Tweens savvy about saving money, AICPA survey shows.

In a time when Americans have a negative savings rate and carry crushing credit-card debt, their children seem to be learning financial prudence, so says a recent survey of American "tweenagers" conducted by Weekly Reader Research and the AICPA. The survey gleaned the attitudes toward money and savings among more than 1,200 children between the ages 9 and 12.

Results indicate they are savers. When asked what they would do if given a gift of $100, 59% of the respondents said they would save at least $50. More than half (53%) have savings accounts, and 47% said they have plans for saving and spending their money. Higher education--and, therefore, the prospect of higher earnings--motivates most "tweenagers" to save: 56% said they are putting money away for college. And, girls tend to be better savers than boys, the survey showed.

The Weekly Reader Research/AICPA survey also revealed:

* 56% of 9-12 year olds earn a weekly allowance, mostly by doing household chores; the average allowance of this group is $7.35.

* Only 18% of these children spend all their allowance.

* 18% of 12-year olds have a job outside the home.

* 24%...