You may be young, but with each passing moment, the opportunity to make more money is slipping away. By not managing your money, you may be missing out on serious long-term rewards.

So where do you turn for financial guidance? We suggest the MoneyMix™: Launch Your Life. Designed for adults 18-30, MoneyMix is loaded with articles, blogs and videos on money management. The topics cover the big decisions people your age make every day, and show you how to make the right financial call.

Freedom, independence, control. You want it? You've gotta earn it. Want your own checking account? You need to show that you know the rules. Just like driving a car. No license? No car. How do you show you're ready for the keys to financial independence? Guides to Independence on Washington Community FCU's website.

Guides to Independence allows teens like you to prove your ability to “learn the rules” through a series of interactive online courses. Never had a checking account? Try "How to Start a Checking Account" and "How to Balance a Checking Account." These courses take only about 15 minutes each to complete. They have lots of fun quizzes, simulations, and interactions that will show you how to safely and accurately manage your own checking account.

Once you've completed all of the courses you can print a certificate of completion. Bring that certificate back to the Credit Union for a $25 deposit into your new or existing savings account*. AND you'll get a free eMusic download when you complete the course! Questions? Email the Credit Union.

*Valid only for students in grades 9-11 eligible for membership. Deposit must remain in the account for 30 days. One deposit per member.

Googolplex is an awesome tool for students! With three separate web pages geared at students of different ages, Googoplex makes it fun to learn about how to spend, save and share money the smart way!

5-Spot is for elementary schoolers, AJ's is for middle schoolers and C-Note gives high school students the info they need to succceed as they begin managing finances on their own. Each level is written by kids, so it speaks in a language you'll understand. And with games, stories, blogs and puzzles, you'll find plenty of fun too!