Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas

FLCCT Offers Volunteer Instructor Career Ladder

2010-05-07T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas is pleased to announce its official Volunteer Instructor Career Ladder Process.

December 2009 highlighted the designation of "Certified Financial Literacy Volunteer Instructor" to eleven volunteers:

Edwin Aguilar
Jose Aguilar
Lorraine Bier
Sally Borie
Betty Davis
Gerry Guerrero
Sergio Leiseca
Stephen Mangold
Sandra Molinari
Anibeth Turcios
Thomas Windberg
The certification and career ladder process has been expanded with these classifications as follows:

Volunteer Instructor:

• Attend 1.5 hour orientation meeting
• Attend the 9-hour Train-the-Trainer workshop
• Shadow at least one FLCCT sponsored financial literacy class with
tenured volunteer instructor (or provide proof of financial literacy
instructor experience.)

Certified Volunteer Instructor Level 1:

• Completed requirements for and designated as a Certified Volunteer
Instructor.
• Shadow at least one FLCCT sponsored financial literacy class with
tenured volunteer instructor (or provide proof of financial literacy
instructor experience.)
• Teach at least 4 FLCCT sponsored financial literacy classes
• Submit Volunteer Report Form (attached)

Certified Volunteer Instructor Level II:

• Completed requirements for and designated as a Certified Volunteer
Instructor Level I.
• Attend at least 2 FLCCT Training Sessions (either mini-training,
specialized curriculum or professional development training)
• Teach at least 4 FLCCT sponsored financial literacy classes
• Submit Volunteer Report Form (attached)

Specialized Volunteer Instructor - Adult

• Completed requirements for an FLCCT volunteer instructor
• Attend a specialized adult curriculum Train-the-Trainer
• Teach at least 4 FLCCT sponsored specialized financial literacy classes
• Submit Volunteer Report Form (attached)

Specialized Volunteer Instructor - Youth

• Completed requirements for an FLCCT volunteer instructor
• Attend a specialized youth curriculum Train-the-Trainer
• Teach at least 4 FLCCT sponsored specialized financial literacy classes
• Submit Volunteer Report Form (attached

We will be announcing newly certified volunteer instructors at the FLCCT mid-year "meet and greet" event. Watch for the announcement!!

Thank you to all FLCCT volunteers

2010-04-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Independent Sector is an organization whose mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community. It has determined that the estimated value of volunteer time for Texas in 2009 was $21.47

Based on our records in 2009, volunteers contributed $23,6517 toward the mission of the Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas: To foster financial literacy by enhancing the knowledge and skills Central Texans need for improved financial decision-making.

Thank you to all of our volunteers!

Welcome Ann Randall

2010-04-21T11:45:00.000-07:00

Ann Randall joined the staff at FLCCT on April 5, 2010 as the Volunteer/Membership Coordinator. She is currently focused on the development of a membership database system and will soon be concentrated on the communication process of FLCCT's members/volunteers. FLCCT is most happy to have Ann on staff!

Job Announcement

2010-03-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

The Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas (FLCCT), in collaboration with Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Travis County, located at 1600-B Smith Road in Austin, TX 78721, is looking for a Membership & Volunteer Coordinator to facilitate the organization's growing financial literacy education efforts. Since 2001, FLCCT is recognized as a trusted, unbiased, and credible source of personal financial information.

Position Summary
The Membership/Volunteer Coordinator supports FLCCT's efforts to cultivate community involvement in and support for the vision, mission, and programs of FLCCT. This includes, but is not limited to participating in outreach, education, and volunteer efforts that inspire community members and organizations to join in the vital work of FLCCT through volunteerism, partnerships, and networking. This individual must be highly organized and possess excellent oral and written communication skills, strong customer service ability, experience volunteer management and community education, an ability to work flexibility and creatively, have a passion for FLCCT's mission-to foster community prosperity by enhancing the knowledge and skills Central Texans need for improved financial decision-making.

The position interacts frequently with internal programs and extrenal community partners and provides general support to the Board of Directors and the Program Director-the Travis County Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences of the Texas AgriLife Extension Service.

Description of Duties
Communication:
-Tracks and responds to member/volunteer needs through regualr communication with FLCCT committees and partners
-Responds to membership inquiries in a timely and professional manner
-Provides referrals to members/volunteers
-Responds to requests for membership/volunteer information
-Schedules and presents member orientations
-Shares FLCCT's expectations and mission with new members

Volunteer Coordination:
-Promptly and accurately schedules volunteer instructors
-Confirms all instructor and class schedules with volunteers and partners
-Fosters communication between educational partners and volunteer instructors
-Supplies volunteer instructors with additional teaching aids upon request
-Assists in volunteer recognition events and awards
-Submit monthly, quarterly, and yearly volunteer progress reports to FLCCT Program Director
-Completes special projects as assigned

Membership Coordination:
-Collects and maintains FLCCT membership rosters
-Collects and maintains membership applications, contracts, and files
-Maintains membership records in membership database
-Collects and maintains membership-related contact information and statistics
-Maintains up-to-date and current financial literacy class, organizational development, and membership development schedules
-Submit monthly, quarterly, and yearly membership and educational progress reports to FLCCT

