BUSINESS MEMO: DOLLARS & SENSE PROGRAM

South East Missouri Bank has teamed with Washington and Clippard elementary Schools to teach fifth-graders how to save and manage their money.

The program is part of the statewide Dollars & Sense program, sponsored by State Treasurer Bob Holden.

The programs teams elementary schools with local banks, which send representatives to the designated schools at least once a month to help students open savings accounts and make deposits. The program is also designed to provide banks and teachers with a curriculum guide to help them teach fundamental principles of money, savings, banking, credit and taxes.

The program gives young people classroom lessons and practical hands-on experience in handling and saving money.

"The program is an exciting avenue to introduce the importance of saving and money management to children," said Steve Ketelsen, president and CEO of South East Missouri Bank. "There is no better time to start teaching these skills than at a young age."