Good money habits start early and grow stronger over time. TelComm Credit Union makes it easy for parents to guide their children from their very first savings deposit to confidently managing their own checking account.
With three age-appropriate account options—Kirby Kangaroo, Greenlight, and Teen Checking—kids learn how to save, spend, and budget at the right pace for their age and maturity.
Money Habits: A Step-by-Step Path to Financial Confidence
Helping kids build great money habits doesn't happen overnight—it happens step by step. We've designed a simple, age‑appropriate path that grows with your child.
Start with Kirby Kangaroo (ages 12 & under), move into Greenlight (a parent‑controlled, rechargeable card and app), and then graduate to Teen Checking (ages 13–17).
Here's how each account works, who it's best for, and how they connect.
Step 1: Kirby Kangaroo Club (Ages 12 & Under)
What it is
Our Kirby Kangaroo savings account is a fun, simple way to introduce young savers to money basics.
Highlights
- Open with just $1—easy to start, easy to grow.
- Special treats: a gift when the account opens and a birthday card with a prize‑box certificate each year.
- Teaches "save, spend, give" through real deposits: allowances, birthday money, loose change.
- Earns interest so kids can see savings grow.
- Future perk: Kirby Kids can apply for our college scholarships as high school seniors.
Why it's a great first step
Kirby builds foundational habits and excitement. Kids learn to set goals, make deposits, and watch balances increase, all without the distractions of spending tools in hand.
Parent tips to get the most from Kirby
- Make deposits part of a weekly routine (allowance day = deposit day).
- Use the "three‑bucket" approach at home: Save / Spend / Give.
- Celebrate milestones ("You saved $50!") to reinforce the habit.
When to bridge to Greenlight
Once your child understands the basics of saving and is ready to practice guided spending, often around late elementary or middle school.
Step 2: Greenlight (Parent‑Controlled Debit Card & App)
What it is
Greenlight pairs a child/teen debit card with a powerful app so families can practice real‑world money choices—earning, saving, spending, giving, and even learning about investing—with parents in full control.
Key benefits
- Parent controls: Set spending limits, choose where the card works, approve specific stores, lock/unlock the card.
- Chores & allowance: Automate payouts, tie earnings to tasks, and nudge consistency.
- Goals & learning: Kids set savings goals and level up their financial literacy with in‑app educational games.
- Real‑time transparency: Parents get instant notifications for transactions and can track activity at a glance.
- TCU member perk: The subscription fee is waived for eligible TelComm members.
Why it's the perfect bridge
Greenlight functions like a rechargeable spending card funded by parents and does not accept direct deposit. That makes it ideal for kids old enough to manage chores and small purchases, but not yet receiving paychecks. Parents keep training wheels on while kids practice real spending decisions.
Best for
Older kids and early teens ready for hands‑on practice: making small purchases, sticking to budgets, meeting savings goals, and learning digital money skills with your supervision.
When to graduate to Teen Checking
When your teen begins earning a paycheck, needs direct deposit, or is ready for more independence while still keeping you involved.
Step 3: Teen Checking (Ages 13–17)
What it is
A true checking account designed for teens, with safeguards and joint ownership so families can transition toward adult‑level responsibility.
Eligibility & setup
- Ages 13–17, TelComm membership eligible.
- Parent/guardian is a joint owner.
- Teen will need: SSN and ID (e.g., state‑issued ID/permit, U.S. passport, birth certificate, or school ID).
- Open online or visit any TelComm branch.
Features & boundaries
- Debit card available for everyday purchases.
- Direct deposit allowed—ideal for part‑time jobs.
- For minor accounts: No Overdraft Privilege, Bill Pay, Zelle, or checks (keeps spending safer and simpler).
- At age 18, contact us to transition to an adult Checking Account. It is not automatic.
Why it's the capstone step
Teen Checking feels like an "adult account," but with the age appropriate guardrails. Teens learn to manage income, track balances, and build daily money skills, all while families keep visibility and guidance.
Parent & teen tips
- Set up account alerts (low‑balance, transactions).
- Walk through a first paycheck: taxes, saving a % first, budgeting what's left.
- Have your teen practice reconciling transactions in the app and reviewing monthly statements.
The Path at a Glance
Ages 4–12: Kirby Kangaroo
Goal: Build a savings habit and money vocabulary.
Key actions: Weekly deposits, set simple goals ("Save $20"), celebrate interest earned.
Ages 8–15: Greenlight (overlaps with late‑Kirby and early‑Teen)
Goal: Practice supervised spending & budgeting.
Key actions: Chores → allowance, spending categories/limits, goal tracking, real‑time notifications, learn about investing concepts.
Ages 13–17: Teen Checking
Goal: Manage income from jobs with more independence.
Key actions: Direct deposit, debit card responsibility, budgeting, saving first, reviewing statements, preparing to convert to adult checking at 18.
Which Account Is Right Now?
- Your child is brand new to money → Kirby Kangaroo
- Your child wants to make small, supervised purchases and earn allowance for chores → Greenlight
- Your teen has (or is about to have) a job and needs direct deposit and a debit card → Teen Checking
Why This Stepping‑Stone Approach Works
- Right skills at the right time: We introduce responsibilities gradually—saving → supervised spending → income management.
- Confidence grows with independence: Each stage builds mastery without overwhelming kids (or parents).
- Healthy habits stick: Goal‑setting, budgeting, and reviewing statements become normal—before adulthood.
- Family visibility & safety: Parents stay in control early on, then shift to coaching as teens mature.
- Member advantages: TelComm membership unlocks extras—like waived Greenlight fees and scholarship opportunities down the road.
Ready to Get Started?
- Open Kirby Kangaroo with just $1 and spark the savings habit.
- Activate Greenlight to put earning, saving, and supervised spending into practice (fee waived when funded via your TCU checking)
- Set up Teen Checking when paychecks arrive so your teen can manage direct deposit and everyday spending with confidence.
Let's grow lifelong money skills together. Visit any TelComm branch or start online today.
