Posts Tagged ‘budget’
National Financial Capability Challenge
February 23rd, 2010
by Nicole
A Message from U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan
A few weeks ago, my colleague Colleen wrote about the challenges of her first credit card. Many of us have had similar experiences—when we realize we won’t be able to pay off our debt as quickly and easily as we thought. More than ever, it’s important that kids and young adults learn practical financial skills, so they can avoid costly mistakes.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S Department of Education have teamed up to launch the National Financial Capability Challenge for 2010. The Challenge is an awards program designed to increase the financial knowledge and capability of high school students.
During February and March, educators who accept the challenge will teach students the basics of personal finance. Then, students will take a voluntary online exam. In April, educators and top-scoring students will receive award certificates, and schools and states with the highest participation rates will earn special distinction.
All educators working with U.S students (ages 13-19) are encouraged to register for the Challenge, download the free Educator Toolkit, prepare their students, and administer the online exam.
Registration ends on March 14, so please spread the word to high school educators in your local community!
Tags: budget, children, education, financial literacy, high school, kids, teaching
Posted in Credit and Debt, For Kids, Money | No Comments »
It’s Never Too Early for Dollars and Sense
December 31st, 2009
by Lisa
A few weeks ago, my four-year-old was excitedly flipping through a department store circular filled with toy ads. As he sat there mesmerized by the brightly colored action figures, trucks and building blocks, I cautioned him to pick only three things that he wanted for Christmas.
I may as well have asked him to solve the Riemann hypothesis. When you’re four, it’s virtually impossible to fathom a world in which wallets have limits — especially when there’s something you really, really, really want.
For parents like me, National Consumer Protection Week is an ideal time to introduce kids to the concepts of money and budgeting. This year’s theme — Dollars & Sense: Rated A for All Ages — is a reminder that the lessons of responsible spending, budgeting and overall money management can never be taught too early — and never learned too late.
In fact, this year we have added a new section to the NCPW website just for kids and parents. As NCPW gets closer, we’ll be adding more resources to this page and highlighting some of them on the blog. After all, being a smart consumer isn’t something you get from your parents naturally, like hair color. And it doesn’t come with a diploma the way free chips (or a bag of carrots) come with the lunch special. It’s a skill that must be developed from an early age, and it helps to have cool websites and funny videos.
I still have a long way to go with my four-year-old, so I’ll be checking the kids page often. I hope you’ll join me!
Tags: budget, children, kids, Money, teaching
Posted in For Kids, Money | 6 Comments »