Money Basics Guides

The NCUA’s Money Basics Guides are a series of learning tools developed to assist financial educators, credit unions, and other financial institutions in their efforts to promote financial literacy in the communities they serve. These guides are also for everyday people who want to build their financial knowledge with practical skills they can use to manage their money.

They are a great resource for group and individual learning. Whether you’re a financial educator who is building workshops for those you serve or you’re an individual focused on building your own financial knowledge and capability, these lessons and activities are for you. Future guides will cover the basics of common financial topics, as well as emerging issues of consumer finance.

The Money Basics Guide to Budgeting and Savings

Developing a budget can feel scary for many consumers. It requires you to be proactive about your financial situation and for many people, it can be hard to face. But having a budget is crucial to managing your money, staying out of debt, and ultimately building wealth. More than anything, budgeting helps you to keep track of what money is coming in and what money is going out of your pocket—also known as your income and expenses.

Download the Money Basics Guide to Budgeting and Savings

The Money Basics Guide to Savings and Checking Accounts

Savings and checking accounts are typically the first step in establishing a financial foundation for consumers. When you sign up for a checking or savings account, you are entering into an agreement with a credit union or bank that allows them to hold on to your money, loan and invest it. In return, you get a safe place to store your money, access your funds as well as other benefits.

Download the Money Basics Guide to Savings and Checking Accounts

Additional Credit Union Resources

Is your credit union interested in developing a strong and sustainable financial education program? Download this digital brochure to get started.