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 a 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.
Jana Dedene — Business Development and Community Relations Manager |
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Jana has over 20 years of experience in the credit union industry and joined the MSGCU team in 2012. Throughout her tenure, she has worked with several teams, including branch operations and leadership, community outreach, and instructional design and delivery. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources development from Oakland University. Jana leads MSGCU’s business development and consumer education team, guiding efforts to strengthen community partnerships, expand financial literacy, and support members through meaningful educational initiatives. |
Dr. Margie Baldwin — Community Relations |
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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. |
Roslyn Grafstein — Community Relations |
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Roslyn joined MSGCU in 2025, bringing eight years of local government experience. In her most prior position, she served as Mayor of Madison Heights. In that capacity she co-chaired Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) and their Economic Development Task Force and Work Skills Task Force. Prior to her positions as city council member, Mayor Pro Tem, and Mayor, Roslyn served as Manager of TD Bank in Toronto. |
Azra Hrnjic — Community Relations |
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When she joined MSGCU in 2026, Azra brought 20 years of banking experience, including branch leadership, business development, and customer relationship management. She earned a B.B.A. in International Business from Davenport University and a master’s in finance from Walsh College. In addition to her professional expertise, Azra is deeply committed to social causes and strengthening community relationships. She actively supports initiatives that promote financial empowerment, education, and equitable access to resources, and she values building meaningful connections that help individuals and neighborhoods thrive. |
Julie Kitchen — Community Relations |
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Julie started with MSGCU in 2021 and brought over 20 years of experience in the health care industry where she built and maintained community partnerships, and implemented health education programs and community events. She received a bachelor's degree in finance from Walsh College. Julie supports the team by developing new business connections, coordinating community events, and supporting branches with development opportunities. |
Shannon McIntosh — Consumer Education |
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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. |
Kristen Tucker — Community Relations |
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Kristen brought 10 years of credit union experience when she joined MSGCU in 2025. In her past role, she supported community and regional events, conferences, and meetings, as well as developing and executing business development plans. At MSGCU, she is responsible for fostering positive relationships in the community, ensuring meaningful connections with our community partners, and delivering member and workplace financial education. Kristen is a Certified Credit Union Facilitator and a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor. |
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.
