Money Mentors' Youth Financial Literacy Week Kicks Off May 7th

CALGARY, May 4, 2012 /CNW/ - Money Mentors launches its first annual Youth Financial Literacy Week from May 7 - 11, 2012 to raise awareness on the importance of developing strong money management skills with Albertan youth.

A recent survey illustrates that financial literacy has room to grow among the 16-22 demographic (Source: the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants {CICA}):

• Only 47% believe they will be  more prosperous than their parents
• 48% of respondents do not track their spending
• 60% of parents who attempted to teach money management to their children felt they were not very successful.

"As a not-for-profit credit counselling agency, one of the things we hear often from clients is that they wish they had learned about money and credit growing up," says Tracy Watson, spokesperson with Money Mentors. "Getting young people excited about how money works now bodes well for their future, which is why we're thrilled to launch our first annual Youth Financial Literacy Week on May 7^th."

Key events during Youth Financial Literacy Week:

• Funny Money with James Cunningham - The most fun high school, college and university students will ever have learning about money. Register today for the May 10^th show at the Boyce Theatre in Calgary.
• Enrich Your Kids - This free session for parents provides practical tips on how to teach kids about money.
• Tuition Contest with Money Mentors and Breakfast Television - With a 500-word essay, students have a chance to win $1000 towards their tuition! Contest open from May 5 - 16.
• The Youth Campaign Design contest on Facebook encourages students to flex their creative muscle for a chance to win $500! Contest runs May 5 - 16.

For more information on Youth Financial Literacy Week, visit our website:
http://www.moneymentors.ca/financial-literacy-month.html

Money Mentors is the only not-for-profit credit counselling organization deeply rooted in the Alberta landscape. We're dedicated to educating Albertans on debt resolution, the wise use of credit and unbiased personal money management. For more information, please go to www.moneymentors.ca

To book a media interview:
Wayne Coristine, Community Relations Coordinator, Money Mentors
Phone: [phone] email: [email protected]