It's financial literacy month, and here in the St. Louis region, we recognize it as Money Smart Month—a time dedicated to empowering individuals and families with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions. Since 2012, coalition partners and volunteers have come together each April to offer free classes, seminars, and events focused on essential financial topics, including budgeting and saving, credit building, home buying, retirement planning, and more.

Be empowered with free educational resources  from CNB during the month of April!

 
At CNB St. Louis Bank, we’re proud to support this mission by offering valuable resources to help our community continue their financial education. Whether you’re looking to take control of your finances, plan for the future, or teach the next generation smart money habits, we’re here to help. This month is all about learning, growing, and making financial confidence more accessible, For You!

Week 1:

Making Credit Work

Understanding and making credit work for you is important because it impacts nearly every aspect of your financial life. Good credit can help secure loans, lower interest rates, and even influence job opportunities or rental applications. 

Week 2:
Debt Guidance

 
Having debt guidance is important because it helps individuals and businesses manage their financial obligations effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and work toward financial stability. 

Week 4:
Managing Expenses

When bills are piling up, it’s important to remember that you’re still in control. The small steps you choose to take can lead to big changes. You can fix this; we can help.  Start with one step.
 

Week 3:
Building Your Savings

Building savings is important because it provides financial security, helps you achieve your goals, and prepares you for unexpected expenses.  
 

Available All Month - Free Story Book!

Children who visit one of our branches during the month of April will receive a FREE Money Monsters Story Book (while supplies last). 

Meet The Money Monsters

The Money Monsters are a group of creatures who are new to our universe. That means they need to learn about many important things like school, friendship, and financial literacy. 
 
Learning about careers, borrowing, and savings is crucial because it helps you make informed decisions, build stability, and create opportunities for the future. 
 
Financial literacy is when you have the knowledge and skills to make money choices that are right for you. These Money Monster stories introduce your youngsters to ideas, habits, and activities that they'll need as they grow up and start to manage their own money.
 
PARENTS:  Download the Money Monsters Reading Guide (PDF)
 

Money Monsters Story Books

The Money Monster story books are available to view, print or download as a pdf or are available as an ePub file for your book reader app! 
 

Money Monsters Chapter Books

The Money Monsters appear in a chapter book for older students. In this chapter book, explore what its like to be an entrepreneur!
 

We're here to help children learn how to save! 

Become a Junior Saver in 4 simple steps!
 
Step 1: 
Stop by any one of our six area locations to grab your FREE coloring bank!
 
Step 2:
Color and assembleyour bank!
 
Step 3:
Fill your bank with coins and bills to save.
 
Step 4:
When your bank is full, bring it back to any one of our six area locations to open your Junior Saver Account and receive a matching bonus up to $25!!
 

Free Resources for Download

Below you will find links to view, download, or print copies of resources provided by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (Opens in a new Window) and are FREE to use.
 
In addition to the booklets mentioned above, we also have resources that include learning about budgeting, building credit, estate planning, saving, home buying, fraud, and more. 
At CNB St. Louis Bank, we’re committed to helping you take control of your financial future with personalized solutions that fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re building your savings, managing debt, or using credit wisely, we’re here to provide the guidance and tools you need for a more secure and confident financial outlook. When it comes to your goals, your money, and your future—we are Banking. For You. 
 
 
 
Notes: 
You will need a book reader app to open the links marked as ePub files.
 
You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader to the links marked as PDF documents.  If you do not have it, you may download it by clicking the button below.