According to Washington Federal’s Save at School program, it’s never too early to learn about saving money and financial responsibility.

A trio of ladies from the Fountain Hills branch, 16600 E. Avenue of the Fountain, take that message to heart, which is why they’ve taken the initiative to implement the Save at School program at McDowell Mountain Elementary School, Four Peaks Elementary School and Fountain Hills Elementary School, reaching students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The program also continues into the summer months with “Banking Days” continued at the Boys & Girls Club McKee Branch, and organizers hope to see Save at School eventually brought to Fountain Hills High School.

From the local Washington Federal branch, Marianne Pinter, Nancy Knox and Patricia Snyder all chip in with the Save at School financial literacy program.

There are currently more than 90 students enrolled in the program from grades K-8, with the goal of teaching youngsters how to make saving money a habit early in life.

At the start of the program, students make a minimum deposit of $5, which is matched with $5 from Washington Federal.

This money goes into the student’s own savings account, with a 0.10 percent annual percentage yield.

Students can then make deposits at school on designated bank days,” with no fees or minimum balance to earn interest.

Students must also keep track of their deposits with provided register books, and their deposits are made with reusable envelopes that are sent home to parents.

Parents also receive a quarterly statement by mail and students may only make withdrawals by visiting a branch in person.

On top of the focus on savings, higher grade levels are taught additional lessons about money management during monthly sessions.

“We started this program back in 2010 with six students,” Knox said.

“Now we’re up to 90 students in three locations.”

Pinter said that, since the bank matches the students’ first $5 deposit, they’re excited to see their investment make money day one. From there, they get to see it continue to grow.

“It’s great to see that, at this young age, they’re learning financial responsibility,’ Pinter added.

When asked how students have responded to the program, Snyder said it has been awesome. One of her students, Alex Brownstein, agreed.

“I think it’s a pretty good idea to save money,” Brownstein said.

“My classmates like it pretty well.”

Brownstein already has a goal in mind for his money, too. He’s saving for college.

“I’m going to be rich in college,” he added.

“Rich, I tell you.”

Brownstein, according to Snyder, is a prime example of what the Save at School program is all about.

“Along with planting the seed that they should be saving money, it helps them to set goals, learn how to prioritize what’s important in their life and things like that,” she added.

“It’s great to help the students understand the difference between needs and wants and help them determine what’s important to save for.”