Postal Credit Union in Woodbury, Minn., hosted a distinguishedguest to interact with high school students during its recent kickoff to Financial Literacy Month.

Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothmantoured the $540 million credit union's student branch at TartanHigh School in Oakdale, Minn., and then met with students in classto talk about youth savings and financial education.

“Financial literacy can mean the difference between gettingahead and falling victim to the pitfalls associated with poor useof credit,” said Rothman. “Opening a savings account at a financialinstitution can provide fundamental skills, as well as teachingproper budgeting and setting short-term and long-term goals.”

The branch opened earlier this year. PCU also is sponsoring aNational youth Savings Challenge promotion Tartan High, giving a$100 gift to a student whose name is drawn from those who open anaccount or make a deposit during the month.

The visit was one of nearly 40 outreach and education events thedepartment scheduled across the state this month. That includes aFinancial Literacy Roundtable in St. Paul that brings togetherapproximately 200 educational, private and non-profit groups andfinancial institutions to discuss financial literacy efforts, theMinnesota Credit Union Network said.

Participants include the MnCUN and its foundation, the networksaid.

“PCU's event during Financial Literacy Month and participationin the Savings Challenge serve as opportunities to build strongrelationships with young credit union members in the community –and their families – by reinforcing the value of financialeducation and the benefits of credit union membership,” said AlishaJohnson, senior vice president of marketing, sales and service atthe 45,600-member PCU.

“Our goal is to help youth start smart money management habits,while creating member loyalty,” Johnson said.

Front, from left, PCU Assistant Manager Carissa Rothstein,PCU Senior Vice President Alisha Johnson, MnCUN Vice President MaraHumphrey, MnCUN President/CEO Mark Cummins, PCU President BrianSherrick, Commerce Commissioner Mike Rothman, Tartan High Schoolmarketing instructor Craig Spreiter. Back, from left, studentcredit union workers Geneva Eilertson, Austin Raebel, MarcBuchmayer and Kelsie Ferstl.