Community-Based Organizations Learning to Help Families Through Tight Budget Times

Community-Based Organizations Learning to Help Families Through Tight Budget
Times

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Non-profit groups,
financial institutions, government agencies, libraries and others started to
increase the effectiveness of their community-based financial education
programs today when the Pennsylvania Office of Financial Education opened a
two-day conference.

Nearly 100 financial education professionals representing 52 organizations are
attending the second annual "Common Wealth Symposium" to learn new skills and
share best practices.

"Economic forces are pushing many working families to the limit. It's
costing more and more just to put fuel in the tank and food on the table; some
are barely staying afloat," Secretary of Banking Steve Kaplan said. "A
family's ability to manage money responsibly and make well-informed financial
decisions is crucial to weathering this storm.

"More than ever, we need to support organizations that are in communities
providing programs to help families make the most of their incomes and get on
the path towards financial independence."

A number of state agencies are participating in the symposium, including the
Department of Insurance, Pennsylvania Securities Commission, Treasury
Department, Department of Community and Economic Development, Pennsylvania
Housing Finance Agency, Commonwealth Libraries, and the Office of Attorney
General.

Among the highlights of this year's symposium is the unveiling of a new
financial education curriculum designed for families with young children.
"Right on the Money" uses children's books to introduce financial concepts to
kids ages 5-7 and provides parents with the tools and knowledge to improve
their own money management skills.

"Right on the Money" was developed by the Office of Financial Education, the
Heinz Endowments, and Penn State Cooperative Extension. Free copies of the
curriculum will be provided to symposium attendees.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Information about the Office of Financial Education and the
Common Wealth Symposium is available at www.moneysbestfriend.com.

CONTACT:
Heather Tyler
(717) 783-4721

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking

Heather Tyler of Pennsylvania Department of Banking, +1-717-783-4721