Helping the Next Generation Grow Financially Strong
Financial knowledge doesn’t come automatically, and it’s never too early to start building positive habits. Whether your child is just starting to understand coins and bills or getting ready for their first major purchase, our Level Up Youth Program is designed to grow with them. Here’s how you can support smart saving, spending, and budgeting habits at every Level Up stage:
Level 1 (Ages 0-11): Make Saving Fun and Visual
This is the perfect age to build excitement around saving.
Open a youth savings account: Introduce the idea that money can grow over time by letting them see deposits add up.
Use a clear jar or savings tracker at home so younger children can visually track progress toward a small goal like a new toy or book.
Celebrate saving milestones: Even a few dollars saved should be acknowledged to reinforce the habit.
Level 2 (Ages 12-17): Start Budgeting and Setting Short-Term Goals
At this stage, kids are starting to earn through allowance, gift money, or even first jobs and may want to spend it all right away. This is a great time to introduce budgeting and decision-making.
Create a basic budget together using categories like Save, Spend, and Give.
Set savings goals: Help them save for a summer camp, a video game, or back-to-school shopping.
Introduce wants vs. needs: Let them make small choices with their spending money to learn firsthand.
Level 3 (Ages 18–21): Build Independence and Prep for Big Decisions
Older teens and young adults face bigger expenses—car payments, gas, and college costs. Use this stage to build confidence and real-world financial skills.
Open both a savings and checking account to practice responsible money management.
Help them track spending: Encourage apps or worksheets to stay on top of their budget.
Teach the basics of credit and auto loans: If they’re thinking about buying a car, walk through monthly costs together and consider pre-approval options.
Explore More Ways to Learn
Looking for fun, trusted tools to build money smarts at any age? Check out these free resources:
Practical Money Skills – Perfect for Level 1 and Level 2 members, this site offers games, lessons, and activities that make learning about money fun and approachable for kids and tweens. Whether it’s budgeting basics or understanding needs vs. wants, there’s something for every age group.
Zogo – Ideal for Level 3 members, this award-winning app (designed by Gen Z!) turns financial education into bite-sized lessons that earn real rewards. Learn about credit, saving, investing, and more—all while racking up points for gift cards from your favorite retailers.
These tools are a great way to keep the learning going beyond the credit union.
Start Strong. Save Smart. Stay Curious.
Helping your child build financial confidence today sets them up for success tomorrow. If you’re ready to open a youth account or learn more about our Level Up Youth Program, stop by a branch or visit LVECU.org/youth-accounts to get started.