Arizona Kids Saves is a savings initiative that is targeted at youth and children (aged 6 years to 18 years), particularly those from low- to moderate-income households and neighborhoods. Our goals are to help these children:

• Understand the importance of saving for their futures (e.g., saving for college, for a car, for a home).
• Avoid following the spending and debt habits that their parents may have developed.
• Begin to save.
• Understand how to manage their finances wisely.

Arizona Kids Saves follows the program format used by Arizona Saves in its adult workshops, but it is tailored for youth and children. To reach these youth and children, Arizona Saves partners with community development organizations, schools, youth centers, and community centers. The following outlines the elements of the Arizona Kids Save program:

Parents and guardians interested in attending Arizona Saves adult financial education workshops are encouraged through marketing efforts and community partner communications to bring children along.    Some of the listed incentives for Kids Saves students include various prizes, no-fee savings accounts through the Arizona Kids Saver program and a $50 savings bond for children attending all 3 workshops. We ask parents to see their child’s participation in the Arizona Kids Saves program as a family activity, and encourage them to open a savings account for their child.  While the adults gain financial education for themselfves, children and teens attend a fun and entertaining class about saving, how banks work, needs vs. wants and other related topics.  Dinner is provided for everyone by Arizona Saves. The most effective way to encourage children and youth to save and prevent them from developing poor money management habits is to have them participate in all 3 Kids Saves workshops. The workshops are designed to be age specific, i.e., content will be developed and presented in a manner that is compatible to the understanding of children of a particular age.  The children and youth will be asked to set an appropriate saving goal, and enroll as an Arizona Kid Saver. 

For information on Arizona Kids Save, please contact us at 602-246-3500 or by email at info@arizonasaves.org.