It's a good thing for kids when the buck stops here: Boys and Girls Clubs program teaches youngsters importance of personal finances

The Sedalia Democrat, Sedalia, Mo.

(MCT)

Jul. 23--Children lined up, holding their paychecks and deposit slips. When the banking was done, many lined up to see what was for sale.

It was "payday" at the Boys and Girls Clubs of West Central Missouri on Wednesday. Members of the teen program listened to guest speakers about personal finance, then put those lessons into practice as part of the club's program on financial literacy this summer.

The members get "Club bucks" for attending different programs throughout the week, then receive an itemized paycheck. To cash the checks, they must fill out a deposit slip at the club's bank, and may then spend the bucks at the club store, open once a week, or buy time on a computer or play the Nintendo Wii.

''We're trying to teach them personal accountability and financial responsibility," said Chris Ruhnke, one of the teen program coordinators.