For our youngest members, saving money becomes an adventure through our Giraffe Club Youth Account, designed for children 12 and under. With our friendly mascot, Gerald the Giraffe, leading the way, kids can start building smart money habits while having fun along the journey.
Our reimagined youth program turns every deposit into a milestone and every member into part of the club.
What Your Child Gets When They Join
When kids open a Giraffe Club Youth Account, they’ll receive:
- A custom welcome letter to begin their savings safari
- A UHS drawstring backpack perfect for school or play
- An official membership card
- A stamp (“badge”) for every $5 deposit they make (one per month)
- A birthday card and a $5 deposit during their birthday month
- Access to fun promotions and special prizes
Each deposit helps children see their progress and understand the value of saving a little at a time — an important lesson that can last a lifetime.
Perks for Parents
Parents play a key role in helping kids develop strong financial habits. With our youth accounts, parents can:
- View and monitor their child’s account activity
- Access educational tools on saving and budgeting
- Learn tips for protecting their child’s financial future
- Stay informed about seasonal promotions and opportunities to engage
Together, parents and kids can turn everyday money moments into meaningful financial lessons.
Helping Teens Build Smart Money Habits As kids grow into teens, managing money becomes more hands-on. A debit card connected to their account gives teens the opportunity to learn how to spend responsibly, track purchases, and build good budgeting habits.
The best part? Parents still have visibility and guidance, helping teens learn to manage money safely while developing real-world experience.
3 Debit Card Tips Parents Can Teach Their Teens
Learning to use a debit card responsibly is an important step toward financial independence. Here are three helpful lessons parents can share:
1. Track Spending Regularly
Encourage teens to check their account balance and recent transactions often. Understanding where their money goes helps them develop awareness and make smarter spending decisions.
2. Set a Weekly Spending Plan
Rather than spending freely, help teens create a simple weekly or monthly budget. Setting limits for things like snacks, entertainment, or online purchases teaches them how to prioritize.
3. Protect Card Information
Teach teens never to share their PIN, card number, or online banking passwords with friends. Safe habits early on help prevent fraud and protect their accounts.
Start the Savings Adventure
Youth Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to help your child begin their financial journey.
Whether your child is collecting badges with Gerald the Giraffe or your teen is learning to manage their own spending with a debit card, UHS Employees FCU is here to support families every step of the way.
Join the adventure today! Stop by your nearest UHS Employees FCU branch to open a Youth Account in person and help your child take their first steps toward a lifetime of financial wellness.