Oregon Bankers Association Sponsors National Teach Children to Save Day This Month

Banks across Oregon to help teach important savings lessons to children; Oregon State Treasurer to participate at Bush Elementary in Salem.

Oregon's State Treasurer Randall Edwards will visit Bush Elementary in Salem as part of the day's festivities.

(SALEM, Ore.) - In a national effort by banks to enlighten youth on the importance of saving , the Oregon Bankers Association (OBA) , in conjunction with the American Bankers Association Education Foundation (ABAEF), is sponsoring the 12th annual National Teach Children to Save Day.

On April 29th, banks across the state of Oregon will be in classrooms teaching valuable savings lessons. Additionally, Oregon State Treasurer Randall Edwards will be at Bush Elementary School in Salem, OR at 9:30 AM to participate in the day’s educational activities.

During National Teach Children to Save Day, Oregon bankers will incorporate games and activities into lessons on the concept of saving, how interest makes money grow, how to create a budget and differentiate between needs and wants. Since 1997, the program has connected with more than 45,000 bankers across the country, and with 2.3 million students to create a generation of financially educated students.

"Oregon banks have a long tradition of supporting financial education programs in our schools," said Linda Navarro, president and CEO of the Oregon Bankers Association. "This day is a great opportunity for us to focus on savings lessons for young people throughout the state, which is more critical today than ever."

"Bankers and financial education are a perfect fit," said Laura Fisher, director of ABAEF. "Students appreciate financial lessons from bankers, as they would appreciate music lessons from a musician. They are literally getting the information 'straight from the banker's mouth.' And this makes a difference."

Recent studies report that almost 90 percent of young people have never taken a class in personal finance, although they spend billions each year. Fisher explained that youth spend an average of $104 per week and the figures highlight the need for financial education.

"Without bankers and programs like Teach Children to Save Day many would enter into adulthood with little or no financial education," emphasized Fisher.

"Bankers who have taken the lead to educate millions on the importance of saving show a true commitment to our youth and their customers."

About The Oregon Bankers Association

Established in 1905, the Oregon Bankers Association is Oregon's only full-service trade association representing state and national commercial banks, thrifts and savings banks chartered to do business in Oregon. More information is available at oregonbankers.com.