As the nation’s sluggish economy continues to squeeze households KB Financial Group and its subsidiaries are aiming to promote good household saving.

They suggest three KB family savings plans: “KB Wife Sarang Installment Savings,” “KB Golden Life Savings” and “Figure Queen Yuna Sarang Installment Savings II.”

“These products are designed to encourage and hold together family members, the bedrock of all economies,” a KB Financial Group spokesperson said. 

Of the saving plans, “KB Wife Sarang Installment Savings” embraces the philosophy of professor and author Kim Nan-do that society should recognize the economic contribution of housewives. Kim insisted that housewives deserve both monthly payment and separate bank accounts.

Launched on March 26, the plan has one-year, two-year and three-year maturity options, with base rates of 2.9 percent, 3.1 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively. Account holders are required to make a minimum initial installment of 10,000 won ($8.95), after which they can deposit 1,000 won to 3 million won monthly.

KB Bank additionally grants 0.1 percent preferential rates for housewives’ self-development activities, such as traveling overseas, taking lessons and doing volunteer community service for over 10 hours. Another 0.1 percent rate is granted for those who hold the installment plan’s sister product, “KB Wife Sarang Saving Account.”

The installment plan also offers insurance for female cancers and household accidents as a side benefit.

Meanwhile, KB Kookmin Bank launched “KB Golden Life Savings” on May 3, to cater to retirees who need stable management of their retirement money. The savings plan works as a bridge between one’s retirement day and first pension payout.

Newly retired customers can save a retirement allowance or other large-sum retirement income of at least 3 million won, which the bank manages at a 2.3 percent basic interest rate and gives out monthly payments.

Another 0.3 percent preferential interest rate is granted if the customer cancels a previous KB Kookmin Bank depository savings product with at least a one-year term and transfers the fund to “KB Golden Life Savings” within three months.

The third savings plan is “Figure Queen Yuna Sarang Installment Savings II,” named after the country’s gold medalist figure skater.

Even in difficult times, sports stars’ superior performance in international competitions boosts nationwide morale. On sale until Jan. 29, 2014, the installment savings plan offers an additional preferential interest rate of up to 0.3 percent, depending on the scores achieved by Korea’s figure skating queen, Kim Yu-na.

The plan comes in one-year, two-year and three-year options with base interest rates of 2.6 percent, 2.8 percent and 3.1 percent, respectively.

Meanwhile, KB Kookmin Card’s two check cards ― “KB Kookmin Haedam Card II” and “KB Workers’ Bonus Check Card” ― share the same “good spending” strategy, high in member discounts or tax rebate rate.

“KB Kookmin Haedam Card II” features simple card usage, offering 0.8 percent discount at all of its partner business entities. Card holders can benefit from two- to three-month zero-interest installments, in addition to various side benefits.

“KB Workers’ Bonus Check Card” offers a 30 percent tax redemption rate, twice as high as credit cards’ law-designated 15 percent. The card covers some non-tax redemption areas too, targeting tax-attentive customers in their 30s and 40s.

By Chung Joo-won (joowonc@heraldcorp.com)