Mad City Money Returns with a Real-World Budgeting Challenge for Teens First Credit Union & Hot 97.5 FM team up for free event

CHANDLER, Ariz. (August XX, 2025) - This September, teens in the Valley will have the chance to step into the shoes of an adult-bills, budgets, and the responsibilities of financial independence-when First Credit Union and Hot 97.5 host Mad City Money https://firstcu.net/learn/mad-city-money/ on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Mad City Money is an interactive simulation designed to help teens ages 13-19 experience the financial decisions adults face every day. Each teen receives a fictional profile complete with a career, salary, family responsibilities, and even some debt. The challenge? Balance it all while making smart money moves. Participants will choose housing, manage car payments, and budget for childcare, clothing, and groceries-all while handling unexpected expenses that can make or break their budget.
Along the way, students discover practical budgeting tips, gain confidence in handling finances, and learn how every decision impacts their financial future.
A new report from Stanford University found that Gen Z (born 1997-2012) scored just 38% on financial literacy tests, and three-quarters wish they'd received finance education earlier.
And research shows that current teens want the added financial education. Over half of American teens (54%) report feeling unprepared to manage their finances, yet only about one-quarter of high school students are offered personal finance courses.
"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 event is free to attend and registration is open now. It will be held on September 24th at the Chandler-Gilbert Community College - Pecos Campus (2626 E. Pecos Road) from 5 to 7 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. Teens will receive complimentary dinner and refreshments as and receive special perks from First Credit Union including:
● Earn $5 when opening a new savings account
● Earn $50 when opening a new checking account
Spots are limited to XX people To learn more or sign up for Mad City Money, visit: Mad City Money - First Credit Union
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About First Credit Union: First Credit Union distinguishes itself from traditional banks as a not-for-profit institution. Unlike banks, we are owned by our members, not shareholders. Established in Arizona in 1929, we have deep roots in the local community and are headquartered in Chandler, AZ. At First Credit Union, we prioritize our members' well-being by offering member-priced products and services, free financial education, and complimentary money management tools to empower our members to enhance their financial health. In essence, our mission revolves around serving our members and ensuring their financial success.

First Credit Union is not-for-profit. We're owned by our members, not shareholders. We're local. First Credit Union was established in Arizona in 1929 and today is based in Chandler, AZ. We care about our members. We show it by offering member-priced products and services, free financial education, and free money management tools to help members improve their financial condition.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Korenna Wilson
korennaw@knoodle.com
(602) 751 - 3846
Postal Address: PO Box 820, Chandler, AZ 85244
Physical Address: 25 S. Arizona Place Ste. 111, Chandler, AZ 85225
Website: firstcu.net

What is Mad City?
Mad City Money is a way for teens to learn the importance of budgeting - all while having FUN! This immersive financial education experience is designed for junior high and high school students and it's FREE!

Each teen receives a future identity complete with an occupation, salary, kids, and perhaps some debt. Students then make decisions about housing, transportation, food, clothing, child care, entertainment, and more. Just like adults! Before leaving Mad City Money, teens share and review what they learned about budgeting and making financial decisions.

This release was published on openPR.