Here’s a stat that might surprise you: most kids graduate high school without learning basic budgeting skills.
Wild, right? But in New Mexico, credit unions are doing something about it—one elementary school classroom at a time.
Enter New Mexico Credit Unions Read, a program that’s exactly what it sounds like (refreshingly straightforward naming for the win). Credit union professionals volunteer to visit classrooms across the state, read a book about money concepts to kids, and then actually talk with them about what it all means. Think story time meets financial literacy boot camp, but way more fun and age-appropriate.
The Program That Started Small and Grew Fast
Launched in 2023, the initiative is now in its fourth year and hitting some impressive numbers. This past April, 17 credit unions rallied together and sent more than 250 volunteers into New Mexico classrooms. The result? Around 14,500 elementary students got a crash course in managing money—topics like saving, budgeting, needs versus wants, and making smart financial choices.
This year’s featured book was A Budget for Bingo by Tori Filas, which uses storytelling to make budgeting concepts click for young minds. Because let’s be honest, a storybook character learning to budget is way more engaging than a lecture about compound interest.
Making Financial Literacy Accessible to Everyone
Here’s where the program really shines: the Credit Union Foundation of New Mexico provides both the book and all curriculum materials in English and Spanish. That’s not just a nice touch—it’s essential for reaching New Mexico’s diverse student population and ensuring no kid gets left behind because of a language barrier.
“Great things are happening in New Mexico!” said Melia Heimbuck, President and CEO of the Credit Union Association of New Mexico. “This program is a powerful example of what happens when credit unions come together to invest in their communities. By offering these resources in both English and Spanish, we’re able to meet students where they are and make sure these important lessons reach as many young New Mexicans as possible.”
The Impact Doesn’t Stop When Volunteers Leave
The program doesn’t just drop in for a one-time reading and call it a day. Teachers receive a full curriculum and classroom materials tied to the book, letting them build out complete financial literacy units. So those money conversations keep going long after the credit union volunteers head back to their day jobs.
It’s a smart approach that extends the impact and gives educators the tools to reinforce these concepts over time. Because learning to manage money isn’t a one-and-done lesson—it’s a skill that builds with practice and repetition.
New Mexico Credit Unions Read embodies that classic credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” but with a specific focus on setting up the next generation for financial success. As the program continues expanding its reach, one thing’s clear: teaching kids about money early might just be one of the most practical gifts we can give them.