Separating 'iWants' from 'iNeeds:' MassMutual Releases New App to Teach Kids About Making Good Financial Decisions

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., June 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's habits are formed at an early age, and a 2009 study by Forbes Consulting Group for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) revealed that two-thirds of parents think financial education should start then, too. That's one of the reasons why MassMutual is now offering a free downloadable interactive game, Save! The Game, to help kids learn the value of separating wants from needs when it comes to spending.  

"Interactive games can be a powerful educational platform for engaging kids on serious topics, and Save! The Game harnesses that potential to bring the concept of wants versus needs to life," said Nick Fyntrilakis, assistant vice president, corporate responsibility, MassMutual.  "MassMutual is proud to offer this app as part of our longtime commitment to education, and we encourage parents to share it with their children to help teach them about the value of making good decisions about money."  

Save! The Game leads players through a 3-D fantasy world where they collect virtual money while trying to avoid the iWannas – impulse items like candy, soda and toys. It currently works on iPhone™ and iPod touch® products and is available on the App Store(SM).  

Save! The Game  is a cornerstone of MassMutual's Right on the Money program, a suite of fun, online activities that teach kids the importance of saving, earning, budgeting and charitable giving. Right on the Money also includes materials to help teachers cover these topics in class.  

"Our research and experience show that parents are actively looking for new ways to educate their children about the importance of properly managing their finances," said Fyntrilakis. "The Right on the Money program offers a way for kids of all ages to learn financial basics that will benefit them throughout their lifetime."

For additional tools and tips about educating kids about money management, visit www.massmutual.com/familyfinances.  

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, Inc., member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

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SOURCE MassMutual Financial Group