ICI Education Foundation Encourages Participation in Financial Literacy Month

Washington, DC, April 1, 2013 - The Investment Company Institute Education Foundation (ICIEF) encourages all Americans to participate in Financial Literacy Month. Congress has been designating April “Financial Literacy Month” since 2003.

“Financial literacy has a critical impact on retirement security,” said ICI President and CEO Paul Schott Stevens. “Research indicates that those who understand basic financial concepts—such as compounding, inflation, and diversification—are more likely to plan for retirement, and people who plan for retirement accumulate more savings. Promoting financial literacy is essential and we commend leaders in Congress and advocates throughout the nation who are committed to financial education.”

“Financial Literacy Month is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of local resources and programs focused on developing healthy financial habits,” said Sue Duncan, Vice President of ICI’s Education Foundation and President of the Alliance for Investor Education.

Here are ten highlights among activities planned and tools available this month, plus a bonus:

• Start a 30-step path to improve your financial wellness by taking a pledge to change your money management behavior. 
• Check out mymoney.gov, the website of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, for financial education tools and resources from more than 20 federal government agencies.
• Learn how to do your “due diligence” homework before making an investment decision.
• Employers and advocates interested in improving financial literacy in the workplace and in the community can consult resource guides released by the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability.
• The annual conference for financial education professionals, April 3–5, will cover financial education for youth, the military, and distressed communities.
• The Internal Revenue Service offers tips to make April 15 less taxing.
• Sign up for a free webcast on April 17 that will focus on improving financial literacy among women.
• Try visiting your local library to jump-start your financial education: Money Smart Week @ your library begins April 20.
• Talk to your kids about money. Teach Children to Save Day is April 23.
• Financial literacy comes to Capitol Hill on April 26. Both local and national financial literacy organizations will exhibit programs and resources.
• Just for fun: Add an “I love financial literacy month” logo (I♥FLM) to your website or blog.