Kandrevas and Fordline Elementary Students Talk Savings

Rep partners with credit union to talk to fifth-graders about being money smart

LANSING - State Representative Andrew Kandrevas (D-Southgate) visited Fordline Elementary School today to talk with students about savings and financial literacy and to see their working “Learn 2 Earn” credit union that they operate in their school. Joining Kandrevas at the school was Maryann Hammons, who works in community development at First Community Federal Credit Union. The credit union works with the school on their “Learn 2 Earn” credit union.

“Students are never too young to learn how saving money can help them plan for their future,” said Kandrevas. “I am very pleased that Ms. Hammons and I could meet with Fordline fifth-graders today to share tips on saving money and see their school credit union in action.”

Kandrevas and Hammons visited Mr. Piestrak’s and Mrs. Turner’s fifth-grade classrooms. Their visit was part of the Michigan Credit Union League and Affiliates (MCUL) Financial Literacy Legislative Challenge, a cooperative effort aimed at increasing awareness about the importance of youth financial literacy. Michigan’s credit unions are national leaders in youth financial education, reaching nearly 47,000 students during the 2011-2012 school year and organizing more than 375 student-run credit unions across the state - both are the most in the country.

“Teaching young students the importance of managing their money means that they will grow up with good financial habits, which will prove useful when they get a job, go to college or start a family,” said Kandrevas. “Most parents can think of times when they wish they had been smarter with their money. I hope the lessons these students learn today, and from running their own credit union, help them avoid mistakes and make the right financial decisions.”