Loose Change: Tina Learns to Save, is the new children’s book from FT Adviser’s deputy news editor, Sonia Rach.
Written for 6- to 11-year-olds, it aims to introduce the concept of saving and earning interest at an early age.
The story follows the central character, Tina, as she visits the supermarket with her parents and chooses how to spend her pocket money.
Richly and vibrantly illustrated to engage the children in the story, Loose Change introduces valuable lessons around the value of money, spending, savings, and the cost of items.
First-time author Sonia Rach said: “I’m extremely passionate about financial education and the need of it from a young age but unfortunately many children get to their teenage years without a basic understanding of the world of money.
“I got the idea for a book from research that revealed money habits can set in by the age of seven. It was eye-opening and when I went to buy a children’s book about money for my niece’s birthday I quickly realised there were very few suitable books out there.
“I am hoping that Loose Change will be the first in a series of books to introduce children to the world of money and savings while tackling some of the subjects that even their parents may struggle to explain."
The book is available to purchase via Amazon as paperback or a kindle version here.
Simoney Kyriakou, editor at FT Adviser, said: “As a parent and a financial journalist, I find this book to be an important and compelling read for parents, educators and children alike.
“Colourful and engaging imagery, together with useful maths and a fun storyline is a must for children and should be used to enhance learning about money as part of the PSHE curriculum.”
The official launch for the book was held on November 15 at Barings, and kindly hosted by Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group.
Supporting the Loose Change launch event, Andrew Pearson, head of financial education at Standard Life, part of Phoenix Group, said: “Learning about money and how to manage it is a critical part of the transition from childhood to adulthood, and getting into good habits at an early age can have a big positive impact on future finances.
"Sadly, however, not everyone leaves school with the right knowledge, skills and habits in place to enable this to happen.
“It’s great that Sonia is taking a step towards improving children’s knowledge and understanding of their money, and we were proud to host yesterday’s launch. We look forward to continuing to work with Sonia and the FT Adviser team to help boost young people’s financial knowledge.”
Rach would like to sincerely thank Standard Life for their support in the run up to the launch and for the event itself.
Sarah Marks, chief executive at RedStart Educate, also attended the event.
She said: “Habits are formed in children by the age of seven, so starting to talk to children about money habits when they are young is really important.
“Reading to, or with, children is a brilliant way to achieve that, and this book will help parents and carers convey the important messages about saving and spending money wisely.”
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