Required Qualifications and Experience:
-Demonstrated experience working with volunteers or interns
-Outstanding customer service ability
-Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills
-Detail orientated, ability to multi-task, provide quick responses and highly organized
-Bachelor degree holder from an accredited college or university with major or specialization in an area related to human services: education, social work, or psychology will be considered
-Computer literate with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Preferred:
-Bilingual Spanish-English
-Computer literate with proficiency in database systems
-Basic graphic design software proficiency

Position is contract, part-time, and reports to the Program Director of the Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas

Schedule: 15 hours/week, TBD

Compensation: $15/hour

Start Date: April 5, 2010

Send resume and cover letter to:
Membership/Volunteer Coordinator Search
Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas
1600-B Smith Road
Austin, TX 78721

OR

Email resume and cover letter to:
programdirector@flcct.org

Visit our website for more information about the organization

Position is opened until filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

2010 FLCCT Training Schedule

2010-02-28T15:13:00.000-08:00

Volunteer Training:
February 17,22,24: Train the Trainer @ Charles Schwab downtown 5:30-8:30 pm each night

March 10: Mini Training Teaching Tools and Techniques @ Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCSC) 5:30-8:30pm

May 12: Mini Training Working With Young Adults @ Travis County Extension Office (TCEO) 5:30-8:30 pm

July 14: Mini Training Wealth Building @ TCEO 5:30-8:30 pm

August 18,25, and 30: Train the Trainer @ Charles Schwab downtown 5:30-8:30 pm

September 8: Mini Training Teaching Tools and Techniques @ CCSC 5:30-8:30 pm

October 13: Mini Training Credit Matters @ CCSC 5:30-8:30 pm

November 10: Mini Training Financial Products and Services @ CCSC 5:30-8:30 pm

New Member Orientation @ Travis County Extension Office:
Attendees have the choice of 10:11:30 am or 4:00-5:30 pm
March 3
April 7
May 5
June 2
July 7
August 4
September 1
October 6
November 3
December 1

Mid-Year Meet & Greet
June 9: @ location TBA

End-of-Year Meet & Greet
December 8: @ TBA

New Changes

2010-02-27T10:36:00.001-08:00

We just made a ton of new updates to our Facebook and Twitter pages! Great new tips and information, with more to come!

If you aren't already our friend, you should be: )

www.twitter.com/flcct
www.facebook.com/pages/Financial-Literacy-Coalition-Central-Texas/248587385260?ref=ss

FLCCT Has an Intern from St. Edwards University

2010-02-26T11:17:00.000-08:00

Welcome Lisa Banusiewicz!

End of Year Event

2009-12-01T16:27:00.001-08:00

To all members, partners, friends and/or associates of the Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas:

You are invited to join us in celebrating another successful year of helping others to improve financial decision-making.

Date: Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Charles Schwab North Location

Address: 12401 Research Blvd., Bldg 2 Austin, TX 78727

(if you are heading north on 183 exit at Oak Knoll, it is on the right)

Please RSVP by December 8, 2009 on or before 4:00 p.m.

Some IT Things for FLCCT

2009-09-18T10:36:00.001-07:00

FLCCT web site

www.flcct.org

FLCCT Blog

flcct-flcct.blogspot.com

FLCCT is on FaceBook - become a Fan!

FLCCT is on Twitter - Become a Follower!

Mini-Training on "Credit Matters"

2009-09-18T10:23:00.000-07:00

Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas
Offering a mini-training on "Credit Matters" to enhance volunteer instructors' competencies when teaching about Credit. Tuesday, October 13, 2009, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m, at the Travis County Extension Office. No cost registration; just let us know if you are coming. This is a good way to gain confidence as a financial literacy instructor.

Your Life, Your Money on PBS tomorrow

2009-09-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

I wanted to make you aware of a program that will be broadcast on PBS tomorrow September 9 titled 'Your Life, Your Money.' This program is 1-hour and is on personal finance for young adults. Check your local PBS listings for time in your area. There is a great website at http://www.pbs.org/your-life-your-money .

Your Life, Your Money on PBS tomorrow

2009-09-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.pbs.org/your-life-your-money

Subject Matter Training Opportunity for FLCCT Volunteers

2009-08-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

People's Law School is in September!

Mark your calendars: The Austin Bar Association is presenting People's Law School East on Saturday, Sept. 12. And as always, it's FREE!

Hundreds of Central Texans will take over ACC Eastview Campus (3401 Webberville Rd.) for the one-day event, which puts Austin-area lawyers at the podium discussing basic legal issues in English and Spanish.

Classes are offered during two sessions: 10:00 and 11:05 a.m. Subjects include Family Law - The Divorce Process & Child Custody, Wills & Why You Need One, Criminal Law - Understanding Your Rights, Immigration Rights, Credit Repair, and more. Doors open at 9:45 a.m.

For a listing of classes, a registration page, and directions to ACC Eastview, please clickhere. For more information, call Brooke Williams at 472-0279, x108.

17 New Volunteers Begin the Train-the-Trainer Process

2009-08-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

We are happy to have a great new class of financial literacy volunteers to begin the training process. This Train-the-Trainer step is just one of several that will certify the volunteers as Financial Literacy Instructors.

