Financial Literacy

The need for financial education is greater than ever, and recognition of this fact continues to gain public attention at the local, state and national levels. Bankers are experts at money management, so it's a natural fit for them to be involved in consumer education programs. Bankers are taking the lead in communities nationwide with financial literacy programs aimed at small children, high school students, adults, senior citizens and persons with limited access to financial services, including recent immigrants and low-to moderate income residents.

National Teach Children to Save Day - April 22, 2011

It's never too early, or too late, to teach kids the skills they need to budget, save and manage money. Without financial education, young people will learn about money from the school of hard knocks. That's why the American Bankers Association's Education Foundation created the Teach Children to Save program and why bankers across the country speak to students and community groups year-round about the financial facts of life.

On National Teach Children to Save Day thousands of bankers across the nation and here in Oregon connect with kids in classrooms and after school programs to share "real life" lessons about money. These efforts help young people take an important first step in mastering their financial ABCs - - learning how to save.

Get Smart About Credit Day - October 21, 2010

Credit is an important financial tool for most Americans. It helps people purchase dreams like a home or a college education, and can lend a hand in an emergency. The choices people make about how to use their first credit card, or handle their first loan, can change their life for years to come.

That's why bankers are going into high school classrooms, connecting with youth groups, and visiting college campuses across America on Get Smart About Credit Day - October 21, 2010. During this event, bankers will help young people get smart about credit now, so they can make smart financial choices later.