Bank Iowa publishes children’s book to inspire financial health, entrepreneurship

A children’s book that Bank Iowa promises is “big on heart and humor” is available to Newton area residents beginning today. Developed in conjunction with illustrator and artist Nathan T. Wright, “Eleanor Saves the Day,” is the bank’s gift to every parent who opens a Bank Iowa Young Savers account for their child from now through July 31.

In addition to a copy of the book, the bank will also provide up to a $25 match of the account opening deposit.

Bank Iowa VP of Marketing Josh Fleming said the book is a part of the bank’s intention to help kids and their parents navigate an increasingly tumultuous financial services ecosystem.

“There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to teaching kids about money,” Fleming said. “Whereas financial lessons once came primarily at home and school, kids are now streaming YouTube videos and downloading apps to satisfy their curiosity about money. The tale of Eleanor gets back to the basics, using a classic medium to show kids how making good choices with money puts them on a path to financial freedom.”

Fleming says author visits are available for Iowa schools beginning in September. Educators interested in scheduling a visit should reach out at marketing@bankiowa.bank.

“Eleanor Saves the Day” is a homegrown project, with writing, illustration and printing all possible thanks to Iowa businesses.

About 'Eleanor
Saves the Day'

The story of Eleanor begins with her parents opening a savings account immediately after she’s born. As she grows, Eleanor learns about money at school, at home and from her very own lemonade stand venture.

Eleanor deposits her lemonade stand earnings into her savings account. She watches her balance grow through high school into college. Eleanor experiences financial hardships over the years, a decision Fleming says was based on real challenges faced by real people.

“We felt it was important to prepare kids for inevitable hiccups on the road to financial freedom,” he said. “The story line opens doors for parents to discuss values like perseverance, optimism and hard work.”

After a lifetime of budgeting and saving, the money Eleanor has saved all her life helps her start another business, this time as an adult. Eleanor’s financial freedom manifests in travel, paying off her student loan debt, giving back to her community and starting a family.

To further engage young readers, each page contains a hidden object that keeps curious eyes trained on the book as the story unfolds.

To find out more about the Young Savers Program, visit Bank Iowa’s website at bankiowa.bank.