Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Maine.gov > PFR Home > Bureau of Financial Institutions > All Press Releases > Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions Announces Student Financial Literacy Project

Maine Bureau of Financial Institutions Announces Student Financial Literacy Project

October 24, 2008

 

Contact: Lloyd LaFountain III
Phone:

 

Augusta -

Superintendent Lloyd P. LaFountain, III announced on Friday that the Bureau of Financial Institutions is launching a Financial Literacy Project to help students, teachers and parents acquire the knowledge needed to successfully manage their finances and avoid common pitfalls. In making the announcement, Superintendent LaFountain said financial education and training is more important than ever.

“With troubling economic realities facing families throughout the nation, the need to understand and utilize sound financial management practices has never been greater,” LaFountain commented. “The Bureau is seeking to provide the tools necessary for schools to begin or enhance financial literacy instruction.”

The first stage of the Financial Literacy Project includes online educational resources and consumer protection guides. The Bureau of Financial Institutions’ “Teachers Page” (www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions/Teachers/teachers.htm) provides access to approximately 20 financial literacy programs that can be tailored to meet student needs and fit curriculum requirements. Within those programs, dozens of educational projects, lessons and quizzes are available for use in providing money management instruction.

The “Consumer Library” section of the Bureau’s website offers a broad selection of free publications designed to help students and consumers of all ages learn more about specific financial questions and problems. The Consumer Library can be found at www.maine.gov/pfr/financialinstitutions/consumer/library.htm. Topics include electronic banking, borrowing basics, credit cards and credit reports, identity theft, bankruptcy and debt counseling, internet fraud, mortgage and home equity loans, and currency questions.

The Financial Literacy Project also includes a “Speakers Program” which will offer opportunities for schools to request expert speakers for classroom presentations. Upon request, the Bureau will provide lecturers or other presenters and work with educators to address the issues they view as most pressing for their students.

“Teachers are encouraged to partner with us to add a financial literacy component to their course offerings or to enhance the instruction that is already being offered. We want to be a resource for students, teachers and parents in an effort to raise a financially savvy generation,” LaFountain added.

The Bureau of Financial Institutions is part of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, which encourages sound ethical business practices through impartial and efficient regulation of insurers, financial institutions, creditors, investment providers, and numerous professions and occupations for the purpose of protecting the citizens of Maine. Consumers can reach the Bureau through the Department’s website (www.maine.gov/pfr); by calling 1-800-965-5235 or by writing to Bureau of Financial Institutions, 36 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333.

Last Updated: October 24, 2008 5:14 PM