CONDUSEF launches 'Financial Strokes' children's drawing competition to teach kids about money

If there's one thing that gets us Australians, it's reaching the end of the month with empty pockets. That's why whenever CONDUSEF pulls up their socks and runs a workshop or event for the little ones, it's something to smile about. Because we know that if kids learn the value of money from a young age, they won't be scratching their heads as adults wondering "where did my pay packet disappear to?"

That's exactly why the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (known to mates as CONDUSEF) has just launched the children's drawing competition "Financial Strokes". And no, it's not some boring affair full of numbers and fine print; it's a straight-up invitation to the young artists at home to grab their colours and imagination and show us how they'd manage to look after their pocket money.

What's "Financial Strokes" all about?

The idea is pretty straightforward and really cool. CONDUSEF wants kids aged 6 to 12 to have a think about things like saving, household spending, and why we shouldn't blow all our piggy bank savings on lollies. The main theme of the drawing should revolve around questions like "How do you teach your family to look after money?" or "What would you do to make sure your piggy bank is never empty?".

Entries will be accepted until May 30th at various CONDUSEF offices around the place. And here's the thing – you don't have to live in the capital to get involved. CONDUSEF has got a long reach, and you can drop off your masterpieces at any of their regional branches. For instance, if you're up north, you can head to the CONDUSEF Zacatecas office. If you're near the coast, the CONDUSEF Veracruz office will be accepting drawings with just as much enthusiasm. And for those living in the highlands region, the CONDUSEF Pachuca Hidalgo office will also be a drop-off point. Kids can let their imaginations run wild without even leaving their home state.

Prizes worth getting excited about

As with any good competition, it's not all about the pride of taking part (though that's a huge thing in itself). CONDUSEF has put together some pretty impressive rewards for the winners. Prizes include:

• Tablets for first place, perfect for keeping up the digital exploration (with parental controls, naturally).
• Educational games related to finance, so learning doesn't feel like homework.
• School supply packs and books on financial literacy for the budding artists.

The best part is that the selected drawings will be displayed right in the CONDUSEF offices themselves and at some consumer fairs held throughout the year. So kids can show off to their mates: "Hey, look, my artwork's up at CONDUSEF".

More than a competition, it's about building good habits

Initiatives like "Financial Strokes" are a breath of fresh air. Truth be told, we've been slowly getting the hang of a savings culture, but there's still a fair way to go. The fact that CONDUSEF takes the time to visit schools and now launches a drawing competition shows that financial education isn't just for the suits and ties – it's for the whole family.

So there you have it, mums and dads: print out the details, grab some paper or cardboard, and sit down for a drawing session with the kids. It's not just a chance to win a cool prize, but also an opportunity to spend the arvo chatting about why it's better to save for the future than to blow it all on a Friday afternoon. If you want more info, just pop into your nearest office: from the CONDUSEF Zacatecas office to the CONDUSEF Veracruz office and the CONDUSEF Pachuca Hidalgo office. The main thing is to have a go.