Here’s a number that’ll make you do a double-take: 134,500 North Carolinians walked away from free financial education events in 2025, armed with actual money skills they can use. And more than 102,500 of them were students.
The organization behind this impressive show of community commitment? State Employees’ Credit Union, or SECU for those who don’t love typing. With branches in literally every North Carolina county (yes, all 100 of them), they’ve been quietly running what might be the state’s most extensive financial literacy program.
We’re talking 1,550 events across the state. That’s not a typo.
Financial Education That Actually Meets You Where You Are
What makes SECU’s approach different is the customization factor. These aren’t one-size-fits-all seminars where someone drones on about compound interest while you check your phone. The programs cover everything from basic budgeting to retirement planning, and they’re tailored to specific age groups and audiences.
“At SECU, we believe financial education is financial empowerment and we want to equip everyone with tools for success,” said SECU President and CEO Leigh Brady. The best part? Everything’s completely free. No hidden costs, no sales pitch at the end.
Getting Kids on Board Early
SECU puts serious energy into teaching young people about money before they make those classic expensive mistakes we’ve all made. (Looking at you, first credit card in college.) They’ve built programs that work alongside their FAT CAT Share Account for kids 12 and under and Zard accounts for teens.
Here’s what they’re offering to schools and youth groups:
- FAT CAT Presentations: Elementary kids learn basic money concepts through activities and workbooks. Think of it as Money 101, but actually fun.
- Reality of Money: This simulation gives middle and high schoolers a reality check by having them manage a full household budget and make real-world financial decisions. It’s like The Sims, but with actual consequences and learning outcomes.
Because Adults Need Help Too
Let’s be honest—most of us didn’t learn this stuff in school, and figuring it out through trial and error can get expensive fast. SECU offers consumer education programs that tackle the money challenges adults actually face: managing debt, building credit, protecting yourself from identity theft, and planning for retirement.
With Financial Literacy Month happening in April, there’s no better time to take advantage of these resources. Whether you’re a parent wanting to give your kids a head start, an educator looking for real-world curriculum support, or someone who just wants to get better at this whole money thing, SECU’s got programs ready to go.
And with 275 branches spread across the state, there’s probably one near you right now.