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WASHINGTON DC, December 15, 2009 - Embarking on a new partnership between the agencies, U.S. Department of the Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan met today with students, educators and community leaders to promote strengthened financial capability among the nation's youth. They outlined the first step in this effort, the National Financial Capability Challenge, a national award program that aims to encourage financial education in schools across the country and recognize high-performing teachers, students, and schools.

Informing this focus on youth are findings from a new national financial capability survey released today that measures financial capability levels among U.S. adults. Commissioned by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation and developed in consultation with Treasury and the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, the survey shows that young adults display much lower financial literacy than older generations. In addition, the findings on financial behaviors highlight the need to ensure that the next generation starts taking steps now to secure their financial futures.


During America Saves Week, individuals will be encouraged and assisted to assess their savings progress and take action to advance this progress. This encouragement and assistance will be provided by organizations and professionals with an interest in improving the financial security of individuals and families.

For more information visit www.americasavesweek.org


Financial experts agree that starting early is one of the keys to financial success.
Thus, $mart Money Choices = A Brighter Future was selected at the theme of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's 2010 Poster Contest.

In an effort to increase interest in financial literacy to our nation's youth, the NFCC is once again sponsoring the Be Money Wi$e National Financial Literacy Poster Contest for 2010. For more on the contest and applications go to http://www.moneywisepostercontest.org/


The California Jump$tart Coalition brought together families across Southern California in October and November to learn about money.  All day sessions in San Diego, San Bernardino and Burbank drew almost 250 with topics from budgeting to credit and college planning.

With a grant from Chase and generous support of JA San Diego, CSUSB's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and JA Southern California, plus many others, these events offered parents and students an opportunity to learn and dialogue about money. Parents had feedback such as "This event was tremendously helpful to reach youth who otherwise would miss out on practical knowledge not done in high school", and "it gave my son an introduction and me, tools to work with him". Teens said "I learned effective ways to budget", "It helped prepare me for the real world", and "It was more fun than I expected!" Thanks to all who helped make these events possible!

The challenges of teaching personal finance in hard economic times drew more than 250 classroom teachers from 46 states to the first-ever Jump$tart Coalition National Educator Conference in Washington, DC on November 6-8. The forum, underwritten by Experian®, and developed in conjunction with the National Education Association (NEA), featured several Washington dignitaries. Sheila C. Bair, FDIC chairman, delivered 
the keynote address, and Anna Bernanke, wife of Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and a long-time classroom teacher, addressed the opening reception at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. For photos and more info go to http://www.jumpstart.org/index.cfm
August 9, 2009 - (by Kathy M. Kristof, Personal Finance LA Times)

The recession is a perfect time to give children hands-on lessons about how to manage their finances.  David Strauss knew he needed to do a better job teaching his children about money, but the layoff notice he received in January gave it a sense of urgency. "It made the discussions a lot more real," said Strauss, 43, a Boston-based radio station manager.

Knowing that the downsizing was coming, Strauss had already started talking to 17-year-old Daniel and 12-year-old Alexandra about wants versus needs and discussing how the family expected to cut back.  "The kids are interested in talking about money now," he said. "Daniel is getting his first job. Alexandra is about to have a bat mitzvah. It's pertinent to what's going on in their lives."


Michelle Greene
has been appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Financial Education for the U.S. Treasury Department, heading the Office of Financial Education. (For point of reference, this is Dan Iannicola’s old job.) In this role, Michelle will also serve as executive director of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, and the OFE also administers the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC). Prior to this position, she was a member of the Obama transition team at the Treasury. 
July 29, 2009 - (by Nathalie Tadena, ABC News)

Ask Warren Buffett to work with kids and he gets animated - literally. The legendary investor will be starring in "The Secret Millionaire's Club," an online cartoon series that teaches children about financial literacy, debuting in the fall on AOL.

Like Buffett, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, domestic diva Martha Stewart and the late astronomer Carl Sagan, will also be featured in their own series of educational webisodes produced by A Squared Entertainment, a children's media company founded by industry veterans Andy Heyward and Amy Moynihan, in collaboration with AOL.


It's a Habit! and Sammy Rabbit are pleased to announce the availability of a new 16 page, strategic bilingual coloring book titled ¡Ahorrar es una Buena Costumbre! or Saving is a Great Habit! The book contains 16 activity pages that also include short, memorable sayings and explanations on why it is important to make saving a habit. The coloring book is also available in English. For more details  email Sammy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.itsahabit.com.

The California and Nevada Youth Involvement Network (CNYIN)- June 12, 2009-in partnership with the Richard Myles Johnson (RMJ) Foundation-recently awarded its second annual School of the Year Award to Liberty High School in Napa, CA. The winner was chosen from among schools nominated by CNYIN members; it was nominated by Marlene Myers, financial education officer with Travis Credit Union in Vacaville, CA.