A Picture Book About Money Author: Ebony Beckford Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 3-5 Preschool - Kindergarten |
• Money Management • Saving, Giving, Budgeting • Need vs Want • Coins/Dollar |
![]() Sunny and the Seven Streams of Income Author: Andrea N. Pope Book Type: Picture Book |
Ages: 7-9 1st-3rd Grade |
• Building Wealth • Streams of Income • Earned vs Unearned Income • Coins/Money |
![]() Rickshaw Girl Author: Mitali Perkins Book Type: Chapter Book |
Ages: 9-11 4th-5th Grade |
• Currency/Value of Money/Exchange Rates • Women in Business/Microfinancing |
The Southeastern Credit Union Foundation offers a way to engage students of all ages. It’s similar to the familiar classic, BINGO, but with a twist. Download the directions HERE. Use the “Bling-oo” format as a review or as an interactive way for participants to follow along during a workshop. Terms can be changed to suit any topic.
Reality Fairs: Getting Ready for Game Day
Reality Fairs: Volunteer Training
Money Management: Cash Flow, SMART Goals, Decision Making, Creating a Spending Plan & Maintaining a Positive Cash Flow
Student Workbook: Money Management
Student Assessment: Money Management
Borrowing: Using Credit, Credit Costs, Credit Rating, Borrowing Rights & Identity Fraud
Earning Power: Invest in Yourself, Job Benefits and Options, Pay and Taxes, Lifestyle & Plan for Change
Student Workbook: Earning Power
Student Assessment: Earning Power
Investing: Putting Savings to Work, How Investing Works, Choosing Investments & Investing Strategy
April 2020 - Savings & Checking Basics
March 2020 - Needs vs Wants During the Pandemic
February 2020 - Payment Methods
October 2019 - Holiday Spending Tips
September 2019 - Saving Early for Retirement
Nathan Lombard
CUBDP
Senior AVP, Schools Programs
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Nathan has been with Redstone FCU since 1985 and began their “Schools Program” in 2016. They currently have five student-run High School branch offices in North Alabama and Middle Tennessee and have three College/University Branch offices on campus with student employees.
Previous roles: Teller, MSR, Fraud Investigator, Branch Management, AVP/Real Estate, AVP/Retail Delivery.
Nathan currently serves on Calhoun Community College Co-Op Advisory Board, Secretary and Member of the Executive Committee of the National Youth Involvement Board, and Member of the Decatur/Morgan County Workforce Coalition. Graduate of Madison County Leadership – Masters Class.
“I helped build the Schools Program from the ground up. It is very fulfilling watching the development of Youth as they are exposed to financial literacy. In our branches, students work in a live environment while at school, processing the basic transactions available in any branch office. Some have continued their involvement after graduation, working at Redstone Federal Credit Union as a career. Whether they continue in the financial industry or not, they receive valuable life skills that will be a benefit to them throughout their lifetime.”
Jacquie Johnson
Financial Wellness Manager
Alabama ONE Credit Union
Jacqueline (“Jacquie”) Johnson is the Financial Wellness Manager at Alabama ONE Credit Union. Jacquie describes this position as her dream job where she gets to share her passion of financial literacy and educating people on how to live a better financial life. Jacquie has worked in corporate America in the fields of business and banking for over 25 years.
In 2012, Jacquie decided to make a major career shift and enter the non-profit arena. The non-profit sector allowed Jacquie to pursue her true passion for addressing the educational needs of adolescents and ensuring that the proper community resources are in place to provide the support they need. In 2012, Jacquie co-founded and was the CEO/President of Bright Minds Youth Development, a non-profit organization that serves the youth and young adults in underprivileged areas.
Jacquie is not only a wife, a mother of 3 teenagers, but she is now (as of June 2020) a published author. Her first book, “Girl Listen: No Regrets…Just Lessons Learned” can be found on Amazon. Jacquie holds a Masters of Arts – Human Resource Development from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science – Business Administration/Finance from Georgia Southern University. Past Affiliations: American Institute of Banking (AIB) – Instructor; American Cancer Society – Executive Board Member (Pinellas County) and Volunteer Jacksonville, Inc., Blue Print for Leadership Class of 2001.
Michael Rathjen
Vice President, High School Branch Program
VyStar Credit Union
Michael has been Vice President of VyStar’s High School Branch Program since 2012 and has been with VyStar since 2009. He serves on multiple career academy advisory boards for local high schools, serves as a School of Business Advisory Committee member for Florida State College of Jacksonville, serves on the YMCA Advisory Board for Clay County, FL and serves as the state delegate of Florida for the National Youth Involvement Board.
He and his wife live in Clay County Florida and have three beautiful daughters, ages 18, 14 and 9.
“When it comes to having a plan for your money, you can either make the time to prepare for your future or you will take time to repair from your past.”
Aaron Chestnut
Chief Marketing Officer
Georgia United Credit Union
Aaron Chestnut is the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Georgia United Credit Union. At the credit union, Aaron leads overall brand, marketing, advertising, media relations, digital channel strategy and business/community development from strategy, to execution, measurement and refinement. Specific areas of focus include member marketing, brand management, traditional & digital advertising, events, social media, sponsorships, PR, internal communication, database marketing, research, 501(c)(3) foundation programs, workplace partner programs and financial education seminars/programs.
Aaron has over 25 years of marketing experience. Prior to joining Georgia United, he served as Chief Marketing Officer at First Tennessee Bank leading marketing strategy, which included oversight of retail marketing, business marketing, affluent/wealth marketing, brand management, customer insights/research, sponsorships, websites, social media, Salesforce.com and database marketing.
In addition to First Tennessee, he has worked in senior marketing roles for other noteworthy companies such as AOL, Quicken Loans and Fathead.
Aaron has been married 26 years to his wife, Amy, and has two daughters, Rachel and Shannon. He is originally from Michigan and enjoys traveling with family, playing tennis and painting. Aaron has a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University and a Master’s of Science in Finance from Walsh College.