If you are interested in becoming a FLCCT Certified Volunteer Instructor/Volunteer, then come to the new FLCCT orientation meeting to be held at 5:30 p.m September 23 at the Travis County Extension Office.

FLCCT New Volunteer Orientation

2009-08-10T09:52:00.000-07:00

Last chance before the Train-the-Trainer event
Explanation of how to get involved with the Financial Literacy Coalition and how to become an FLCCT Certified Instructor/Volunteer
Host:Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas
Time:5:30PM Thursday, August 13th
Location:Travis County Office of Texas AgriLife Extension Service

Recently Reported Research Findings by the Jump$tart Coalition

2009-07-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

http://www.jumpstart.org/fileindex.cfm

Texas State Securities Board offers warning signs for investors

2009-07-13T13:40:00.001-07:00

TOP 10 WARNING SIGNS FOR TEXAS INVESTORS

Investment Seminars. Free lunch, breakfast, and dinner seminars often get an audience in the door to secure a one-on-one meeting with the attendee to gain information about their personal finances. The seminars are positioned as educational in nature – estate planning, tax planning, living trusts, etc. and are increasingly being used to initiate a relationship that builds trust and confidence in an educational setting that may be a ruse for a future high-pressure or targeted investment presentation.

Promotors of these seminars may also say they have some sort of “Senior Specialist Designation” that is not accredited which implies that the holder has special training that builds trust so they are more apt to be able to sell their product. The Texas State Securities Board adopted a rule concerning the use of senior-specific designations which prohibits the misleading use of designations that imply that a registered dealer or agent has special training in providing brokerage services to senior citizens or retirees. Remember: There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
Unlicensed Individuals & Unregistered Products. Anyone selling securities or providing investment advice about buying or selling securities must be appropriately licensed. Anyone engaging in these activities without a valid license to do so should be a red alert for investors. Con artists also bypass stringent state registration requirements to pitch investments with "limited or no risk" and high returns. Remember: Carefully check out anyone providing investment advice or offering to help you buy or sell securities.
Affinity Fraud. Con artists are targeting religious, ethnic, cultural and professional groups. Some may be members of the group or pretend to be members in order to gain trust. Con artists often recruit a respected member of a community or religious congregation to promote their schemes by convincing them that a fraudulent investment is legitimate. In many cases, even these leaders become victims of what turns out to be a Ponzi scheme. Remember: Investigate before you invest – no matter who is selling.
Energy Scams. Recent energy prices, coupled with the media attention and a growing national concern over alternative energy sources, have created a fertile ground for promoters of fraudulent energy schemes. Fraudulent energy offerings often appear sophisticated and use complex terminology. Potential investors are often provided with glossy brochures that contain geological reports, maps, plats, tax opinion letters prepared by attorneys and other documents that tend to appear legitimate and professional. Remember: Con artists tend to follow the headlines.
Viaticals or Life Settlement Contracts. Viatical or life settlement contracts allow life insurance policy holders to sell their policies to investors for an immediate cash benefit. In many instances, companies are offering and selling life and viatical settlements that have an additional component that provides a guarantee to an investor that they will receive a return, even if the insured does not die during the projected life expectancy. This product is a complex financial arrangement which may require professional guidance. Remember: It is critical that you understand the risks involved, how your investment will be used, and what the likely return will be.
Unsuitable Sales. What is a suitable investment for one investor might not be right for another. Securities professionals must know their customers’ financial situation and refrain from recommending investments that they have reason to believe are unsuitable. For example, some products are often unsuitable for senior citizens because they might be long-term investments that limit access to invested funds.

Sometimes sales agents stand to earn such high commissions on certain investment products that they do not always adhere to the suitability standards—with potentially dire consequences. Remember: Make sure your investments match up with your age, your need for access to money, and your risk tolerance.
Real Estate Investment Contracts. Real estate investment contracts come in many forms, such as investments in real property, notes used in “flipping deals”, timeshare agreements, real estate investment trusts and investments in commercial or apartment buildings. Some real estate investments are securities subject to full regulation under the state and federal securities laws, including registration requirements and antifraud rules. Remember: Just because an investment involves real estate, whether it be in the form of real property, timeshare agreements or apartment buildings, it still may be a security.
Foreign Exchange Trading, Options Trading, Puts and Calls. These are all highly sophisticated investments and the profitability is typically tied directly to the abilities and qualifications of the promoter. The average investor should be wary when it comes to these complex markets.Remember: If you don’t understand an investment, don’t invest!
Prime Bank Schemes. Often promising high-yield, tax-free returns, promoters of these schemes offer to let the “little guy” in on what they claim are financial instruments from elite overseas banks usually offered only to the world’s wealthiest investors. “Prime” banks do not exist and the scam artists have no intention of creating a profit for anyone but themselves. Remember: Often the most sophisticated sounding investments are just false promises in fancy garb.
Internet Fraud. Unscrupulous promoters are using the internet to either conceal their identity, establish an electronic presence that provides legitimacy to their enterprises or to easily and effectively advertise on a legitimate website to reach a large audience of potential customers.Remember: The internet can be a con artist’s dream—easy access to you and your money, with no “return address” if the deal goes sour.

