This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Today is National Teach Children to Save Day, and that means students across the country will be learning financial ABCs. As part of its ongoing commitment to community education, Zions Bank will be sending nearly 230 volunteers to different schools throughout Utah and Idaho to help more than 13,000 students get "fiscally fit."

In years past, I've had the pleasure of going in front of classrooms to help impress upon students the importance of savings. I used lively hands-on activities to help 5th graders understand how to prepare a budget. The students became animated in our discussion over the difference between buying the things that we need versus the things we want. "No, video games aren't needs," I had to explain, and soon they understood. Today I'm looking forward to teaching a class of second graders about savings.

This year, several Zions Bank volunteers will visit Boys & Girls Clubs in Salt Lake, Sugarhouse, Park City and Tooele to teach these students the ins and outs of money. Zions Bank President and CEO Scott Anderson will be at the Lied Club in the Poplar Grove neighborhood. The concept of savings should come in handy for Boys & Girls Club youth as they grow up to become small business owners who create local jobs - or bank presidents.

Parents can help their children practice good savings habits by working with them to set short-term or long-term savings goals. Remember, kids learn visually, so you may want to find a clear jar for your tyke to watch his money accumulate as he saves over time. Older children can be taught how to keep track of the money they earn and where they spend it. Let your children listen to you discuss bills, loans and checking accounts so they understand the role that money plays in the family's life.

Together, parents and volunteers can make a different on National Teach Children to Save Day.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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