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One lesson that can be learned from this economic crisis is that financial literacy plays a significant role in improving the lives of individual as well as helping the economy thrive. The Stephenson National Bank & Trust (SNB&T), will bring its lessons on the importance of saving into the classroom as part of the 13th annual National Teach Children to Save Day on April 21. |
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“Unfortunately, many children are learning how to spend their money, before they are taught how to save it,” said Diane Gromoske, SNB&T personal banker and Teach Children to Save Day coordinator. “The sooner children learn about saving, spending and budgeting, the sooner they can develop good financial habits.” |
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Throughout the week of April 21, bankers will focus on the importance of managing money by teaching lessons that incorporate games and activities about the concept of saving, how to create a budget and how to identify needs versus wants.
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Volunteers from SNB&T have found a unique way to start this discussion by using the Reading Raises Interest program. Age appropriate books are read to children as a fun way to grab attention and ignite their participation. |
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“Throughout the years as we use the Reading Raises Interest program, I’ve noticed that opening the discussion about money is not complicated with children,” said Gromoske. “Reading a book is the perfect way to get down to the child’s level to help explain these concepts. Plus, they get involved in our discussions by sharing their own experiences.” |
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SNB&T is among 22 banks nationwide that have been involved in the Teach Children to Save Day program since it began in 1997. During that time they have made over 200 presentations in classrooms for grades K-8 at public and parochial classrooms in Marinette, Menominee and Oconto. |
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“Through this crucial program, we believe we can help young people in our area better understand the basic, practical aspects of money management,” said Gromoske. “This year, we are participating in the Million-Child Challenge, which aims to educate one million students on the importance of saving. With the help of committed bankers like the volunteers from SNB&T, it's a goal that can be reached.” |
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The Teach Children to Save Day program has connected more than 45,000 bankers across the country with 2.3 million students since it was founded in 1997 by the ABA Education Foundation. |
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The ABA Education Foundation is a non-profit subsidiary of American Bankers Association and is committed to developing and providing educational programs that lead to financial literacy. For nearly 80 years, the foundation has supported the banking industry’s efforts to teach personal finance skills in schools and communities across the country. |
