What can acorns, bananas, berries, bears and monkeys teach about retirement? A lot, according to a U.K.-based pensions consultant and financial education expert for children.
Robert Gardner, co-founder of consultant Redington Ltd., founder of financial education charity RedStart, and member of the board of the Children's Savings Council, has written “Save Your Acorns,” a picture book for children to help teach them about financial responsibility, budgeting, saving and helping others.
The book, published by Lioncrest Publishing, follows Oliver, Amelia and Grandpa, as they read the story of the bears and the monkeys. The story teaches the consequences of wasting bananas, sharing berries and saving acorns — and how, over time, the acorns they save can grow into trees that provide more acorns.
“At a time when a demographic is facing a financial crisis at retirement, educating our children on the importance of saving is vital,” Mr. Gardner said in an e-mail.
Redington advises on more than £350 billion ($452.6 billion) in assets.