MANCHESTER—Two Manchester credit unions, Bellwether Community Credit Union and St. Mary’s Bank, sponsored a CU4Reality Financial Literacy Fair at America’s Credit Union Museum to educate local students about the importance of financial literacy and to help prepare them for the real-life challenges and situations they’ll face later in life.

Wilton-Lyndeborough Middle School eighth-graders, Milford High School juniors and ELL (English Language Learner) students from West High School learned about selecting a career and managing money in a fun, interactive setting by participating in activities that simulate real life experiences, some planned and some unplanned. A spin of the “Wheel of Reality” gives students an unexpected life event to handle financially, like losing a wallet or a even a job.

“Educating our middle and high school students on budgeting and managing money is so important. Acquiring these skills early in life can make such a difference,” said Claire Castanino, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Bellwether Community Credit Union. “Bellwether is pleased to co-sponsor this event with St. Mary’s Bank to help give our local youth the tools they need to better manage their finances.”

Developed five years ago, CU4Reality was the collaborative effort of the New Hampshire Credit Union League, America’s Credit Union Museum and Rundlett Middle High School. The program consists of career exploration, budget and checkbook management, savings and investment strategies and culminates in the financial literacy fair, where all the elements are brought together in a real-world setting.

“Financial literacy is part of our mission,” said Thomas Champagne, St. Mary’s Bank Director of Community Outreach. “It’s also fitting that this fair took place at the museum, which once served as St. Mary’s home. We believe giving students a chance to learn outside the classroom will help them get a better grasp on the kinds of financial decisions and challenges they’ll face in the future.”

Over the course of the CU4Reality program, students learn to interact with schools, students, teachers and community business representatives to better understand how their families make ends meet every month. In addition, they gain a sense of the cost of living and the impact their career choices make in their ability to support their desired lifestyles.

For more information on the CU4Reality curriculum, call 603-629-1553, or visit America’s Credit Union Website at www.acumuseum.org.



Students from Milford High School visit with credit counselor, Barbara Lussier, VP of Lending at Bellwether Community Credit Union to review monthly budget sheet at CU4Reality Financial Literacy Fair at America's Credit Union Museum.