Financial Literacy
There are many financial literacy curriculums and activities provided by financial institutions throughout Alaska. However, there are no financial literacy programs in Alaska that are specifically targeted to people with disabilities. Specifically, programs that are tailored to meet the particular needs of individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals receiving SSA or SSDI that would provide guidance on issues such as work incentives and the effect of assets on public assistance programs and benefits.
The Asset Building Workgroup is working with a variety of stakeholders to develop financial literacy options that meet these needs. For information on financial literacy curricula and strategies to increase financial literacy please see the following links:
JumpStart
“First convened in December, 1995, the JumpStart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy determined that the average student who graduates from high school lacks basic skills in the management of personal financial affairs. Many are unable to balance a checkbook and most simply have no insight into the basic survival principles involved with earning, spending, saving and investing.
Many young people fail in the management of their first consumer credit experience, establish bad financial management habits, and stumble through their lives learning by trial and error. The Coalition’s direct objective is to encourage curriculum enrichment to ensure that basic personal financial management skills are attained during the K-12 educational experience. The wheels of education do not need to be reinvented, they simply require balance.”
Money Smart
“The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) initiated a national financial education campaign 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 has far exceeded its original commitment to reach one million consumers. The FDIC is continuing to work diligently to form alliances with other major entities, including financial institutions, national non-profit organizations, community- and consumer-based groups, and federal, state and local agencies to promote financial education.”
Check back for new links that will provide a number of financial literacy programs and resources tailored to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.
MyMoney.gov
MyMoney.gov was created and is maintained by the U.S. Financial Literacy and Education Commission. The site is dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. The site contains many resources ranging from topics like “how to balance a checkbook” to paying for education, buying a home and planning and saving for retirement. In addition the site contains other tools like calculators for home buying, retirement and savings bonds as well a links to additional resources.
Youth Financial Literacy
We are working to help youth with disabilities understand the value and purpose of money so they can work, play, and live in the community as adults. This specific purpose of our program is to try to help standardize the information that is getting to youth with disabilities and to help increase the knowledge of providers and youth alike about financial issues.
There are many money management courses out there, matter of fact, most banks and credit unions offer courses for youth of all ages! Yet, often youth with disabilities are not taught anything beyond the very basic concept of money.
Some of the financial literacy curricula the Council has reviewed and found appropriate for a variety of disabilities are listed below. If you are a provider of financial literacy classes or would like assistance with developing or finding an appropriate format for individuals with disabilities, please review some of these curricula or contact us for further assistance.
CDCU Financial Literacy for Youth with Learning Disabilities
More Resources
Our team includes:
- IRS Advocate
- Youth with disabilities Advocates
- Council Staff
- Superintendent/Councilmember
- United Way Staff
- Independent Living Specialist
- Both urban and rural
- Financial Institution member
Please join us by contacting:
Patrick Reinhart
907-269-7800
