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KIDACCOUNTS

 What is $KIDDACCOUNTS?

As CPAs, we deal with people and their money on a frequent basis. Over the years we have come to realize that many people have little or no basic budgeting and savings habits. If grown-ups are not budgeting and saving, chances are their children are not learning how to manage their money either, even at the most elementary level.

Using ideas that kids can easily grasp, several of our Linkenheimer staff developed a three week program that is very interactive in its approach. Kids are involved in the discussion throughout the presentations.

Each child receives an illustrated workbook whose main character (LESTER LYNX) helps them understand the concept of making the most of a buck. An oversized $BudgetBuck$ introduces the idea that there is more to a dollar than just spending it.

The program and all materials are provided to schools at no cost.

 Who's That Cat?

When Linkenheimer LLP initiated a pilot program of $KIDDACCOUNTS Children's $Money$ Management in two local schools, our CPAs asked kids what they thought would help them remember the different parts of a dollar. A lovable, "way-cool" character was their unanimous response.

The LESTER LYNX character became the program's mascot and he really knows his stuff when it comes to showing his young friends how to track their money.

 KIDDACOUNTS in the Press-

$KIDDACCOUNTS Children's $Money$ Management Program is taking CPAs throughout the country into the classroom to teach young children a unique method for managing their money. Read what they're saying about the program.

Doing Well by Doing Good
Journal of Accountancy, September 1998—AICPA's national accounting magazine
"Profit and net income are a by-product of a lot of other things. You can't manage them directly. It seems to me that companies that have an inner life, a kind of vitality, are much more likely to secure and sustain higher profits. This project has created a spark in the firm."

Cash Course: Students Learn Budget Basics
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, June 1997—Sonoma County's daily newspaper
"Math books include problems about money, but they are focused on spending money," says a fourth grade teacher. 'They are about going out to dinner or shopping at the store, but they aren't about saving.' There is no curriculum on budgeting for grade-school youngsters except what teachers do on their own. It's too bad.'"

KIDDACCOUNTS Add Up for SR Accountant
The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, August 1998—Sonoma County's daily newspaper
"The program has been welcomed in schools all over the county. The demand is so high, that Miksis is contacting Rotary and parents' groups to see if others would like to join in teaching the course."

CPAs Teaching Kids ABCs of Spending, Saving
Cal Society Monthly Statement, March 1999—California Society of CPAs newsletter
"Having CPAs talk to kids about money is 'a natural connection.' It allows CPAs to push beyond traditional roles in the community and address the concerns of kids as well. The $KIDDACCOUNTS program aims to help students develop positive habits early on and give them a strong foundation in personal finance."

Lessons Learned From a Non-Traditional Approach to Marketing
AAM Marketrends, April 1999—Association for Accounting Marketing monthly newsletter
"Lesson 1: Encourage and listen to ideas from your employees and co-workers. Find out what your people are passionate about. You may be surprised at the talent that exists in your firm."
Lesson 2: 'The best reality check for a CPA: an hour with 4th graders.'
Lesson 3: 'A community effort can be a marketing strategy as long as the effort is made a community effort FIRST.'
Lesson 4: 'Be open to a little quirkiness. Heaven knows this is not a common trait in our industry (accounting).'"

Kids Learn Value of Money
Nevada Appeal, November 1998—Carson City, Nevada daily newspaper
'"For an assignment, the class would go out shopping and compare a brand name versus the generic alternative," says Casey, a certified public accountant with Kafoury Armstrong's Carson City office. She would ask them to compare the price, the ingredients and the performance. 'Think about what you're buying. It is OK to buy a name brand, if you have a good reason, but not just for show.'"

Fiscal Ed Added to Classes
Santa Maria Times, February 1999—Santa Maria, California newspaper
"Nineteen hands shot up when fourth-grade students at Solvang School were asked a simple question: 'Who likes money?' 'There are four parts to the dollar bill,' said Campbell, a certified public accountant. 'These include saving for a 'rainy day,' saving for a 'sunny day,' 'sharing/giving,' and spending.'"

Accounting Firm Teaches Fifth-Graders Money Skills
Daily Sparks Tribune, March 1999—Sparks, Nevada newspaper
"After a presentation to the fifth-grade class, the students were asked if they learned anything new. 'I learned about rainy-day savings,' said a student. 'I never thought about saving for catastrophes.'"

Fifth-Graders Learn Meaning of $1
Local, March 1999—Santa Barbara, California newspaper "It's very important to understand you have to decide how much to spend and how much to save," Kathleen Campbell, CPA with Christensen & Drake LLP in Solvang, California told fifth-graders, soon to join America's voracious teen-age purchasing market.' 'It's never too early to learn good habits.'"

Non-Traditional School Program Becomes Marketing Success
PR Reporter, May 1999—monthly public relations newsletter
"Campaigns to schoolchildren are tricky today--and must be both win-win and very good to get approval. When Linkenheimer, a Santa Rosa (Cal) accounting firm, developed a basic money management program for kids as a community service, it generated unprecedented visibility for the firm and a "hipper" image."