The program establishes a 'virtual bank' on the family's home computer. Parents can establish an allowance account for each child and specify the weekly allowance. The program includes a chart of expense and income categories, the percentage of the allowance (deposits) to place in savings, and interest rates for savings.

Children use their account to write checks to their parents. Every deposit or withdrawal is recorded in a register, and pie charts are created to graphically show each child's spending patterns. Older children may write just one check a week, for *Cash*, but the program will not deposit any additional funds into the account until the child enters the details of how the cash was actually spent.

The interactive software features financial literacy activities that show young users how to write a check, make a deposit, and balance a checkbook. A chore list links the idea of money to work. Parents kick-start the program by depositing their child's weekly allowance into a new account. Parents may also set up non-interest earning reserve accounts so the youngsters may save money for charitable donations, holiday gift purchases or others special purposes.

Family Bank includes a set of rules that, when agreed and adhered to by parent... will help children develop the habit of sound financial management. Family Bank is a system that, once in place, stays in place. It guides parents and children and when it's time for a change . . . it prompts the users.

Family Bank is unique:

1. Family Bank is simple to use (a bright six year old can use it).
2. It's never too late to start (16 year olds don't find it 'juvenile' because there are no dancing bears, it's a real application program)
3. Family Bank's objectives are important, and if the rules are followed, will be achieved.
4. Family Bank encourages positive parent/child interaction about money. Instead of the computer in it's typical role of isolator, it actually requires that the parent and child sit in front of the machine at the same time and talk with one another.
5. Family Bank combines cognitive ("this loan will cost you 12%") and experiential ("gee, if I wasn't paying 2.50 a week for that loan, I'd have enough money to . . .") learning.
6. Family Bank requires almost no time actually at the computer in order to achieve objectives.
7. Family Bank sets in place a process that could (should) last throughout the child's adolescence
8. Family Bank alleviates family stress by removing points of conflict and encouraging positive communication.

Family Bank software specifications and features:

Platform: Windows 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP, and NT compatible
Creates as many accounts as users need or desire.

Each account uses a personalized chart of accounts, color scheme, and assigned Wisdom Files (thought for the day) Creates custom Wisdom Files using favorite quotes and digital pictures Children can create Wisdom Files without risk of damaging or deleting existing Wisdom files or photos Access to web based financial learning from within the application. Web access for children is 'link-safe' Each Family Bank account includes:

1. Checking
2. Savings
3. Reserves
4. Loan application and repayment.

Each account records transactions into it's own register and displays it's own charts.

Click here to purchase "Family Bank" for $49.95