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. Teaching children and young adults basic money lessons – how to save, budget, and use credit wisely – is one of the best ways to prepare them for their money future. Bankers are experts at money management, so it's a natural fit for them to be involved in financial education efforts.

Local Partnerships

The WBA also collaborates with state organizations, coalitions, and government agencies to leverage efforts to provide a variety of choices for consumers to learn about managing money.

Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP)
The 2004 Washington State Legislature created FLPPP to develop an educational definition of financial literacy, identify strategies that promote the use of financial literacy curricula in schools, and serve as an educational resource on the issue. In 2009, the legislature created FEPPP to extend the efforts of FLPPP
http://www.feppp.org/

Jump$tart
This nonprofit coalition is comprised of individuals, non-profit and governmental agencies, and the corporate sector, who have joined together to promote the need for financial education in Washington State.
www.wajumpstart.org

Junior Achievement of Washington
Established in 1953 and founded nationally in 1919, Junior Achievement's 3,300 community volunteers serve as valuable role models illustrating the importance of education. www.jawashington.org

National Programs

American Bankers Association Education Foundation

An educated consumer is the best customer. As the banking industry has evolved, so have the products offered and the number of products. It is important for consumers to understand their choices.

National Teach Children to Save Day
Teach Children to Save is a national program the organizes banker volunteers to help young people develop a savings habit early in life. Since the program started in 1997, some 123,000 bankers have taught savings skills to more than 5 millions students. Visit the website for tips and tools to help children learn how to save.
 

Get Smart About Credit Day
A national financial education program that helps bankers teach young adults the ABCs of wise credit use. Visit the website to register for the newsletter, access interactive resources, and learn more about credit.
http://www.aba.com/ABAEF/Pages/getsmartaboutcredit.aspx

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Money Smart
The FDIC created the Money Smart training program to help adults outside the financial mainstream enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. Money Smart is available in four versions:

  • An instructor-led curriculum for adults on CD-ROM available in seven languages and print versions for the visually impaired
  • An instructor-led curriculum for young adults between the ages of 12-20 on CD-ROM, Money Smart for Young Adults
  • A self-paced Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) format online for ages 13 and over in English and Spanish
  • A portable audio (MP3) version, Money Smart Podcast Network

http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html

Wells Fargo
Hands on Banking® - This program by Wells Fargo is a free, fun financial education program that presents the basics of smart money management in an easy-to use format.
http://www.handsonbanking.org/en/

Helpful Resources

Questions? Email or call us at (206) 447-1700.