New TV program shows kids the money

For many kids and young adults, making and managing money is as simple as saving their weekly allowance for an item they really want to buy.

Matt Kemp, a 10-year-old Fairport resident, said makes money by mowing lawns, doing odd jobs and sometimes setting up a lemonade stand with friends. Spending money is a lot easier than earning it for Matt.

"I have a really big problem spending it as soon as I get it," he said.

Lydia Marchese, an 11-year-old from Irondequoit, said she does just the opposite, saving her money for clothes or CD's she really wants to buy. Making money on the other hand, she said, is a little harder.

Now they've got help.

Biz Kid$, a new show being produced through a partnership between the creators of "Bill Nye the Science Guy,", America's Credit Unions and JA Worldwide, will begin airing weekly on WXXI-TV 21 at 5:30 p.m. Fridays and 10 a.m. on Sundays. The half-hour show focused on financial literacy and entrpreneurship is aimed at school aged children. In addition, there are corresponding materials designed for use by parents and teachers available at no cost at www.bizkids.com.

"This series really applies to everyone, because everyone needs to handle the business of their life, to learn to make and manage their own money, to set financial and career goals for themselves and find out what their passions are," said Jamie Hammond, executive producer of Biz Kid$ and coordinating producer of "Bill Nye the Science Guy."

Each episode focuses on several learning objectives such as the history of money, the difference between debt and credit, investing and earning money, job readiness and even making a business plan. To bring the lessons to life, each show features four or five young entrepreneurs who've already started their own businesses.

In Washington, Hammond said, they profiled a 10-year-old who was inspired to raise money to purchase rocking chairs for the hospital while visiting his aunt in the neo-natal unit. He saved his money for four or five months and offered to purchase a rocking chair. When he presented the money, the hospital was gracious, however, they explained to the young man that purchasing a rocking chair for the hospital would cost over $700.

"He was a little overcome, but not daunted," said Hammond. "He developed all kinds of activities and raised $85,000 which he gave to the hospital to buy rocking chairs."

Hammond said she was surprised at the large number of kids that have already started their own business.

"We're finding kids everywhere that are doing positive things in their community," she said. "They're finding their passion in life early and starting their own business. Entrepreneurship is giong to be the future of America and we found a lot of really exciting leaders in that area."

As the preseneter station for Biz Kid$, Hammond said, WXXI is helping unroll the show to other public televisions statoins across the country. "Bill Nye the Science Guy" aired in 153 countries outside the U.S.

"We hope to see that kind of sucess with this series," she said.

Norm Silverstein, president of WXXI, said they already have committments from 100 stations.

"I think it's going to be very popular, not only with the age group it's aimed at, but with the adults also," said Silverstein. "Financial literacy is something we could all use a little help with."

Michelle Kott, an 11 year-old Fairport resident, said she earns money by helping her mother with her coffee business. Some kids know how to save money, she said, but otheres "might not know what to do with their money. They just earn it and spend it."

She said the show offers good advice on how to spend your money wisely. And it's fun to watch, she said.

Her mother Pam said she thinks Biz Kid$ is long overdue.

"I deal with a lot of people charging coffee to their credit cards...," she said. "I'm amazed when I call people and tell them their credit card has been declined and they just pull out another...I think it's high time somebody had a business show for kids on PBS."

Amy Cavalier can be reached at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 243, or at acavalier@mpnewspapers.com.