Financial Literacy Education

There is an old curse of disputed origin which says, "May you live in interesting times."

These are indeed interesting times for many of us as we deal with shrinking pocketbooks, budgeting difficulties and financial planning headaches. Because of this, understanding the workings of personal finance, financial planning, lifestyle flexibility and locating helpful services become important tools in not just surviving, but thriving in difficult times.

Below are some online government resources that may be helpful in educating and informing all of us in weathering these "interesting times."

KANSAS INFORMATION

Thriving in Tough Times: Financial Resources
http://kslibinfo.wetpaint.com/page/Finances
(Information provided by Kansas librarians through the State Library of Kansas)

Financial Literacy Resources
http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/prodweb/financial_resources.php
(From the Kansas State Treasurer's Office)

Financial Literacy Resources
http://www.kcua.coop/Financial_Lit_Resources_147.html
(From the Kansas Credit Union Association)

Kansas Financial Literacy Education Law
http://www.kansasstatetreasurer.com/prodweb/press/column_3.php
(Statement by State Treasurer Dennis McKinney on a recently passed law on teaching financial literacy in Kansas schools)

Kansas Council on Economic Education
http://www.kcee.wichita.edu/
(The KCEE is a non-profit, business-education partnership dedicated to helping Kansas' K-12 teachers teach economics and personal finance)

KTKA and WIBW News
http://www.ktka.com/news/2009/jun/02/financial_literacy_education_now_law_kansas/
http://www.wibw.com/political/headlines/46769327.html
(Two news stories about the Kansas Financial Literacy Education Law which will require financial literacy education in Kansas schools)

US GOVERNMENT INFORMATION

Mymoney.gov
http://www.mymoney.gov/
(MyMoney.gov is the U.S. government's website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning to buy a home, balancing your checkbook, or investing in your 401k, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.)

Paying for Education
http://www.mymoney.gov/education.shtml
(A list of resources supplied by MyMoney.gov)

Responding to Life Events
http://www.mymoney.gov/life.shtml
(Birth, death, marriage, divorce, illness, foreclosure, job loss, re-education, etc.)

Retirement Planning
http://www.mymoney.gov/retirement.shtml
(Information on pensions, health benefits, savings, Social Security, etc.)

MyMoney for kids
http://www.mymoney.gov/kids.shtml
(Web resources for children on finance and budgeting supplied by US government agencies)