We have joined forces with the American Banker’s Association’s (ABA) Education Foundation to celebrate Teach Children to Save Day on Tuesday, April 23.
We invite parents to bring their children into their local MVSB office at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 23 for a reading of Pick Pigs™ – a story about saving, sharing and spending. Geared towards children ages 3-7, the Pick Pigs™ story follows “Julia” as she learns examples of saving, sharing and spending from friends, neighbors and family members. She then picks which of her three piggy banks – saving, sharing or spending – to put her money in.
Each child who attends a reading will leave receive the Pick Pigs™ book, as well as the three Pick Pigs™ piggy banks, so that they, too, can make decisions about saving, sharing and spending. Children will have the opportunity to share their savings goals and ask questions about money and banking.
The goal of Teach Children to Save Day is to bring bankers and children together to work towards increasing financial education. We encourage parents to bring their children to this fun event and to think about creative ways they can teach their children about saving and setting financial goals day-to-day. These are just a few examples of ways parents can pass along their financial savvy:
• Set the example of a responsible money manager by paying bills on time, being a conscientious spender and an active saver. Children tend to emulate their parents’ personal finance habits.
• Talk openly about money with your kids. Communicate your values and experiences with money. Encourage them to ask you questions, and be prepared to answer them.
• Explain the difference between needs and wants, the value of saving and budgeting and the consequences of not doing so.
• Open a savings account for your children and take them with you to the bank to make deposits, so they can learn how to be hands-on in their money management.
• Let them make mistakes. As they get older, give them responsibility over how they manage their money. When they make a mistake, use it as a teachable moment to discuss the right way to handle money.
The following worksheets and activities may be a great way to get your children thinking and talking about money and saving:
• Save, Spend, Share Goal Worksheet
• Teach Children to Save Day Coloring Page 1
• Teach Children to Save Day Coloring Page 2
For more helpful financial education resources, please visit http://www.themint.org.
Photo Caption: Branch and Business Development Officer Charleen Hughes (right) and Branch Services Supervisor Dotty Buontempo (left), display the Pick Pigs™ book and piggy banks that will be given to all children who attend a reading.
