UPDATE: This event, originally scheduled for April 19, has been CANCELED. Please check back: we’ll reschedule soon!
Perhaps you haven’t had “the talk” with your kids, yet. That is, “the talk” about the power of saving and how to make a difference with your money. If so, The Community Foundation and Premier Members Credit Union can help.
As part of its educational focus, The Community Foundation emphasizes financial fitness for kids – as well as family philanthropic giving. “Across the economic spectrum, families express to us their concerns about making sure their kids are smart about money,” says Margaret Katz, The Community Foundation’s Vice President of Development. That’s why, on Tuesday, April 19, we’re hosting a free family finance event about the importance of budgeting and saving.
“For families and kids [5th grade and older], I’ll be presenting key financial literacy concepts to becoming, and remaining, financially independent,” says Premier Business Development Consultant Steve Carr. “A lot of people don’t necessarily realize the importance of saving at a young age…and how savings add up. Our goal is to instill these concepts in young kids, and help guide parents and kids on implementing them over time.”
“As parents, most of us don’t speak a lot with our kids about money,” Steve continues. “If we spent a fraction of the time talking with kids about finances as we do watching them play sports, we’d be the most financially literate country in the world.
“Instead, most of us learn about money the hard way – by trial and error.”
Indeed, according to Steve, fully three-quarters of college freshmen students say they’re ill-prepared to handle their personal finances.
“The consequences of uninformed decisions and bad credit are significant – including potentially keeping you from getting a job or renting an apartment,” he says. “Not to mention, you’ll likely be subject to higher financing rates and fees, and more costly auto insurance.
“The most common feedback I receive at workshops like these is ‘I wish I’d known sooner.’”
The Family Financial Literacy workshop will further explore the difference between debit and credit cards; tips for saving, and savings vehicles; financing options to avoid; differences between banks and credit unions…and more.
“The workshop is extremely important for your kids’ future,” concludes Steve. “And it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with your middle- and high schoolers.”
For additional information and to register for tomorrow evening’s workshop, contact Philanthropic Services Assistant Robyn Hazlitt at Robyn@commfound.org. The workshop starts at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the Premier Members Credit Union, 5505 Arapahoe Road.
