Okaloosa Saves celebrates successful Teach a Child to Save campaign  

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. –Okaloosa Saves is celebrating another successful year of its annual Teach a Child to Save campaign, which encourages youth ages 17 and younger to develop healthy savings habits and establish a foundation for lifelong financial success. The campaign was held April 1 – June 30 in partnership with financial institutions throughout Okaloosa and Walton counties.

This year, 189 youths from Eglin Federal Credit Union, Renasant Bank, CCB Bank, Midsouth Bank, Teachers Federal Credit Union, PenFed and United Fidelity under the age of 18 participated in the Okaloosa Saves Teach Children to Save campaign, with deposits totaling $42,337.39. Since the program began in 2004, 2,686 children have made deposits totaling $463,005.73.

The campaign concluded with a random drawing in which 10 children each received a $50 deposit into their savings account provided by Okaloosa Saves. Winners were recognized before the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners prior to its July 21 budget meeting.

2026 Teach Children to Save Winners

• Cali Branson, Fort Walton Beach

• Kate Kennedy, Niceville

• Titus Kidder, Crestview

• Khai Mays, Crestview

• Liam Law, Crestview

• Marin Lee, Shalimar

• Alice Morton, Mary Esther

• David Nelson, Valparaiso

• Sofia Simeonova, Fort Walton Beach

• Liam Walbert, Crestview

“Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills we can offer our children, and Okaloosa Saves, Teach Children to Save has been making a meaningful impact in our community for years,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Trey Goodwin. “By helping children understand the value of saving, budgeting, and making informed financial decisions, this program is building a strong foundation for future success. We are grateful for the commitment of everyone involved in equipping our young people with the financial knowledge and skills they need to thrive as adults.”

Sherry Harlow, APR, who serves as treasurer on the Okaloosa Saves board said, “After serving on the Okaloosa Saves board for 23 years, I'm continually inspired by the impact of Teach Children to Save. This year alone, 189 young savers deposited more than $42,000—one of the program's strongest years in more than a decade. Combined with the more than $463,000 saved by participants since 2004, these results demonstrate the lasting value of teaching financial literacy early and empowering children to build healthy financial habits that can last a lifetime.”

Savings Tips for Parents:

·         Talk about the importance of budgeting and saving money

·         Visit your financial institution to open a savings account or deposit into an existing account

·         Teach the basics of investing

·         Encourage them to be entrepreneurs

·         Be a role model

About Okaloosa Saves

Okaloosa Saves, a part of the national America Saves program, was founded in 2003 as a 501(c)3 encouraging individuals to build wealth and reduce debt. In 2025, the organization was awarded the Savings Champion Award by America Saves. Learn more at okaloosasaves.com.

About America Saves

America Saves is a non-profit organization that uses principles of behavioral economics and social marketing to motivate, encourage and support everyday Americans to save money, reduce debt, build wealth and create better financial habits. America Saves encourages individuals and families to take the America Saves pledge, a tool that empowers them to commit to save successfully with a plan. Thousands of non-profit, government, and corporate organizations partner with America Saves through local, regional, statewide and national campaigns both year-round and during America Saves Week. America Saves is an initiative of the Consumer Federation of America (CFA), a non-profit, pro-consumer organization of over 270 consumer education, advocacy, and cooperative members dedicated to advancing consumer interest. Learn more at americasaves.org.