4-H CONNECTIONS: Can teens really SAVE money?

Yes, according to a recent challenge made to 8th grade 4-H members! The Sevier County 4-H Staff challenged students in January to save at least $30.00 by April 1.  (Don’t laugh.  If you do not have a regular income that can be challenging!)  By April 1st, 32% of the 4-H members had saved at least this amount . . .many reported they had saved more! This challenge was issued in conjunction with Tennessee Saves, a statewide incentive to encourage saving money.  January through March, each month, 8th grade 4-H students were exposed to club programs relating to the importance of saving, wise clothes shopping, and credit card dangers. Sevier County Tennessee Saves Coalition members provided monetary incentives for students to open savings accounts.  These members are: Citizens National Bank, Suntrust Bank, Mountain National Bank, BB&T Bank, Home Federal Bank, ORNL Credit Union, Sevier County Bank, Y-12 Federal Credit Union and Tennessee State Bank.  (Thank you banks/credit unions!) Community businesses also offered “prizes” for individuals that saved and met the challenge!  Appreciation goes to: NIKE, Tn Smokies Baseball, Dollywood, Smith Family Theater, Shoney’s, Collier Restaurants, Chick-Fil-A, Ripley’s Aquarium, Black Bear Jamboree, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, Mr. Gatti’s and Bass Pro Shop. Have these 4-H’ers continued to save?  I don’t know . . .let’s hope so.  Nonetheless, it is a start . . .they proved it can be done!  Perhaps they will remember this discipline as they prepare for that first car . . .or college!  Small change can make a big difference. You too can build wealth!  For more information on Tennessee Saves, go to http://tennesseesaves.org or contact Linda Hyder at the Sevier County