SYRACUSE, N.Y.—With April being Financial Literacy Month, NAFCU has highlighted the work of one of its member credit unions, SECNY FCU, which it said uses financial education to build relationships in the four counties surrounding the Syracuse market.
In addition to its ongoing financial literacy efforts, SECNY Director of Education Marketing Aerik Radley told NAFCU the credit union celebrates Financial Literacy Month with special giveaways, drawings and bonuses for youth account holders. Branch employees get involved by participating in lobby decorating contests and the credit union provides additional learning activities families can do at home via email, NAFCU said.
“The credit union really shines in its partnerships with local libraries and community partners that produce in-person and virtual learning seminars,” according to NAFCU. “Topics presented virtually so far this year include budgeting for teens, career planning for teens, strategies for investing tax refunds, homebuying, and savings strategies – to name a few.”
According to the report, SECNY partners with Money Mammals, a financial education provider for children, to add value to its youth accounts. In addition, teachers in the credit union’s field of membership are encouraged to request a free Money Mammals Classroom Kit that provides K-2 financial educational curriculum.
Two High School Partners
Two local high schools also partner with SECNY to host student-run branches, which this year will include student-developed websites and social media playlists featuring financial literacy topics, NAFCU reported.
“The credit union’s Facebook and Instagram accounts actively promote all financial literacy programs and events. SECNY’s social media strategy provides educational posts that funnel followers into new business, rather than static posts that simply promote products and services,” NAFCU related. “For example, ProTip Tuesday posts often include a short two- to five-minute video moderated by Radley that features SECNY specialists giving quick, actionable tips on buying a home, using SECNY’s apps and saving for retirement, NAFCU explained.”
“Here at SECNY we make (financial literacy) a priority,” Radley told NAFCU. “Branch staff are regularly working as a team to not only help identify opportunities in our communities and promote our programs, but also act as the teachers and leaders of financial literacy. When we have staff involved actively in our communities, it builds their credibility and allows members to connect in new ways with our credit union.”