It is well known that one of the major contributing factors to stress is financial insecurity. Teaching youth about the importance of saving is the beginning of healthy financial habits. 

The Piggy Bank Contest is a creative way for youth to learn the importance of saving and reducing debt. This year the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent partnered with The Murray Bank, a locally owned bank in Calloway County, to hold a large Piggy Bank Contest. Through social media, flyers and making appearances on the elementary schools and middle schools morning news programs, the agent and the marketing director at the bank promoted the contest. The Murray Bank provided over $500 in cash prizes for the winners of the contest. 

The Murray Bank provided 20 blue piggy banks that were stuffed with the contest flyer and a child's movie pass. These banks were hidden around town during the week of fall break and the agent and the marketing director would go live on Facebook to give hints where the bank were hidden. 

Thirty seven banks were brought in for judging. The division winners were surprised at their school with their cash prize. The four division winners were then displayed in the lobby of The Murray Bank where the public could vote in person and through social media for their favorite. 

Follow up with elementary classroom was to take place in the spring. However, due to COVID-19 financial literacy lessons were not able to be given this year. 

The contest gained a lot of attention and was a success.