In today’s world, financial literacy is more important than ever. The earlier children and teens learn about budgeting, saving, and managing money, the more prepared they’ll be for future financial decisions. That’s why The United Federal Credit Union is proud to partner with Banzai, a program dedicated to helping students understand and apply real-world financial skills.
What Is the Banzai Program?
Banzai is an award-winning financial literacy platform that provides interactive courses designed for students of various age groups. The program is tailored to teach essential money management skills through engaging, hands-on simulations. From basic budgeting and understanding expenses to managing credit, Banzai’s curriculum offers a well-rounded education in financial responsibility.
How the Program Works in Schools
Through our partnership, The United Federal Credit Union offers the Banzai program free to local schools. Teachers receive all the materials needed to facilitate the program while students engage in virtual scenarios that mimic real-life financial challenges. They can simulate managing an income, balancing a budget, and making decisions about spending and saving.
Topics Covered in the Program
The Banzai program includes three main modules, each designed to provide age-appropriate insights and skills:
- Banzai Junior: Geared toward elementary students, this module introduces the basics of money, needs vs. wants, and the importance of saving.
- Banzai Teen: For middle and high school students, this module dives into budgeting, banking, and the impact of financial decisions.
- Banzai Plus: An advanced course for older teens, covering topics like taxes, loans, and long-term financial planning.
Real-Life Skills Learned
Students learn financial skills that are crucial in adulthood, such as:
- Budgeting: Creating and maintaining a budget, understanding fixed and variable expenses.
- Savings Goals: Setting goals, understanding interest, and learning the importance of delayed gratification.
- Decision-Making: Practicing thoughtful spending and evaluating the impact of financial choices.
Why Financial Literacy Matters
Teaching financial literacy early helps students build a strong foundation, preventing issues like debt and poor credit. It equips them to handle challenges like paying for college, buying their first car, and even managing credit responsibly.
Get Involved!
If you’re an educator or parent interested in bringing the Banzai program to your local school, we’d love to help! Contact us to learn more about how to make this valuable resource available to students.
At United Federal Credit Union, we’re committed to investing in our community’s future. Through programs like Banzai, we’re giving young people the tools they need to manage money responsibly and confidently. With financial literacy, we’re not just teaching kids about money—we’re empowering them for life.