C&N is teaming up with the American Bankers Association Foundation’s Get Smart About Credit program as part of an ongoing effort to teach teens how to manage their money.

Now in its 18th year, Get Smart About Credit is a national campaign of volunteer bankers who visit classrooms and community organizations across the country to help teach young people about credit and other important financial lessons.

However, this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, lesson plans have been adapted to accommodate a virtual learning environment.

C&N will present virtual lessons on financial obstacles facing teens, including saving for the unexpected, paying for college, building good credit habits, managing their money, protecting their identity.

“This year’s lessons may look a little different with our new virtual environment, but their content has never been more important,” said Caitlin Hilliard, C&N Marketing Specialist. “Get Smart About Credit gives us an opportunity to equip the young adults in our community with the financial knowledge they need to prepare for the unexpected and ultimately be successful.”

Connect with C&N to request a presentation at your local youth group.

C&N offers these seven tips to help students get started on shaping their financial future: 

1. You are in charge. It’s your job to manage your money. Set yourself up for success by creating a realistic budget and sticking to it.
2. Watch your spending. It all comes back to the simple lesson of needs vs. wants. Pace spending and increase saving by cutting unnecessary expenses like eating out or shopping so that your money can last throughout the school year.
3. Use credit wisely. Understand the responsibilities and benefits of credit. How you handle your credit in college could affect you well after graduation. Shop around for a card that best suits your needs. Pay as much as you can, as soon as you can, and always pay by the due date.
4. Utilize your bank services. Banks are more than money in a vault. They offer valuable services that students can benefit from like check cashing, debit cards, mobile and online banking, balance alerts, personal loans, direct deposit, financial education, and some offer identity theft protection.
5. Be cautious when it comes to money. Don’t just trust anyone with your money. Be skeptical of classmates, friends, or salespeople who have ideas for your money.
6. Save, save, save! Things happen, and it’s important that you are financially prepared when your car or computer breaks down or any one of life’s unexpected emergencies occur. No matter how small the amount, you should start putting some money away immediately.
7. Ask. This is a learning experience, so if you need help, ask. Your parents or your banker are a good place to start and remember the sooner the better.

C&N is committed to the communities it serves and looks forward to helping today’s youth develop skills for financial success.

Learn more.