Okaloosa County children are learning about the benefits of saving money in the Teach Children to Save program.
Six winners were chosen from the 188 children who participated and saved more than $29,000 in this year's competition.
Individual winners are Daniel Dunn; Leeana Echols; Zane Ellerd; Brennen Leonard; Emily Ogden; and Tyler Vaughen. They each received $50. "However, all 188 are winners for making deposits and beginning a life-long commitment to saving," said a TCS spokesperson in a press release.
Six winners were drawn from the 188 entries with deposits totaling $29,000, in the TCS program. orchestrated by local financial institutions, and the University of Florida, Okaloosa County Extension. Sponsors are Eglin Federal Credit Union, First City Bank, PenFed and Beach Community Bank.
How the program works
Youths were asked to set a savings goal and make a deposit into a savings account, which makes them Okaloosa Savers. Since the program began in 2004, there have been 2,725 youths making deposits totaling $276,500.
“(TCS), the Okaloosa Saves annual Expo, as well as America Saves are making great strides in savings.”stated Sherry Harlow, Eglin Federal Credit Union marketing director and Okaloosa Saves Board chair.
●Spread the message of the importance of money and budgeting.
●Make saving second nature
●Get them to a local financial institution; open a savings account or deposit into an existing account.
●Teach like a mom, think like a kid
●Curb their appetite for spending
●Teach the basics of investing
●Encourage them to be entrepreneurs
●Be a role model
Teach your children the value of saving
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa Saves officials announce Teach Children to Save winners