Celeberated since 1924, when representatives from 29 countries decided on the 1st International Savings Bank Congress to make 31 October a day dedicated to the concept of saving, it had gathered a thick coat of dust in recent years, not really suitable to an online banking and share buying public.
Having said that, I have fond memories of taking my piggy bank to the local branch as a child. In return I got to choose a little present – early conditioning to a life of shopping: hand over the cash and you get something for it you never knew you wanted.
The symbol for saving in my childhood years was the "Sparefroh", which loosely translates to "Happy Saver". Originally a German idea, this really took off in Austria and remained a firm fixture for about half a century, from 1955 to the 1990s.Today I thought I'd check what's on offer in 2008, and nothing much has changed. A fluffy toy, a pencil case, something inflatable, and, for the more practically inclined, a storage box for the refrigerator.
This year I expected something different.
When banks are taking billions in support from governments, much more effort must go into explaining why anyone should entrust their savings to them, why the same people who carry their savings to the bank also pay for propping them up from the other side. I grant it's a communication challenge, but one that has to be faced to re-establish trust and confidence.
Fluffy toys and plastic boxes? Sorry, not even close.
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