A TEEN prodigy who went from reality TV ‘people’s champion’ to ambassador for NatWest met with the bank’s CEO as part of his mission to help youngsters get to grips with money.
Mog Stinchcombe, 13, was a fan favourite when he appeared on Channel 4 show Child Genius last summer.
He was appointed as NatWest’s first ever junior consultant after the bank’s survey revealed more than half of seven to 15-year-olds worry about finance.
His six-month mission to help more young people learn about money management culminated when he met CEO Ross McEwan to get some expert advice.
Reflecting on his journey and discussion with Ross, Mog said: “I’ve learned my peers don’t know enough about money and I was keen to talk to Ross about what the bank is doing to help me and my friends.
“I think it’s really important that young people learn about money. From speaking to Ross, it’s clear that it’s a priority for him too as the bank plans to teach even more young people, like me, the financial skills needed to prepare for adult life.
“It was great to meet him – he’s pretty cool for a CEO!”
Mr McEwan shared his childhood memories of learning about money.
He said: “As a child in New Zealand, my first job was mowing my grandmother’s lawn, and my mum instilled in me the importance of having a bit of money in my pocket so I had to save a bit and spend a bit.
“That’s a lesson I’ve carried into my adult life and is why I am so passionate about the work we do through the NatWest MoneySense programme.
“We have a particular social responsibility to educate people on how to make good money decisions.”
The MoneySense Programme aims to educate a million young people by the end of 2018 – and has already reached over 330,000.
Cisit www.mymoneysense.com/natwest for more information.
Visit the NatWest YouTube channel to look back at Mog’s journey as NatWest Junior Consultant.