Before investing, call the Texas State Securities Board and ask if the individual selling the investment or seeking to manage your money is licensed to do so and whether the investment itself is registered.

To check out an investment, salesperson, or adviser, contact the Texas State Securities Board by calling 512-305-8300 or visiting our web sites atwww.ssb.state.tx.us and www.TexasInvestorEd.org.

FLCCT Treasurer Position Filled

2009-07-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Board of Directors of the Financial Literacy Coalition is pleased to announce that the vacant Treasurer position has been filled.

Chris Riley is the new Treasurer for FLCCT and comes to us with the following credentials:

· 10 years of successful fiscal-related experience including data analysis, fiscal monitoring and contract compliance, financial records maintenance and reporting

· Created AmeriCorps State monitoring program

· Created comprehensive grants management and administration processes

· Fiscally managed a portfolio of 31 grantees with annual funds totaling over $11 million

· Extensive knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access

· Created financial teaching tools for trainings via conference calls, webinars and large training events

· Proven ability to multi-task while working within strict deadlines

· Successful educational background in Business Administration

Welcome Chris to FLCCT

Some Resources in Financial Literacy from the OCC

2009-07-06T12:03:00.000-07:00

To subscribe to the OCC yourself:

Subscribe: Sign up for the OCC’s “Financial Literacy Updates” by visitinghttp://www.occ.gov/canewslistserv.htm.

Resources:

Ask Doctor Debt

The Association of Credit and Collection Professionals International’s Education Foundation provides a free and confidential resource for helping consumers find solutions to credit and debt issues.

Benefits Edge

MetLife released a new publication, The Benefits Edge: Honing the Competitive Value of Employee Benefits, written by industry expert Dr. Ron Leopold. Grounded in MetLife research, The Benefits Edge contains pragmatic principles and ideas designed to help employers make more strategic investments in employee benefits with an eye toward optimizing return on benefits investment and delivering greater competitive advantages.

CardRatings.com

CardRatings.com offers free educational materials and resources in addition to free credit card ratings and reviews. The U.S. Citizens for Fair Credit Card Terms maintains this Web site.

Cooperative Extension System

The Cooperative Extension System’s Financial Security for All Community of Practice hosts a series of informational chat sessions through the University of the District of Columbia. Visitors to the site can ask questions and get answers from extension personal finance experts. Also available on the site is a locator for local extension offices and institutions.

Debt Advice

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling has launched Debt Advice, an interactive Web site that gives consumers access to numerous financial education tools and helps them find a certified credit counselor closest to them.

Federal Reserve Credit Card Repayment Calculator

The Federal Reserve has created a Credit Card Repayment Calculator. Based on the information the user provides, the calculator will give an estimate of how long it will take to pay off the credit card balance. A second calculation helps the user develop a plan for paying off the balance sooner.

FDIC Money Smart Podcast Network

The FDIC has released the Money Smart Podcast Network, the portable audio (MP3) version of the award-winning Money Smart financial education. The new version of Money Smart is suitable for use with all MP3 players, enabling consumers of all ages to learn to make informed and prudent financial decisions while “on the go.”

FDIC Tips on Foreclosure Frauds, Easy Money Schemes, and Other Costly Deals

The FDIC has issued a variety of tips to help consumers stay on guard financially in the current economy, in areas ranging from foreclosure rescue and loan modification scams to deceptive offers of FDIC-insured certificates of deposit. The FDIC published these tips in the spring 2009 issue of FDIC Consumer News, the agency’s quarterly newsletter for consumers, which is available on the Web site.

FDIC Tips To Help Consumers Manage Their Money

In its winter 2008/2009 issue of FDIC Consumer News, the FDIC issued tips to help consumers spend less, save more, protect against fraud, and borrow wisely at any time but especially during a difficult economy.

Financial Literacy of Young American Adults

The Financial Literacy of Young American Adults, an analysis of the Jump$tart Coalition’s 2008 biennial survey, is available in PDF on the Jump$tart Web site. The survey, which launched in 1997 and has been conducted every other year since 2000, focuses on high school seniors but included college students for the first time in 2008. The results of these surveys (and comparisons with earlier surveys) are included in the book. Also available on this site is Making the Case for Financial Literacy, 2009, a collection of personal finance statistics that Jump$tart compiled from other sources.

Financial Literacy Online

Financial Literacy Online is a product of National Student Loan Program, a nonprofit student loan guaranty agency dedicated to financial literacy, based on the belief that education helps all consumers manage debt and other financial matters. Financial Literacy Online is a comprehensive and convenient online learning center that teaches students the basics of personal money management. Courses are for students planning for college, enrolled in college, planning to graduate from college, or recently graduated from college. Anyone interested in money management—including parents—may take the courses.

Funny Money for High Schools Assembly Program

Investor Education Fund, in partnership with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, sponsors “Funny Money for High Schools Assembly Program,” an entertaining show that takes students on a financial literacy tour through the basics of balancing a checkbook, reconciling a debit card statement, learning credit card fundamentals and more.

Junior Achievement $ave, USA

Junior Achievement and the Allstate Foundation have created a new series of free, downloadable teaching tools to help parents talk to their children about smart money management. Lessons cover budgeting, the importance of saving, understanding the cost of credit and how to use it, and more.

