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Money Smart

Money Smart Newsletter

October 2021

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Last Updated: April 20, 2022

In This Issue

October Monthly Message from the FDIC

FDIC released How Money Smart Are You? on September 30th. This suite of 14 self-paced games and related resources is the newest addition to FDIC’s Money Smart. Earlier this year, we made significant strides to help people learn more about the benefits of a banking relationship with our #GetBanked campaign, but having an account is just the first step. As part of our ongoing financial inclusion efforts, this direct-to-consumer approach aims to empower consumers so they can learn to better control their finances and better protect and manage their money.

Our new tool allow users to win virtual coins for correct answers and potentially earn a certificate of completion for each game. Users can complete such games as banking crosswords, minimize the debt monster, balance assets and liabilities, escape the room, discover the combination lock, choose sense or nonsense, and more. Users can create an account to save their progress.

This latest addition to the Money Smart product family provides practical knowledge and helps build financial skills to manage your finances with confidence. Our additional Money Smart products continue to engage other audiences, from children in elementary school to older adults, as well as small businesses. For our trainers and Alliance members, consider sharing the FDIC’s newest product with a broad audience and continue targeted lessons within your community.

Visit How Money Smart Are You? to try this new resource and share with those who may want an introduction to personal finance.

October is Financial Planning Month. Money Smart provides financial educators with tools to encourage people to be thoughtful about their financial future. Join us on social media using the #FDICMoneySmart and show us any of the Money Smart products in action!

Success Story: Money Smart Helps Housing Initiative

In this edition, we share how Money Smart is used as part of a program to help people obtain or retain quality affordable housing. Read more at Success Story: Money Smart Helps Housing Initiative.

Webinar to Advance Economic Inclusion for Hispanics

The FDIC continues its efforts to improve the financial capability and economic empowerment of the Hispanic Community. We recognize the importance of increasing access to financial education and financial services for the U.S. Hispanic population. The Community Affairs Team will host two events to support these efforts:

The events will highlight FDIC Economic Inclusion resources available in English and Spanish including the Money Smart financial education program and #GetBanked campaign.

Upcoming Money Smart for Small Business-Focused Webinars

The next Train-the-Trainer for Money Smart for Small Business will be held on November 16, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (ET). Any prospective trainer can attend. Participants will learn how to customize the Money Smart for Small Business modules to meet the diverse needs of small business owners, engage subject matter experts to co-train, make the content of each module engaging, and incorporate the curriculum into business training or coaching programs. In addition, Money Smart Alliance members are welcome to attend the next Town Hall webinar to hear updates relating to small businesses. It will take place on November 30, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (ET). Learn more or sign up for any of these webinars on the Money Smart Training and Events page.

Becoming an Alliance member is easy and helps you gain access to dedicated trainings like this small business one.  Learn more about joining the Money Smart Alliance.

Money Smart Train-the-Trainer

The next Train-the-Trainer Webinar for all interested in using Money Smart will be on December 2, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (ET). Prospective trainers will learn about the Money Smart financial education curriculum. They will also learn how to use it in their community to help people enhance their money skills and create positive banking relationships. Click here to get more information and to register.

Latest FDIC Consumer News Edition

The September 2021 edition of FDIC Consumer News focused on disaster preparedness and recovery. Read the article here. In addition, the FDIC released a Special Edition of Consumer News focused on housing. Read it here.

New CFPB Map your Money Journey Resource

Students can discover areas of financial strength and opportunities for financial growth with CFPB’s new self-assessment tools for grades 3-12. The Map your Money journey is a brief self-assessment that is available as a web-based interactive tool. It is divided into three sections, each of which focuses on one of the three CFPB building blocks. Students are guided to better understand their overall financial capability result and analyze their areas for growth and their areas of strength. This resource helps students create a path to adult financial well-being. It is a complement to FDIC’s Money Smart for Young People curriculum.


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