is for Account

Allie Alligator is our first friend to arrive at the credit union zoo today. Allie needs a safe place to keep her money. That's when Zoey the Zookeeper introduced her to an account. Zoey explains that an account is somewhere to keep your money safe. 

You just need Dad or Mom to bring your birth certificate and Social Security number to get it started. Allie found it was a safe place to keep her money. That is our first zoo friend. On the next page you will meet Benny Bear: He will teach you about Balance and Budget.

Benny Bear is ready to share about the important B words in Finance. 

First up is your Balance! Benny explains, "This is the money you watch go up and down in your account-the same account Allie learned how to open.

"You can check your balance online or in your checkbook ledger," Benny says proudly. 

Benny shares why keeping a good balance is so important-it helps you learn to budget your money. 

" A budget", Benny explains, "means learning to spend responsibly early on, so your honey pot never runs dry!" The next animal up is Callie; she will share what makes it never run dry.

is for Balance and Budget

is for Cash, Checks, and Coins

Callie the Camel would like to teach you about coins, cash, and checks that help make up your account and keep your balance in check. 

Coins are shiny and small-you can find them almost anywhere! You can find them in the grass, under couch cushions, or even after the tooth fairy's visit. 

Cash is paper money you might get for your birthday, helping with chores or during special holidays. 

Checks are a little different. When you grow up this might be how you get paid for your work! You might also write checks to pay for things. 

That's why Callie says, " Always remember to learn your signature-it's your own special way to sign your name!"  Up next is Devin, and he will teach you what to do with those funds.

Devin Dolphin loves collecting shiny shells. He brings them to the zookeeper at the credit union zoo to keep them safe. 

Every time Devin finds a new shell, he makes a deposit. 

When Devin needs the shells, he comes back to see the zookeeper at the credit union zoo, to withdraw and use. Next up is Ellie and she is going to share with you about how she Earns these funds for deposit.

is for Deposit

Ellie the elephant is your next friend at the zoo! Ellie wants to show you some fun ways you can earn that money-even before you are old enough for a real job.

"Earning can be exciting!" Ellie says with a smile. "You may do chores around the house, get a visit from the tooth fairy or help with odd jobs like washing the car or walking the neighbor's dog."

Ellie reminds you that when you learn how to earn, you're learning something you'll never forget-just like her! Next up is Frankie Fox, who will teach you how to be financially smart.

is for Earn

Frankie the Fox has two jars in his zoo enclosure. He wants to show you how you can break up the money you earn. 

There are spending and saving jars; it is important to know how much you want to put in each. But Frankie is here to help you find fun, positive and sometimes sneaky ways to manage those funds. With these financial smarts, you are ready to set some goals. Gerry Giraffe will explain that.

is for Financial Smarts

Gerry Giraffe has set a goal to buy a new book, "I'll save and plan wisely and take a close look!" By setting a goal and saving each day, she knows her book collection will keep growing, just like her long neck. Sometimes we need help with these goals, and next up is Harry Hippo to talk about help.

is for Goal

Harry Hippo was swimming one day when he saw Mia Monkey looking his way. She needed some funds to help pay her bills. Her frown made him pause between splashes and spills. 

"I trust you, my friend", said Harry with cheer,

"It feels good to help the ones we hold dear. I know you'll pay back when your worries are through-

That's what good friends at the zoo always do!" Isla Iguana will help you understand Interest next.

is for Help

Isla Iguana liked earning interest from her credit union. She watched her savings grow, and said "Wow, that's great, thanks!" When I save my money, it grows just like a tree. Interest makes my savings work for me! You can earn interest in several different accounts that are available,

Once you are old enough you start a Job, and Jamie Jaguar will cover this. 

is for Interest

Jamie Jaguar got a job at the zoo, helping out every day and earning money too. "I'm saving for toys and something fun to do. My job helps me earn the funds so I can get these things done." With each job you take, you grow in knowledge. Kinzley Kangaroo will explain how important that can be in finances on the next page.

is for Job

Kinzley the Kangaroo loves hopping around to each zoo animal, teaching them how to save. One day she met Leo Lion, who wanted to save for a big party. Kinzley said, "It's great to have goals when you set goals and plan ahead." Since Leo did not plan ahead, he is going to tell you what happens if you ever need a loan. 

is for Knowledge

Leo the Lion, was a little short for his big party, so he had to visit the zoo credit union for a loan.

But he knows they will make a plan and stick to it tightly, pay it back later and everything will be all right. Up next is Mia and she will explain how to repay with cash.

is for Loan

Mia Monkey is here counting her coins with glee,

Learning to save and spend wisely, makes you smart as can be! 

When it's time to pay her bills-for loans, heating or gas-

She's ready, with cash in her stash!

With that money in the stash, you are ready to meet Neo. He will explain need or want.

is for Money

Neo Narwhal knew the difference between needs and wants; he wants you to know too!

Neo says-"I need food, but I want shiny shells."

When making smart choices, I can save to treat myself, and you can too. When you know the difference, you can look for opportunities. This will be explained by Ollie!  

is for Need or Want

Ollie the Octopus sees many opportunities, all around him, he will use some of his appendages to explain some of them.

One arm lets you know about loans-this may be when you borrow money for important things like a car, a home, or a dream you are working towards. 

Another arm focuses on saving. Ollie teaches that putting money away each week can help you prepare for the future. 

While Ollie's other appendages focus on financial education and community. These tend to go hand in hand teaching others what learning early about finances can help you understand. Up next, Penny Penguin will explain what happens if you have to take a loan.

is for Opportunities

Penny Penguin bought a sled for her enclosure.

If she pays the sled in full it costs one hundred dollars.

If she wants to make payments, it will cost even more. Penny the Penguin wants to know why? Zoey the Zookeeper explains: this is the interest that Isla Iguana talked about. It's the cost of borrowing money. Penny learned it's good to ask questions.  Our next friend, Quinzy will remind you to always ask when you don't know a financial answer.

is for Payments