Mad About MoneyOpportunity Plan

The National Theatre for Children has developed a communications strategy that combines live theater and multiplatform educational materials to communicate complex messages to hard-to-reach audiences. Mad About Money is a four-part program that teaches children about forming savings habits, evaluating risks, and the difference between a debit card and a credit card.

My Money Management

My Money Management is a unique industrywide effort to provide consumers with comprehensive financial education resources to help guide their personal finance decision-making process. This Web site provides consumers with tools and resources from a variety of sources, including financial service companies, advocacy organizations, and personal finance experts. My Money Management is an initiative of the Financial Services Roundtable.

Smarty Pig

Smarty Pig is a free, online savings account for people who want to save for specific goals. The account also is FDIC-insured. A person types in the dollar amount they wish to save and the time frame in which they would like to reach their goal. The Web site technology suggests a monthly deposit amount to the account holder to reach that goal.

Social Security Administration’s Retire Online — It’s So Easy

The U.S. Social Security Administration offers a wide variety of new and important publications and other resources and tools for the public about retirement, benefits, and support for family members in the event of disabilities or death.

Stage Coach Island

Wells Fargo recently launched a free virtual world, “Stagecoach Island,” an entertaining and interactive companion site to Hands on Banking, its free financial education program. Teens can explore the island and its hidden secrets, connect with friends and make new ones, and learn smart money management. Educators can use the “Stagecoach Island” virtual world in the West Texas Center for Economic Education classroom to teach important lessons in budgeting, saving, managing credit, buying a home, and getting a job. Participants earn virtual money by visiting the Learning Lounge, and answering questions about money management. They can also obtain virtual jobs, credit cards, and home loans giving players the opportunity to learn, earn, build and, play in a virtual world.

Teach Children To Save

The American Bankers Association has launched “Teach Children To Save,” a Web site designed to make classroom lessons for children available to everyone. The site offers tips for young people and their parents on how to establish a budget, start a savings account, and make regular deposits.

Understanding Your Retirement Paycheck

The National Endowment for Financial Education has developed a new Web site dedicated to help people optimize their retirement paycheck by making wise decisions.

HelpWithMyBank.gov - The OCC’s Web site that provides answers to more than 300 commonly asked banking questions. While targeted at national bank customers, the site answers many questions common to all banking consumers and provides useful information about contacting regulators of state banks, thrifts, and other financial institutions. A link from HOPE NOW to HelpWithMyBank.gov has been established.

MyMoney.gov - The U.S. government's Web site dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics of financial education. The site houses important information from 20 federal agencies on such topics as buying a home, foreclosure prevention, deposit insurance, privacy, fraud, scams, balancing a checkbook, and investing in a 401(k).

Subscribe: Sign up for the OCC’s “Financial Literacy Updates” by visiting http://www.occ.gov/canewslistserv.htm.

New Membership Orientation Set for July 15, 2009

2009-07-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

If you are interested or know someone who is interested in becoming a member of the Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas, plan to attend the New Member Orientation Training set for July 15, 2009 at the Travis County Extension Office, 1600 B. Smith Road, Austin 78721. See the website for an application or email at travis.flcoalition@gmail.com.

Consumers Union Proclaims Victory! Congress and the President acted on credit card reform.

2009-06-11T11:24:00.000-07:00

Congress just passed comprehensive bipartisan legislation that will end the tricks that trap consumers in high cost credit card debt.

The credit card legislation will create the following consumer protections:
Moves up the Fed’s effective date
Restricts all interest rate increases during the first year
Restricts interest rate increases on existing balances
Increases notice for rate increase on future purchases
Preserves the ability to pay off on the old terms
Places limits on fees and penalty interest
Requires fair application of payments
Provides sensible due dates and time to pay
Protects young consumers
Restricts issuance fees on fee harvester cards
Requires enhanced disclosures
Establishes gift card protections

Click here to read a summary of the Credit Card Legislation.

Mathew Gauvin Winner of thel Consumers Union Dangers of Debt Cartoon Contest!

Sources of Financial Literacy Education Curriculum

2009-06-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Jump$tart's aim is to identify high-quality personal finance materials for educational use. The Clearinghouse is a database of personal finance resources available from a variety of education providers such as government, business and non-profit organizations. Once you find a material of interest, you can order it directly from the source. Many of the materials are low cost or free of charge. Teachers often use these personal finance teaching materials to support their state's standards in economics, business, math and family and consumer science.

www.jumpstart.org

You are invited to Meet and Greet

2009-06-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the FLCCT, Inc. Meet and Greet event to be held this Wednesday, June 10 at the Texas Bankers' Association Bldg. (corner of 10th and Lavaca downtown), 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. A new member orientation session will begin at 7:00 p.m. for those who are interested. Please rsvp at 512 854-9600.

Congratulations and Welcome to New Members

2009-05-19T17:02:00.000-07:00

Peggy Lee Pleasant of Austin Energy

and

Shalana Poole of Edward D. Jones

We look forward to working with Peggy and Shalana.

Financial Literacy Survey is Dis-heartening

2009-04-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

Fin-lit survey results 'disheartening'

WASHINGTON (4/28/09)--About 41% of adults say they'd give themselves a C, D or F on financial literacy, according to the 2009 Consumer Financial Literacy Survey.

