One of a three part series.

OneUnited Bank announced its I Got Bank 2nd Annual Essay Contest winners on August 9, 2012. The contest is designed to promote financial literacy for youth (ages 8 – 12). The winning essays are fabulous. We think you will agree.

Here is one of the three winning essays:

Isaiah Harris

Dorchester, MA

Age 10

Have you ever wanted to spend money right when you got it like on a video game, pack of gum or toys? Well, I have! My name is Isaiah Harris, I am 10 years old and I don’t have bank yet! I entered this essay contest not only for the prize but honestly, my Auntie gave me the book and the essay flyer and my mom inspired me to do it.

Like Jazz, I am 10, black and we both live in an urban community where it’s not always cool to be smart. Before I read about Jazz, my thoughts about money were spend, spend, and spend! Jazz reminded me that you need to save your money and not spend it all the time. Like when Jazz gets his allowance he keeps all of it his bank account.

I like how Jazz tells Marquis that he has to save every dime. I am getting an allowance this summer and I am going to save, save, save just like Jazz! If I save all of my allowance for the rest of this year plus the money I get from my family I’ll have about $250.00 plus interest from the savings account.

I will feel pretty good about having a lot of money but I know it will take a lot of holding back from buying beyblades, DS games or candy but I am ready! To help me meet my goal I want to get a MAP instead of a GAP. I want my Mom to put my allowance straight into my bank account each month.

I can’t help but do Math, I love Math! So if I include the money that I hope to win from this essay contest, money from my Godparents, Nana and my allowance by the end of 2013 I will be very happy to see $2500.00 on my bank statement, plus interest!

I said I was 10 years old and that I did not have bank yet. Well, I work very hard in school, I read a lot and am good in Math. I will finish college, get a job, keep up with all my savings and work my tail off. Then and only then will I have bank! Thanks for reading my essay, I hope you like it!