Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
These Birmingham girls are learning money skills through arts + crafts
Reading time: 4 minutes
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What do glitter and financial goals have in common? At a recent workshop with Girls Inc. of Central Alabama, they were all part of a powerful lesson in saving, led by AmFirst Financial Education Specialist Niki Mathews.
Bham Now dropped in on a recent session hosted on UAB’s campus to see how the AmFirst team is helping young people turn small savings habits into big dreams across Birmingham.
Making money make sense
AmFirst educators like Niki Mathews don’t just teach kids about money—they help them build a relationship with it.
“Teaching financial wellness to young girls is more than just teaching them how to save or spend. It’s about building confidence, independence and lifelong decision-making skills.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
That’s the heart behind AmFirst’s partnership with local organizations like Girls Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Together, they’re bringing financial literacy sessions to girls who might not otherwise have access to them.
During the recent session, rising eighth graders learned how to turn ordinary jars into personalized “savings jars,” complete with affirmations, stickers and written goals from saving for college to getting a new pet.
“For many girls, especially in underserved communities, financial literacy is not a common topic at home or in school. By introducing these concepts early, we’re not only helping them dream bigger but giving them the tools to make those dreams a reality.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
Teaching financial literacy through creativity
Niki’s approach is far from spreadsheets and lectures. Instead, her sessions are hands-on, creative and highly interactive.
“Young girls respond best to teaching methods that are empowering and relatable. Instead of just talking budgets, we build vision boards, play budgeting games or role-play real-life scenarios like running a lemonade stand or saving for a concert.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
Through art, storytelling and positive affirmations, girls begin to see money management as something they can do—not something just for grown-ups.
“They light up when they feel seen.They realize that money is not just something adults talk about—it’s something they can understand and control now.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
Turning lessons into life goals
The results speak for themselves.
“I’ve seen girls go from shy and unsure to standing in front of their peers, confidently sharing their savings goals.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
One moment that stood out: a girl who’d never thought about saving before told Niki that now, she wants to save to help her mom and go to college.
“That hit home. We’re not just teaching financial terms, we’re planting seeds of generational change.”
Niki Mathews, Financial Education Specialist, AmFirst
Kids First: A savings tool for Birmingham families
AmFirst’s work in the community goes beyond workshops across the Birmingham community. Through Kids First, families can open savings accounts for their children, helping them learn financial responsibility with guidance from parents or guardians.
It’s a way to extend lessons like Niki’s beyond the classroom and give kids a real place to start saving.
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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