Writing contest winnegets $1,000

Lori Mackey, also known as "Money Mama" through her business Prosperity 4 Kids, and ING Direct are sponsoring "Adventures in Saving," a contest designed to help children understand the benefits of saving their allowance.

Children, teens and adults are invited to write a story that inspires children to become financially responsible.

The fictional story should teach a basic money lesson to young children, Mackey said.

Three grand prize winners will win a $1,000 Orange Saving Account from ING Direct, and each winning story will be illustrated and published.

The contest is open to children ages 6 through 12, teens between the ages of 13 and 19, and adults 20 years of age and older.

Mackey said she hopes the contest will be implemented as a creative writing assignment throughout Las Virgenes and Conejo Valley schools.

The deadline for story submissions is June 30. There is no entry fee and no purchase of any kind required, Mackey said. For further information, visit www.adventuresinsaving.com

- Stephanie Bertholdo