In April, Limestone Financial Credit Union (LFCU) celebrated Financial Literacy Month with a series of impactful initiatives aimed at fostering financial awareness among people of all ages in Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties. These programs ranged from interactive games for teenagers to classroom visits for younger students and community trivia events for adults. Partnering with organizations such as MSU Extension and the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF), LFCU delivered age-appropriate financial education that encouraged participants to develop essential money management skills. The month culminated in partnerships with local schools, including hosting a middle school Financial Reality Fair and planning future programs like an Adulting 101 course at Lake Superior State University.
During the golden days of spring, LFCU launched its annual celebration of Financial Literacy Month with enthusiasm. One highlight was the Smart Money Mission: GooseChase Game, a scavenger hunt-style challenge co-hosted by MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County and sponsored by MCUF. This mobile-based program invited teens aged 13–19 to complete tasks focused on practical financial concepts, blending education with fun. According to Jill Connin, Education Coordinator at LFCU, this virtual scavenger hunt inspired young participants to explore topics like setting SMART goals and understanding credit union offerings.
Beyond digital engagement, LFCU connected directly with communities through branch activities in Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties. Visitors were invited to participate in on-the-spot financial trivia quizzes, winning small prizes while sharpening their knowledge. Meanwhile, online platforms kept the momentum alive via social media campaigns designed to test and expand users' financial literacy.
To engage younger audiences, LFCU donated copies of "Save It!" by Cinders McLeod to elementary schools. During classroom visits, team members read aloud from the book, sparking discussions about saving habits and financial planning. Additionally, LFCU hosted a booth at the St. Francis de Sales School Carnival, where families played coin-counting games to reinforce basic math and financial principles.
The pinnacle of the month's efforts came when LFCU partnered with Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School to organize a Middle School Financial Reality Fair. Tailored specifically for sixth- to eighth-graders, this event introduced students to real-world scenarios involving budgeting and decision-making. With support from MCUF, LFCU successfully piloted this innovative format with eighth-grade students, laying the groundwork for lifelong financial responsibility.
This initiative underscores LFCU’s dedication to creating a financially literate society. As CEO Jennifer C. Watson emphasizes, these efforts are not merely tied to one month but reflect a year-round commitment to service, education, and advocacy. By collaborating with institutions like MSU Extension and MCUF, LFCU has crafted a comprehensive approach to financial education that resonates across generations.
From teaching budget basics to promoting emergency savings accounts, LFCU is paving the way for individuals to achieve financial independence. Their upcoming Matched Savings Program as part of the Adulting 101 course exemplifies this forward-thinking mindset. Such programs remind us that financial education should begin early and continue throughout life, empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their futures.