Bow Elementary School second-graders now know something about saving for the future, and you can bank on that.

Fidelity Investments and Jump$tart Coalition sponsored a program at the school on Thursday, April 17, to show students the difference between wants and needs, and the importance of saving their coins.

To prove the value of investing, the groups gave each of the students a three-section coin jar and $10 in coins to put into it.

“We were really happy to be able to pair with Jump$tart to (conduct) this class because we have a strong belief that being educated about finances is a lifelong experience,” said Joe Murray, Fidelity’s director of public affairs.

Second-grader Sonya Delorie couldn’t wait to deposit her newly acquired coins into her jar.

“I liked that we got these jars, and I am really excited to put my quarters in it,” said Delorie, who knows exactly what she wants to save up for.

“I want to buy a dictionary because I want to use it for school.”

Each of the banks given to the students had a section to help save money for both future expenses such as college, as well as entertainment.

Gillian Martin, a second-grader at the assembly, had plans for her coins as well.

“I was really excited because I will put a few coins in each part so I don’t spend it all in one area,” she said.

The program was the first the groups had sponsored, and Murray said he is hopeful on the lasting effects it will have.

“We expect that it’ll be a memorable program. Kids have a lot to learn in reading, writing and arithmetic,” said Murray. “Learning to save money isn’t something that is always taught, so we hope this has a lasting impact in terms of their behavior when it comes to money.”

About 150 students packed the school’s library to view slides and interact with the presenters, writing down on Post-it notes one example of a want and one example of a need.

Some students at a young age already realize the importance of spending money on the essentials, as one student raised his hand and told presenters he would need to spend money on life insurance and college.

After learning about saving, Martin is looking toward the future.

“I think it would be important to save money because if I don’t have enough money when I get older I can’t afford things like water, TV and cables,” she said.