Nikkei Credit Union Champions Youth Financial Education with My First Nest Egg Partnership

Gardena, California (July 9, 2025) — Guided by the principle of Kodomo No Tame Ni—“For the Sake of the Children”—Nikkei Credit Union is proud to announce a new partnership with My First Nest Egg, an award-winning digital financial literacy platform for kids. This collaboration offers families across Southern California free access to engaging, age-appropriate tools that help children ages 3–13 build strong money habits and lifelong financial confidence. Focused on serving the Japanese American community and broader local neighborhoods, Nikkei CU continues to invest in future generations through culturally rooted, values-driven initiatives.

The partnership features a fully branded, co-hosted version of the My First Nest Egg platform, including a chore and allowance app, savings challenges, monthly printables, and school-ready financial education materials. These tools empower parents to start meaningful conversations with their children about money in a fun and interactive way.

“We are thrilled to introduce My First Nest Egg’s youth financial literacy program to our community,” said Jon Hernandez, CEO of Nikkei Credit Union. “We believe that building strong money habits starts early, and My First Nest Egg provides an engaging and interactive way for children to learn the value of saving, spending wisely, and giving back. By empowering our youngest members with these essential life skills, we’re not only supporting their personal growth but also investing in the long-term financial health of our entire community. Together, we’re helping to shape a brighter, more financially secure future for the next generation.”

To spark engagement, Nikkei CU has launched a new incentive program that rewards young members with a $5 deposit for every 30 quiz questions completed in the app. Parents are encouraged to celebrate these milestones with branch visits and youth account openings, reinforcing smart saving habits and deeper family involvement.

Founded by two mothers and former attorneys, Nicolle Hood and Annie Shoen, My First Nest Egg was born out of a desire to teach their own children healthy money habits. Today, the platform is used by families and schools across the country and is supported by financial institutions committed to equipping the next generation with critical life skills.

“Our mission has always been to make financial education fun, accessible, and impactful,” said Hood, CEO of My First Nest Egg. “Nikkei Credit Union’s deep community roots and dedication to empowering youth through financial literacy is a perfect match for our values and vision.”

With financial literacy rates at historic lows and the cost of financial mistakes on the rise, partnerships like this are essential. Research shows that children with savings accounts are not only more likely to graduate from college but also to develop stronger financial habits in adulthood.

About Nikkei Credit Union

Nikkei CU is a community-focused financial partner dedicated to helping members of all ages achieve their dreams through simple and accessible banking solutions. Proudly serving the Japanese American community and beyond, Nikkei CU believes that when individuals thrive, communities flourish. Learn more at www.nikkeicu.org.

About My First Nest Egg

My First Nest Egg is a digital financial education platform designed for children ages 3–13 and their families. Through a chore and allowance app, monthly learning materials, and classroom content, the company helps kids build lifelong money skills in a fun and engaging way. Developed with input from child psychologists and educators, My First Nest Egg empowers parents and financial institutions to give kids the financial foundation they deserve. Learn more at www.myfirstnestegg.com.