Elementary students taught to save for a rainy day

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --   Putting money aside for a rainy day might not always be fun, but it's the smart thing to do, and getting children to do this can sometimes be difficult.

That's where "It's a Habit" founded by Sam Renick comes in. Residing in California, Mr. Renick has circled the globe, with his pal Sammy the Rabbit, teaching elementary school children it can be fun to save and the smart thing to do. That's exactly what he did when he came to visit all three Elmendorf elementary schools May 12.

"It's all geared to trying to get kids in the habit of putting some of their allowance away and saving it for whatever they may need," said Bob Hill, Air Force Aid officer, who was in charge of bringing Sammy to his first Alaska visit.

Sammy targets his message toward children in first through fifth grade. He mainly interacts with children through storytelling and catchy, upbeat songs about starting to save at a young age and not spending more than they make so they put themselves in a good position later in life.

"Well as people generally recognize now, saving and making smart money choices is a significant problem and impacts the whole family," said Mr. Renick. "We think developing the right money habits in (children) early, makes a big difference in their life. It prepares them (for the unexpected) and makes dreams come true."

This is what Mr. Renick attempts to do through the several children's books he has authored like "It's a Habit Sammy the Rabbit" and "Sammy's Big Dream."

Mr. Hill said this information is vital for the children. He said that the number one reason for divorce is financial disputes. So, if the children can start getting in the right mind set of saving, hopefully will the parents as well.

Since "It's a Habit" was established 10 years ago, Mr. Renick and Sammy the Rabbit have been to a number of places like Italy, Turkey, Germany, England and a number of the U.S. states. Three years ago the Air Force Aid Society discovered the program and began scheduling it to come to their installations.

Aurora Elementary School student Colton Frenchik said he enjoyed the presentation and he liked Sammy the Rabbit the most. He also said now after seeing this, he's going to start putting some of his allowance aside and save for the future.

Mr. Hill said if they could get even 20 percent of the children like Colton to start saving, then this trip was a success.

Along with the presentation, children also got to take home a CD with songs about saving that Sammy the Rabbit sang, in hope the children will listen to it and stick to the plan of saving for a rainy day.