Money-conscious Americans have expressed a strong interest in educating their children on how to be more financially literate.  Among respondents with children currently in school, the poll revealed that an overwhelming majority of parents (97 percent) feel it is important for children to receive some form of financial literacy instruction in school.

"Americans feeling the pinch of today's tough economic times are making changes to their saving and spending habits to make every penny count -- literally," said Dave Cole, chief executive officer of Coinstar. "Also, as families are becoming more aware of controlling their own finances, they are also looking to teach their children money management skills at a young age."

Nearly half of parents surveyed also report that their child's school does not provide a program and/or designated curriculum teaching financial literacy. Fifty-two percent of parents who feel financial literacy instruction should be adopted in their child's school believe it should begin as early as elementary school, with an additional 14 percent of these respondents who believe financial literacy education should start as early as kindergarten/pre-kindergarten.