Complete results of the survey are scheduled to be unveiled today at a congressional briefing on Capitol Hill. One thousand adults age 18 and older participated in the survey.

Other findings:

26% admitted to not paying all of their bills on time;
32% reported that they have no savings; and
33% said they do not put any part of their income toward retirement; up from 28% in 2008.

The report indicated that if the survey results were applied to the general population, it would show that more than 58 million adults do not pay their bills on time, 72 million have no savings, and more than 74 million do not put any part of their income toward retirement.

"These results are disheartening, but certainly not surprising," said Jim Hanson, vice president of the Credit Union National Association's (CUNA) Personal Finance department. "We know that financial literacy challenges are significant among all consumer demographic groups, not just among youth or new immigrants. And while there is no shortage of financial education materials available to consumers, the issue has often been about creating demand for financial education.

"In today's economic market, the demand should certainly be there. Educating consumers about wise money management won't happen overnight. It's a marathon, not a sprint," he added.

The phone survey is conducted annually to gauge the financial literacy of Americans. The results were tracked by sex, age, ethnicity, income level, geographic region, and education and tracked over the three-year period, when available.

Busy time at FLCCT

2009-04-03T12:06:00.001-07:00

Posting has been absent for a while, but things are about to pick up now.

Check out www.flcct.org

2009-04-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

It is a great resource!

Check out our new accessible web site

2009-02-03T14:24:00.000-08:00

www.flcct.org

The site was developed through a project sponsored by Knowbility called the Austin Internet Rally. A team from PayPal developed the site to meet the accesibility requirements of Knowbility.

Thanks to Nicole Sims-Stuard from PayPal for all her dedicated work.

Happy New Year! Please Volunteer

2009-01-07T13:09:00.000-08:00

The Financial Literacy Coalition Central Texas is off to a great start in 2009. There are 4 partners who are requesting instructors as follows:

Goodwill, New Employee Orientation:
each Wednesday, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

PRIDE at Travis County Jail
each Tuesday,either 9:00 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. (your choice)

Austin Learning Academy
1 hour classes in Spanish at various locations:
1/13 - Vintage Creek Apartments
1/14 - Odom Elementary
1/21 - Linder Elementary
1/15 - Garza High School (2 classes with Teen Parents and GED Adults)
1/26 - Houston Elementary
2/4 - Odom Elementary

Manos de Cristo - 2 time frames all classes in Spanish
9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
February 3, 10, 17, 24 and March 3
7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4

Happy Holidays to All of You!

2008-12-19T13:31:00.003-08:00

May blessings of the season be on you and yours!

Please put on your calendar the FLCCT Board of Directors' meetings:

January 9
March 13
May 8
July10
September 11
November 13

An update from NEFE

2008-12-11T15:09:00.000-08:00

Greenwood Village, Colo. - Oct. 23, 2008 - As financial and credit
markets constrict, a new social media Web site launches today that
allows people to calculate the true cost of unnecessary purchases, often
regretted in hindsight, while they share them via personal videos or
photos.
Spendster.org, built by the National Endowment for Financial
Education(r) (NEFE(r)), allows people to share their purchases they now
regret while they rate and discuss those of others. The site also
provides tools to calculate how costly items like unopened DVDs and
spotless coffee makers really are and how much could have been saved if
that money were put to more productive use.
Spendster is the brainchild of Ted Beck, president and CEO of NEFE. In
addition to video and photo uploads, the site also provides a calculator
that determines the actual cost of unnecessary and under-utilized
purchases if paid for via credit card, how much these expenditures could
have generated for retirement 40 years hence and even how much richer
you'd be today if you'd put that same amount into Google stock in 2004.
The inspiration for Spendster came to Beck on a flight to Los Angeles.
"Listen, everyone has a drawer full with junk. I doubt anyone has really
sat down to think about how much money they've spent on it all," said
Beck. "For example, someone may find they spent the equivalent of four
college tuition credits on shoes and handbags."
NEFE hopes that Spendster.org will demonstrate to consumers the
long-term financial effects of buyer's remorse while beginning to
educate consumers on their own personal financial needs and
capabilities.
"The time is certainly right for consumers to rethink their spending,"
Beck said. "This site is a fun, slightly tongue-in-cheek way to discuss
what can be serious money."

New FLCCT Board of Directors

2008-12-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Angela Jo Medina, President
Bob Sandera, Vice-President
Ron Bandsuch, Secretary
Kelli Moore, Treasurer
Sid Sokol, Community Groups Committee Chair
Lorraine Bier, Youth Groups Committee Chair
Steve Gonzales, Workplace Groups Committee Chair
Andrea Stiles-Pullas, Resource Development Committee Chair
Pam Noble, Marketing and Public Relations Committee Chair
Sally Borie, Volunteer Training Committee Chair
Tim Mulderig, Volunteer Coordinator

CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!

Resources

2008-12-02T23:25:00.000-08:00

This is an article from a computer guy, Eric Spellman from Amarillo, TX, who I heard speak at a conference this past summer. I thought you might find the information useful.

Where Does Your Money Go?

