Beyond Snacks: Teaching Children in Bojonegoro to Save Early with BRI Junio

BOJONEGORO, JurnalPost.com - For children, pocket money is often synonymous with buying snacks or toys. However, behind this simple habit, parents have the opportunity to teach something more important: how to manage money from an early age.

Getting children into the habit of setting aside a portion of their allowance to save is a practical step. It does not have to be a large amount; this habit can start with whatever remains after daily needs are met.

This is a priority for Nana, a parent and customer of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) in Bojonegoro, East Java. She is working to introduce the habit of saving to her child so they do not get used to spending all their pocket money on snacks.

According to Nana, teaching children to manage money is not something that happens overnight. Parents need to provide understanding gradually in ways that are easy to grasp.

“Children need to be taught from a young age that pocket money does not have to be spent entirely on snacks. I want my child to learn to set aside some of their money to save. It certainly requires gradual habituation, as children still need guidance from their parents,” Nana explained.

Learning to Distinguish Between Needs and Wants

Nana believes that the habit of saving does not just teach children to store money. More importantly, children can understand that every desire requires effort and planning.

For example, when a child wants to buy a toy, parents can invite them to calculate how much money needs to be collected. In this way, the child learns to delay gratification and set aside money regularly.

This approach also serves as an opportunity to introduce the difference between needs and wants.

“Parents can set an example by saving regularly, encouraging children to set aside pocket money, and explaining the difference between needs and wants using language that is easy to understand,” she added.

She believes that leading by example is crucial. Children will find it easier to understand the habit of saving if they see similar activities practiced within the family.

Introducing BRI Junio Savings to Children

Beyond simple saving at home, parents can also start introducing banking services to their children.

One product that can be used is BRI Junio, a savings account from Bank Rakyat Indonesia specifically designed for children, with requirements tailored to different age groups.

Through this service, parents can accompany their children in learning how to save money at a bank while building a more structured saving habit.

However, the use of a child's savings account still requires parental supervision, especially in understanding the purpose of saving and how to use banking services.

For Nana, the most important thing is not just the amount of money collected, but the child's habit of consistently setting aside a portion of their funds.

“The habit of saving can also be a means for children to learn discipline and responsibility. For example, when a child wants to buy a toy or a specific item, parents can help them set a savings target and set aside money periodically,” she said.

Small Habits for the Future

Introducing the habit of saving from a young age can be part of financial education within the family.

Children who are accustomed to setting aside money have the opportunity to learn about patience, discipline, and the importance of making decisions before spending.

Parents can start with simple steps, such as providing a piggy bank at home, setting goals together with the child, or showing the child the growth of the money they have collected.

This approach is expected to help children understand that saving is not just an obligation, but a habit that benefits them personally.

“Financial literacy introduced from a young age is expected to be a foundation so that children are able to manage money wisely in the future,” Nana hopes.

For Nana, building a saving habit requires patience. However, through consistent guidance, children are expected to grow up with the understanding that money does not always have to be spent, but can also be saved to meet future needs.