1
Money Smart News
Summer 2009
Money Smart News Summer 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from the FDIC
FDIC Introduces a Portable Audio
(MP3) Version of Money Smart
Chairman Bair Speaks on Finan-
cial Education
FDIC Publishes Spanish Version
of Foreclosure Scam Brochure
Our Latest Success Stories: What
Works in the Workplace and at
Military Installations
Federal Regulators Revise Bro-
chure on Protecting Against ID
Theft
The Latest FDIC Consumer
News Features Tips on How to
Protect Against Foreclosure
Frauds, Easy Money Schemes and
Other Costly Deals
FDIC, White House Initiative on
Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Launch Partnership
Learn More About The Rich Histo-
ry and Vital Current Work of the
FDIC
Message from the FDIC
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, in a recent speech in Washington,
DC, challenged financial educators to think about new ways to
teach money management -- to young kids as well as adults -- so
that more consumers will be better prepared to both protect
themselves and to help prevent another economic crisis. And
with this issue of Money Smart News, you'll find reports (as well
as a link to Chairman Bair's speech) that we believe can help inspire financial
educators to find the innovative approaches that best suit the needs of their
students.
Here you'll read about the latest Money Smart product from the FDIC -- a porta-
ble audio (MP3) version of our award-winning financial education curriculum
that presents the essentials of money management in a podcast format for peo-
ple on the go. Portable audio players have become increasingly popular among
adults -- of all ages and income ranges, and for everything from listening to mu-
sic to downloading audio files from the Web. We think the time is right to take
financial education beyond the classroom and beyond the computer and into
speakers and headphones all across America.
In another example of how to reach people on the go, see our latest "Success
Stories" about how Money Smart partners are teaming up with major employers
to teach financial education classes at the workplace. These arrangements
save time and effort for workers who need help saving more from their
paychecks and learning about mainstream financial services, resulting in a win-
win situation for employers, employees and financial educators.
This issue of Money Smart News also features an FDIC brochure on foreclo-
sure and loan modification scams (we told you about this in our Spring issue
but now we have a Spanish translation available); a revised publication from
federal regulators about stopping identity theft; the latest issue of the FDIC's
quarterly newsletter for consumers; and an interactive, online version of an ac-
tual exhibit describing the history of the FDIC, the role of the agency today, and
some other interesting facts. You can also learn about a new partnership to
help promote financial education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Our main point is this: Just as financial institutions must always be researching and developing new products and ser-
vices, financial educators should be doing their own research and development to better meet the ever-changing needs
of their students. We hope you'll gain some new insights and new ideas in our newsletter. We also hope you'll remember
that your FDIC Regional Community Affairs Officer can be a valuable resource as you continue to use financial educa-
tion to help consumers navigate through changing times.
Sandra L. Thompson
Director
FDIC Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection
FDIC Introduces a Portable Audio (MP3) Version of Money Smart
The FDIC has released the Money Smart Podcast Network, the portable audio (MP3) version of the agency's award-
winning financial education curriculum. The new version of Money Smart is suitable for use with virtually all MP3 players
so that consumers of all ages can learn to make informed and prudent financial decisions while "on the go." It is availa-
ble free of charge, easily reproduced, and has no copyright restrictions. For more information, see http://www.fdic.gov/
consumers/consumer/moneysmart/press/2009/mspr0901.html.
Money Smart News
Summer 2009
Money Smart News Summer 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
Message from the FDIC
FDIC Introduces a Portable Audio
(MP3) Version of Money Smart
Chairman Bair Speaks on Finan-
cial Education
FDIC Publishes Spanish Version
of Foreclosure Scam Brochure
Our Latest Success Stories: What
Works in the Workplace and at
Military Installations
Federal Regulators Revise Bro-
chure on Protecting Against ID
Theft
The Latest FDIC Consumer
News Features Tips on How to
Protect Against Foreclosure
Frauds, Easy Money Schemes and
Other Costly Deals
FDIC, White House Initiative on
Historically Black Colleges and
Universities Launch Partnership
Learn More About The Rich Histo-
ry and Vital Current Work of the
FDIC
Message from the FDIC
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, in a recent speech in Washington,
DC, challenged financial educators to think about new ways to
teach money management -- to young kids as well as adults -- so
that more consumers will be better prepared to both protect
themselves and to help prevent another economic crisis. And
with this issue of Money Smart News, you'll find reports (as well
as a link to Chairman Bair's speech) that we believe can help inspire financial
educators to find the innovative approaches that best suit the needs of their
students.
