CALGARY, Nov. 23, 2015 /CNW/ - The lack of personal finance education in schools, and limited conversations centred on money management in many Alberta homes is the driving force behind Money Mentors Financial Literacy for Youth program. Countless studies have shown more than 1/3rd of parents do not discuss money with their kids, and the current school curriculum does not include personal finance courses.
At Money Mentors, we believe Alberta youth should learn the basic fundamentals of personal finance, as this will help them to develop and strengthen their money management skills and concepts. Additionally, knowing the basics of personal finance at a young age instills confidence and empowerment, enabling one to handle his or her money much better as they grow and climb the pay scale.
Since the soft launch of the Financial Literacy Youth program, we have presented to 26,602 students across Alberta. "We want students to know how to handle their money. How to set goals, save, spend (track expenses), manage debt and make wise decisions about credit" says Colleen Hochhausen -Director of Financial Literacy.
The fun and interactive "Budgeting and the Wise Use of Credit" presentations are designed to get young people to think and talk about personal finance at an age where financial decisions start to come into focus. Our presenters are post-secondary students who relate to the financial challenges facing their high school audience. Money Mentors' youth presenters enter the classroom with a combination of discussions and videos to engage students and teach money management skills that will benefit them throughout the rest of their academic careers and beyond.
Money Mentors Executive Director Jim Thorne a financial literacy proponent says "the long term goal for this program is to provide financial education, resources and tools for young Albertans from kindergarten to post-secondary. There are far too many adults oblivious about their finances and it mostly stems from lack of financial literacy. The onus is on us to end this cycle."
Financial skills are very important to navigating life and if we don't start talking about Money with our kids at an early age, somebody else will or they could make irreversible financial decisions. To read more about this program, visit: finlitab.ca
Money Mentors is the only Alberta-based, not-for-profit credit counselling agency. Through a number of services, we help families and individuals recover from financial crisis and move forward. From credit counselling and money coaching to retirement planning and community financial literacy, we are contributing to a healthier financial future for the entire province.
SOURCE Money Mentors
Image with caption: "Money Mentors Teaches Alberta Kids to Save Money (CNW Group/Money Mentors)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151123_C7690_PHOTO_EN_550479.jpg
Image with caption: "Money Mentors Brings Money Management Classes to Alberta Schools (CNW Group/Money Mentors)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151123_C7690_PHOTO_EN_550481.jpg
or interviews, contact: William Akoto, MoneyMentors.ca, Toll-free: 1-888-294-0076, [email protected], Facebook.com/MoneyMentors, Twitter.com/MoneyMentors
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