National Bank Encourages Parents To Teach Kids About Finance

The summer months mean many kids in America are working for some extra cash in their pocket. Whether he or she is doing odd jobs around the house or working at the local pool, it’s the perfect time to teach your child financial lessons that will last a lifetime.

“It’s never too early to begin teaching children the basics of finance,” said James G. Rakes, Chairman, President & CEO of National Bank. “We encourage parents to expose their children to experiences like visiting the bank, budgeting and paying bills.”

Every year, National Bank employees visit elementary, middle and high school classrooms across the region to teach children about money, banking, saving, credit and other important aspects of personal finance.

National Bank offers examples of teachable moments to help you get started:
  • At the bank. When you go to the bank, bring your children with you and show them how transactions work. Get the manager to explain how the bank operates, how money generates interest and how an ATM works.
  • On payday. Discuss how your pay is budgeted to pay for housing, food and clothing, and how a portion is saved for future expenses such as college tuition and retirement.
  • At the grocery store. Explain the benefits of comparison shopping, coupons and store brands.
  • Paying bills. Explain the many ways that bills can be paid: over the phone, paper or by check, electronic check or online check draft. Discuss how each method of bill pay takes money out of your account. Be sure to cover late penalties, emphasizing the importance of paying bills on time.
  • Using credit cards. Explain that credit cards are a loan and need to be repaid. Share how each month a credit card statement comes in the mail with a bill. Go over the features of different types of cards, such as ATM, debit and credit cards.

National Bank, founded in Blacksburg in 1891, operates 25 offices throughout Southwest Virginia. The bank is a subsidiary of National Bankshares, Inc., a Blacksburg-based financial holding company with over $1 billion in assets. National Bankshares, Inc. also operates National Bankshares Financial Services, Inc., which does business as National Bankshares Insurance Services and National Bankshares Investment Services.