"Savings begins with discipline," says G. Mungun, author of the book "Savings Start with Hunger" and a motivational speaker.
Journalist: Could you share your journey with personal finances and how it has shaped your perspective on saving?
G. Mungun: My personal financial struggles have been my greatest teachers, shaping me into the person I am today. Every financial setback, every payment difficulty, and every poor purchase decision has taught me valuable lessons. But the best teacher of all has been savings.
In my childhood, savings weren't something parents talked about or schools taught. Growing up without this knowledge, many of us lack the habit of saving today. However, I've noticed a shift in parents' attitudes now, which is very encouraging.
Journalist: What life lessons does saving teach, and how can parents instill these values in their children?
G. Mungun: Saving teaches discipline, prioritization, self-love, and planning for the future. It’s a crucial responsibility for parents to pass these lessons on to their children. According to UNICEF reports, the first six years of a child's life are foundational for learning, adapting, and building essential skills that define their future success.
Children can learn about finances just as they quickly pick up a foreign language. So, start teaching them about money early.
Here’s how parents can teach kids about savings:
- Use a visual tool like a jar. Let your child put coins in a jar and later use the savings to buy something. Watching the jar empty teaches them the concept of spending and the importance of replenishing savings.
- Explain regular expenses. Share insights about monthly bills or loan payments. A simple activity like grocery shopping can be educational: set a budget and involve your child in selecting items within that limit.
- Give hands-on experience. Children learn better through actions than words. Tools like the TDB Maamuu Loyalty Card—the first card for kids in Mongolia—help them participate in financial decisions. Purchases made using this card earn cashback that is automatically added to their savings account.
Journalist: What options are available to help parents save for their children?
G. Mungun: Several tools can help parents save effortlessly:
- TDB's "Easy Savings" service: Automatically saves a percentage (1–10%) of every deposit into your income account directly to your child’s savings account. For instance, if you earn ₮1 million monthly and choose to save 5%, ₮50,000 will be automatically saved every month—without fees!
- Maamuu Kids’ Savings Account and Loyalty Card: These two products form a perfect package. They teach kids about financial responsibility while helping parents create a secure financial future for them.
Instead of just handing cash to kids, empower them to make their own financial decisions. Proper guidance in their formative years will be a lifelong investment in their success.
Together, let’s create a "Savings-Focused Mongolia" and secure the future of our children.
For more information, visit: www.hurimtlal.tdbm.mn.