Financial education is the foundation for making sound financial decisions.

One of the most important life skills you can teach your children is how to manage their own money. The sooner kids begin financial education, the greater the likelihood they’ll avoid the mistakes many adults make today.

The Armco Youth Programs give parents the tools to teach kids and teens about finances in a practical, hands-on and safe environment. Plus, they make learning fun by providing special incentives along the way.

“We don’t want parents to just open an account for their child,” said Michele Jurysta, company spokesperson. “We want kids to learn how to manage money responsibly.”

Services offered through the Armco Youth Program include: savings accounts, teen checking accounts, teen debit cards, certificates and an exclusive app linking parent and youth accounts.

By far, the most notable program is the youth savings account program.

Children and teens, between ages 8 and 17, may complete a web-based financial literacy course. Once completed, Armco CU will deposit $50 into the youth’s savings account. The course may be completed on any device and their own pace. There are three age-appropriate courses.

According to Jurysta, the company awarded over $10,000 to youth who completed the financial literacy courses last year.

The newest addition to the Armco Youth Program is the cuEARN app. This exclusive free app connects parent and youth accounts so they may interact in a safe, educational environment.

cuEARN features different modules such as transferring money, managing allowance, creating a budget and even taking out a “parent loan.” There are also parental card controls for teens with debit cards.

Armco CU also sponsors the financial literacy course for all high schools in Butler County. Teachers may request free access to the online course and also receive free workbooks. Students complete the course online using their own device and at their own pace. Teachers can monitor progress on a dashboard.

Visit armcocu.com for information on innovative youth programs.

Armco Credit Union is the second largest credit union in the Pittsburgh area with $500 million in assets and 31,000 members.

This article was submitted by Armco Credit Union.