First State Saves Week Celebration March 4, 2013

On Thursday, Delaware Financial Literacy Institute (DFLI) celebrated “America Saves Week” with an Awards luncheon held at the Junior Achievement building in Wilmington. Board members, business owners, volunteers, and politicians were invited to attend in honoring Debra Forbes, RN, BSN, MS from Governor Bacon Health Center and Jim Godfrey, President/CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of MD & DE, Inc.

The Honorable Robert Glen, State Bank Commissioner presented the awards and spoke about the First State Saving’s Bank At School programs.  With each new branch opening the ribbon cutting ceremony includes entertaining plays that shows students the importance of saving money.

Debra Forbes was honored for creating onsite financial training programs.  These United Way sponsored events are held during normal business hours making it convenient for attendees.  Jim Godfrey was honored for partnering with The Money School in assisting consumers with debt reduction and credit counseling.  Arming consumers with important financial tools has a positive impact on the community as a whole.

Kamysha Martin, representing Theatrical Fusion, presented a DVD entitled “Shopaholics”, designed upon the reality TV concept but with a twist.  These free web based videos were created for teens and young adults to educate them about finances.  As an introduction to the world of budgeting, debt management, smart spending, and debit vs credit card usage.  Financial management is something that either parents or schools should teach but when it’s not, by the time they enter college it’s possibly too late, something I can personally relate to!

The unique concept of this program is that it gives the viewers the ability to choose the ending scene which is then played out accordingly.  The DVD also featured Intervention classes as a follow up, these web based video can be seen here.

The Honorable Governor Jack Markell gave a brief history about The Money School of Delaware.  

In 1999, The Money School launched it’s first 1 day conference with few attendees, but today has over 600 programs within the state of Delaware.  Instructors are all volunteers, and a small staff of 6 operates the main office.  Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI works diligently with the Governor to ensure the successful growth of these programs in the state.

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