* University administrators report they lose more students to credit card debt than to academic failure?

* Almost 80% of undergraduates have just over three credit cards with a balance of $2,748. But, almost 10% of them owe more than $7,000 on the cards.

This information compiled by Sallie Mae and Nellie Mae is shocking to say the least. Study after study shows that our youth lack the basic financial knowledge needed to navigate through life. The credit card company, Capital One, found that many teens believe they have money in the bank because they "still have checks left."

I'm reminded of a conversation I had with a mother of a young teenager. Her daughter wanted her to "go get" some money from the ATM. The mom had a sinking feeling that her daughter didn't fully understand that the money wasn't just "in" the machine waiting for someone to put a card in so it could spit out a few twenty dollar bills.

As adults we may forget that children do not automatically understand where money comes from, how interest rates and inflation work, or how to use credit cards responsibly. In fact, many American adults admit to not saving enough for retirement and depending on credit cards to make ends meet. Four out of ten admit to living beyond their means.

Here's the bottom line: No matter your age or financial situation, handling your money responsibly and planning for your financial future is critical. Adults need to continuously educate themselves about their finances and make a special effort to educate their children. Just as we are teaching children reading, writing and arithmetic, we need to make sure they are developing at least a basic knowledge of money and credit.

April has been declared "Financial Literacy for Youth Month" in the state of Kansas. I will be traveling throughout the state of Kansas talking about financial literacy to raise awareness. My office has many Financial Literacy efforts that we work diligently on - from financial planning seminars geared specifically to women and senior citizens to finance camps and programs for our elementary and junior high school students.

One program, the Money$mart Financial Management Camp, is especially popular. The camp, open to all 7th and 8th graders, will be held Sept. 22 to 24 at Rock Springs 4-H Camp near Junction City. The campers spend the weekend learning valuable money management and teamwork skills, riding horses, canoeing and participating in a number of other fun activities. Applications are already being accepted. Please visit www.KansasStateTreasurer.com and click on the Money$mart link or call the office at 785-296-0645 to find out more.

I believe that Financial Literacy empowers consumers to make wise financial decisions and reduces the confusion of an increasingly complex economy. The knowledge gained, no matter your age, will contribute to the growth, success and prosperity of the Kansas economy. It is the responsibility of each of us to learn the facts of saving and investing and to take charge of our financial well-being. We must educate ourselves and our children. Please contact me if I can be of any assistance. I would be pleased to coordinate Financial Literacy initiatives in your community. Contact me at 785-296-3171 or at lynn@treasurer.state.ks.us.

It is my honor to serve as your State Treasurer.