THERE is little doubt that Greg Ray was on the money when
referring to changes in the way we now undertake our banking
(‘‘Play with funny money’’, Herald 4/12). ATMs, eftpos and
internet banking are rapidly becoming a preferred method to
access and transfer funds. However, while the way we access our
money is changing, those fundamental principles of saving and
financial literacy will always remain. Maitland Mutual Building
Society continues to play a role in educating the region’s
primary school children about these principles through the
Bank@School program. Today, students from 13 schools across
Newcastle and the Hunter participate in the program, which
teaches them about banking and encourages them to make regular
savings deposits into their Mutual account from the convenience
of their school. And yes, we still provide children with a piggy
bank to help with their savings at home. The program has been
running for more than eight years. With access to our funds
being more convenient than ever, programs suc