First Credit Union’s Mad City Money Returns with a Real-World Budgeting Challenge for Teens

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on October 22, 2025

On Sept. 24, teens from across Phoenix gathered at Estrella Mountain Community College to take part in Mad City Money, an interactive financial education event hosted by First Credit Union in partnership with local radio station Hot 97.5 FM.

The event, designed for students ages 13-19, gave participants a hands-on look at the financial decisions adults face every day. Each teen was assigned a fictional profile that included a career, salary, family obligations, and debt. With those details in hand, they were challenged to create and manage a monthly budget while making real-world choices about housing, transportation, childcare, groceries, and entertainment — all while handling unexpected expenses along the way.

“Financial literacy is one of the most important skills young people can develop,” said Jay Curtis, President and CEO of First Credit Union. “With Mad City Money, we’re giving them a safe, engaging way to explore the realities of managing money before reality hits.”

The program comes at a critical time. Research from Stanford University shows Gen Z averages just 38% on financial literacy assessments, and more than half of American teens report feeling unprepared to manage their finances. Yet only about one in four high school students nationwide has access to a personal finance course. Events like Mad City Money aim to close that gap by providing practical tools and confidence before students step into financial independence.

The September session drew strong participation and offered teens more than just a learning opportunity. Attendees received complimentary dinner and refreshments and could take advantage of special First Credit Union incentives, including a $5 bonus for opening a new savings account and $50 for opening a new checking account.

For First Credit Union, founded in Arizona in 1929, the event reflects a long-standing commitment to empowering members through education, tools, and community outreach. With programs like Mad City Money, the credit union is helping prepare the next generation to make smart financial choices and build a strong foundation for the future.

Posted in Arizona, Community Impact, Regional Member News.