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April is Financial Literacy for Youth Month

Before April 2008 comes to a close, I want to share a tidbit of history behind Financial Literacy Month. Financial Institutions and Non Profit Organizations near and far have been working together promote financial change in today’s record high levels of debt.

National Financial Literacy Month is recognized in the United States in April in an effort to highlight the importance of financial literacy and teach Americans how to establish and maintain healthy financial habits.

In 2000, Jump$tart, a National Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, began promoting April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month. Finally, in 2003 the United States Congress showed its support. Senate Resolution 48 and House Resolution 127 asked President, George W. Bush to declare April as Financial Literacy for Youth Month. At that time, governors of eight states had already named the month of April as such.

The year after Senate Resolution 48 and House Resolution 127 passed, further action was taken to designate April as National Financial Literacy Month to improve Americans’ financial and economic knowledge. April was named National Financial Literacy Month by the passing of Senate Resolution 316 with unanimous consent, championed by Daniel Akaka D-HI.

AFS has partnered with Jump$tart Washington since 2005. Both Barbara Mascarin and I have served on the Board of Directors of the Washington based coalition.

Visit our Jump$tart partner link to find materials relating to personal money management for young children and teens. The materials can be taught by both teachers and parents. If you would like to peak your teen’s interest, have them take the Reality Check.


Published Apr 30, 2008.