Mark Griggs (left) and Nikolas Fischer

Ten-year-old Mark Griggs admits he used to be a "big spender." But, after suggestions from a local banker, he said, "I'm saving my money more than spending it."

He and other fourth graders at Marvin Elementary School have been getting money tips through a program called "Dollar$ and $ense." That's sponsored by the Missouri State Treasurer's office.

Pam Lueker of St. John's Bank and Trust Co. has been helping. She's an assistant vice president at the nearby bank. The kids will end their lessons this month with a bank tour. Their class teacher is Rhonda Donaldson.

One class goal is to show kids that there's more to money than just spending it.

Krista Daniel (left) and Kaysone Keopine

Ten-year-old Krista Daniel says she used to spend money freely. But, she said, "I didn't spend my own money. I spent my Mom's." Now that she's a saver, her Mom gets to save more of her money, Krista said.

Some of the kids said they had savings accounts even before "Dollar$ and $ense" classes.

Nine-year-old Kaysone Keopine said she's always had a savings account. "I save all my money," she said.

She said the most important thing she learned from the classes was "not to spend all my money on any one thing." She said she likes to spend her money on "something precious, like glass dolls."

Nine-year-old Laurel Reese admits she used to spend all of her money. But, after awhile, she said she started to wonder if what she bought was worth it.

"Now, I think it over before I spend to see if I really want that," she added.

Laurel Reese (left) Xavier Gomez and Tapley Rasch (right)

Her most valuable school lesson about money was, "when you get money, you're not supposed to spend it all," she said. "You should save some for the future," she said.

Many of fourth graders said they earn money by doing chores around the house.

Nine-year-old Nikolas Fischer said he used to get an allowance. But, now, he said, "I have to do really big work before I get paid." Those jobs include helping his Dad with painting and with construction of a rock garden at his home.

Laurel Reese said she earns money by doing work around the house and at her aunt's house. "Sometimes I clean under the sofa and find money there," she added.

Ten-year-old Xavier Gomez said he's gotten a chance to earn money recently because of a fire in his friend's house. "They live in a hotel now but are going to move in May. I earn money helping them pack for the move," he said.

Ten-year-old Tapley Rasch earns money is by selling things to his friends. Or sometimes he uses bartering. That's when people exchange things with others without using money.

Tapley said he likes to barter yong-oh cards, which are similar to pokemon cards.

Several of the kids said they enjoyed the class lessons about barter.

Nikolas Fischer said, to be a successful barter, you have to understand what your item is worth to another person. Then, you need to think of what their item is worth to you.

Several of the kids have saved considerable amounts of money. Some of them even have more than one savings account.

Krista Daniel said she had a bank savings account even before taking the classes. "When the banker talked about savings accounts, I started another," she said.

Some of the kids are saving for things they plan to buy in the months ahead.

Mark Griggs wants to buy a big fish tank. "I had a tank but my fish died and my Mom gave away my old tank," he said. "But, I've still got two pet fish at my Grandma's house," he said.

Nikolas Fischer said he's saving to buy a big cage for "a really big lizard." He said he has a bearded dragon lizard named Oscar but he wants a bigger one. "I don't know the name of it but it's real rare and expensive," he said.

But, Tapley Rasch's goal is much longer-term. So far, he's got $590 in his savings account. But, he knows he'll need much more to reach his goal. That's because he's saving his money so he can be the owner of a roller coaster park when he grows up.

Asked if he is a big spender now, he said, "Yes and no. I spent a lot but I still always save some."