Smart Money, Strong Futures: How Local Kids Are Learning to Save
In Brief:
Who: Eglin Federal Credit Union, Okaloosa Saves, local banks, and youth under 18
What: “Teach a Child to Save” youth savings campaign
When: April 1 – June 30, 2026
Where: Northwest Florida (Okaloosa and surrounding counties)
Why: To teach financial literacy and encourage lifelong saving habits
FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Eglin Federal Credit Union is once again teaming up with Okaloosa Saves to encourage young people across Northwest Florida to build strong financial habits through the annual “Teach a Child to Save” campaign.
Running from April 1 through June 30, the initiative invites youth ages 17 and younger to set a savings goal and make a deposit into a savings account. Participants will be entered into a random drawing, with 10 children selected to receive a $50 deposit into their accounts courtesy of Okaloosa Saves.
The campaign brings together multiple financial institutions throughout the region, including CCB Bank, MidSouth Bank, Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Origin Bank, PenFed, Renasant Bank, and United Fidelity.
Last year’s campaign saw more than 100 young participants from Eglin FCU and Renasant Bank collectively deposit over $27,000. Since the program’s inception in 2004, nearly 2,500 children have contributed more than $420,000 toward their savings goals.
Eglin Federal Credit Union President and CEO Cathie Staton emphasized the long-term value of the initiative, noting that early financial education helps children develop responsibility, planning skills, and goal-setting habits that last a lifetime.
“Financial wellness helps build stronger families, which ripples outward to strengthen entire communities,” Staton said.
Laura Coale, board chair of Okaloosa Saves, echoed that sentiment, calling the program a key tool in teaching children thoughtful financial management at an early age.
The campaign is part of a broader effort connected to America Saves, a national nonprofit that promotes saving, debt reduction, and wealth-building through community partnerships and behavior-based strategies.
Parents are encouraged to take an active role by discussing budgeting, opening or contributing to savings accounts, teaching basic investing principles, and modeling strong financial habits.
For additional information and rules, visit Okaloosa Saves.
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