HELENA, Mont.–More than 1,840 Montana students have gotten a hands-on introduction to budgeting and a “dose” of financial reality thanks to the efforts of 19 Montana credit unions. Since February, the credit unions have coordinated and hosted 13 Financial Reality Fairs in the communities they serve across the state, according to Montana’s Credit Unions.
“These reality fairs take the important topics of budgeting, personal finances, and planning and bring them to light in an engaging and fun way that educates and empowers students as they move into the next chapter of their lives,” said Kendra Edlin, executive director of Montana’s Credit Unions for Community Development. “We wrongfully assume that young adults should just know how to manage money. Knowing our credit unions are helping them take important steps toward creating a healthy financial future is rewarding.”
According to the association, a core value for Montana’s Credit Unions (MCU) is its dedication to helping all Montanans gain the skills and knowledge they need to have healthy financial future. MCU supports its credit unions’ Financial Reality Fair efforts with a multitude of tools and resources that make it possible for them to reach out to schools and stage the fairs for local students. The fairs have been well-received by both students and educators.
Now that they’re gaining traction, MCU and its affiliated credit unions plan to continue to coordinate and stage Financial Reality Fairs throughout this and coming years.