CA Event: Financial Literacy - Need, Strategy, Opportunity

Families across America face a growing array of financial decisions in an increasingly complex financial environment. Consumers are expected to navigate an increasinly complex financial services market in order to save for retirement, higher education and homeownership. Those with low-incomes -- who disproportionately lack both financial know-how and relationships with financial institutions -- are especially vulnerable to being shut out of the financial marketplace.

On Thursday, April 17th, Ellen Seidman, Director of New America's Financial Services and Education Project, presented on the importance of financial literacy for both individual households and the broader macroeconomy and discussed:

• Expanding access to wealth-building financial services especially for low- and moderate-income families,
• Effective strategies to improve financial education such as the California's Statewide Financial Literacy Initiative
• Forging a new responsibility framework for consumer financial services in the 21st century and,
• Helping Americans to better manage their debt and make wise financial decisions.

Participants

• Ellen Seidman
  Director, Financial Services and Education Project, Asset Building Program
  New America Foundation

• Olivia Calderon
  California Legislative Director, Asset Building Program
  New America Foundation

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