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Money Smart

Money Smart Newsletter

Special Edition 2021

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Last Updated: April 15, 2021

In This Issue

Message from the FDIC

With Financial Literacy month underway, the FDIC has released an enhanced version of Money Smart for Young People (MSYP). We listened to educators and their feedback has enriched the program. MSYP now includes a new tool kit of class aids that can be used virtually or in person for a variety of ages.

We understand that this year has brought unprecedented challenges to educators and parents who are looking for quality resources to help children continue to develop. This free financial education curriculum can engage students in Grades Pre-K to 12. Educators will find lesson plans filled with hands-on activities, along with teacher presentation slides and worksheet-centered student guides.  Parents and caregivers can consult age-appropriate guides for conversation starters, knowledge-building activities, and related resources.

The improvements were fueled by insights from 26 educators who taught 83 MSYP sessions. For example, the enhanced curriculum features design improvements and more activities than before.  And, a new digital toolkit includes backgrounds for video conferencing and activities that can be completed on a computer, mobile device or printed out to be worked on together. 

Learn more about MSYP and other youth resources at our public webinar, Money Smart for Young People Webinar - The Enhanced Money Smart for Young People Curriculum on April 20, 2021 at 1:00 PM EDT.

What: Webinar Introducing the Enhanced Money Smart for Young People Curriculum
When: Tuesday, April 20, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET
How: Register by April 19th from the registration link Money Smart for Young People Webinar - The Enhanced Money Smart for Young People Curriculum
Click Money Smart for Young People Digital Toolkit (catalog.fdic.gov) to access our new tool kit for teachers and caregivers.

Join us on social media using the #FDICMoneySmart and show us the curriculum in action!

Elizabeth Ortiz
Deputy Director, Consumer and Community Affairs
FDIC Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection

Money Smart Alliance Membership & Upcoming Event

To gain insights into how others use Money Smart, consider joining our Money Smart Alliance. The Alliance is a network of financial institutions, nonprofits, educational and governmental organizations that use Money Smart to provide training to people of all ages and small businesses. Members benefit from periodic webinars, idea sharing and collaboration opportunities with other Alliance members, and technical assistance from FDIC staff. To join, learn more, or view a searchable list of members, visit our Money Smart Alliance page.

Join us for our upcoming webinar on April 28, 2021, where we will explain the benefits of becoming an Alliance member and how to get started using Money Smart. Register now at Money Smart Alliance Virtual Open House Webinar or learn more about our other Train-the-Trainer events.

What: Money Smart Alliance Virtual Open House Webinar
When: Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET
How: Register by April 27th from the link on our Money Smart Alliance Virtual Open House Webinar.

Join Our National #GetBanked Conversation

As part of its ongoing efforts to expand financial inclusion, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today launched a public awareness campaign about the benefits of opening a bank account. The FDIC’s #GetBanked campaign will focus on the Houston and Atlanta areas, where research finds Black and Hispanic households are disproportionately unbanked. The goal of this targeted, pilot campaign is to support financial empowerment by encouraging consumers to consider opening a checking account that can result in access to safer and lower-cost financial products.

There are 7.1 million U.S. households without a bank account. Banking relationships generally begin with a checking or savings account, and may lead to low-interest loans and mortgages. Our website includes the Top Reasons to Have a Bank Account and How to Pick Bank Account Checklist to help you choose the best type of account for your individual needs. To learn more, visit and follow the campaign at #GetBanked.


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