Effingham Unit 40 Students Learn Importance of Savings Money

More than 550 Effingham area students from Effingham Junior High School, Sacred Heart School and St. Anthony Grade School learn concepts of National Teach Kids How To Save program.

April 20, 2011 (Effingham, IL) – Representatives from Washington Savings Bank visited Effingham area schools the week of April 11th. Students learned the basics of saving money as well as the difference between wants and needs. Matt Dasenbrock of Washington Savings Bank made the presentation to the students.

Dasenbrock visited with more than 550 area junior high students to celebrate an annual nationally recognized program, Teach Kids How To Save. This program was developed by the American Bankers Association Education Foundation to provide education programs that lead to financial literacy.

"It is important that students learn the value of saving money and prioritizing their wants versus needs," says Dasenbrock. "Learning the basics helps them better understand the discussions with their family about the resources they have," he continued.

The students were provided handouts that illustrate and provide examples of how to save for something they want. The materials also touch on the topic of budgeting. Additionally, the students were given a waterproof money pouch as a reminder to make good financial choices.

The kids were not the only ones who benefited from this annual program. Washington Savings Bank donated books to each one of the schools for their resource library. One of the books is for parents, and another directed towards the students.

Teach Children To Save is a national campaign that raises awareness about the important role that banks and bankers play in helping young people develop lifelong savings habits. The campaign has reached 3.4 million young people with the help of some 80,000 banker volunteers through its annual awareness day and the Teach Children to Save Web site: www.teachchildrentosave.com.

Washington Savings Bank, the second oldest and largest customer owned financial institution in Effingham County, offers a full line of personal and commercial deposit and loan products. The bank has received a 5-Star rating, the highest possible, from Bauer Financial for 23 consecutive years.