We often look at photographs to remember the past, but an image can also serve as a powerful tool to visualize a goal for the future. This April, we celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month; this is a time to start or continue conversations with the young people in our lives about how to identify and work toward goals.
If you’re not sure how to begin goal-setting conversations with your children or want to try something new, consider the Youth Month theme: “The future is yours… Picture it! Save for it! Share it!” For children and teenagers, here are a few simple first steps:
- You might already have a goal in mind. If you don’t, start with a goal your child can meet in a few weeks or months to keep them focused on the effort.
- An image representing something they desire can be a tangible first step to achieve a goal—once you’ve defined a goal, snap a photo of something that represents this objective for your child.
- Post the photo where it can serve as a reminder to your family about what you’re working toward.
- Sharing with your family or friends can help your child realize the value of a support network to encourage the discipline it takes to reach a goal.
Your child’s goal may have a cost or financial impact. Talk to your child about how reaching a goal can take time; in part, because you may need to save the funds to pay for it. Making regular contributions over time can help establish regular habits so you can reach your goal. A piggy bank, mason jar or wallet kept in a special place at home—or a savings account—can help your children learn to save for future goals.
Talking to your children about money can be challenging, but OnPoint is committed to giving you the tools and support you need to help your children build good financial habits. To celebrate National Credit Union Youth Month, we’re giving away four $250 OnPoint savings deposits to youth members. All OnPoint youth members (ages 0-18) who make a deposit into a new or existing account during the month of April can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win. To view full details, click here.
We’re also inviting our followers to participate in the #OnPointSaver social media sweepstakes. Share with us the ways you and your children are saving for future goals and enter for a chance to win a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera with film and a $100 OnPoint Visa® Gift Card for your children! To view full details, click here.
OnPoint was founded by teachers, and we’re passionate about developing financial literacy in young people. Stop into your local OnPoint branch during National Credit Union Youth Month to open a youth savings account!
For additional information and resources, visit OnPoint’s Financial Education online resource center, or BizKids.com. Learn how your school or community group can receive valuable learning materials and student supplies, as well as get support from volunteers by visiting OnPoint’s community partner Financial Beginnings at www.financialbeginnings.org.
