Jeanne D'Arc CU Brings Humorous Financial Education to Local Schools

LOWELL, MA – Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union recently sponsored two entertaining and humorous presentations by comedic financial speaker, Colin Ryan, at Lowell High School and Nashua High School South.

More than 1,000 students enjoyed Ryan’s funny take on money, which is wrapped around his core principal: your ability to manage your money directly affects your ability to have the life you want.

With a witty touch and relatable pop culture examples, Ryan discussed important topics such as budgeting, delayed gratification, marketing tactics used by companies, gambling, credit cards, interest and more. He engaged the students by asking about their own life goals and how they can make saving money possible.

“My goal is to shine a light on the resources that [people] have available to them,” said Ryan. “There’s a strange extra layer with financial education, an extra challenge, which is not only learning how to manage your money, but there’s a lack of interest in even having the conversation, so I feel like I am that piece,” he added.

An important part of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union’s mission is to provide financial education opportunities to people within the Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire communities. Partnering with Ryan has allowed the Credit Union to reach even more local students with a twist of comedy and storytelling. 

“Colin provides students with a comical and refreshing take on financial literacy and what it means to make smart financial choices,” said Mark S. Cochran, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union. “He has spoken to high school students all around the country, and we are pleased to have had the chance to bring him to the communities we serve,” he added.

Ryan began working at a credit union in his home state of Vermont, teaching students about sound financial management. Also a stand-up comedian, Ryan saw an opportunity to combine his two career paths, and so he began making money funny. He now travels around the country delivering presentations and regularly interacting with students and parents. Ryan encourages people to learn from their mistakes with money so they can move forward, and to also help other people in their own financial lives.

“I think if there’s one thing I want to do, it is to get people talking openly, honestly, nonjudgmentally about money, with a sense of humor,” said Ryan.

For more information about Colin Ryan and his presentations, visit http://www.colinryanspeaks.com/.