Children's Book Encourages Young Iowans
April 16, 2024
A children’s book that Bank Iowa promises is “big on heart and humor” is available to young savers across the state. “Eleanor Saves the Day,” written and illustrated by Des Moines contributors, is the bank’s gift to every parent who opens a Bank Iowa Young Saver account for their child from now through September 20, 2024.
In addition to a copy of the book, the bank will also provide up to a $25 match of the account opening deposit.*
Bank Iowa VP of Marketing Josh Fleming said the book is a part of the bank’s intention to enable great things for Iowans.
“Parents are competing with a lot of mixed messages about the path to financial literacy,” said Fleming. “Social media ‘finfluencers’ give the impression that building wealth comes down to knowing the right money hacks. Our protagonist, on the other hand, models the long-game aspects of financial freedom. Eleanor’s happily ever after is realized through knowing herself, leaning on her community, saving her profits and sticking with her plan through adversity. It’s a formula for ‘adulting’ every parent can get behind.”
“Eleanor Saves the Day” is a homegrown project, with writing, illustration and printing all possible thanks to Iowa businesses.
About ‘Eleanor Saves the Day’
The story of Eleanor begins with her parents opening a savings account immediately after she’s born. As she grows, Eleanor learns about money at school, at home and from her very own lemonade stand venture.
Eleanor deposits her lemonade stand earnings into her savings account. She watches her balance grow through high school into college. Eleanor experiences financial hardships over the years, a decision Fleming says was based on real challenges faced by real people.
“We felt it was important to prepare kids for inevitable hiccups on the road to financial freedom,” he said. “The story line opens doors for parents to discuss values like perseverance, optimism and hard work.”
After a lifetime of budgeting and saving, the money Eleanor has saved all her life helps her start another business, this time as an adult. Eleanor’s financial freedom manifests in travel, paying off her student loan debt, giving back to her community and starting a family.
To further engage young readers, each page contains a hidden object that keeps curious eyes trained on the book as the story unfolds.
About Bank Iowa Young Saver Program
According to Fleming, Bank Iowa customers are getting younger and engagement among the very young is picking up. The average age of a Bank Iowa Young Saver is 10.77 years old.
The Young Saver account from Bank Iowa is designed specifically for children 18 years and younger. Parents can easily access the funds for account management and to help guide children’s financial decisions.
*Offer valid for new Young Saver account relationships opened at any Bank Iowa location through September 20, 2024. Child must be 18 years old or younger to open a Young Saver account. Minimum balance to open account and obtain matching deposit is $10.00. The matching deposit will be deposited into the Young Saver account at account opening but will be deducted from the account if it is closed by the client within 30 days. As of April 2, 2024, the annual percentage yield (APY) for the Young Saver Account is 0.20% for any balance. This APY may change at any time.
About Bank Iowa
With more than $2 billion in assets, Bank Iowa ranks as one of the leading independent ag banks and the second-largest family-owned bank in the state. Farmers, families, and businesses access Bank Iowa’s products and services through more than 20 locations, as well as online and on mobile devices. To learn more, visit bankiowa.bank. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.