In her latest column, CU Times Gen Y Back Talk columnist Lindsey Siegriest explained to readers that she and her millennial colleagues are tired of receiving credit card solicitations from their financial institutions.

“Through email, and even regular mail, we’re constantly getting advertising and promotions shoved down our throats,” Siegriest wrote.

Her recommendation to FIs was to “make us feel like opening up a new account was our idea, not yours.”

Only half of high school seniors passed a recent national financial literacy test, so education may be the key to helping Gen Yers make their own adult decisions when it comes to plastic.

Teaching these future cardholders about budgeting, interest rates and general money management before introducing them to credit as a form of payment will make them more confident in their choice to open an account.

Start building a “curriculum” on a blog or in an e-newsletter and begin signing up the parents with the suggestion they share the information with their high schooler. Pepper in messaging about your card programs in a way that keeps education at the forefront.

By keeping the product sales speak to a minimum, your chances of attracting Gen Yers (at least according to Siegriest) will be greatly improved.