How one Birmingham family of 11 is learning to save + build a debt-free future

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Raising 11 children, from toddlers to teenagers, gives you a firsthand look at the many ways kids understand money. For the Sumerlin family in Birmingham, building financial literacy early on is more than a nice idea—it’s a mission.

Thanks to AmFirst’s Kids First savings accounts, the Sumerlin crew are learning what it means to set goals, practice patience and build habits that could set them up for life.

Here’s a look at what this unique savings account is all about, plus how you can set on up for your own family.

Why Kids First?

For Dexter and Jonisha Sumerlin, financial security wasn’t something they grew up with, but it’s something they’re committed to giving their children.

“I want them to save all of their money while they’re in school, because that’s something I wasn’t able to do growing up. I want to give my kids the gift of being debt-free.

We emphasize the difference between things they need and things they want, and try to teach them to be able to tell the difference.”

Dexter Sumerlin

Kids First teaches children financial responsibility through shared accounts managed by their parent or guardian. Through the program, young account holders ages zero to 14 have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of saving, budgeting and responsible spending. When they turn 14, they can apply for a teen checking account.

As the family’s head honcho and homeschool teacher, Jonisha sees firsthand how each child understands money in their own unique way.

“The Kids First program introduces basic financial concepts early on. Each child has a different understanding of money—some save every penny, while others spend it all. What’s important is that kids begin to understand why they’re saving.

It’s not about forcing them to save; it’s about helping them make the connection by themselves.”

Jonisha Sumerlin

What the Sumerlin kids are learning

The older Sumerlin children are already making the most of their Kids First accounts. They’ve picked up some wise lessons along the way, too.

• Jaden, 11th grade is saving for a car
  • “I’ve learned that initial struggles can ultimately lead to successful saving.”
• Jedediah, 10th grade is also saving for a car
  • “I’m learning that having a savings account benefits your future.”
• Jonathan, 6th grade is saving for his future
  • “I’ve learned that I don’t have to spend all my money at once.”
• Josie, 6th grade is saving for more clothes for her wardrobe
  • “I’ve learned that you can’t always get what you want, when you want.”
• Jael, 4th grade is saving for his future
  • “I’ve learned that saving gives me more money to buy better things later!“
• Jordyn, 4th grade is saving for her future
  • “I’ve learned you can’t spend all your money in one place.”

While the youngest Sumerlins don’t have savings accounts yet, they’re already dreaming big:

• Judah, 4th grade wants to save for a hoverboard
• Jonah, 2nd grade wants to save for an Xbox
• Jeriyah, 1st grade wants to save for a dollhouse

Why it matters

For families like the Sumerlins, teaching kids about saving, budgeting and financial priorities is an investment in their future.

With a savings account through Kids First, children get to experience real-world money skills in a safe and supportive way.

“I believe it’s super important to teach money skills as early as you can. In my opinion, children won’t understand the value of a dollar until they experience it for themselves.”

Plus, kids can even earn money through the Honors Dollars program. Bring your child’s latest report card with all A’s and B’s to any of the 20+ AmFirst branches in Alabama, and AmFirst will deposit $10 into their account.

Learn more about Kids First

With every Kids First account, your kids will receive:

• Kids First Membership Card
• AmFirst swag + birthday rewards
• Bonus deposits for report cards with A’s + B’s

Ready to jump start your child’s financial education? Sign up for a Kids First account today.

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