Credit Union Offers Financial Literacy Program

Originally posted on www.thebusinesstimes.com

Western Rockies Federal Credit Union offers the Banzai curriculum for free to a total of 121 schools in Mesa County as well as Eagle, Garfield and Pitkin counties.

Banzai, an interactive online program supplemented with printer workbooks, has become the largest financial literacy program of its kind. A total of more than 30,000 teachers in all 50 states use the program. Students use the program to set up bank accounts, pay bills and balance budgets. Working through assignments based on real life, students learn about interest charges and overdraft fees as well as managing unexpected expenses. In addition, the program covers such topics as auto loans, bank statements, entertainment costs and savings.

“More than ever, it’s important that kids develop sound financial skills to prepare them for the real world,” said Morgan Vandagriff, co-founder of Banzai. “Western Rockies Federal Credit Union realizes that, and they’re doing something about it.”

“Too often, students get out of school and they just aren’t ready for the financial roller coasters life can give us,” Vandagriff added. “Banzai teaches students to navigate those twists and turns and come out on top.”

Western Rockies Federal Credit Union serves 13,600 members with locations in Grand Junction as well as in Fruita and Rifle. For more information, visit www.westernrockiesfcu.org.

For more information about the Banzai program, log on to www.westernrockies.teachbanzai.com or call (888) 822-6924.