CARY — A new program at theState Employees Credit Unionhas a simple premise: You are never too young to start saving money.

The Fat Cat Program allows children under age 12 to open an account with as little as $5. Withdrawls are allows after their balance reaches $25. Kids also get their own ATM card and access to online banking.

"People don't save money like they should, and what we're trying to do is to get them started at a younger age to put money back and save for a rainy day," says the Credit Union's Brad Starnes.

Austin Walker is just 5 years old, but he opened a Fat Cat savings account. His dad, Chris Walker, hopes that by starting now, his son will one day be able to afford college and even buy his own house.

"Money is not something that should rule your life," he says. "But to make a better way for yourself in the world, you've got to be in control of it."

The Fat Cat program started three months ago and has been more popular than officials expected. The State Employees Credit Union is now working on a special program for teenagers to keep them saving for the future.