Classroom Presentations
Financial literacy is a vital part of a good education. MSGCU is dedicated to providing financial education in our schools at no cost to you. We provide all materials and work within your school schedule.
Bring real-world finance topics to life.
Financial literacy is the cornerstone of personal freedom and success, yet so many young adults enter adulthood unprepared to manage their finances effectively.
We believe education plays a vital role in your students’ future success. That’s why we’re dedicated to improving financial well-being, and helping you and your students access valuable products, services, and exclusive resources.
Financial wellness education can:
- Help students develop positive and healthy money habits from a young age.
- Prepare students with real world knowledge and understanding.
- Improve a student’s decision-making capabilities and increase confidence.
Flexible Timing
Sessions can fit into any schedule whether it’s a class period or a series of shorter checkpoints to showcase a variety of topics.
In-Person or Virtual Learning
Presentations can be shared in-person in your classroom or via virtual learning environments including Zoom, GoToMeeting, and Microsoft Teams.
Customizable Topics
Choose from a variety of financial wellness presentations covering topics such as getting started with finances, career skills, and understanding credit and loans.
MSGCU can bring any of the following financial wellness topics to your classroom:
Personal Finance
- Getting Started with Cash and Credit: Explore proper usage of checking and lending products. Students will learn about managing a checking account and using a debit card, as well as the benefits and pitfalls of credit.
- Intro to Credit Card: Learn all about credit cards, including what to look for when students are ready to select one, potential negative outcomes, and the impact of minimum payments.
- Basic Budgeting: Students will learn to build a budget they can stick with over time. They’ll also learn simple and effective strategies to set, prioritize, and reach savings goals.
- Marriage & Money: To ensure a strong foundation for a shared financial future, couples should develop a budget together and discuss financial goals.
Understanding the Basics
- Credit Union Benefits: Learn how banks and credit unions are similar and different. Products and services, as well as, values and motivations are explored.
- Credit Reports & Scores: Learn all about credit reports and credit scores, including how to check your credit report, what to look for in the report, and what to do if something is inaccurate.
- Frauds & Scams: Fraudsters often target students and young adults. Learn about recent scams and how to recognize the warning signs to prevent falling victim.
Students experience real-world situations
There’s nothing more powerful than immersing students in real money-management situations to help them understand the impact of their choices.
MSGCU can bring interactive programs to life at your school:
- Reality Fair: Students are provided with an lifestyle identity and visit several stations to obtain the goods and services they need, helping them learn how their credit score factors into their buying decisions.
- Money Lab Budgeting Experience: This program simulates one month of independent adult living. The hands-on activity can be conducted in person or virtually in a class period.
Dr. Margie Baldwin — Business Development and Community Relations Manager |
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Margie received a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Wayne State University. She also holds a Master's in Communications from Wheaton College, a Master's in Educational Leadership from Saginaw Valley State University, a Master's in Advanced Leadership Studies from Indiana Wesleyan and obtained her doctorate (Ed.D.) from Indiana Wesleyan in Organizational Leadership. She has over 20 years of teaching and educational experience. As one of MSGCU’s certified financial counselors, she is passionate about helping people understand their finances and be wise financial stewards so they are in control of spending, saving, investing, and giving. |
Gretchen Champa — Community Relations Specialist |
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Gretchen brings nearly 28 years of dedicated experience as a Michigan Certified Mathematics Teacher, specializing in grades 8-12. Her passion for education is rooted in a strong academic foundation, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership. She is committed to empowering individuals of all ages, from young adults to seniors, through financial literacy education. |
Kyle Martin — Community Relations Specialist |
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Kyle has more than a decade of earned experience in facilitation, teaching, and curriculum development throughout his career working in higher education. Kyle received his B.B.A. in Business Management and a M.Ed. in Higher Education Leadership, and taught college courses as a Doctoral Fellow. He loves to help individuals feel confident in their financial decision making and help to create a financially literate community. |
Shannon McIntosh — Consumer Education Specialist |
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Since joining MSGCU in 2012, Shannon has taught financial literacy education to countless classrooms, member workshops, and community groups. Plus, she has more than 20 years of experience teaching and presenting to groups. Shannon received a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Liberal Arts from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, and a Master of Arts in English Literature and Linguistics from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant. Prior to MSGCU, she was an Adjunct Professor of English at Macomb Community College in Clinton Township. |
Jolene Plotzke — Community Relations Specialist |
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Jolene has 26 years of experience teaching pre-K to adults in Michigan public schools and is fluent in providing personal financial education to schools, libraries, community organizations, and more. Jolene has many accolades decorating her career in education as a teacher and as a scholar, but helping others is certainly her superpower. |
Michigan school teachers love us, too.
Our educators are always on the road, providing valuable programs for students to help them learn about money and make better decisions.
"I really can't thank you enough for Tuesday's Financial Literacy presentation. What a wonderful way for students to learn about money, banking, and economics! As teachers, we appreciate the way your presentation is aligned with so many of our curriculum standards, too!"
"They thoroughly loved your presentation, with lots of talk the next day of all the new things they learned — especially their new understanding of how to better use their debit cards."
"Thank you so much! The kids really enjoyed the session and so did the teachers! Very informative and it definitely helps me zero in on topics that are confusing for my kids. I highly recommend this to other teachers!"
"When working with students who are new to American language and culture, it is important that they receive financial knowledge from the very basic to planning for their future. If we are to produce students that are truly successful, we need to ensure that they can succeed in all facets of life."
Our free financial education programs are award-winning resources for your school, having recently won the Excellence in Consumer Education Award from the Michigan Credit Union Foundation and the Desjardins Financial Education Awards for Youth and Adult from the Michigan Credit Union League.
Let's schedule an MSGCU classroom presentation
If you're interested in bringing our award-winning financial education programs to your in-person or virtual classroom, please contact us using this form.
