2 simple tools that help one family teach budgeting + saving

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Between food, new clothes or the latest must-have device, teaching the value of money can be a challenge—especially when making a purchase is as simple as tapping a card.

That’s why many local families are looking for practical ways to introduce financial responsibility early. For Hoover mom of three Emily Buckelew, AmFirst’s financial literacy tools have become helpful resources for turning everyday moments into lessons about saving, budgeting and spending wisely. Here’s what her family has learned.

*Emily Buckelew is a member services specialist at AmFirst’s Hoover branch + participated as part of this sponsored content geared toward parents.

How one Hoover mom teaches her kids about saving money

As a specialist at AmFirst’s Hoover branch, Buckelew is familiar with the credit union’s financial literacy programs. But she’s also a mom to three children—ages 11, 7 and 20 months—and sees firsthand how important it is to start teaching money skills early.

Her older children both participate in two programs:

• Kids First, a savings account designed for young members that encourages kids to build healthy saving habits while learning the basics of managing money.
• Greenlight, a debit card + money app designed specifically for kids + teens. Parents can transfer money, monitor spending, set controls + help children work toward savings goals—all while giving kids hands-on experience managing their own funds.

How kids can learn budgeting + saving through real-life experience

For many parents, financial literacy can feel like a difficult idea to teach. But Buckelew says one of the biggest advantages of using Kids First and Greenlight together is that they allow children to learn through experience.

Instead of simply talking about budgeting, kids can actually watch their balances grow, set savings goals and make decisions about when (and when not) to spend money.

“I have noticed that my kids are taking responsibility in spending money. They’re learning that it’s a lot harder to spend money on things you want when it’s your own money.”

Emily Buckelew, Hoover resident + specialist at AmFirst

That lesson has already started paying off in her household.

Her 11-year-old son, Trace, recently used his money to buy a baseball bat and is currently saving for a Surron e-bike. Meanwhile, her 7-year-old son, Dallas, recently spent money on Legos and is saving for tickets to a New York Giants game.

Both goals require patience, planning and intention—valuable lessons that extend far beyond managing money.

Financial literacy for kids starts with everyday money habits

While teaching kids to save is important, Buckelew says learning how to manage money is just as valuable.

Using Greenlight, children can see where their money goes, track progress toward goals and begin understanding the relationship between earning, saving and spending.

Parents remain involved throughout the process, creating opportunities for ongoing conversations about financial decisions.

“Teaching our children financial literacy early helps shape their habits and decision-making long before they face their own major financial responsibilities as adults.”

Emily Buckelew, Hoover resident + specialist at AmFirst

Financial experts often agree that many money habits begin forming during childhood. Learning concepts like budgeting, delayed gratification and goal-setting at a young age can help prepare children for bigger financial decisions later in life.

Of course, financial planning is still more fun when imagination gets involved. When asked what they would do with $1 million…

• Trace said he’d buy a BMW M3 Competition
• Dallas said he’d take a trip to Legoland

The answers may be ambitious, but they highlight something important: Kids naturally dream big! Programs like Kids First and Greenlight can help them learn how saving works along the way.

Financial literacy resources for Birmingham families

For Buckelew, the biggest takeaway isn’t just that her children are saving money—it’s that they’re learning how money works.

Whether they’re setting a goal, tracking their spending or deciding whether a purchase is worth it, they’re gaining practical experience that goes beyond the classroom.

And for Birmingham-area parents looking for ways to start those conversations at home, resources like Kids First and Greenlight offer an opportunity to make financial literacy part of everyday life.

Ready to jump start your child’s financial education? Learn more about Greenlight at AmFirst.

Not a member? Click here to get started.

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AmFirst is federally insured by the NCUA. 

*AmFirst Kids First accounts are available to qualifying members only. Certain restrictions may apply.

**AmFirst members are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their AmFirst account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum balance requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion, members will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 04/04/2028. Offer subject to change and partner participation.