Here you'll read about the latest Money Smart product from the FDIC -- a porta-
ble audio (MP3) version of our award-winning financial education curriculum
that presents the essentials of money management in a podcast format for peo-
ple on the go. Portable audio players have become increasingly popular among
adults -- of all ages and income ranges, and for everything from listening to mu-
sic to downloading audio files from the Web. We think the time is right to take
financial education beyond the classroom and beyond the computer and into
speakers and headphones all across America.
In another example of how to reach people on the go, see our latest "Success
Stories" about how Money Smart partners are teaming up with major employers
to teach financial education classes at the workplace. These arrangements
save time and effort for workers who need help saving more from their
paychecks and learning about mainstream financial services, resulting in a win-
win situation for employers, employees and financial educators.
This issue of Money Smart News also features an FDIC brochure on foreclo-
sure and loan modification scams (we told you about this in our Spring issue
but now we have a Spanish translation available); a revised publication from
federal regulators about stopping identity theft; the latest issue of the FDIC's
quarterly newsletter for consumers; and an interactive, online version of an ac-
tual exhibit describing the history of the FDIC, the role of the agency today, and
some other interesting facts. You can also learn about a new partnership to
help promote financial education at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Our main point is this: Just as financial institutions must always be researching and developing new products and ser-
vices, financial educators should be doing their own research and development to better meet the ever-changing needs
of their students. We hope you'll gain some new insights and new ideas in our newsletter. We also hope you'll remember
that your FDIC Regional Community Affairs Officer can be a valuable resource as you continue to use financial educa-
tion to help consumers navigate through changing times.
Sandra L. Thompson
Director
FDIC Division of Supervision and Consumer Protection
FDIC Introduces a Portable Audio (MP3) Version of Money Smart
The FDIC has released the Money Smart Podcast Network, the portable audio (MP3) version of the agency's award-
winning financial education curriculum. The new version of Money Smart is suitable for use with virtually all MP3 players
so that consumers of all ages can learn to make informed and prudent financial decisions while "on the go." It is availa-
ble free of charge, easily reproduced, and has no copyright restrictions. For more information, see http://www.fdic.gov/
consumers/consumer/moneysmart/press/2009/mspr0901.html.
2
Money Smart News Summer 2009
Chairman Bair Speaks on Financial Education
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, in a June 17 speech at the Operation Hope Global Financial Literacy Summit in Washing-
ton, DC, reflected on the critical role that financial education plays in helping consumers protect themselves from bad
loans, fraud and other troubles. She also offered her vision for using financial education early and often in the future. "It's
absolutely essential that people of all ages -- and I mean all ages starting in kindergarten – learn financial basics so they
can make prudent financial decisions," she said. To read Chairman Bair's speech, go to http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/
speeches/archives/2009/spjun1709.html.
FDIC Publishes Spanish Version of Foreclosure Scam Brochure
The FDIC has published a Spanish translation of the new brochure "Beware of Foreclosure and Loan Modification
Scams" that was previously reported in our Spring 2009 issue. This resource provides information on common scams,
tips for detecting fraudulent deals, and resources for reporting criminal activity. The Spanish version of the brochure is
available at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/loans/prevention/rescuesp/index.html. Find the English version at http://
www.fdic.gov/consumers/loans/prevention/rescue/index.html.
Our Latest Success Stories: What Works in the Workplace and at Military Installations
For this edition of our Money Smart Success Stories, we describe a few ways that financial education can be offered in
the workplace, plus we look at some "financial readiness" programs for military personnel and their families. (Read the
stories and tips.)
Federal Regulators Revise Brochure on Protecting Against ID Theft
The federal bank, credit union and thrift regulatory agencies have published a revised version of their free consumer
brochure that helps consumers prevent and resolve identity theft. The updated brochure, entitled "You Have the Power
to Stop Identity Theft," focuses primarily on "phishing" – on Internet pirates trying to steal personal financial information.
