BANKS and CREDIT UNIONS are businesses where people save money and receive loans. Banks and credit unions also provide financial services such as investments and insurance.
Banks and credit unions are financial institutions where people save money and receive loans. A credit union is a not-for-profit business that is owned and collectively controlled by its members, whereas banks are for-profit businesses owned by investors. Banks and credit unions payinterest on savings, but receive interest when they make loans. Banks and credit unions try to earn profits by receiving more interest on loans than they pay on savings.
Banks and credits unions are part of the financial capital market. This important market, which includes stock and bond markets, helps direct funds from savers to investors. Investors use these savings to expand or start new businesses, thus providing jobs and economic growth. Consumers also borrow money from savers when they take out bank loans to purchase consumer goods, such as a car, or to purchase a home.
Banks and credit unions also provide people with important services that help them exchange goods and services, such as checking accounts and credit cards. Banks and credit unions often provide other services, such as financial investments and insurance. Banks and credit unions are critical to the functioning of a healthy economy.
Grade 3-6 teachers: Do the Saving lesson and the Investing lesson in the very practical Pint-Size Economics curriculum.
Have students explore the very informative Bankrate.com web site (www.bankrate.com). Compare and contrast interest rates of different banks/credit unions for Checking & Saving and for CDs (certificate of deposit) & Investments. These interest rates reflect how much banks pay to borrow money.
Each week have students track interest rate changes at various banks and credit unions. List these changes in an economic “journal” or post on a bulletin board. Discuss how economic current events influence these changes.
When comparing interest rates of various banks, have students investigate the different safety ratings of the banks, using the Safe and Sound® star rating system used by Bank Rate.com.
Compare and contrast credit card interest rates offered by banks. Why are they so much higher than other loans? (There is probably greater risk of people not paying off their credit card loans. It is also probably more costly to administer credit card accounts.)
Have students research the different services offered by banks and credit unions. (checking and saving accounts, safe deposit boxes, notary services, investments such as CDs, money market funds, credit cards, consumer loans, Insurance, etc.)
LITERATURE
CONNECTION
Banks and Credit Unionspay interest on savings. They use the savings to make loans, receiving interest from borrowers. Banks and credit unions try to earn profits from their banking activities.
Check It Out – The Book About Banking
by Neale Godfrey, 42 pages
This book provides everything your students need to know about banking, including why people use banks, how interest works, ATM machines, savings and checking accounts, and credit cards. Students will learn many new vocabulary words and gain confidence in their ability to take advantage of what banks have to offer.
Opening a Bank Account
by Schwartz, Stuart
This book explains the fundamental steps for opening a bank account, offers advice on choosing a bank and selecting a type of account, and discusses the various services available at a bank.
Working in Banking and Finance
by Margaret McAlpine, 64 pages
This book describes the responsibilities and qualifications necessary for a career in banking and finance. It explores such occupations as accountant, bank manager, economist, investment banker, insurance broker, stockbroker, and more.
