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Credit union highlights free financial‑education tools for families and classrooms
Summary
On the podcast, Sarah Keller of Newcenda Credit Union described three free online tools—My 1st Nest Egg, Kashi (classroom activity) and Bonsai—designed to teach elementary through adult learners practical money skills and budgeting.
Sarah Keller, chief community engagement officer at Newcenda Credit Union, told the Inside Santa Fe Public Schools podcast that the credit union hosts free financial‑education tools on its website for families and teachers.
Keller described three offerings. My 1st Nest Egg is an app aimed at early childhood and elementary ages that gamifies routines and introduces the value of saving. "They're really most of us don't go to school with a playbook that's like, this is how you talk about money," Keller said, describing the tool as a way for parents to start those conversations.
Kashi (referred to in the episode as a classroom tool) is an interactive, short‑round simulation teachers can invite into classrooms; Keller recommended Santa Fe Public Schools teachers invite the credit union to present Kashi in class to illustrate tradeoffs such as housing, groceries and transportation decisions.
Bonsai offers short coaching sessions, budget calculators and deeper articles targeted to middle‑ and high‑school students, college‑aged users and adults preparing for major life events. Keller said the platform is designed to "meet people where they are," requiring little personal information and offering quick, actionable guidance.
Keller emphasized accessibility: the tools are available to members and nonmembers, and the credit union aimed to provide vetted resources for people who first seek answers online. She encouraged teachers and schools to reach out if they want classroom visits or resources.
