Wolf Administration Emphasizes Importance of Practical Financial Skills for Students

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Banking and Securities Robin L. Wiessmann and Department of Education Executive Deputy Secretary David W. Volkman addressed high school students at William W. Bodine High School today at an event promoting the importance of financial education for young people.

Visa, Inc. and the National Football League partnered to create this unique "Financial Football" event, featuring an interactive, fast-paced game designed to teach students money management skills. Wiessmann and Volkman were joined by Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella, Ron Fielder of PHEAA, representatives from Visa, and special guest Malcolm Jenkins, strong safety for the Philadelphia Eagles.

"Having the opportunity to see these students so engaged in learning practical financial skills serves to reinforce the value in promoting strong financial capability," Wiessmann said. "It is a crucial part of building financial independence for all Pennsylvanians and provides them with the tools and resources necessary to make well-informed decisions in the marketplace."

"It is critical that we provide students with the resources they need to be successful after leaving school, and financial literacy is a necessary component of that work," Volkman said. "Future success depends on attaining real-world life skills, and activities like 'Financial Football' provide an opportunity to do so while making learning fun."

The Department of Banking and Securities and the Department of Education are part of PA $AFE, an information exchange comprised of more than 20 government agencies that share financial education and other information to better help Pennsylvania consumers. PA $AFE is one of the cornerstones of Governor Wolf's Consumer Financial Protection Initiative.

Individuals looking to grow their financial knowledge can refer to the many resources available on the Department of Banking and Securities website: www.dobs.pa.gov/For%20Media/Pages/Publications-and-Reports.aspx.

The following publications may be a helpful starting point:

• Banking Basics www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Brochures/Banking%20Basics.pdf
• Understanding Credit Reports and Scores www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Brochures/CreditReportsandScoresWeb.pdf
• Investigate before you Invest www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Brochures/InvestigateBeforeInvestv3.pdf
• The Risks of "Easy Money" Loans www.dobs.pa.gov/Documents/Publications/Brochures/Easy%20Money%20Handout.pdf

Consumers can contact the Department of Banking and Securities with questions about financial issues or to file a complaint at 1-800-PA-BANKS. Members of the public are invited to connect to the department through Facebook and Twitter, or subscribing to the department's newsletter.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ed Novak, 717-783-4721

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities; Pennsylvania Department of Education