In this Art of Allowance Podcast episode, host John Lanza speaks with guest Steve Bugg about what it takes to build money-smart families and communities. Steve is the CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, one of our partners engaging kids and empowering parents through The Money Mammals powered by The Art of Allowance. He and John discuss the role of technology in financial education, the challenges of connecting with schools and the future of credit unions in promoting financial literacy. Steve also shares how his approach to teaching financial responsibility has evolved from parenting to grandparenting, emphasizing the value of starting early and building strong money habits.

Steve Bugg is the President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union, which boasts over 100,000 members in Northern Illinois. After working in the banking and telecommunications industries, Steve joined the credit union movement 17 years ago. His dedication to serving underserved markets through financial literacy, housing counseling and community partnerships has led him to collaborate with numerous nonprofit and industry organizations, including the Lake County Community Foundation, Waukegan Public Library, Illinois Credit Union League Legislative Committee and National Credit Union Foundation Fundraising Committee. A University of Evansville graduate, Steve is a passionate advocate for improving the financial well-being of low- and moderate-income households.