Reflecting on an Outstanding Financial Education Memory: One Dime at a Time at Tinker AFB
I recently had the opportunity to reflect on an outstanding financial education memory at Tinker Air Force Base and chronicled on its website in the article titled: Financial presentation helps change children's lives, one dime at a time.
Back in November 2007, a simple yet powerful event unfolded—one that reminded us how small actions can create a big impact in the lives of young people.
Hosted by the base’s Family Support Center, the event featured a financial education presentation for children centered around an inspiring and practical theme: change children’s lives one dime at a time. And that’s exactly what they set out to do.
A Small Coin, A Big Lesson
The event focused on teaching children the value of money through hands-on activities using dimes. The goal wasn’t to turn kids into financial experts overnight—it was to start building their confidence and understanding of core money concepts: saving, budgeting, and goal setting.
Using the dime as a teaching tool, the children were introduced to important lessons:
Every dime matters – saving small amounts adds up.
Set goals early – learning to save for something specific builds discipline.
Track your money – understanding where it goes helps you control it.
It was a brilliant example of meeting kids where they are developmentally, using simple tools and language to start building financial literacy from the ground up.
Serving Military Families Through Education
Military families face unique challenges—frequent relocations, changing schools, and deployments. Yet through programs like this, children can gain stability and strength in areas that will serve them for life. Financial literacy is one of those areas.
The Tinker AFB presentation gave families a way to connect around a positive, empowering subject. It wasn’t just about saving dimes—it was about planting the seeds for smart, confident money behavior.
The Power of Collaboration
This powerful event was made possible through the support and collaboration of three dedicated organizations. Sponsored by the Air Force Aid Society, and brought to life through a dynamic partnership between the Tinker Family Support Center and Tinker Federal Credit Union, the program exemplified how mission-aligned collaboration can spark lasting impact. When public, private, and nonprofit entities unite around a common goal—like early financial education—they create a stronger, more resilient foundation for families and communities. We’re grateful to all the sponsors and partners who made this moment possible.
The Ripple Effect Still Resonates
Seventeen years later, the memory of this initiative still stands out. Why? Because it captured the heart of what early-age financial education is all about:
Start simple
Make it relatable
Engage kids directly
Build habits early
It showed that you don’t need a fancy budget or complicated curriculum to begin. You need purpose, people who care, and the willingness to start with what you have—even if it's just a dime.
A Timeless Takeaway
This moment from 2007 continues to inspire efforts like those we champion today at Sammy Rabbit. We, too, believe in the power of small habits and simple, clear lessons. We know firsthand how starting early—at home, in schools, on bases—can help kids dream big and develop lifelong money skills.
The takeaway? Never underestimate the power of a dime—or a dedicated community—to change a child’s life.
Originally reported by Beverly Pineiro, Family Support Center, Tinker AFB: Financial Presentation Helps Change Children's Lives One Dime at a Time.
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