Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

People today have more choices than ever when it comes to managing their money. But a State Farm survey found fewer than one-quarter of young adults (24 percent) claim to have a good understanding of how to invest in the stock market or mutual funds and fewer than half pay off their credit card(s) every month or have a rainy-day fund.

Only a few states require students to complete a financial literacy course. Experts say money should be a bigger part of the curriculum.

"While many subjects are important to children receiving a well-rounded education, few are as important to everyday success in adulthood as financial literacy, which should be emphasized more in schools today," said Robert Duvall, President and CEO of the National Council on Economic Education.

With that in mind, more companies are stepping up to provide materials that allow parents and teachers to focus on instilling real-life skills that prepare children early on how to

State Farm’s State of America’s Financial Education, May 2003 makes informed financial decisions. These fundamentals of personal finance are crucial today.

State Farm’s "Common Cent$" program encompasses a Website organized into four grade level groups—K-2; 3-5; 6-8, and 9-12. It also includes printable lesson plans and activities for classroom use, a parent’s guide with at-home activities and interactive games for students. "Common Cent$" was developed in partnership with The National Council on Economic Education and National Board Certified Teachers and was written to meet standards set by the Jump$tart Coalition on Personal Finance.

You can find the "Common Cent$" site on the "Kid’s Stuff" section of statefarm.com.

Securities through registered representatives of State Farm VP Management Corp., 1-800-447-4930 (Mutual Funds) or 1-888-702-2307 (Variable Products). No State Farm entity offers individual stocks or bonds. State Farm VP Management Corp. is a separate entity from those State Farm entities which provide banking products and auto, life, fire and health insurance products. Securities, insurance and annuity products are not FDIC insured, are not guaranteed by State Farm Bank and are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of principal.

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If you suspect a scam, call the NICB hotline at 1–800–TEL–NICB.

For information about auto insurance and insurance fraud, contact your insurance agent.

( www.asianjournal.com )

( Published November 22, 2008 Los Angeles Asian Journal p. C10 )