Region preschoolers get first lesson in money, finances

A group of preschoolers in the region are a little more money savvy after getting the VIP treatment and their first lesson in finances and money, during an event hosted by SAFE Credit Union. This preschool visit has become an annual event; this was the 10th year the credit union has opened its doors to area preschoolers. The host was the Antelope Branch, where kids got a VIP tour and firsthand lesson about spending and saving money. "The kids have a lot of fun and we love helping them learn about money and setting them up for success sooner than later," explains SAFE Credit Union Community Development Specialist Alex Becerra. "At SAFE, we actually offer checking accounts to kids as young as 6 years old. Incidentally, these preschoolers aren't really that far off from actually applying much of what they learned here today." During the Wednesday, Feb. 11, field trip, more than 25 "Play With Me Preschool" children and their families took a tour of the branch and listened to story time, where Becerra taught them about the basics of credit unions and money. The preschoolers then each took a turn visiting the teller window and signature pad to withdraw their very own $1 bill before walking to nearby Yogurt Time Cafe to use their dollar to purchase a special treat. Rio Linda resident Shyanne Ditty, who came with 5-year-old daughter Kelsey Roberts, was looking forward to the field trip, having taken her 13-year-old Kylee Ditty when she was in preschool. "I love it," Ditty says, adding her oldest remembers her first experience with banking. "It really shows them everything they need to learn about money." Roseville resident Che Vander Leun, 4, especially liked using his dollar bill to buy a frozen yogurt. "I got chocolate," he says. "Also gummies." SAFE financial education experts advise it is never too early to introduce children to basic concepts about money, especially in a way they can understand and is relevant to them. SAFE officials say it's also part of their mission to offer free financial education to members and the community. "Our entire staff participates in getting this special event ready for the kids," says SAFE Credit Union Assistant Vice President Training and Antelope Branch Manager Avinesh Naidu. "We want to make everything as welcoming as possible for them to have a great learning experience."