Find the brochure at http://www.ncua.gov/NewsPublications/Publications/PDF/brochures/IdentityTheft/PhishBrochure-
Web.pdf (PDF Help)
The Latest FDIC Consumer News Features Tips on How to Protect Against Foreclosure Frauds, Easy Money
Schemes and Other Costly Deals
Many people concerned about their mortgage, their job or their finances may be especially vulnerable to scams and oth-
er costly "fixes" for their problems. The Spring 2009 FDIC Consumer News features tips to help consumers be on guard
financially in the current economy. Other topics include the extension of $250,000 deposit insurance, more about mort-
gage modification programs, and shopping for a CD. The FDIC encourages financial institutions, financial educators and
others to distribute the information in FDIC Consumer News by reprinting, linking to the material, or making copies and
affixing their name or logo. Anyone can subscribe for free. See the latest newsletter and subscription information
at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr09.
FDIC, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Launch Partnership
The FDIC and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have established a
partnership partly intended to help ensure that students and faculty have access to high-quality financial education ma-
terials. The collaboration also will focus on enhancing money-management skills in the communities served by the
HBCUs, including small businesses. For more details, go to http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2009/pr09089.html.
Learn More About The Rich History and Vital Current Work of the FDIC
Financial educators and their students interested in learning more about the history of the FDIC (including how and why
it was established in 1933) and its important roles today, can view our interactive, online exhibit at http://
www.fdic.gov/75exhibit.
Money Smart News Summer 2009
Chairman Bair Speaks on Financial Education
FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair, in a June 17 speech at the Operation Hope Global Financial Literacy Summit in Washing-
ton, DC, reflected on the critical role that financial education plays in helping consumers protect themselves from bad
loans, fraud and other troubles. She also offered her vision for using financial education early and often in the future. "It's
absolutely essential that people of all ages -- and I mean all ages starting in kindergarten – learn financial basics so they
can make prudent financial decisions," she said. To read Chairman Bair's speech, go to http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/
speeches/archives/2009/spjun1709.html.
FDIC Publishes Spanish Version of Foreclosure Scam Brochure
The FDIC has published a Spanish translation of the new brochure "Beware of Foreclosure and Loan Modification
Scams" that was previously reported in our Spring 2009 issue. This resource provides information on common scams,
tips for detecting fraudulent deals, and resources for reporting criminal activity. The Spanish version of the brochure is
available at http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/loans/prevention/rescuesp/index.html. Find the English version at http://
www.fdic.gov/consumers/loans/prevention/rescue/index.html.
Our Latest Success Stories: What Works in the Workplace and at Military Installations
For this edition of our Money Smart Success Stories, we describe a few ways that financial education can be offered in
the workplace, plus we look at some "financial readiness" programs for military personnel and their families. (Read the
stories and tips.)
Federal Regulators Revise Brochure on Protecting Against ID Theft
The federal bank, credit union and thrift regulatory agencies have published a revised version of their free consumer
brochure that helps consumers prevent and resolve identity theft. The updated brochure, entitled "You Have the Power
to Stop Identity Theft," focuses primarily on "phishing" – on Internet pirates trying to steal personal financial information.
Find the brochure at http://www.ncua.gov/NewsPublications/Publications/PDF/brochures/IdentityTheft/PhishBrochure-
Web.pdf (PDF Help)
The Latest FDIC Consumer News Features Tips on How to Protect Against Foreclosure Frauds, Easy Money
Schemes and Other Costly Deals
Many people concerned about their mortgage, their job or their finances may be especially vulnerable to scams and oth-
er costly "fixes" for their problems. The Spring 2009 FDIC Consumer News features tips to help consumers be on guard
financially in the current economy. Other topics include the extension of $250,000 deposit insurance, more about mort-
gage modification programs, and shopping for a CD. The FDIC encourages financial institutions, financial educators and
others to distribute the information in FDIC Consumer News by reprinting, linking to the material, or making copies and
affixing their name or logo. Anyone can subscribe for free. See the latest newsletter and subscription information
at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnspr09.
FDIC, White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Launch Partnership
The FDIC and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have established a
partnership partly intended to help ensure that students and faculty have access to high-quality financial education ma-
terials. The collaboration also will focus on enhancing money-management skills in the communities served by the
HBCUs, including small businesses. For more details, go to http://www.fdic.gov/news/news/press/2009/pr09089.html.
Learn More About The Rich History and Vital Current Work of the FDIC
Financial educators and their students interested in learning more about the history of the FDIC (including how and why
it was established in 1933) and its important roles today, can view our interactive, online exhibit at http://
www.fdic.gov/75exhibit.