One Penny at a Time

None by KCPW

Utah School Chilldren Learn to Save

(KCPW News) Americans are so bad at saving money that the national average savings rate has dropped into negative numbers for the first time since the Great Depression.

With that in mind, more than 185 employees from Zions Bank took piggy banks and calculators to 10,000 Utah school children today, hoping to teach the basics of saving and spending.

"Hold up your penny if you found it," called Zions Bank President Scott Anderson to a room of seated children. "Okay, now everyone put your penny in the jar."

Anderson taught a lesson on saving to kindergartners at Backman Elementary School in Salt Lake City, and he hopes the students will take the lessons home to their parents.

Zions Bank is a sponsor of the United Way financial education program Utah Saves, which offers support and training for people who want to build wealth at any income level. Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, Utah students will be required to complete a mandatory financial literacy course in high school.

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