BrightBridge Credit Union Partners with Methuen High to Bring Real-World Financial Lessons to Life

WHAV News Staff By |

BrightBridge team members helped students understand the impacts of higher education and how student loans will affect their financial goals. From left, Teller Carol Casado, Vice President of Member Support Zobeida Duarte, Operations Specialist Heather Rabs, Communications Specialist Kristin Cole and Methuen Branch Manager Lina Quijano. (Courtesy photograph.)

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BrightBridge Credit Union and Methuen High School came together earlier this month to host the annual Credit for Life Fair, a financial literacy experience designed to prepare graduating seniors for life beyond high school.

The two-hour simulation Friday, Feb. 13 challenged students to step into their future by selecting a career aligned with their post-graduation goals and receiving a projected salary. From there, students moved through a series of interactive stations where they made realistic financial decisions they may soon face, including choices around higher education, housing, transportation and everyday living expenses.

“Hosting the Credit for Life Fair at the high school level is one of the most impactful ways we can prepare students for the realities of adulthood,” says BrightBridge Marketing Specialist and Credit for Life Coordinator Olivia Pink. “By giving them a hands-on opportunity to create a budget, manage expenses and make real-world financial decisions, we’re equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the classroom.”

Throughout the fair, students explored how lifestyle decisions—such as dining out, joining a gym or owning a pet—can impact their monthly budget. They were also met with unexpected scenarios at “The Wheel of Misfortune,” where chance events tested their financial flexibility by introducing surprises that could either strain their budget or provide a financial boost.

“It was so exciting to volunteer at this year’s Credit for Life Fair and support students in the very community where I both live and work,” said BrightBridge’s Methuen Branch Manager Lina Quijano. “Having candid conversations with graduating seniors about their goals and financial futures and guiding them through real-life scenarios makes this event especially rewarding. With a daughter of my own, it’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to invest in the next generation.”

BrightBridge and Methuen High School have been working together on the Credit for Life Fair since 2018.

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