Financial literacy programme
Free online learning for our members and community
Building financial confidence, one step at a time
Kilrush Credit Union has partnered with Alison, an Irish social enterprise learning platform, to offer free access to a Financial Literacy Programme for our members and community groups within our common bond.
This programme is designed to support people at every stage of life — whether you’re managing household bills, heading to college, planning ahead, or simply looking to feel more confident about everyday money decisions.
Learning is online, self‑paced, and free to access.
What is the Financial Literacy Programme?
The Financial Literacy Programme is a series of short, practical online courses that cover the money topics people ask about most.
What you’ll learn
- How to manage your day-to-day spending and build a simple budget
- Practical ways to save money and plan for the future
- How borrowing works — and how to avoid common pitfalls
- How to recognise and avoid scams and financial fraud
- How to build confidence making financial decisions at every stage of life
How it works
- Free, online courses you can complete in your own time
- Short, practical modules (1–3 hours each)
- Accessible on mobile, tablet or desktop
- Available to individuals, schools and community groups
You can choose what’s relevant to you and complete the modules at your own pace, in your own time — on your phone, tablet, or computer.
There’s no pressure to “complete everything”. Even dipping into one topic can make a real difference.
Once registered, learners also have access to a wide range of other courses available on the Alison platform.
This programme is open to:
- Kilrush Credit Union members
- Young adults and students
- Parents and families
- Community groups within our common bond
(e.g. active retirement groups, men’s sheds, schools, sports and community organisations)
If you’re not sure whether the programme is suitable for you — it is.
The content is designed to be accessible, practical and supportive, with no prior financial knowledge needed.
Alison is an Irish social enterprise learning platform, founded in Ireland with a simple aim: to make high‑quality education free and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Today, Alison supports millions of learners worldwide through online, self‑paced courses covering practical life, work and personal development skills.
Kilrush Credit Union has chosen to partner with Alison because their approach aligns closely with our own values — community support, inclusion, and lifelong learning.
As a community‑based credit union, supporting financial wellbeing goes beyond products and services.
We know that when people feel more confident and informed about money:
- They’re better equipped to make decisions
- They’re more protected against scams
- They feel less stress around finances
- They’re better prepared for life changes
This programme allows us to support our members and community with practical education, while still keeping local, friendly support close at hand.
The learning is:
- Online and flexible
- Free to access
- Available to members and eligible community groups
- Supportive, not sales‑focused
It’s about giving people tools, knowledge and confidence — in a way that suits them.
What topics are covered?
The programme focuses on real‑life, everyday money skills, including:
Personal budgeting & cash management
Learn how to plan your money, manage bills, and make your income go further.
Saving, investing & financial goal setting
Understand saving habits, financial goals, and the basics of planning ahead.
Credit & debit management
Get clear, practical explanations of credit, borrowing, and managing repayments responsibly.
Phishing & financial scams
Learn how to recognise common scams, protect your information, and stay safe online.
Each module is broken down into clear, easy‑to‑follow lessons, with examples that make sense in everyday life.
Community groups & schools
Community groups and schools can:
- Receive a dedicated registration link for their group
- Request a short in‑person or group session
- Use the programme as a discussion or learning support tool
How to get started
Register for free access
Getting started is simple:
- Click Register now for free access
- Create your account
- Choose the topics that matter most to you
- Learn at your own pace, in your own time
If you’d prefer to talk to someone first, our team in Kilrush Credit Union is always happy to help.
And there’s more…
When you register through Kilrush Credit Union, you’re not limited to financial literacy courses.
You’ll also have access to a wide range of other free online courses on the Alison platform — covering areas like IT, digital skills, business, employability, wellbeing and personal development.
FAQs
No. Access to the Financial Literacy Programme is free to register and free to learn.
The course content is available online and can be accessed at no cost through Kilrush Credit Union’s registration link.
No.
There is no requirement to complete all courses.
You can:
- Choose just one topic
- Dip in and out of different modules
- Complete as little or as much as suits you
The programme is designed to be flexible and pressure‑free.
That’s perfectly fine.
There are:
- No deadlines
- No penalties
- No follow‑up reminders from Kilrush Credit Union
Even completing part of a course can still be helpful, and you can return at any time.
No.
Signing up does not commit you to completing courses, taking exams, or sharing any financial information.
Registering simply gives you access to the learning platform so you can choose what’s useful to you.
Some courses on the platform offer optional certificates.
- Certificates are not required
- They are not needed for participation
- They are often used by learners who want proof of learning for personal or professional reasons
Whether a certificate is available (and whether there is any cost) depends on the course and learner choice. Most people use the programme purely for learning and confidence.
No.
This programme provides general financial education only.
It is designed to help people better understand everyday money topics, but it does not replace personal financial advice.
If you ever want to discuss your own situation, Kilrush Credit Union staff are always happy to support you separately.
The courses are:
- Online and self‑paced
- Made up of short lessons
- Written in clear, accessible language
- Designed for everyday, real‑life situations
You can complete them on a phone, tablet or computer.
Once registered, learners can also explore a wide range of other free online courses on the Alison platform.
Many are particularly relevant to Kilrush Credit Union members and community groups, including:
Digital & online skills
- Basic computer and smartphone skills
- Internet safety and digital confidence
- Using email and online services safely
Work & career skills
- CV writing and interview skills
- Workplace communication
- Time management and organisation
Wellbeing & life skills
- Stress management and resilience
- Personal development and confidence building
- Communication and decision‑making skills
Community & volunteering
- Community leadership basics
- Supporting others in community settings
Learners are free to explore any of these at their own pace.
Yes — very much so.
The programme is designed for all ages and experience levels, including people who:
- Haven’t studied online before
- Feel unsure about technology
- Want clear explanations without jargon
Everything is explained step by step, and there’s no expectation of prior knowledge.
If you have any questions about the programme or would like help getting started, you can contact Claire at Kilrush Credit Union directly.
We’re always happy to help.
