Coloring Meets Budgeting: A Creative Approach to Financial Literacy

May 30, 2024 at 6:21 PM
Slide 2
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 1

A unique collaboration between TikTok influencer Allison Baggerly and neobank Chime is redefining how financial literacy is taught. This partnership introduces an innovative adult coloring book designed to make budgeting both enjoyable and educational. While Baggerly's methods typically focus on digital tools, this project incorporates artistic elements into financial planning. The 29-page coloring book combines monthly expense tables with engaging illustrations, offering users a creative outlet while managing finances. This initiative addresses the lack of financial education in America, where a significant percentage of individuals report no prior knowledge of money management.

Neobank Chime and TikTok sensation Allison Baggerly have joined forces to create an unconventional tool for promoting financial literacy. The centerpiece of their collaboration is a coloring book that transforms budgeting into an artistic experience. Each page features monthly budget templates alongside cheerful designs by illustrator Steffi Lynn Tsai, providing users with a fun way to track expenses and savings. Baggerly adapted her TikTok teachings into written form, ensuring the content remains accessible and engaging. Through this project, she encourages users to rethink traditional budgeting methods, blending creativity with practical finance tips.

This coloring book represents more than just a novelty item; it reflects a broader movement toward making financial education approachable. According to Jennifer Dohm, head of consumer communications at Chime, the goal is to bridge the gap left by inadequate financial training in schools. Studies reveal that over one-third of Americans never learned about money during their education. To counteract this deficit, Chime incorporated interactive elements like the coloring book and partnerships with platforms such as Zogo, which offers gamified financial learning experiences. These efforts align with modern trends showing increased engagement when education feels enjoyable and relatable.

Celebrity involvement further amplifies the reach of this initiative. T-Pain, known for his music career, surprised college students with a personal finance workshop, distributing copies of the coloring book. Such high-profile endorsements highlight the potential impact of combining influencers and celebrities to promote financial awareness. Unlike traditional banks, which often struggle to engage customers meaningfully, Chime leverages social media personalities to connect directly with younger audiences. Baggerly emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are—both digitally and emotionally—by presenting complex financial concepts in digestible formats.

The success of this approach challenges conventional banking practices. Established institutions may need to reconsider their strategies if trust increasingly shifts toward digital-first brands trusted by younger generations. As financial education evolves, so too must the methods used to deliver it. By integrating art and technology, Chime and Baggerly demonstrate that creativity can play a vital role in fostering financial well-being.

Through this imaginative partnership, Chime and Baggerly offer a fresh perspective on teaching financial skills. Their coloring book exemplifies how merging art and finance can inspire greater participation in budgeting activities. As societal attitudes towards money management continue to change, initiatives like these prove essential in preparing individuals for economic independence. By prioritizing accessibility and enjoyment, this project sets a new standard for financial education tools.