While the stock market continues its wild swings, many experts are perplexed at the causes. What makes the market surge one day and plummet the next?

Luckily, understanding your own checking account and making accurate predictions is much easier - as long as you track it...

Numerous tools on the Net make this task very easy. Back in the day, you basically had two choices, Intuit's Quicken and Microsoft Money. Today, a number of companies are jumping into the mix, giving Quicken and Money a "run for their money."

One of my favorites is Mint. What makes it stand out is the price - nada, zip, none. It's free! All of your data is stored (and backed up) on their secure servers. With your permission, it connects to your bank accounts giving you instant access to your balances.

Another site, Geezeo, also offers personal finance advice and budgeting, but takes it a step further. They encourage people to discuss situations with each other - almost a group therapy event.

Mvelopes helps you meet your financial goals by dividing your paycheck into "envelopes." That way, you won't accidentally dip into the rent envelope when buying groceries. It takes some getting used to, but if visualizing your money in this manner helps, this site is perfect.

And, before I forget, don't discount Quicken. Their online version has gotten a number of accolades and is quite cheap.

Reminder: Annual Meeting next Monday

2008-12-02T13:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone is planning to attend the annual meeting and volunteer recognition night next Monday, December 8, 2008, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the Texas Bankers' Association. I have finished writing the annual report. This is what I had to turn in to my supervisor of Texas AgriLife Extension. I will tailor it more to FLCCT with logo and etc. I think the results are pretty impressive. I will send it to Board Members in an email attachment.

A special thanks to John and Tim for getting the house in order when it comes to volunteers and program results.

Good BOD meeting today. Thanks for your participation.

2008-11-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

Just a note to let you know that the evite for the annual meeting has been submitted to all members. There is a feature that allows you to invite others. Please feel free to do so. I will be adding names as I get them, as well.

AAS Ad space is sold out!

2008-11-07T12:56:00.001-08:00

I got this message today....

Jane,

I'm so sorry, but the section is sold out and is being readied to print
Monday morning. If something happens last minute this afternoon, we'll be
glad to include. So sorry,

Jeff

I guess I should have taken the liberty to say yes without BOD approval.

TANO Membership Perk

2008-10-31T14:08:00.001-07:00

Just thought I would let ya'll know about this new perk as a TANO member:

Your organization is receiving this program (a $599 value) as a
benefit of your TANO membership. As long as your TANO membership remains
current, you will have access to all the resources of GrantStation
including:
* Find-a-Funder Database - Quickly sort through thousands of private
grantmakers to identify the national, regional, and "hard-to-find" local
funders most likely to support any given program or project.
* Federal Deadlines - Federal notices of funding availability are posted
twice a week and are keyword-searchable.
* State Government Links - Hyperlinks to state grantmaking agencies
simplifies state funding research.
* International Funders - Comprehensive profiles of grantmakers throughout
the world are posted weekly and are keyword-searchable.
* GrantsMentor - A step-by-step tutorial helps Members build compelling
grant requests, write powerful letters of inquiry, and manage grant awards.
GrantStation Insider - This weekly e-newsletter is delivered to your desktop
every Monday morning full of upcoming grant deadlines - both private and
federal.
TANO provided GrantStation with an email address for your organization based
on your membership application. Please check the contact email address in
the email you received from GrantStation to ensure that future
communications from GrantStation will go to the proper person in your
organization. If you would like to change the designated recipient for
these emails, please let either myself or GrantStation know. Also in the
email, GrantStation provided your organization with one User Name and
Password. You may change these once you log into GrantStation the first
time. To begin using your Membership, simply go to the login page and enter
your username and password.
TANO will be hosting a FREE webinar tour of GrantStation
Monday, November 17 at 3:00 p.m. central time.
Register at http://www.tano.org/en/cev/317.
These tours are a great way to learn of all the benefits of this wonderful
resource.

Preliminary Contact #'s

2008-10-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

I though ya'll might like to know....I have some preliminary reporting numbers for 2008. I say they are preliminary because, I am in shock as to how high they are. I will try to have an official report by the BOD meeting next Friday. Remember the last report combined 2 years:

2008 06 & ‘07
# Partnerships 25 14
# New Volunteers 42 33
# Classes 102 89
# Participants 1357 1063

Volunteer Instructor needed

2008-10-29T14:34:00.000-07:00

Thursday, November 20, 2008
Travis County Healthy Families Program
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon
Money Matters and Pay Yourself First
12 County staff who work with First Time Mothers - a Train-the-Trainer of sorts

Super Duper Help!

2008-10-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Tim Moulderig came in today to begin his new role as volunteer manager/coordinator. Working with the ACCESS database that Lorraine Beir has initiated, he began entering the data for our current members/volunteers. I can't tell you how excited I am to have this process begin.

Also, I visited with John (administrative assistant) today about writing a desk procedure book related to everything FLCCT. He is so very competent in office management procedures. I am so excited about his capabilities as well.

Tim Moulderig can be added to the list of potential board members (this is for the nominating committee). His banking and financial background is extensive.

