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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

A survey conducted in 2004 by bankrate.com shows that the average United States citizen scored just 66 percent on a financial literacy test. The test was based upon twelve basic financial topics that were considered fundamental knowledge that all people in a capitalistic society should know. Individuals, who were not determined to be financially literate, stated that they were aware of their problem but never sought help. Individuals who were determined as most financially literate and most financially illiterate showed common characteristics, none which included any connection to gender.

Dugas shares that in 2004 Citigroup donated $200 million, in a 10-year program to help encourage financial literacy. With financial literacy at an all time low, and financial products continuing to be increasingly difficult to understand, their efforts were very timely. Citibank shares in the belief that it is part of the financial industries responsibility to help educate people toward financial literacy. Financial illiteracy is growing and the need to slow it down is urgent. The article also talks about Citigroup's effort to partner with organizations such as Operation Hope, giving back to the community. The commitment is a long-term investment in the community, Citigroup further encouraged their employee's to volunteer in their communities, sharing their expertise in finance which will help encourage financial literacy.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

Financially literate people are imperative to an economy because they make good financial decisions that help stimulate the economy. The author emphasizes the need for individuals (especially low income families to write out a written budget monthly. Consumers should establish emergency funds, practice good saving habits and have knowledge of investment funds. Through the surveys conducted in the article there is a correlation between knowledge of financial practices with and financial achievement. The author emphasizes the need to expand on ones' personal financial knowledge in a way befitting to the individual.

An increasingly complex and challenging financial world is facing our nation's youth. Elizabeth Johnson takes a look at the disadvantages that our lower income youth have in regards to financial knowledge and access to learning. Though there has been a rising awareness of the importance of financial literacy among the youth, there needs to be an equal interest in our disadvantaged youth and the access that they are given to improve their financial literacy. The paper addresses building financial capability through learning by doing. It also shares several innovative ideas such as having youth-ran school banking programs. In addition it talks about the successes of Junior Achievement programs addressing economic concepts.

Beverly shares the importance of improving and focusing on the expansion of financial education practices in regards to our countries youth. Students may underestimate the need for financial education. The recommendation for social workers is to encourage the incorporation of financial education in the elementary and middle school curriculums as well as high school. Beverly believes that to ensure universal access, financial education should be a mandate for high schools. The integration of financial education into school curriculums has been recommended by the U.S. Office of Financial Education.

Supiano gives us a look at financial literacy programs at universities across the United States. Attracting students to attend the program did not prove difficult, but the problem is, that many sign up, but don't follow through with attending. The program intention is to help students master the basics of budgeting, saving, and not spending beyond their means. College students especially need to understand the implication of irresponsible spending since tuition, fees and housing cost continue to rise. Supiano argues that financial literacy affects student retention, productivity, and mental health. The article also discusses where the responsibility should be for providing financial education. Financial-aid offices aren't equipped to offer an in-depth and broader education in financial literacy but they try. Home continues to be the best place to start the ground work for financial literacy.

Colletti,Carolyn. "Girls & Money: A Coordinated Approach to Financial Literacy." Independent School 63.1 (Fall2003 2003): 64-65. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH.14 Mar. 2009. .

Colletti discusses the coordinated approach to financial literacy for girls that was started by the National Coalition of Girls' Schools in the U.S. The article stresses the importance for woman and girls to have sound financial literacy for success. Children have an understanding of finance and fairness even at a very young age. Therefore, young children are capable of learning about financial literacy at a very early age. The article also shares results of a financial skills study of teenage girls. Financial literacy education is a tool to help bridge the gap that woman have experienced throughout the ages.

In "Using A Financial Education Curriculum For Teens" the authors explore the implementation of a financial literacy curriculum in schools. The program called "Money Talks: Should I be Listening?" is an appealing way to help educate teenagers in financial literacy. This article also has extensive research from a company called Jump$tart that proves the effectiveness of the program and financial literacy curriculum.

In this article the authors discuss the reason for lack of financial literacy among young people in today's society. Their main argument for the lack of financial literacy is a student's not having motivation. Research shows that this is true for students even after taking part in a financial literacy curriculum. The authors were able to find data to back up the point that lack of motivation leads to lack of financial literacy.

Colletti discusses the coordinated approach to financial literacy for girls that was started by the National Coalition of Girls' Schools in the U.S. The article stresses the importance for woman and girls to have sound financial literacy for success. Children have an understanding of finance and fairness even at a very young age. Therefore, young children are capable of learning about financial literacy at a very early age. The article also shares results of a financial skills study of teenage girls. Financial literacy education is a tool to help bridge the gap that woman have experienced throughout the ages.

In 2007, the Oklahoma Legistalure passed a law called "The Passport to Financial Literacy Act" that requires students, beginning in the 7th grade, to demonstarate "financial proficiency in 14 areas" to acheive a high school diploma. Other schools with the help of the National Endowment Fund for Financial Education have incorporated programs to increase the levels of financial literacy among students. Critics of this program state that these prgrams are not helping the overall financial literacy levels of high school students upon completion. It is not plausable to state that these financial programs are useless, because these programs need to work in correcpendence of parents teaching their children good financial habits within their own homes.

There are ways for students to gain financial literacy and this article is mentions plans for student programs to help do this. The article talks about how some finance classes don't help a students understanding of finances, and mentions to have financial literacy it might have to begin in a person's childhood.

Green, Amy. "Push for financial literacy spreads to schools." Christian Science Monitor 101.70 (09 Mar. 2009): 13-13. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO. Roesch Lib., U. of Dayton, Dayton, OH. 14 Mar. 2009. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=36874111&site=ehost-live>.

Green shares the story of Roy Kobert and John Ninfo a bankruptcy attorney and bankruptcy judge who both volunteer their time teaching kids the importance of financial literacy. With the economy plummeting out of control both men have decided to be advocates for teaching financial literacy to children and young adults. Both men have seen the devastating effect that financial literacy ignorance has caused on the economy and individuals. They fear that if creditors can lure the youth into debt, our countries youth future is in jeopardy. Their goal is to stop the madness before it starts through education intervention. The article also talks about several different programs promoting financial literacy that have been implemented in different states across the country.

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.

This article discusses an alternative method to the traditional education techniques for financial education. This alternative is the implementation of CD-ROMs for children fourteen years and above, that help introduce and instruct proper financial protocols. This source can be used to show the amount of concern financial literacy that is present today.

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

Expansion of the internet and market innovation have lead to national economies and the deregulation of banking with a changing economy. In an ever changing economy like the United States individuals must constantly keep updated and improve their level of financial literacy, be aware of changes in personal finances and demography and obtain current knowledge of mortgage lending practices. Financial literacy programs such as first time homebuyer programs, basic financial literacy programs, and savings initiatives have been established through private and public funding to increase the financial literacy of the public. The effectiveness of some of these programs has not been concluded, however, individuals have stated that after completing the programs they felt much more confident in making investments.

Free Personal Finance Software, Online Money Management, Budget Planner and Financial Planning - Mint.com - Free personal finance software to assist you to manage your money, financial planning, and budget planning tools. Achieve your financial goals with Mint. One of a number of websites popping up, designed to make users financially literate in a hands-on way.

A major problem with the ever growing population of the elderly is their children's financial literacy. It is important that the children of aging parents are proactive and get involved with their parents financial matters. Children need to be aware of the government funded programs as well as the financial strategies that their parents can qualify for based upon their age. There are often outside factors that contribute to complications of sorting out financial documents and dollar figures and children of the aging need to be aware of these issues as well as the help that is available to them.