Making sense out of dollars and cents doesn’t have to mean extensive math classes, complicated accounting courses, balance sheets or detailed story problems. Learning to manage funds, control expenses and even build a savings account can actually be an exciting adventure. Something the entire family can delight in.

To enhance the learning process and add a new spin to money management, Utah Community Credit Union has created the UCCU Family Festival — a two-day event where children and teens, along with their parents, can improve their financial knowledge.

Over the past year, UCCU has worked on building this event to promote the credit union’s mission to “Inspire Smart Decisions.” This event was created as a way to celebrate the best of Utah families, said Brad Norton, senior vice president of marketing at UCCU.

The free event, on Nov. 9-10 at the UCCU Center at Utah Valley University, welcomes young guests with 5 Be Money Smart (BMS) Bucks. That free “money” can be used in a variety of ways.

For instance you could take those 5 BMS Bucks and qualify for a “College Eligible Diploma” and earn 10 BMS Bucks. You can also double your funds, up to 10 BMS Bucks, by depositing it into a savings account at the BeMoneySmart Branch where it will gain interest in just 20 minutes.

Attending mini classes, participating in a “Walk Safely to School” event, learning how to be a buddy not a bully, or visiting any 10 of the dozens of vendor booths will all earn you additional BMS Bucks.

All those bucks earned can then be spent on any number of fun activities — such as 15 bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, obstacle courses and a train ride — or on treats like popcorn, chocolate milk, cotton candy and more.

Youth with a generous spirit also can choose to donate any of their earnings to four charities, such as Community Action or Boy Scouts of America.

“We knew it had to be fun and entertaining or people would not come, and we’re pretty confident that it will be a blast,” Norton said.

While the kids are running from bounce house to cotton candy booth and back again, parents, too, have multiple options for education and entertainment throughout the event.

Mini classes on everything from inspiring your child to love reading or how to accelerate your debt payoff to advice for first-time home buyers to health and nutrition tips for kids will be offered throughout both days. You can even learn to play the ukelele with help from Mountain Rock Music.

The main stage at UCCU Center will be buzzing, too, with performances throughout the event. Hale Center Theater Orem will stage mini performances of musical theater favorites.

Other activities include a BMX Dew Tour Riders Performance, UCCU’s Top Talent singing competition, T-Mobile texting contests, ongoing drawings and even a special appearance from Santa Claus.

“Wise money management, the importance of higher education and general community resource awareness for families is at the core of this new community event,” Norton said.

At the conclusion of the day, any BMS bucks remaining (up to 5) can be traded in for actual cash and deposited into an existing or new UCCU BeMoneySmart youth banking account.

UCCU Family Festival

When: 3-9 p.m. on Nov. 9 and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Nov. 10.

Where: UCCU Center, 800 W. University Parkway, Orem

Tickets: Print your free family pass at www.uccufamilyfest.com. Plus, please bring one non-perishable food item per person.

Info: www.uccufamilyfest.com.