Serving her community’s financial needs is part of Lauren Money’s job. Lauren is the vice president of enterprise risk administration and the Community Reinvestment Act/fair lending officer at Colorado Federal Savings Bank.

When Lauren stepped into this role in October 2016, the bank already had a relationship with Junior Achievement, and Lauren immediately started volunteering – a lot!  Since last October, she has taught 11 JA classes and is getting ready to start two more this semester. She has taught several levels, from Kindergartners to high school sophomores. One of her favorites has been a class in which students get to create their own flavor of Oogie’s popcorn. “I enjoyed seeing them learning different aspects of creating a product and pitching the product,” said Lauren.

Lauren teaches financial literacy with several organizations, but loves JA’s focus on early, age-specific learning. “It keeps the kids engaged,” Lauren explained. “They don’t spend too much time on a particular topic so they don’t get bored. I want them to be engaged and understand how important finance is in their lives. I want them to carry this into their adult lives.”

Lauren frequently works with adults who have never had financial education and sees how it has impacted them. She also realizes that many of the students she is teaching don’t get financial education at home, because their parents often haven’t had the education they are receiving through JA.

Lauren has two children of her own, and she says that her experience with them has prepared her well for teaching JA classes. But having children isn’t necessary to be a volunteer. “Be personal, open up, share personal stories, be a little lenient, so they can relate,” advises Lauren. “It’s easier if you open up and are more personal with the students.”