How you can Celebrate Financial Literacy Month!

Did you know that April is National Financial Literacy Month?! While we encourage practicing good financial habits all year long, it’s wonderful to see such an important and necessary part of all of our lives celebrated and acknowledged for an entire month.

But, what exactly IS financial literacy? What does it mean, and why is it important? Financial literacy is having the knowledge and ability to make informed decisions about how we use money in our everyday lives. As anyone who participates in our Young AmeriTowne, International Towne, YouthBiz, or summer camp programs can tell you, money affects almost every aspect of how we live and function in the world. If we don’t take the time to really understand it, we are not going to be able to make smart choices about it. Throughout the month of April, financial institutions and organizations all over the country offer opportunities to learn more about effectively managing money!

Thankfully, Young Americans Center for Financial Education has endless learning opportunities and ways to expand your financial literacy! You can find many of our programs throughout the year, but especially this month, be on the lookout for these great events:

MONEY MATTERS CLASSES – Saturday, April 7, Saturday, April 14, Saturday, April 21, 9:00-10:00am, locations vary

In these FREE classes, games and activities teach young people about the importance of money and banking — and how parents can reinforce those lessons at home.  Plus, class participants earn a $10 savings certificate for attending!  Registration is required, classes are designed for specific age groups.

BUDGETING AND BUSINESS BASICS WORKSHOP AT MOORHEAD – Saturday, April 14, 2:00-5:00pm, Moorhead Recreation Center in Aurora

Learn the basics of budgeting and business in just three hours in this FREE class!  Ages 10-16.  Call Moorhead to register: 303-326-8315.

YOUTHBIZ SOAP SIMPLE WORKSHOP – Wednesday, April 17, 5:30-7:00pm, Young Americans in Denver

Join us as we go through the world of soap-making! Create bar soaps in different shapes, colors, and smells that you can take home.  Registration is required, must be 8 or older to participate.

GIRL SCOUTS BADGE CLASS – Saturday, April 21, 12:00-2:00pm, Young Americans in Denver

Scouts participate in lessons and games to become financially savvy and to gain a better understanding of money, budgeting, and philanthropy.  Registration is by troop only.

MONEY SMART WEEK – Saturday, April 21 – Saturday, April 28

Be a part of a national discussion about youth financial literacy!  Events are happening throughout the state.

YOUTHBIZ SPRING MARKETPLACE – Saturday, April 28, 10:00am-2:00pm, Young Americans in Denver

Find exquisite gifts direct from more than 50 youth entrepreneurs!  All ages welcome.

For even more ideas, visit Jump $tart Coalition or National Financial Educators Council.

So, what are you going to learn this month? What new habits will you try to pick up or practice more frequently? How will you keep working on them for the rest of the year? Whatever you decide, you can always reach out to us for help or ideas!