Michigan youth invited to compete in Smart Money Missions game for National Financial Literacy Month
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EmailEmpower teens to make informed financial decisions about spending, saving, investing and entrepreneurship in a fun scavenger hunt game.
April is National Financial Literacy Month, and Michigan State University Extension’s Michigan 4-H program is celebrating with an interactive challenge designed to make learning about money fun, engaging and rewarding.
Michigan youth ages 13–19 (as of Jan. 1, 2026) are invited to take part in the Smart Money Missions Goosechase game — an exciting, app-based competition where players complete creative financial challenges for a chance to win prizes. Thanks to the generous sponsorship of the Michigan Credit Union Foundation, top scorers will win a $50 Amazon e-gift card.
Youth have until April 21 to register and complete their missions. Registration and more information can be found on the Money Smart Mission Goosechase game website.
Turning financial education into an adventure
The Smart Money Missions game transforms financial literacy into a dynamic scavenger hunt. Participants earn points by completing missions that may include:
- Solving budgeting challenges.
- Answering financial trivia.
- Exploring entrepreneurship concepts.
- Learning about credit and interest.
- Submitting creative photo responses.
The game encourages youth to build practical money management skills while engaging in friendly competition with peers across the state.
What youth are saying
Past participants shared how the experience strengthened their financial knowledge:
- “I have learned approximate auto costs for a year, strengthened my budgeting skills, and learned about the different types of interest.”
- “I learned about different types of credit, what each score means, how high your credit score can go, and what makes you have good credit.”
- “I have learned a lot about money management and economic skills that can help me later in life with my future career.”
- “I learned that it can be fun to look forward to a savings goal. I am using my savings jar now to save for the future.”
Why it matters
Building financial skills at a young age empowers teens to make informed decisions about spending, saving, investing and business. Programs like Smart Money Missions Goosechase game help youth gain confidence, develop critical thinking skills and prepare for real-world financial responsibilities — all in a format that feels more like a game than a lesson.Top of Form
