State Treasurers promote financial education during COVID-19 with at-home resources

WASHINGTON, DC -- This month, the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST) is sharing financial education resources from State Treasurers across the country who are promoting Financial Literacy Month in new and innovative ways. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, State Treasurers have been successfully continuing to serve their constituents and fulfill the daily functions performed by their offices. In addition, recognizing the importance of financial education during these unprecedented times, treasury offices are also sharing helpful information on topics ranging from senior fraud prevention to daily educational activities for families grappling with homeschooling their children. As stewards of their states' finances, State Treasurers understand the importance and impact of financial knowledge.

"Now more than ever, we need access to information that will help guide us through this unprecedented situation. During this time of remote learning, State Treasurers are providing resources to ensure that Americans of all ages have access to the tools and resources they need," said NAST President and Massachusetts State Treasurer and Receiver General Deborah B. Goldberg. "Financial Literacy Month comes at a particularly important time this year. As our nation deals with the economic impact of the current health crisis, financial education will be essential," said Chair of the National Association of State Treasurers' Financial Education and Empowerment Committee and South Dakota State Treasurer Josh Haeder, "Financial education is the foundation of financial health and preparedness, and it is never too early to start learning."

In order to support financial education efforts, many State Treasurers are sharing educational resources and activities. A sampling of these resources includes:

• Massachusetts' Office of Economic Empowerment, a division of the Office of State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg, is providing free online training and webinars on senior fraud prevention, BabySteps Savings Program enrollment, and financial empowerment for women.

• The Office of Indiana State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell created an educational video called, "Right on the Money" to explain the path of Indiana's tax dollars to young Hoosiers.

• The Office of Utah State Treasurer David Damschen is sharing new financial education resources every day of the month on social media. These resources are also posted on the Treasurer's website.

• South Dakota State Treasurer Josh Haeder's office is suggesting people utilize the FDIC's Money Smart financial education program.

• Departments within Michigan State Treasurer Rachel Eubanks' office are hosting a variety of events related to financial education including a "Lounge and Learn" Facebook Live event series for college students, virtual community collaboratives, Michigan Education Trust webinars, and financial aid training for Michigan Works! Employees.

• In Arizona, Treasurer Kimberly Yee signed a Proclamation affirming April 2020 as Financial Literacy Month and urging leaders throughout the state to advance the cause of financial education through appropriate programs and actions. She invited Arizonans to explore and utilize the resources on the Arizona State Treasurer website.

• Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball continues to make financial education a top priority this month -- Her office's website provides a financial empowerment database with extensive resources focused on empowering and educating seven specific target groups.

• In Missouri, Treasurer Scott Fitzpatrick's office launched a new financial literacy portal with creative activities and resources -- like "Flat Treasurer Fitzpatrick" -- to help make learning good financial habits fun for kids.

• Tennessee State Treasurer David H. Lillard and the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission are offering free online educational modules to help Tennesseans during the coronavirus pandemic.

• In Washington, State Treasurer Duane Davidson's office is offering free interactive financial education modules covering a range of topics on their website. Additionally, Treasurer Davidson has initiated a virtual reading challenge via social media.

• West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue is sharing helpful financial education articles on social media throughout the month and is encouraging parents to use his office's "Spend, Share, Save" activity at home with their children.

Financial education resources from State Treasurers will continue to be shared in the NAST newsletter. Alongside State Treasurers, NAST is proud to support financial education throughout April, as well as the rest of the year. About National Association of State Treasurers

The National Association of State Treasurers provides advocacy and support that enables member states to pursue and administer sound financial policies and programs benefiting the citizens of the nation. Membership is composed of all state treasurers or state finance officials with comparable responsibilities from the United States, its commonwealths, territories, and the District of Columbia. The private sector is represented through the Corporate Affiliate Program that was established to build professional relationships and foster cooperation between the public and private sectors. The association serves its members through educational conferences and webinars, a variety of working groups, policy advocacy, and publications that provide information about developments in public finance. For more information, visit www.nast.org.

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