Financial Education: Is It Making a Difference? Community Reinvestment Forum. Spring 2005

• Published in: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland
• Main Author: Thompson, Maria J., Ed
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland 2005
• Subjects: Banking; Community Development; Community Needs; Consumer Economics; Consumer Education; Money Management; Nonprofit Organizations; Ohio; Public Agencies; Ohio

Few would argue that the time is ripe for financial education in America. Financial products and services are growing in diversity and complexity, the retirement paradigm is shifting, and far too many individuals and families are struggling to make ends meet, often turning to "payday" loans and other high-cost funding alternatives. Low- to moderate-income populations are feeling the worst sting, but financial literacy is an issue among all income levels and age groups. And so, financial institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, corporations, and other concerned entities have taken on the responsibility of creating and implementing financial education programs. This issue of Community Reinvestment Forum examines the success of financial education programs and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland's role in promoting financial education efforts in the 4th District. The article, "Financial Education and CRA: How Examiners Make the Connection" (Paul E. Kaboth), observes that, while nearly every community has public schools and adult education programs that provide opportunities for building computer and other technical skills, few offer financial education programs targeted toward building critical financial savvy related to budgeting, saving, and the cost of credit. Many bankers, however, are eager to offer financial or technical support to programs such as these. The efforts of banks in providing financial education often create a win-win situation: Consumers who most need to build financial knowledge are the same individuals who can become long-term, profitable bank customers. Banks also win when the resources they invest in financial education are recognized by their supervisory agencies as being instrumental in community development. The article, "Dollar Wi$e: Building Financial Literacy City by City" presents Akron, Ohio Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic's views on financial education, noting that under the National Dollar Wise Campaign, mayors organize and implement financial literacy programs in their communities using materials provided by the Council for the New American City, a coalition of nonprofit groups, corporations and businesses that share a common goal of increasing investment in American cities.