April is National Credit Union Youth Month, and credit unions around the state are inviting young people to check out what credit unions can do to help them afford life on their way to becoming financially savvy adults.
 
Universally, credit unions are committed to personal financial literacy, and more than 80 percent of Georgia credit unions offer programs tailored specifically for children and teens. As not-for-profit member-owned organizations, credit unions are driven by service rather than the pursuit of profits. It is common to find credit unions offering financial education, youth savings and checking accounts and scholarships.
 
"Young people are going to face many challenges when they go out into the world," said Barry Heape, CEO of DOCO Credit Union and Board Chair of the Georgia Credit Union League. "Even though we are seeing indicators of a recovering economy, the middle class is still being squeezed. We have historic levels of student debt, credit issues with young people that can take years for them to overcome and they just don't always get the knowledge as children to make good financial decisions as adults. Credit unions are ready to help them - and their families - at any time."