Okaloosa 'Teach Children to Save' contest promotes financial responsibility

As a representative of Okaloosa Saves and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, I was delighted to present a check for $1,000 from America Saves to local resident Diana Mongeau, of Niceville.

Diana entered the national #imsavingfor contest at the Okaloosa Saves Eco-Nomic Living Expo held at the Santa Rosa Mall in February. She made a short video at the mall, with her granddaughter Jazzy, explaining her savings tips.

The same day the check was presented Diana explained that she was heading out to deposit the check in a new savings account for her granddaughter and entering the Teach A Child To Save contest in hopes that Jazzy would be a $50 winner.

The 2017 Teach A Child To Save campaign runs from April 24 to July 31. Any youth (17 years and younger) who sets a savings goal is eligible to win $50.

Enter the drawing by making a deposit into your account and registering as an Okaloosa Saver (one entry per day allowed).

Six children's names will be randomly drawn from all entries, and each will win a $50 cash award to add to their savings accounts. David Money of First Bank provided funds for the prizes.

The 2017 participating banks and credit unions are:

•Bancorp South, Miramar Beach

•Beach Community Bank

•Eglin Federal Credit Union

•First City Bank

Since Okaloosa Saves introduced Teach a Child to Save in 2004, a total of 2,969 children has saved over $300,000.

If you would like to start saving, take a small step and pledge to save at Okaloosasaves.org.

To view Diana’s winning video visit the Okaloosa Saves Facebook page.

Contact me at jbreslawski@ufl.edu if you have questions or want more information.

Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Okaloosa 'Teach Children to Save' contest promotes financial responsibility