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Money Lessons I Shared With My Kids—And You Should Too
With 20 years at Kitsap Credit Union and two kids of his own navigating young adulthood, Bryan Flynn knows a thing or two about setting up students for financial success. As a seasoned team member and proud parent, Bryan brings a unique mix of professional insight and personal experience to the table.
We sat down with him to talk about budgeting, credit-building, and the financial habits that can make all the difference for college students—plus a few real-life lessons he’s passed on to his own kids (including how to say no to K-pop merch… sometimes).
Check out Bryan’s thoughtful advice and relatable take on helping the next generation feel confident and in control of their finances.
Q: What do you think is the most important financial habit a college student can build early on?
A: I think the most important financial habit a college student can build early on is learning to live within a budget. It sounds simple but it's powerful. Whether it's managing a part-time income, financial aid or help from parents understanding where their money goes, and making intentional choices about it, gives them the control and confidence. My kid just moved to Michigan to attend community college and we've talked a lot about separating wants from needs planning for unexpected costs and making sure every dollar has a job. Budgeting sets the foundation for every other financial decision they'll make now and in the future.
Kitsap Credit Union has a lot of great resources when it comes to budgeting. Not only is our team happy to help answer any questions you might have about budgeting but our Online Banking and Mobile App have features that help you set up a budget and stick to it.
Q: What's a good "first step" for students who feel overwhelmed by managing their finances for the first time?
A: A good first step is just to get a clear picture of where their money is coming from and where it's going. That alone can ease a lot of the stress. I worked with my kid to list out income like financial aid, part-time work, or family support, along with regular expenses, like food, gas, and K-Pop memorabilia. They could make the basic plan even if it wasn't perfect. The key is starting small and being honest about what they could afford. Sometimes K-pop just isn't in the budget. It’s less about getting it all right and more about understanding by getting started.
Q: What are some benefits of using a credit union instead of a big bank for a college student?
A: One of the biggest benefits of using a credit union instead of big bank is the personal attention and lower fees. I taught my kid that credit unions are member owned so they know that credit unions are not trying to nickel and dime students with overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements. It also doesn't hurt that both their mother and father work for credit unions, so they understand that they can keep their accounts local in Kitsap County and be able to access all the services that they are used to through our Mobile App, Online Banking, and through our Contact Center. Although, they will probably defer to mom and dad.
Q: What financial mistakes should a college student watch out for?
A: College students should watch out for the trap of overspending, especially on small everyday things that add up fast like eating out, subscriptions can be huge these days, and impulse spending like that K-Pop memorabilia. It doesn't feel like much in the moment, but it can wreck a budget. Credit cards are another big one building credit is important but it's easy to get into trouble if they treat credit limits like free money. I have shown them that credit should be used wisely and paid off in full when possible.
A great way to avoid financial pitfalls is through education. My high school senior went through the Kitsap Credit Union Achieve Financial Literacy Program that KCU offers to high school students and learned a lot of great information from it that even I did not cover with them. This was extremely enlightening to them and their fellow students.
We’re also proud to offer free Financial Wellness Resources on our website for all ages which includes engaging videos or interactive modules that help your child learn essential money skills.
Q: What's one piece of advice you gave your own child about money?
A: It's important to save early and often. Even setting aside small amounts can really add up over time. Certificates are a great tool for saving toward big goals like paying for college expenses, buying their first car, or even building a foundation for long-term financial security. A certificate can help you stay disciplined by keeping your money set aside, while also earning higher dividends than a regular savings account. Plus, some certificate accounts even allow for additional deposits. They really are a great option.
My last piece of advice would be that avoiding money conversations can be a big mistake too, ask questions and seek advice!
We sat down with him to talk about budgeting, credit-building, and the financial habits that can make all the difference for college students—plus a few real-life lessons he’s passed on to his own kids (including how to say no to K-pop merch… sometimes).
Check out Bryan’s thoughtful advice and relatable take on helping the next generation feel confident and in control of their finances.
Q: What do you think is the most important financial habit a college student can build early on?
A: I think the most important financial habit a college student can build early on is learning to live within a budget. It sounds simple but it's powerful. Whether it's managing a part-time income, financial aid or help from parents understanding where their money goes, and making intentional choices about it, gives them the control and confidence. My kid just moved to Michigan to attend community college and we've talked a lot about separating wants from needs planning for unexpected costs and making sure every dollar has a job. Budgeting sets the foundation for every other financial decision they'll make now and in the future.
Kitsap Credit Union has a lot of great resources when it comes to budgeting. Not only is our team happy to help answer any questions you might have about budgeting but our Online Banking and Mobile App have features that help you set up a budget and stick to it.
Q: What's a good "first step" for students who feel overwhelmed by managing their finances for the first time?
A: A good first step is just to get a clear picture of where their money is coming from and where it's going. That alone can ease a lot of the stress. I worked with my kid to list out income like financial aid, part-time work, or family support, along with regular expenses, like food, gas, and K-Pop memorabilia. They could make the basic plan even if it wasn't perfect. The key is starting small and being honest about what they could afford. Sometimes K-pop just isn't in the budget. It’s less about getting it all right and more about understanding by getting started.
Q: What are some benefits of using a credit union instead of a big bank for a college student?
A: One of the biggest benefits of using a credit union instead of big bank is the personal attention and lower fees. I taught my kid that credit unions are member owned so they know that credit unions are not trying to nickel and dime students with overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements. It also doesn't hurt that both their mother and father work for credit unions, so they understand that they can keep their accounts local in Kitsap County and be able to access all the services that they are used to through our Mobile App, Online Banking, and through our Contact Center. Although, they will probably defer to mom and dad.
Q: What financial mistakes should a college student watch out for?
A: College students should watch out for the trap of overspending, especially on small everyday things that add up fast like eating out, subscriptions can be huge these days, and impulse spending like that K-Pop memorabilia. It doesn't feel like much in the moment, but it can wreck a budget. Credit cards are another big one building credit is important but it's easy to get into trouble if they treat credit limits like free money. I have shown them that credit should be used wisely and paid off in full when possible.
A great way to avoid financial pitfalls is through education. My high school senior went through the Kitsap Credit Union Achieve Financial Literacy Program that KCU offers to high school students and learned a lot of great information from it that even I did not cover with them. This was extremely enlightening to them and their fellow students.
We’re also proud to offer free Financial Wellness Resources on our website for all ages which includes engaging videos or interactive modules that help your child learn essential money skills.
Q: What's one piece of advice you gave your own child about money?
A: It's important to save early and often. Even setting aside small amounts can really add up over time. Certificates are a great tool for saving toward big goals like paying for college expenses, buying their first car, or even building a foundation for long-term financial security. A certificate can help you stay disciplined by keeping your money set aside, while also earning higher dividends than a regular savings account. Plus, some certificate accounts even allow for additional deposits. They really are a great option.
My last piece of advice would be that avoiding money conversations can be a big mistake too, ask questions and seek advice!
August 19, 2025