Technology is Great

2008-10-21T13:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the responses to the evite for the upcoming BOD meeting, 11.7.08. These are the totals so far:

11 YES
3 MAYBE
8 NO

FLCCT now has a direct email account. The address is:

travis.flcoalition@gmail.com

The direct address for the blog is:

www.flcct-flcct.blogspot.com

Welcome new administrative assistant

2008-10-20T08:25:00.000-07:00

John Riegler began today as my new administrative assistant. He is retired from the Secretary of State office. I know you will make him feel welcome in his new role, which includes work with FLCCT.

Oops! We didn't get finished

2008-10-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

Team PayPay did not make the deadline for completing the website. It will be coming soon.

FLCCT and Team Paypal Compete in AIR-Austin

2008-10-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Team PayPal:
Nicole Sims
Jeremy Moss
Chuck White

FLCCT:
Jane Parker
Pam Noble

After today, check out our new web presence: www.flcct.org

Classes for next week

2008-10-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, October 22

Goodwill New Employee Orientation 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
12015 Norwood Park Blvd Austin, 78753
Room 1116 Contact is: Shama Blaney de Oliveira
Instructor: Betty Davis
Shadow: Darrick McGill

Keep Austin Housed Americorps Program 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
500 e. 7th Street Austin 78704
Money Matters
Instructor: Gerry Guerrero
Shadow: Robert Wittmer
Pay Yourself First
Instructor: Betty Davis
Shadow: Robert Wittmer

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Refuge Services of Texas 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Contact Sofia Casini
109 Denson Dr. Austin 78752
Instructor: Betty Davis
Shadow: Lorraine Bier

WELCOME TO THE NEW FLCCT BLOG

2008-10-15T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is an attempt to update some technology for FLCCT. Please add your comments.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT MILLIONAIRES?

2008-10-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

This came from one of our newest members, Tim Mulderig. He sends it from a post from J.D. Roth at partner blog Get Rich Slowly.

How much do you know about millionaires? My wife recently had dinner with her friend Linda, who is a high school social studies teacher. As they ate, Linda bemoaned the lack of personal-finance and economics education in the United States. She mentioned that every year she gives her economics students a short "millionaire quiz" to see just how much they know about wealth and where it comes from. They do poorly at it, which surprises them. Linda says they always pay attention to the follow-up discussion. Because I asked nicely, Linda sent me a copy of the millionaire quiz in the mail. Here are the questions that give the kids so much trouble:·

Most millionaires are college graduates.
Most millionaires work fewer than 40 hours a week.
More than half of all millionaires never received money from a trust fund or estate.
More millionaires have American Express Gold Cards than Sears cards.
More millionaires drive Fords than Cadillacs.
Most millionaires work in glamorous jobs, such as sports, entertainment or high-tech.
Most millionaires work for big Fortune 500 companies.
Many poor people become millionaires by winning the lottery.
College graduates earn about 65% more than high school graduates earn.
If an average 18-year-old high school graduate spends as much as an average high school dropout until both are 67 years old, but the high school graduate invests the difference in his or her earnings at 8% annual interest, the high school graduate would have $5.5 million.
Day traders usually beat the stock market and many of them become millionaires.
If you want to be a millionaire, avoid the risky stock market.
At age 18, you decide not to smoke and save $1.50 a day. You invest this $1.50 a day at 8% annual interest until you are 67. At age 67, your savings from not smoking are almost $300,000.
If you save $2,000 a year from age 22 to age 65 at 8% annual interest, your savings will be more than $700,000 at age 65.
Single people are more often millionaires than married people.

Here are the answers:

True. About 80% of millionaires have college degrees: 18% have master's degrees, 8% have law degrees, 6% have medical degrees, and 6% are Ph.D.s. I'm a firm believer in the value of a college education. These numbers bolster that belief.
False. Nearly two-thirds of millionaires work 45 to 55 hours per week.
True. Only 19% of millionaires received any income or wealth from a trust fund or estate. Only 10% inherited more than 10% of their wealth.
False. A total of 28.6% of millionaires have AmEx gold cards, while 43% have Sears cards. The wealthy do no choose credit cards based on status -- they choose them based on utility. They use them as tools.
True. This is kind of a lame question, though: 9.4% of millionaires drive Fords and 8.8% drive Cadillacs. I suspect that's different from the average for the rest of the population. Only 23% of millionaires drive a current-year car.
False. Most millionaires work in ordinary industries and jobs.
False. This one always blows my mind: 75% of millionaires are self-employed or consider themselves entrepreneurs -- 75%! Most of the rest are professionals like doctors, lawyers or accountants.
False. I hope this is obvious. Odds of becoming a lottery millionaire: 1 in 12 million. Odds of a woman giving birth to quadruplets: 1 in 700,000. How many quadruplets do you know? Do you know how to win the lottery? Don't play.
True. On average, the more education you have, the more money you'll earn.· True. Again, education means more money.
False. About 80% of day traders lose money.· False. Since 1926, the S&P 500 has increased at about 11% annually. There's risk, of course, and this doesn't include taxes or inflation. Still, the point is solid. Long term, stocks are likely to generate growth.
True. Again, this is the extraordinary power of compound interest.
True. This, too, is the power of compound interest.
False. Most millionaires are married and stay married. Divorce, on the other hand, only hurts net worth (except for that of your lawyer).