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Children need regular lessons in financial literacy

coins

For many, discussing money is hard. But parents need to begin having ongoing dialogues with children from a young age to ensure they are financially literate.

If stuck, consider starting the discussion by explaining where money comes from – making it clear that money neither grows on trees nor in parents’ wallets. To help them understand, develop a “money in, money out” budget.

At this point in their lives, children likely focus on money going out. But where does it go? And when? And why? A budget, reviewed together monthly, can be an easy way to show the value of money.

– Paris Davis, Washington Federal Bank

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Washington Federal participates in local ‘Shark Tank’

shark tank

On May 14, leadership from Washington Federal visited Metro Tech High School to serve as “sharks” in the school’s “Shark Tank” competition, set up much like the television program.

Each year, students in the sports and marketing class develop pitches – complete with visuals, marketing plans and pricing – and pitch them to bank leadership in hopes of earning fictional funding from one or more people. This year, the program featured a twist: The students sought funding for a charity event.

The mission of “Shark Tank” is to help students gain experience in research, planning, real-life financial situations and public speaking.

– Lisa Davey, Washington Federal Bank

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Girl Scout cookie season kicks off Jan. 21

Girl Scout cookies

For six weeks each year, Girl Scouts in Arizona participate in the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world: the Girl Scout Cookie Program. From Jan. 21-March 3, more than 11,000 girls in central and northern Arizona will take part with the goal of selling 3 million packages.

The cookie program is one of the most effective financial literacy programs in the world, developing girls’ skills in five areas: goal setting; decision making; money management; people skills; and business ethics.

Sales also have the potential to impact the community as troops reinvest their proceeds with service projects.

– Heather Thornton, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council