Why You Should Set Up Your Child for Financial Success
Teaching children about money isn’t just a lesson in saving—it's a step toward building lifelong confidence and responsibility. One of the best ways to introduce your child to the world of finances is by helping them open their first account.
Here’s why that matters.
Why It’s Important to Open an Account for Your Child
Builds Smart Money Habits Early: When children have their own savings account, they begin to understand the value of money. They learn about setting goals, making deposits, and watching their savings grow over time—skills that form the foundation for healthy financial behavior as they grow older.
Creates a Sense of Ownership and Responsibility: Having an account in their name encourages kids to take responsibility for their finances. Whether it’s birthday money or allowance, learning to manage their own funds helps instill a sense of independence.
Opens the Door to Hands-On Learning: There’s only so much a child can learn from conversations. With their own account, they get to experience saving and spending decisions firsthand, which is much more impactful than theory alone.
Encourages Goal Setting Whether it's saving up for a toy, a bike, or even their first car years down the road, an account helps children learn how to set goals—and stick to them.
Starts Their Financial Journey on the Right Foot A youth account at CSE can evolve with your child. As they grow, they’ll be better prepared to handle more complex money matters, like budgeting, credit, and financial planning.
Give Your Child a Head Start!
Ready to jumpstart your child's financial future? Whether you're looking for a secure place to save birthday money or a way for your teen to gain financial independence, CSE has options designed with your family in mind!
Youth Savings (UTMA) – Ages 0–17
Open with just $5 and earn dividends with no fees or minimum balance. For babies under 12 months, CSE’s Babies on Us Program will cover the $5 opening deposit, making it easy to start saving from day one.
Teen Savings – Ages 10–17
Gives teens full access to their savings while keeping parents in the loop.
Teen Checking – Ages 10–17
Comes with a Visa debit card, digital access, and real-world tools to help teens manage money responsibly.
Scholarship Opportunity
CSE’s commitment to our young members doesn’t stop with savings. As a perk of membership, graduating high school seniors planning to enroll full-time in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year are invited to apply for our SMART Future Scholarship Program.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit any CSE branch to open a Youth Savings Account, or open a Teen Checking or Teen Savings Account online today.
Questions? Call us at 337.477.2000—we’re here to help.