Midcoast FCU Brings Financial Empowerment to Youth at 2026 YLAT Conference


Midcoast FCU’s Tena Wallace, Vice President of Community Engagement, and Brunswick Branch Manager Brian Boulay.

Midcoast FCU’s Tena Wallace, Vice President of Community Engagement, and Brunswick Branch Manager Brian Boulay recently presented an engaging financial education workshop, Money Stuff No One Explains, at the 2026 Youth Leadership Advisory Team (YLAT) Conference held at Husson University.

The YLAT Conference brings together youth and young adults from across Maine to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and gain practical knowledge for adulthood. Wallace and Boulay’s interactive session addressed financial topics that are often overlooked in traditional education but are critical for long-term success.

The workshop focused on understanding and building credit, recognizing and avoiding fraud and scams, protecting personal information, and developing healthy financial habits. Participants learned how credit scores impact future opportunities, how scammers target young adults, and what steps they can take to safeguard their finances in an increasingly digital world.

“Young adults are often expected to navigate financial decisions without ever being taught the fundamentals,” said Wallace. “Our goal with Money Stuff No One Explains is to provide practical, real-world information that helps participants feel confident and prepared to make smart financial choices.”

The presentation encouraged active participation through discussions, real-life examples, and scenario-based learning, helping attendees identify common financial pitfalls and develop strategies to avoid them.

“It was rewarding to see the level of engagement from participants,” said Boulay. “The questions and conversations demonstrated a real desire to understand how credit works, how to spot scams, and how to build a strong financial foundation for the future.”

Midcoast FCU remains committed to promoting financial wellness through community partnerships, educational outreach, and programs that empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial success.

By participating in the YLAT Conference, Midcoast FCU continues its mission of preparing the next generation with practical financial skills that will benefit them for years to come.