Canadian Youth Reveal Money Fears and Insights Through Poetry and Prose in Second Annual Brandes Scholarship Program

Ten Winners Prove Need for Building Financial Competency in Next Generation

TORONTO, Aug. 15, 2013 /CNW/ - Everything from rhythmic rap to thoughtful self-reflection to heartfelt revelation emerged from the winning essays submitted by Canadian youth describing their unique money personalities in the second annual Brandes Scholarship Program (to be renamed Bridgehouse Scholarship Program in 2014).

"Brandes Investments tryin' to get students thinkin' smart
Using a quiz to give 'em a start
Learning about money and about you
A few questions later and there's the truth"
--Madison, 19, Ontario

More than 3,000 essays were submitted to the competition organized by Bridgehouse Asset Managers by youth ages 16-22 across the country in support of imparting financial literacy and competency. Most compelling about this year's entries is the broad range of attitudes, fears, hopes and even wisdom revealed in a concise yet engaging and sometimes playful way.

"Happiness is found not in numbers or dollar signs, but in relationships, nature and inner peace, circumstances not bound by the number on your monthly bank statement. This, however, is no excuse to be irresponsible with our finances. For in responsibility we find the security to create and enjoy our happiness."
--Katie, 21, Manitoba

"While the winners get a $1,000 scholarship prize, we are thrilled with the creativity and insight all contestants demonstrated—knowledge that any Canadian investor can benefit from,"  says Bridgehouse Asset Managers' President Carol Lynde. "We can all learn from what they share: there is a clear desire and need for more financial literacy and competency."

"I am more and more convinced that I need to start investing early in life if I want to guarantee my security and financial independence in the future. In closing, I must say that it is a shame how little young people know, and how little interest they take, in the area of personal finance."
--Laurence, 22, Quebec

The winners were selected by a panel of investment advisors who are passionate about promoting financial literacy with Canadians of all ages. Bridgehouse thanks our judges for their time and commitment to thoroughly reviewing the top essays and selecting this year's winners. The 2013 judges panel included: Jeremy Clark of Clark Hetherington Financial Limited, Christine Laliberte of DWM Securities Inc., Don Macfarlane of Assante Financial Management, Natalie Sears of National Bank Financial, and Rod Tyler of Tyler & Associates.

This year's winners are:

Madison, 19, Ontario
Mikaela, 21, Alberta
Darya, 17, Ontario
Katie, 21, Manitoba
Chinmaya, 21, Ontario
Laurence, 22, Quebec
Sukriti, 19, Ontario
Kelsey, 18, Newfoundland
Regina, 20, Ontario
Sarah, 18, Ontario

To get the full text versions of the winning submissions, please visit:
http://www.brandesscholarship.ca/meet-the-winners/.

"Beyond the creativity exhibited, many submissions, including those that won, reveal a fear and avoidance of financial risk along with an admission that these students lack investment knowledge and confidence," observes Lynde. "It underscores the need to continue to develop financial literacy among Canada's youth—exactly what inspired us the develop the Brandes Scholarship Program."

"As Warren Buffett once said, 'risk comes from not knowing what you're doing.' I believed I was a risk taker; however, through the money personality quiz I discovered I am a 'risk avoider' when it came to finances. The quiz results especially about risk taking did surprise me."
--Chinmaya, 21, Ontario

About the Brandes Scholarship Program
The Brandes Scholarship Program was open for submissions between March 29 and July 2, 2013. Eligible entrants ages 16-22 from across Canada participated in an online self-knowledge quiz that generated a personalized financial profile and then had to submit an essay reflecting on what they learned. The goal of the program is to promote financial literacy with students and help 10 winning students with post-secondary tuition fees. In its debut in 2012, the Program received more than 3,000 applicants, and was awarded the 2012 IFIC Investor Education Award at the Morningstar (Canadian Investment) Awards.

About Bridgehouse Asset Managers
Bridgehouse Asset Managers, a trade name of Brandes Investment Partners & Co. (Bridgehouse), is an independent company offering tried-and-true investment solutions to Canadians. Bridgehouse offers 18 mutual funds, in addition to supporting SMA (separately managed account) mandates on 14 platforms.

For more about Bridgehouse, visit: bridgehousecanada.com.

SOURCE: Brandes Investment Partners & Co.

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