FDIC's 'Money Smart' Aids Individuals outside Financial Mainstream

The FDIC initiated a national financial education training program in 2001 by launching Money Smart, a comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help individuals outside the financial mainstream develop financial skills and positive banking relationships. The FDIC continues to form alliances to promote this curriculum.

FDIC has developed financial education curricula for two age groups.

Money Smart Adult Financial Education Curriculum: This curriculum helps adults build financial knowledge, develop financial confidence, and use banking services effectively. There are 10 modules each for the instructor-led version and the computer-based version. Financial institutions and other organizations interested in sponsoring financial education workshops also may use the curriculum. The computer-based program is available in English and in Spanish. The instructor-led version is available in Chinese, English, Hmong, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Vietnamese.

Money Smart for Young Adults Curriculum: This curriculum helps youth from ages 12 to 20 learn the basics of handling money and finances, including how to create positive relationships with financial institutions. There are 8 instructor-led modules. Each module includes a fully scripted instructor guide, participant guide, and overhead slides. The materials also include an optional computer-based scenario, allowing students to complete realistic exercises based on each module. The modules are aligned with state educational standards.

To learn more, visit the Money Smart Web site.