FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amy Meyer
ameyer@missourifarmersunion.org
573-659-4787

Growing Green
Give your kids financial smarts from the start

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (April 28, 2006) –Before they can graduate from a Missouri high school, this year’s freshman class will be required to pass a basic finance course. These students are the first to face this state requirement, and nationwide tests demonstrate students’ need for focused financial education. A benchmark study of graduating seniors shows that nearly 90 percent of graduates would fail a basic personal finance test.

While Missouri’s personal finance course is a step in the right direction, it’s never too early to teach young people about financial basics. In April, credit unions in Missouri - and around the nation - are calling attention to this need with National Credit Union Youth Week. During April 23-29, local credit unions are placing special attention on how young people earn, spend, save, and manage their own money and how credit unions can help them do so wisely. The staff and members of credit unions know that education – put to practical use – can improve the lives of their neighbors and communities.

You can help your kids find fun, smart ways to manage and budget money with help from your local credit union. Many credit unions offer presentations and programs on financial issues, free of charge. There are lots of activities available, too. Parents can teach children as young as preschool-age about the concept of money by saving coins in a specially marked jar, or by giving them small change to spend during a trip to the store. Older kids can benefit from exercises such as a weekly allowance, opening a savings account, and developing longer-term savings goals – including higher education or a car.

Educators and parents can find a variety of financial education resources on the Missouri Credit Union Association Web site. There’s something for every age group. One Internet-based program – called MoneySkill - is targeted to high school students with 40-minute courses on income, money management, spending and credit. Money Math teaches middle school students the fundamentals of sound personal finance through a supplemental math curriculum. Thrive by Five focuses on the preschool set, while Dollar$ and $ense helps elementary students learn financial basics.

Contact the Missouri Farmers Union Credit Union at 573-659-4787 or visit www.missourifarmersunion.org for more programs and ways credit unions in your area can help you raise money savvy kids.

# # #

www.missourifarmersunion.org