It’s summertime—and that means school’s out. It’s also the perfect opportunity for teens and young adults to begin building strong financial habits that can shape their future.
At Navigant Credit Union, we’re proud to provide the tools and resources that help our members create a solid financial foundation. That includes the younger members of our community who are just starting their journey toward financial independence. As backpacks and calculators make way for beach chairs and summer jobs, here are a few ways young adults can turn this summer into a financially productive one.
Building Smart Financial Habits
Summer often marks a first step into the working world for many teens—whether it’s a job at a local grocery store, a restaurant, or an ice cream shop. With that first paycheck comes both excitement and responsibility: managing income, making spending decisions, and learning how to save.
A great place to start is with a simple budget—and one helpful framework is the 50/30/20 rule:
- 50% for needs
- 30% for wants
- 20% for savings
For young adults still living at home, “needs” may be minimal, which creates an even bigger opportunity to prioritize savings. Thinking ahead to future expenses—like school supplies, tuition, or future living expenses—can make a big difference.
Taking the time to understand the difference between needs and wants, and building a habit of saving early, sets the stage for long-term financial success. These habits help young adults learn to live within their means and make thoughtful decisions about their money.
Starting the Journey with the Right Tools
At Navigant Credit Union, we don’t just offer financial advice—we provide practical tools to help young adults put that advice into action.
Our Embark Account is designed specifically for individuals ages 13 to 22. With just a $10 minimum to open and no monthly fees, it’s an accessible, digital-first checking account built for today’s lifestyle. Features include:
- Card controls
- Mobile alerts
- Mobile check deposit
- Round-up to savings
It’s a great starter account that meets young adults where they are, offering flexibility, convenience, and built-in tools to encourage smart money management. Features like round-up to savings make it easy to start building consistent saving habits without even thinking twice.
A Summer Bonus
For a limited time, Navigant is also offering a fun summer promotion. From June 15 through June 27, anyone who opens an Embark Account—online or in-branch—will be automatically entered into a drawing to win a pair of Beats headphones and a $30 Amazon gift card.
Summer is more than just a break from school—it’s a valuable opportunity to build confidence with money and establish habits that last a lifetime.
To learn more about how Navigant Credit Union is helping young adults take control of their financial future, click here
