Big Money Lessons for Little Learners

How First Federal is Helping Kids Build Smart Money Habits Early

At First Federal, we believe financial confidence starts young.

That’s why every April, we’re proud to bring financial education directly into local classrooms through our Teach Children to Save program, while also offering year-round learning through our partnership with Banzai.

Together, these programs help kids (and their families) build practical money skills in a way that’s simple, engaging, and actually fun.

Teach Children to Save: Bringing Financial Lessons to the Classroom

Each spring, our team visits 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms across Yamhill County to lead interactive, age-appropriate lessons focused on the basics of money.

We cover concepts like:

The difference between wants and needs
Why saving matters
Setting simple financial goals
Making thoughtful spending decisions

We keep things hands-on and relatable, often incorporating storytelling with our mascot, Franklin the Owl, to help bring these concepts to life.

Each student receives a take-home packet that includes:

A savings worksheet to start building a goal
A fun activity to reinforce what they learned
A $10 savings certificate to help them take that first step

It’s all about making money feel approachable and empowering from the very beginning.

For Teachers

If you’re an educator in Yamhill County and would like to bring Teach Children to Save to your classroom, we’d love to connect.

Our presentations are:

20–30 minutes long
Designed for grades 2–3
Aligned with real-world financial skills

Reach out to schedule a classroom visit: communications@firstfedweb.com

Banzai: Financial Education for the Whole Family

Learning about money shouldn’t stop after one lesson, and that’s where Banzai comes in.

Through our free online Banzai platform, students, parents, and educators can access a full library of financial education tools anytime.

Whether you’re teaching in a classroom or learning at home, Banzai makes it easy to explore real-life money topics in a practical way.

What You’ll Find on Banzai:

Interactive courses for different age groups
Budgeting and savings tools
Articles on everyday financial topics
Calculators to help plan for real-life goals

For Parents

Looking for a simple way to start money conversations at home?

Banzai offers easy-to-use resources that can help your child learn:

How to save for something they want
How to make spending decisions
How money works in real life

Explore free financial education tools here: https://firstfedweb.banzai.org/wellness

For Teachers

Banzai also provides ready-to-use curriculum and classroom materials that make teaching financial literacy simple and engaging.

You’ll get:

Lesson plans and activities
Interactive simulations
Content that aligns with educational standards

Access educator resources here: https://firstfedweb.banzai.org/

Building Confidence That Lasts a Lifetime

Financial education isn’t about memorizing terms, it’s about building confidence.

When kids understand how money works early on, they’re better prepared to make smart decisions as they grow.

At First Federal, we’re proud to support that journey, whether it starts in the classroom, at home, or somewhere in between.

Because when our community’s kids succeed, our whole community grows stronger.