Kids can learn about managing money at library programs this month
YOUNGSTOWN
The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County is featuring free programs this month that teach financial literacy.
The programs, segmented by age levels, focus on Money Smart Week, April 23-30, which is a public-awareness campaign created in 2002 by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
The campaign goal is to teach consumers ways to better manage their money.
“We recognize that people at all age levels can benefit from learning smart money skills,” said Josephine Nolfi, the library system’s director of youth services and programming.
“If children begin to understand the concepts behind stories that actually are reflective of smart money practices, that will enhance their lives as they transition into actually managing their own money,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t have money-management or money-saving practices,” Nolfi added. “They simply live day-to-day, paycheck to paycheck, and I think that, over the long haul, that makes their lives much harder.”
She acknowledged, however, that some people have no surplus to save.
The campaign is valuable in teaching teens and adults, who may not have much money, the skills to better manage their limited funds, said Janet Loew, the library system’s communications, public relations and marketing director.
Read more about what will be offered for various age groups and how to attend in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.