As Americans, we have turned into an instant gratification society. With personal debt on the rise and personal savings on the decline, there is a need for responsible financial management education. As Kansas State Treasurer, one of my goals is to promote financial literacy to Kansans of all ages.
We have developed numerous programs to benefit most everyone from our senior citizens to our seniors in high school and even younger! For the second year we are offering free Financial Planning Seminars for senior citizens. This fall we have seminars planned in both the Greater Topeka and Wichita areas. Both seminars offer valuable information from experienced and respected professionals in estate planning, fund management and long term care insurance. And, for our children, I am taking a proactive approach to teaching them how to start saving money.
Our first Save@School program will open for business in October! In my travels around the state, I've been told by many parents that their children simply do not understand that there has to be money in the checking account before writing a check. I'm hoping to change that with the Save@School program. It is designed to introduce students to the concepts of money management by having participating students open savings accounts and make deposits on scheduled days at their schools.
Professionals from local financial institutions will take the students' deposits and teach the curriculum provided by my office to help the students understand why saving money is important. I greatly appreciate the partnerships of the schools and financial institutions in this pilot program and anticipate many more program launches to follow in the coming months.
Another financial education activity that will make its debut this month is the Money$mart Financial Management Camp, made possible through a partnership with the Kansas State Treasurer's office, Kansas Credit Union Association and local credit unions. Middle school students from across Kansas will be at Rock Springs 4-H Camp Oct. 22 - 24 learning leadership and finance skills.
Campers will have the opportunity to learn from local experts on topics including: "Money & Choices," "Budgeting," "Saving & Goal Setting" and "Cash & Credit." Campers will also explore all that Rock Springs has to offer from horseback riding and canoeing to hiking, archery and numerous other leadership-building activities.
For more information about the Financial Planning Seminars, the Save@School program and the Money$mart Financial Management Camp, please visit www.kansasstatetreasurer.com or call our office at (785) 296-3171.
I am excited to offer these unique programs to Kansans. Having the tools necessary for a financially secure future is critical to our state and all its residents. As a daughter and a parent with an interest in the financial future of all Kansans, I know that there is nothing more important that you can do for your family than to prepare them for the future.
It is a pleasure to serve as your State Treasurer. Please contact me if there is anything that I can do for you.
