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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Launch 2009 savings with airplane bank

Donna’s Day

By Donna Erickson Kings Feature Syndicate

Motivate your kids to take off on a personal 2009 savings plan with clever airplane banks that you can make together using items from the recycle bin. And while you design and build your aircraft, use the informal time together to talk a little “finances 101.”

Most kids have no doubt overheard conversations around the house or seen the headlines of the paper about the serious economic challenges we are facing at home and abroad. Encourage your kids to ask questions that are on their minds, and offer your insight on basic finances, including the importance of saving some of the money they receive from gifts, jobs and their allowance. That’s where their banks come in.

Let’s Get Started!

First, start saving containers, plastic bottle caps and other household supplies, then decide on an afternoon or evening to repurpose the items into the decorative banks. Here’s how:

•Cover a clean cylindrical cardboard chip container, such as Pringles brand, with self-adhesive-backed paper, or paint it with nontoxic acrylic or tempera paints.

•Cut out pieces of cardboard or foam core, 16 inches by 2 1/2 inches, for the side wings and 7 inches by 1 1/2 inches for the tail. An adult should cut two slits 2 inches from the can opening on opposite sides of the container to fit the wings and two more, close to the bottom of the can, for the tail. Insert the two cutout pieces through the slits. Cut a slit large enough for quarters to fit through on the top of the airplane between the wings and tail.

For a tail fin: Cut out a 1- 1/2 -inch-by-2- 1/2 -inch triangle. Cut a slit on top of the can above the tail wing. Insert the fin with narrow point upward. Trim off the point.

For the propeller: cut out a figure-eight shape from cardboard or foam core. Attach to the center of the can lid with a brass fastener. Or, use a craft stick and attach to the lid with a small screw.

For wheels: Glue a plastic milk-jug cap on each end of a 4-inch dowel. Glue dowel to the bottom of the plane. Decorate with stickers and cutouts.

‘The Grandkids Are Coming!’ Tip

Give your grandchild practical life lessons by taking him or her with you on errands around town. For example, when you are at the bank and use an ATM machine or cash a check, explain that the money comes out of an account of money you have saved.

Donna Erickson’s award-winning television series “Donna’s Day” airs on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday.com to find out when it airs on your local PBS.