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Thaler discusses the "financial literacy crisis" facing most Americans. Today, a record number of Americans are inept when it comes to financial literacy and as a result accumulate large sums of debt and fail to plan for the future. The author explains that Americans get into trouble because current financial systems such as credit cards are not user-friendly. To counter this escalating problem, researchers believe financial programs should be created that provide consumers with basic financial knowledge and assist them in making good choices. Finally, parents must begin teaching financial literacy to their children at a young age and not keep the subject a private matter. Thaler's argument that new financial programs should be created is logical given the current crisis situation he identifies, but he fails to outline a way to do so. Norvilitis, Jill, Michelle Merwin, Timothy Osberg, Patricia Roehling, Paul Young, and Michele Kamas. " Personaility Factors, Money Attitueds, Financial Knowledge, and Credit-Card Debt in College Students." Journal of Applied Social Psychology. 36.6: 1395-1414. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO Roeschh Lib., U of Dayton. 17 March. 2009

This article focuses on the financial education of American consumers. The researchers have labeled Americans as having excess debt, poor retirement planning and insufficient savings. They believe one answer to the financial problems facing Americans has to do with the amount of financial information available. In some cases credit cards provide too much information and technical terms which may confuse the consumer. On the other hand when there is too little information the consumer may not be able to make proper choices.

This paper focuses on the recent decline in the American and how American's saving habits are in need of change. Currently many Americans do not own stock, let alone their own home and many college students are facing credit card debt. The average American has a negative savings rating mean they spend all of their disposable income and then dip into their past savings. At least 45% of college students are in credit card debt and this number is likely to continue to rise.

This article is written by David Keeling, a geographer, who is a member of the American Geographical Society writers circle. It is about how a lack of geographical will limit what Americans can do in a global world. It als mentions education of it in high school and college.

This article is about the "Oprah effect" and how much influence her book club has made on American reading habbits. It talks about how she has made reading popular again. This article has a lot of useful information about how exactly Oprah has effected American reading.

The author reports on the study "To Read or Not to Read," which was released by the United States National Endowment for the Arts. The study found that Americans read less in 2007 compared with previous years. The study found that reading abilities for teenagers and adults have declined, whereas reading abilities for younger children have increased. The impact which the decline in reading abilities has had on American workers is discussed. The author states that the amount of time which people read on a daily basis has declined. (Abstract from EBSCO.)

Morton, Heather. "Private Efforts To Help Financial Literacy." State Legislatures 33.5 (May 2007): 24-24. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH. 16 Mar. 2009.

The article focuses on the hard work of some financial institutions to help improve financial education in the U.S. These include money skills, and interative curriculum created by the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, the Credit Union National Association, together with the National Endowment for Financial Education, and Visa, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Americans are not the only people facing a financial literacy crisis according to this article. The Canadian governments new budget calls for the creation of financial programs. During the recent economic crisis many Canadians have amassed debt and the government aims to quell this trend. The United States government is also trying to implement similar programs for its citizens.

Ian B. Davidson discusses the importance of financial literacy and how American society has gradually shifted from a "save now, buy later society" into a "buy now, save later society." He discusses the accelerating rate of bankruptcies as well as family breakups and growing welfare in the U.S. Davidson discusses a program that he sponsors at Montana State University that allows students to manage a $50,000 portfolio. The effectiveness of this program speaks for itself because its returns are continually much higher than the average Dow Jones returns.

Using Financial Education Curriculum for Teens Today's American teenagers are regarded as "financially illiterate," and lacking sufficient knowledge of personal finance and an understanding of money. The authors examine the effectiveness of the Money Talks program implemented in several California schools. The Money Talks program was designed to inform students about financial subjects relevant to them. The study proved the program had a positive effect on students by administering a post-test and comparing it with one taken before the course

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

Despite the refutation of intelligent design as legitimate science by the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, eighteen states have suggested the introduction of antievolution legislation (as of 2005). In the wake of this movement, librarians, the ultimate guardians of knowledge, may face challenges of censorship by religious conservatives. Suppressing access to information is in direct conflict with democratic ideals. This article contains specific advice for librarians regarding the protection of diverse resources. Although the O'Sullivans write to a specific audience, their message is indicative of the relationship between censorship and literacy.

Money management tips for college students from the american institute of accountants. Basic strategy and tips directly meant for students to use while in college. Fairly good and interesting article.

Davis' study of the necessity for financial literacy is interesting and examines the cost benefit ananlysis for financial literacy courses. The study is done with Texas PTA parents and their willingness to allocate additional funds for financial classes. Davis addressses the growing problem of American students and their lack of finacial knowledge. Overall a valuable article to examine the publics willingness to provide funding for financial education

Synder outlines an initiative by CPAs around the country to promote financial literacy and improve Americans' wellbeing. Examples of the programs include a one-day workshop for high school seniors to discuss subjects such as credit cards, owning a home and buying a car. The goal is to bring real world applications to teach students about financial literacy. The programs also aim to help military personnel and their families when a parent is deployed, or a unique situation arises that impacts their finances. The author effectively demonstrates how CPAs across the country are taking action to aid in the development of healthy financial habits. Unfortunately, there is no information regarding the effectiveness of these programs and more information is needed.

The Author suggests that many of Americans Financial difficulties are brought about as a result of a lack of self-regulation. A lack of financial literacy can hit lower-income families the hardest because of their ability to be exploited. Consumers with lack of financial knowledge find themselves caught up in short term benefits rather than long term benefits. Proper knowledge of strategies would enable many individuals to avoid problems and better prepare themselves for the future by protecting themselves in the present.

This article discusses the use of slang by different ethnicities. It discusses the concepts of whether or not slang can be pinpointed to certain cultures opposed to a certain group of "slang talkers". It also helps distinguish between slang being used as a barrier between teens, adults, social groups, and even differences between friends. This helps to illustrate the different varieties of literacy among youths and adults from different cultures.

The article focuses on the hard work of some financial institutions to help improve financial education in the U.S. These include money skills, and interative curriculum created by the American Financial Services Association Education Foundation, the Credit Union National Association, together with the National Endowment for Financial Education, and Visa, with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.

Rodriguez explains a program that has helped decline the number of truancies and dropouts among the African American and Latino population. Truancy and dropouts are closely connected with each other and are mostly seen in the urban schools. Because of the living conditions and things that go on outside the schools, kids are more likely to not make it to college. There are many institutions that have been created to help these children that live in poverty stricken neighborhoods. The goal is to get them where they can exceed and do what they want in life. Keeping students more entertained will keep them off the streets and more determined to do well. According to Rodriguez all urban schools need is encouragement and structure.

It is shocking to see the statistic that almost 2/3 of individuals over the age of 50, still in the working environment, have not thought about their retirement. This failure to plan has lead Americans to financial illiteracy. Almost half of people in the workforce are unaware of pension and retirement funds that they as employees qualify for. The author suggests requiring proper planning aid information upon new employee orientation, educational programs as well as a personal incentive for individuals to think and plan for the future.