Teaching children the importance of money: there's an app for that

RBC launches Learning Money with Leo - the first interactive iPad app that teaches kids about money

TORONTO, March 6, 2012 /CNW/ - RBC is the first Canadian financial institution to launch an iPad application to help families teach children the value of money. Learning Money with Leo, a free iPad app that is available to all Canadians, offers an entertaining and interactive way for children to learn how to earn money, save for something they want and spend wisely.

"Our idea was to offer children a fun and engaging way to learn basic money skills they can build on in years to come," explained Jane Broderick, SVP Marketing and Channel Strategy, RBC. "This app is hands on and tailored for children to use independently through games and advice, which will save parents time and teach children the value of money."

Children are becoming increasingly tech savvy at a young age. Recent research shows that approximately half (52 per cent) of children under the age of eight have access to mobile devices, iPads or video iPods, and 46 per cent of children aged five to eight use a computer at least once a week. Learning Money with Leo uses the latest technology to introduce young children (aged three to six) to money concepts.

Some of the features within the Learning Money with Leo app include:

• Leo the Lion Guide - provides simple instructions and positive messages through games and activities to engage children and cheer them on to success
• Interactive games - provides children with an opportunity to recognize coins of different denominations, and earn reward coins in return through games such as Match It, Solve the Maze, Gather the Coins, Spot the Differences and Sort the Coins
• Read-along story book - teaches children the value of earning and saving
• Sticker book and sticker store - earn reward coins through playing games and receive stickers at the sticker store to create a picture of their own

"Children are in their prime learning years and can absorb everything," added Broderick. "The value of money, what it means to earn money and the benefits of saving can start to really sink in at this age."

The Learning Money with Leo iPad app - and printable versions of its games - can be downloaded at no cost from the iTunes app store, or by visiting the RBC Advice Centre (rbcadvicecentre.com/families).

To help families manage their overall finances, RBC has also introduced the Financial Advice for Families section on the RBC Advice Centre, offering:

• Financial advice for new and expecting parents - to help families become more money savvy and develop confidence in making financial decisions
• Money management tips for families - to help families create budgets and set financial parameters, using online financial tools
• Advice for parents on how to teach their children about money - to help parents introduce the concepts of earning, spending and saving

About RBC's financial education, resources and interactive tools
Financial Advice for Families, as well as the new Learning Money with Leo iPad app, can be freely accessed in the RBC Advice Centre (www.rbcadvicecentre.com/families).

Whether Canadians want to save and invest, get more from their day to day banking, protect what's important, or take care of their businesses, the RBC Advice Centre can help answer their questions. Interactive tools and calculators provide customized information covering many facets of personal finance. RBC's myFinanceTracker, an online financial management tool, offers all personal RBC online banking clients the ability, at no cost, to create a set budget and track their spending habits. With the guidance of RBC advisors who are available to chat live, Canadians have access to free, no-obligation professional advice about RBC products and services and personalized one-on-one service. Further information is available at rbcadvicecentre.com.

Video with caption: "Video: Eric (5) shows his mom the new Learning with Leo app; Diane Amato (Senior Marketing Manager, RBC) discusses the app.". Video available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/cgi-bin/playback.cgi?file=20120306_C9984_VIDEO_EN_10790.mp4&posterurl=http://photos.newswire.ca/images/20120306_C9984_PHOTO_EN_10790.jpg&clientName=RBC&caption=Video%3A%20Eric%20%285%29%20shows%20his%20mom%20the%20new%20Learning%20with%20Leo%20app%3B%20Diane%20Amato%20%28Senior%20Marketing%20Manager%2C%20RBC%29%20discusses%20the%20app%2E&title=RBC%20%2D%20Learning%20with%20Leo%20app&headline=Teaching%20children%20the%20importance%20of%20money%3A%20there%27s%20an%20app%20for%20that

Image with caption: "Learning Money with Leo: Sticker Book (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120306_C9984_PHOTO_EN_10792.jpg

Image with caption: "Learning Money with Leo: Smart Cents Cover (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120306_C9984_PHOTO_EN_10793.jpg

Image with caption: "Screen Capture (CNW Group/RBC)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120306_C9984_PHOTO_EN_10795.jpg

Jill Quinn, RBC Corporate Communications, [phone]
Kate Yurincich, RBC Corporate Communications, [phone]