Saving past the piggy bank

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MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Sam Renick, author of "It's a Habit, Sammy Rabbit!" introduces Sammy Rabbit Oct. 7, 2009, at the Family Child Care Center. Children were able to sing and dance with Sammy Rabbit and also received CDs of songs that promoted good habits. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jamal D. Sutter)

Published April 25, 2018
By Audrey Jensen
21st Space Wing Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Budgeting and saving money is a piece of advice given to many people once they become an adult or start working.

But at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, kids can learn how to be financially smart starting this month. With the help of Sammy Rabbit, kids at the R.P. Lee Youth Center and Child Development Centers at Peterson AFB are scheduled to learn about financial literacy and be encouraged to “dream big,” April 30, 2018.

“We want to set them as early as possible on the correct path in dealing with money,” said Jim Girlando, 21st Force Support Squadron Airman and Family Readiness Center contracted personal financial counselor. “For so many folks, as they get older, money ends up controlling them. But you have the chance to control your money. Money’s not an evil thing, you have to be in control of it, not let it control you.”

Sam X. Renick, who is the author, producer and creator and co-founder of Sammy Rabbit, the Dream Big Read and Dream Big Club, travels around the globe to encourage children to save money and read.

“Sammy Rabbit would help the really small kids that can’t grasp the concept. The fun part is having the rabbit,” said Girlando. “[Renick] will also end up meeting with older children that can grasp the concepts. Just like we’re here to help adults with money, he’s here to help children get familiar with the saving money concept.”

For more information about Renick, visit www.sammyrabbit.com, or contact Victor Villarreal, 21st FSS Airman and Family Readiness Center personal financial readiness team lead, at 719-556-6141.