Financial Literacy Week kicked off Monday with a speech given by Walter Bennet and Lori Lehman from Huntsville’s First National Bank. They discussed things such as online banking products like savings accounts, and credit scores effects on getting loans for things such as schools, cars, and college.
From noon to 2 p.m. in the LSC mall area, students got a chance to catch Monopoly money in a money booth. Once they got out of the booth with their cash, they had to draw a card that might say they could double their money for good investments or saving, but that could also say that you owe Uncle Sam. It was a fun spin on what actually happens to people financially.
The SHSU Financial Aid Office provided students information they need regarding financial assistance and had computers available for completing their 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the priority deadline of March 31.
From noon to 2 p.m. in the LSC atrium, the students were suggested to bring their filed 2008 tax information with them in order to complete the FAFSA. Any student that completed their FAFSA during the workshop became eligible for door prizes sponsored by the Student Money Management Center to be given away at the end of the event.
In the LSC Theatre at 6 p.m., comedian James Cunningham performed “Funny Money,” turning money into a laughing matter.
In this fun financial seminar, Cunningham taught students important skills in earning, spending and saving money properly, first guiding participants to financial stability and then taking it to the next level – achieving great wealth and prosperity.
On Tuesday, Feb. 24 Edward Jones’ financial adviser Tyler Johns will give a speech entitled “Building a Strong Financial Foundation.” It will address the basics of saving and budgeting, and will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the LSC Theater, while during Johns’ “Right on the $: Creating a Monthly Budget,” students are invited to bring financial information such as utility bills, paycheck stubs, and other items with them to develop their own personal budget. The “come and go” session will be held from 2-4 p.m. in LSC Room 320.
At 12:30 p.m., Mark Leonard, program officer for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation’s Houston office, will address non-monetary forms of wealth during an interactive presentation in LSC Theater.
During “Real Wealth,” students will have the opportunity to hear about and discuss their own views on current issues of personal and societal values, raising issues about the changing economic, demographic and geopolitical realities, and taking an active role in shaping the future.
Tuesday evening, Monster.com will present students “Ultimate Money Skills” at 6:30 p.m. in the LSC Theater. Things such as saving, credit cards and the average debt of college students, what is in a credit report, weekly spending tracking, selecting a bank and managing student loans now and after college will be discussed.
Tamara Draut will discuss “Why America’s 20- and 30-somethings can’t get ahead during strapped times,” Wednesday Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. in the LSC Ballroom.
At 2 p.m.in the LSC Theatre, scholarship office coordinator Paula Turner will walk students through how they can get free money for their education.
Scholarships 101 will include a presentation on where to find scholarships on campus, the application process and the importance of applying for funding through the ScholarX online application.