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From half-asleep students to cheering and laughing by the end of the class.

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Testimonial stories

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Approach

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Testimonial stories

Teresa Riesterer
Director of Financial Literacy and Community Outreach at Blackhawk Community Credit Union

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How Blackhawk engages students at 7:30 AM with Cashy

From half-asleep students to cheering and laughing by the end of the class.
Teresa Riesterer
Director of Financial Literacy and Community Outreach
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1

Making financial education relatable

At Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Teresa knew the challenge wasn’t just teaching money. It was keeping students engaged.

“Honestly, kids don’t want to hear a middle-aged woman getting up to talk about financial literacy,” Teresa laughs. “We use Cashy to create a fun experience for them.”
— Teresa Riesterer

Instead of slides or lectures, Teresa brings Cashy, a plug-and-play platform with interactive games that make learning about money visual, competitive, and fun. The result: classrooms that are alive with energy, curiosity, and real conversation about financial choices.

2

When sleepy mornings turn into competition

Teresa often teaches early — her sessions start at 7:30 a.m., when most students are barely awake. What starts as a quiet room quickly turns into laughter and competition. By 9:15 a.m., students are cheering, learning, and asking when they’ll get to play again.

“They come in half-asleep, but by the end they’re smiling, laughing, and competing. It becomes a fun environment where they’re actually learning.
— Teresa Riesterer

3

Teachers spreading the word

Teresa first heard about Cashy from a high-school teacher who was already using it in class.

“I was introduced to Cashy by a teacher, and that’s a huge testimonial for how well it works in the classroom.
— Teresa Riesterer

She visited his class, saw the excitement firsthand, and decided to bring Cashy into her own sessions. Since then, she’s used it everywhere — high schools, the YMCA, and even with the Craftsmen with Character program.

4

Students ask to play again and again

Now, teachers and schools keep inviting Teresa back because the students want to play. What used to be a quiet, early-morning presentation has turned into one of the most engaging parts of the day.

I keep getting invited back because the teachers say the students loved it. That’s the best part.”
— Teresa Riesterer

See one of the games in action:

Make Financial Education Fun

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