Junior Savers Week 2024

Junior Savers Week is just around the corner, running from September 23rd to 29th. Portadown Credit Union is excited to invite kids in Portadown to kickstart their saving journey with us! This week is all about showing the value of saving and planning for the future.

Our approach to money as adults is shaped by how we handle it as kids. By teaching children smart saving habits early on, we help them develop a strong sense of financial responsibility. It’s never too early to start!

Paula Larkin, Manager at Portadown Credit Union shared: “At Portadown Credit Union, we’re dedicated to financial education for everyone in our community. We want to make sure our younger generations grow up financially aware and empowered. Junior Savers Week is a perfect opportunity to encourage kids to start saving regularly and to open their first savings account with us!”

Paula added: “Setting up a savings account for children is simple, and we’re looking forward to welcoming new junior savers all week. Saving with a credit union not only helps kids learn about money but also introduces them to the supportive, community-focused nature of credit unions. Our junior savers are the future, and we’ll be here to support them through life’s milestones, whether it’s for college, a new car, a wedding, or a home.”

So if you dream of a NEW GUITAR, COOL SKATES, the latest GAMING CONSOLE, or a BIG HOLIDAY, remember that regular saving can help make those dreams a reality. Start saving a little each week or month, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your savings grow. CREDIT UNIONS are here to help you reach your DREAMS. Open a savings account with your LOCAL CREDIT UNION today and take the first step towards achieving your goals!

How to open a minor account?

If you are a parent/guardian, you can open a minor saving account for the child, if they’re under the age of 16.

In order to open an account, you will need:

1. Child’s long birth certificate
2. Valid photographic ID of the individual opening the account e.g. passport or driving license
3. Proof of address (physical proof dated within the past 3 months e.g. utility bill)

Minor accounts can only be open in office and they will mature into adult accounts when the child reaches the age of 16. At this time, the 16 year old will have sole access to the account and the money held in it

How can I make saving fun for my child?

Here’s the Credit Union’s top 3 tips

1. Play!- Turn your living room into a shop and put some price tags on every day food items, as well as fun items like toys. Give them a calculator and a set budget that they have to stick to and send them off shopping. This is great way to teach them needs versus wants.

2. Chore planning.- Ok, so maybe not the most ‘fun’ thing in the world! If they have new roller skates in mind then sit down with them and write out how many chores/tasks they would need to complete to reach their savings’ goal for the skates. They can track their progress out on a homemade chart for their wall. This will give them a great sense of accomplishment too.

3. Open a Credit Union account- For children, saving money in their local credit union helps develop great habits and also teaches them the value of credit unions which are run by the community, for the community.

Our junior savers are the future, and we will always be there for them in the future.

Portadown Credit Union- Your local lender of choice