Kids learn about saving money

It’s never too early to learn about how to wisely use money.

Grade 7 students in the Light of Christ Catholic School Division gathered at a couple of locations to learn from representatives from Bank of Montreal as well as from the Battlefords Chamber of Commerce about how to manage their money.

The presentation was called Talk With Our Kids About Money, and was held during the noon hour as a highlight of all-day money and finance days at each of the schools.

The noon events were held at two locations. St. Mary School students were at Notre Dame for one, while students from EMBM were at Holy Family School for the other.

The presentations were a way for the schools to provide some practical education and tips to the students about money, and to get them thinking about it. 

The Bank of Montreal presenters at Notre Dame asked the students what the first thing was that came to their mind about money, and one student replied “buying a Lamborghini.”

In fact, saving money for the big-ticket items, such as a first car or for education, was a key focus of the session.

The presenters spoke of the importance of saving money, and gave tips on how to save and how to find savings, such as looking for sales or discounts, or using coupons when shopping.

They talked about ways to save money by walking or riding a bike as opposed to taking the bus or cab.

They spoke of the difference between things people “want” and the things people “need” such as food clothing or housing.

As another example, they noted that if kids cut out a lot of impulse-buying of snacks from the store each day — candy, pop, chips — they could save between $700 and $900 a year. 

That fact made an impression on Notre Dame student Chayce Schmidt. “I was pretty surprised by that,” he said. “Each thing was only like three bucks, two bucks. I thought it would only be over $200.”

Overall, Schmidt said he learned a lot “about saving, and tips on how to save.” 

Ricci Vargas, also a student from Notre Dame, took away the idea that “saving money is important, especially for the future. Especially if you’re going to go to university or college.”

As for what she takes away from the presentation, Vargas says she plans to “save up” and “try not to spend my money on things I don’t need.”