Starting Early with Our Harlingen Credit Union – Helping Young People Be Fiscally Responsible

Financial literacy empowers teens to make informed money decisions. It also teaches you how to manage your finances responsibly. With our Harlingen Credit Union, by learning about budgeting, saving, investing, and the basics of financial planning, you can develop a strong foundation for economic independence. Being financially literate helps you prepare for big life situations, such as buying a car, paying college tuition, and achieving your goals.

We want to share four ways teens and parents can become more responsible. 

Spend Your Money Wisely

It’s normal to want to splurge occasionally, but managing your money is essential. You can still buy things and make affordable changes to your spending. 

• Make informed purchases by researching and comparing prices before buying items to get the best value for your money.
• Create a budget outlining your income and expenses, helping you prioritize spending on essentials while saving for goals.
• Invest in educational resources, such as books or courses, to enhance your knowledge and skills for future opportunities.
• Avoid impulse buying and consider whether a purchase aligns with your financial goals and priorities.
• Explore part-time job opportunities to gain work experience and supplement your income responsibly.
• Prioritize experiences over material possessions, investing in activities that contribute to personal growth and well-being.
• Be mindful of subscription services, only opting for those that add significant value to your life to avoid unnecessary expenses.

Save For More Expensive Goods

Part of what makes a mindful spender is knowing how to buy investment pieces in your clothes, hobbies, etc. This is done two ways – to save up for items that last a long time and to pay yourself first in a savings account. With a Youth Share Draft, you get:

• No Monthly Service Fee
• Access to a notary service 
• Visa Debit with UChoose Rewards Points
• Free access to VFCU ATMs (fee applies at Strips ATMs)
• Free Online Banking: Bill Pay, e-Statements, Mobiliti, Text Alerts

Parents Teach About Selective-Shopping

Kids always have something to look forward to buying once they have the finances to get it. However, there are a few ways you can help your kid be more selective about what they want:

• Learn about and find companies that share your values and care about causes you think are essential before purchasing their products or services.
• Keep up to date on a brand’s money situation, how responsible they are, and if they plan to last a long time so you can make intelligent choices when investing.
• Regularly check how you invest your money, make changes to match your beliefs, and how companies responsibly do business.

Donate to Causes Important to Them

When teens actively give to causes they care about, it helps them understand how their money choices affect society.  

• Donating makes them think about other people’s needs and encourages them to care about creating a positive impact. 
• Teaches them to budget their money better by including donations on their monthly expenses.
• Teaches that money is not just for personal satisfaction but can be a tool to make a real difference in the world.

Including charitable giving in their money habits helps teens become more aware consumers, making choices that match their values and contribute to improving the world.

Start with Our Harlingen Credit Union

Only by participating in these four steps at our Harlingen credit union can you help your child prepare to be responsible with their finances. 

VFCU is determined to help you on your journey to better finances and better savings! Learn more about our

• Mobile banking app 
• Consolidation Loans
• VFCU Membership Benefits