From Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Avery's Journey Through IAACU'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. Avery will walk us through her journey in the IAACU Youth Program and how it helped her develop lifelong money management skills.
Kids Club: Ages 0–12
Avery's journey began with the Kids Club, where she got her very own savings account and learned the importance of keeping her money safe at a trusted financial institution. When Avery would come into the IAACU lobby to deposit her cash into her savings account, she earned Penny Bucks which she used to buy toys in the Kids Club toy cabinet located in the lobby.
When Avery turned eight, her parents signed up for Greenlight - the debit card and money app for kids! The best part? Avery’s parents were able to get Greenlight for free* by linking their IAA Credit Union checking account as the funding source. With Greenlight, Avery’s parents could set controls such as where Avery could use her Greenlight debit card and how much she could spend. They also set up chores for Avery to complete and earn an allowance.
Avery used her Greenlight debit card to make purchases, set savings goals (such as 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 moved into 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. At age 15, Avery’s parents opened a Dollars & Sense Checking account for her, giving her access to her very own IAACU debit card. Thanks to the skills she developed using her Greenlight debit card, Avery was already equipped to manage a real debit card responsibly.
At this age, Avery’s family also took advantage of an exclusive investment opportunity: a Youth Shared Certificate (CD) starting as low as $500! With her Youth CD, Avery discovered the value of saving by setting aside money for a fixed term and watching it grow thanks to 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 learn financial literacy, from counting coins to managing their first paycheck. Learn more about our Youth Program, our Greenlight partnership, or fill out a youth membership application today!
