Youth learning to make sense of money

Following the presentation, the chamber gave away a free iPad mini to one of the students, donated by Chamber members.

Battlefords Chamber of Commerce president Warren Williams said it’s helpful to present ideas about managing money to youth at a young age. He was impressed with some of the students’ feedback on the topic.

“Some of the initial questions that were asked on why you would save money really kind of astounded me, and gave me encouragement going forward,” he said. “I wasn’t that astute about money back in Grade 7. It wasn’t brought up and talked about in our family at that time. Schools didn’t talk about it. I was encouraged by the knowledge young people have going forward.”

Williams said he thought it was “awesome” one student even asked about saving for retirement.

Notre Dame Grade 7 student Tory Hildebrand found the presentation helpful.

“It’s telling us to save money, not to just waste it on stuff we don’t need in life,” she said.

Nicole Suberlak, branch manager of Scotiabank North Battleford, who gave the presentation, spoke to students about the importance of saving and starting a savings plan early.

“The message today is becoming financially better off,” she said. “The earlier you start, the more wealth you will accumulate as you age and get into the workforce. Starting early enforces those habits … It’s about differentiating our needs from our wants.”

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

by Angela Brown

Youth learning to make sense of money

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