April marked another exciting Financial Literacy Month for Limestone Financial Credit Union (Limestone FCU or LFCU), and this year, the team went above and beyond to deliver meaningful, engaging, and age-appropriate financial education across Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties. From interactive games to classroom visits and carnival booths, each initiative was designed to spark conversations and build essential money management skills.
The month kicked off with energy and enthusiasm through the Smart Money Mission: GooseChase Game – an interactive scavenger hunt program, cohosted with MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County, and generously sponsored by the Michigan Credit Union Foundation (MCUF). The mobile-based experience invited youth to complete a series of financial literacy-themed challenges focused on real-world money skills for a chance to win prizes. This free program was offered to Michigan youth ages 13 to 19 years old. By blending financial learning with interactive challenges, the Smart Money Mission: GooseChase Game encouraged youth to expand their knowledge in finances.
“The GooseChase virtual scavenger hunt challenged teens to complete missions covering topics from setting SMART goals to researching products and services available at their local credit union. Financial literacy and engagement take many forms and we were excited to provide this app-based opportunity for local teens.”
—Jill Connin, Education Coordinator at Limestone FCU, and Program Coordinator at MSU Extension of Schoolcraft County
Throughout the month, Limestone FCU continued to engage the community where they are. At branch locations in Schoolcraft and Chippewa counties, community members were invited to participate in on-the-spot financial trivia, answering questions for a chance to win small prizes and strengthen their financial knowledge. The credit union also kept the momentum going online, hosting a month-long trivia campaign across their social media channels that encouraged members of all ages to test their knowledge and expand their financial literacy.
In an effort to engage youth, LFCU donated copies of Save It! by Cinders McLeod to area elementary schools. The storybook, which follows a young bunny learning to save money, sparked classroom conversations about spending wisely, setting goals, and the importance of planning ahead. LFCU team members visited classrooms to read the book aloud and guide discussions, turning storytime into a learning opportunity.
On April 27, LFCU brought financial fun to the St. Francis de Sales School Carnival, where families stopped by the credit union’s booth to play a coin-counting game and explore basic financial concepts. Children practiced adding coins to reach a target amount, while parents learned more about youth savings accounts and how to start building financial habits early.
The month wrapped up with a major highlight: Limestone FCU partnered with Joseph K. Lumsden Bahweting Anishnabe School (Bahweting School) to host a Middle School Financial Reality Fair, with support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation. Building on the success of its traditional Financial Reality Fairs for area high schools, LFCU introduced a new version of the program tailored for middle school students in grades 6–8. With continued support from MCUF, LFCU’s team was excited to pilot this new format with 8th grade students at Bahweting School, offering an early introduction to money management and real-world financial decision-making.
Looking ahead, Limestone FCU is preparing to launch a Matched Savings Program as part of its Adulting 101 course offered at Lake Superior State University. With grant support from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, this matched savings program is designed to help students establish emergency savings—an essential step toward financial independence. More details on this program will be announced later in 2025.
“At Limestone Financial Credit Union, Financial Literacy Month is more than a calendar event — it’s a reflection of our commitment to our members and our community year-round,” said Jennifer C. Watson, CEO. “Our mission is to build a better financial tomorrow through service, education, and advocacy, and our vision is to empower our members to achieve financial independence. That’s why we’re proud to partner with MSU Extension to enhance our financial literacy efforts, complementing our team’s activities and creating a well-rounded program that brings real-world money lessons directly to students. From introducing budgeting basics to helping students understand credit and savings, we’re making sure financial education starts early and sticks — because financial independence begins with knowledge.”
As Financial Literacy Month ends, Limestone FCU is proud of the impact made and deeply grateful to the educators, volunteers, community partners, and participants who helped bring each initiative to life. Together, they’re building a stronger, more financially informed future—one lesson, one challenge, and one conversation at a time.
