Late last week staff from our office attended the First
Annual Financial Literacy Summit in Indianapolis. The event was hosted to
highlight all of the great work being done to educate citizens on financial
literacy. The work includes connecting unbanked low-income families to savings
accounts and programs designed for different age groups and their specific
issues and concerns related to personal finance. Panel sessions included
representatives from various programs, including Money Smart Week, JumpStart
Coalition and Bank On, and a second panel discussion from government officials
informing us on the numerous programs and efforts being completed at the state
level. Networking breaks were created to allow participants an opportunity to
speak with over two dozen exhibitors.
It was powerful to see so many motivated professionals
focusing on financial stability and it was reassuring to know that all of their
efforts were helping Hoosiers in Madison County and throughout the state create
more wealth. As we learned during the event, even a small personal savings of
500-1,000 dollars is enough for people to burden of most financial set-backs
and children that have savings accounts are seven times more likely to go to
college. Personal savings goals, retirement savings, and reducing monthly bills
empower families to make long-term plans, survive financial set-backs and gain
self-confidence.
The First Annual Indiana financial Literacy Summit was a
brilliant success and we can’t wait to be invited back again next year. | 
