You can practically hear the moment summer arrives in Northern Virginia.

It's the splash of a cannonball at the pool, and the familiar tune of the ice cream truck. Summer is the crack of the bat, the sizzle of the BBQ, and the laughter of friends and family spending time together.

It's also a great time to talk to kids about money. Teenagers might work a summer job or want to save for something big, like a car. Younger kids are out of school and spending more time with their family.

Apple Federal Credit Union wants to give families the tools and information they need for financial success. That's why we've teamed up with WTOP for a three-part series on money matters, and it's why we're making families a priority in everything we do.

As Chief Marketing Officer, I'm excited to share how Apple FCU is connecting families with the financial resources and products they need.

Raising Financially Responsible Kids

In April, we kicked off "Raising Financially Responsible Kids," a three-part panel series on WTOP. In this series, our Community Engagement Officer, Katie Knight, met with local leaders to discuss what kids and families need for financial success.

In April, Katie talked with Dr. LaTanya McDade, Superintendent of Prince William County Public Schools, about how parents can ensure their kids graduate with a solid understanding of economics and personal finance. Last month, Victor Hoskins, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA), and Katie discussed FCEDA's role in students' financial education.

We're wrapping up the series this month with Emily Odom, an Assistant Special Agent in charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. Emily and Katie talk about how parents can help protect their kids from financial and online scams.

Have you heard Katie's conversations on the radio? If not, you can always check out the highlights on our website.

Each conversation has specific, detailed advice and key takeaways for parents. If I had to sum up one consistent message through the series, it's this: start talking with children early about their finances.

Kids have great questions and are often looking for assistance, which is where Apple Federal Credit Union can help.

Support For Parents and Kids

I remember my parents sitting me down at the kitchen table and having me memorize the different parts of a checkbook. Well, things are a little different these days. Students may not have a physical checkbook, but it's never too early to start talking about banking and money.

For younger kids, a trip to the grocery store or the receipt at checkout can provide a way to talk about financial decisions. Everyday situations are a great way to start conversations about earning, spending and saving.

As kids get a bit older, an allowance can help them build habits around budgeting and saving. Apple Federal Credit Union has a product for first-time savers, our eXtras Student Savings. No minimum account balance is required, and youth up to age 23 can earn a premium dividend on balances up to $1,500.^*

Best of all, an adult must be joint on the account, allowing you to monitor your child's savings and guide them in their financial decisions.

Additional Products

For older kids, Apple FCU offers products designed to support them as they continue their financial journey.

Children as young as 12 can open an Apple FCU eXtras Student Checking with a free Debit Card—they can even pick their own Card design, with instant issuance, at nearly all Apple branches. Parents are required as joint owners until the youth reaches 18, which makes managing the child's accounts through their own Apple FCU Online and Mobile App profile a breeze.

With eXtras Student Checking, parents can easily review their child's Debit Card purchases and guide their spending, even if it's not at the kitchen table. This account lays the foundation for solid money management with no fees. Plus, within Digital Banking you can help your kids set up transaction alerts, savings goals and track spending!

It's beneficial for older kids, especially those preparing for college, to start building their credit. Apple FCU offers a Student Visa^® Credit Card designed to promote responsible credit management. The Apple FCU Student Credit Card is available for 18- to 25-year-olds with conservative credit lines up to $1,500 at a fixed-rate.^**

All Apple FCU Credit Cards offer tap and go payments, with both the physical Card and when loaded into Apple Pay^® or Google Pay^®. Our digital Card management tools enable your child to set up alerts, spending limits, etc. They can also check their credit score, learn how to improve their score, run credit simulations, check their credit report and more…all at no cost!

And when the time's right, we offer private student loans in partnership with Sallie Mae^©, and a first-time auto buyer program.

At Apple Federal Credit Union, we demonstrate our commitment to the needs of students and families through our products, service and dedication to supporting your family with tools and resources. We're honored to work with our community partners, just as we're honored to help your family on its financial journey.

Thank you for letting us guide you and your family, and thank you for being a member of Apple Federal Credit Union.