By Kathryn Kretschmer-Weyland
June 7, 2004

What do the three little pigs know about financial education? "You-d be surprised what pigs know these days!" says Maggie Kwasny of Nationwide Retirement Solutions. Using an adaptation of the story of the three little pigs, Nationwide created a program to educate children about the importance of saving, sharing and spending. This program was launched with the cooperation of the United States Conference of Mayors on April 22, 2004 in conjunction with Take a Child to Work day and is available to access via the web at www.nationwidekids.com. Over sixty mayors across the nation took part in the initial readings on April 22, and many more have brought the program to the children and schools in their cities in recent weeks.

Nationwide Retirement Solutions has taken its education focus to a new level by creating a fun-filled curriculum targeting grade'school children ages seven — eleven. Called "kidshops," the 45-minute presentation includes a storybook, a workbook to take home and share, and several activities, all designed to teach children basic money management concepts and skills in a way that's totally kid-friendly. Through its long standing partnership with the United States Conference of Mayors, Nationwide invited Mayors to participate in educating their youngest constituents about the importance of financial responsibility through sharing, saving, and spending.

The Financial Fairy Tale follows the trials and tribulations of the three pigs, Spending Pig, Stingy Pig and Smart Pig as they set off into the woods with their gold to build their homes. As expected, trouble lurks in the forest in the character of Mr. B.B. Wolfe who tries to tempt the pigs to spend their nest egg before they are able to build their brick homes. Children can relate to the familiarity of this fairy tale and learn from the decisions that the pigs make as they manage, and mismanage, their money.

In addition to the storybook, the workbook allows the child to work with an adult to establish a budget, discuss allowances and set savings goals. Other fun activity pages like a word search and crossword puzzle help to familiarize kids with basic financial terms and concepts.

Today, more than ever, people are realizing the importance of saving and investing for retirement. Unfortunately, awareness doesn't necessarily translate into action. Each year, new reports are showing that Americans are creating even more debt and saving less than the prior year. Nationwide Retirement Solutions is a leader in the industry with education for city employees participating in its plans.

It is generally believed that behavior patterns (good or bad) are formed early in life and over a certain length of time. This is why Nationwide, in cooperation with United States Conference of Mayors, launched a program targeting children. Learning responsible habits at a young age will lead to more responsible savers and financial planners as these children reach adulthood.

If you have not already introduced this program to the children in your city, mayors are encouraged to do so. Visit the website www.nationwidekids.com or contact Maggie Kwasny with Nationwide Retirement Solutions at 614-854-8697 for more information.