From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Growing with IAA Credit Union’s Youth Program
At IAA Credit Union (IAACU), financial education begins at an early age. Our Youth Program is designed to grow with your children from their first savings to their first paycheck. Meet Avery, a graduate of the IAACU Youth Program. She’ll walk us through her journey and how the program helped her develop lifelong money management skills.
Kids Club: Ages 0–12
Avery's journey began with the Kids Club, where she opened her very own savings account and learned the importance of keeping money safe at a trusted financial institution.
When Avery turned eight, her mom signed up for Greenlight! The best part? Avery’s mom was able to get Greenlight for free* by linking her IAA Credit Union checking account as the funding source. With Greenlight, Avery’s mom could set controls like where Avery could use her Greenlight debit card and how much she could spend. She also set up chores for Avery to earn an allowance.
Avery used her Greenlight debit card to make purchases, set savings goals (like the new bike she’d been asking for), and play the financial education game LevelUpⓇ!
Dollars & Sense Club: Ages 13–17
When Avery turned 13, she joined the Dollars & Sense Club. The money she had saved in her Kids Club Savings account automatically rolled over into her new Dollars & Sense Savings account. Her parents also opened a Dollars & Sense Checking account for her.
Avery’s family took advantage of an exclusive investment opportunity: a Youth Shared Certificate (CD) starting as low as $500! With her Youth CD, Avery learned about setting money aside for a fixed period and watching it grow with a high interest rate.
Elite Club: Ages 18-23
As Avery transitioned into adulthood at 18, the Elite Club supported her growing financial independence. With a part-time job and college underway, she managed her income through her Elite Checking account.
As an Elite Club member, Avery qualified for IAACU’s lowest rate on her first auto loan just in time to purchase her first car.
In college, Avery applied the knowledge she gained from using her Greenlight debit card to start building credit with a Secured VISA credit card linked to her Elite Savings account. She learned to manage credit responsibly while building a strong financial foundation.
Mobile banking, direct deposit from her part-time job, and automatic savings transfers helped Avery stay on track with her financial goals even while away at school.
Looking Back
Avery credits IAACU’s Youth Program for her financial confidence. “I didn’t just learn how to save, I learned how to plan, budget, and grow my savings,” she said. “Start early, ask questions, and take advantage of every tool IAACU offers.”
Ready to Start Your Child’s Financial Journey?
IAACU offers a variety of resources to help children build financial literacy, from counting coins to managing their first paycheck. Learn more about our Youth Program and our Greenlight partnership by visiting www.iaacu.org/youth.