American Bankers Association and First Horizon partner to bring financial literacy to East Tennessee children
First Horizon SVP Brooke Lawson and 60 employee volunteers are bringing hands-on financial education to more than 500 East Tennessee children this April through Teach Children to Save Day events at Muse Knoxville, Boys and Girls Clubs, and local schools.
More than 500 children across East Tennessee are expected to get hands-on financial education this April, thanks to the American Bankers Association Foundation and First Horizon.
Brooke Lawson, First Horizon’s Senior Vice President, and her team are hard at work to ensure children in East Tennessee – and across the region receive the financial education necessary to become financially successful adults.
Lawson is not just sharing general advice, but rather, intentional and instructional lessons that she teaches her own son at home.
“In a lot of schools, they don’t teach this stuff. And often, parents don’t pass this education on to their children,” Lawson said. “But teaching these skills early and often when children are young makes a huge difference when they get older.”
Each April, the American Bankers Association Foundation recognizes Financial Literacy Month, with April 23 designated as the annual Teach Children to Save Day. To celebrate the mission, First Horizon and the Muse Knoxville are partnering up for a hands-on event for kids to learn financial skills.
“Children learn best through play scenarios,” Lawson said, explaining why the Muse is the perfect partner for this year’s community event.
First Horizon has sponsored Teach Children to Save Day locally for 15 years. The program teaches children to set financial goals, save money, and stick to a budget.
This year, Lawson expects more than 500 children in East Tennessee to benefit from Financial Literacy Month initiatives, which include touchpoints at Boys and Girls Clubs, Dogwood Elementary School second graders, and the Muse Knoxville event on the 23rd.
But what makes Lawson most proud is the involvement of her team on a mission she holds close to her heart. Sixty employees at First Horizon have committed to volunteering this April to spread the message.
“Our greatest hope is that these children walk away feeling confident and empowered that they can make good money decisions,” she said.
At home, Lawson practices what she preaches with her own son. They teach him that there are three things you can do with money: save, spend, or give through generosity.
“We created a savings account for him when he was young. Whenever he receives money, we have him put some into a savings account. We will match whatever dollar amount he puts in,” she shared. “Sometimes he may complain that he can’t use all his money, but one day he will understand – when he wants to buy a car or go to college.”
If you would like to learn more about the importance of Financial Literacy Month or Teach Children to Save Day on April 23, visit the ABA website.
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