Pelham Public Library
Smart investing @your library Grant
Letter from Director
December 1, 2014 Mr. Robert Ganem FINRA Investor Education Foundation 1735 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 Dear Mr. Ganem: I am pleased to submit the mid-term report for Pelham Public Library’s Smart investing@ your library grant. Programs have been provided for all target groups outlined in the grant with the exception of the Latino population. Currently one of our partners, the Hispanic Coalition of Alabama (HICA), is conducting workshops based on FDIC’s Money Smart curriculum. These workshops will conclude later this month. Results will be reported in the second half of the grant cycle. I hope you will be pleased with the outcomes realized thus far in the grant cycle as follows:
• • • • • • •
34 total programs presented 2,707 total attendance 2,325 packets of information sent out 356 total attendance at four public relations events 1,713 financial literacy materials have circulated at the library 2,904 financial literacy materials have circulated at deposit collections at local schools Likes on the library’s Facebook page have doubled
Visits to local day care centers will also be conducted in the second half of the grant cycle. Additional programs will be provided in cooperation with the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce at Pelham High School in March 2015. Teachers from local schools as well as library staff will participate in a training seminar conducted by Dr. Dena Wise in the second half of the grant cycle. I hope you are pleased with the results thus far. Please extend my gratitude to the Board of the FINRA Foundation for allowing this library to take part in this very worthwhile program a second time. As always, thank you so much for your help and support. Best regards, Barbara Roberts
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Publicity Page
The Pelham Library Smart investing@your library Grant received amazing exposure via the largest print and websites in our market. These include the following publications:
The Shelby County Reporter and its’ corresponding website www.Shelbycountyreporter.com
The Pelham Reporter and its’ corresponding website www.Pelhamreporter.com
The Birmingham News and AL.com
The Pelham City News
The Shelby County Reporter has a distribution of 16,000 copies per issue. The Pelham Reporter has a distribution of 8,500 copies per issue. Combined the websites receive over 90,000 unique visitors per month. The Birmingham News has over 400,000 readers each week. And it website AL.com is the number 1 news website in the state reaching over 7.2 million unique visitors every month. The Pelham City News reaches every household in Pelham each issue, for a total reach of 24,000 people. The Pelham Public Library has had 33 total articles published, in print and online over the prior 6 months. That averages out to 5.5 stories a month, or over one story a week!
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Print Publications
Publicity 8/13/14
Library hosts CEFA program - Pelham Reporter
8/6/14
Library hosts CEFA presentation - Pelham Reporter
8/6/14
Learn to coupon - Pelham Reporter
7/30/14
Library focuses on financial education - Pelham Reporter
7/30/14
Pelham Library offers teen reading clubs - Pelham Reporter
7/16/14
Library offers career info session - Pelham Reporter
7/16/14
Pelham Public Library hosts canning program - Pelham Reporter
7/9/14
Pelhamopoly comes to public library - Shelby County Reporter
7/9/14
Financial education gets creative - Shelby County Reporter
3/19/14
Valley Elementary students’ reading pays off - Shelby County Reporter
3/19/14
Makes sense to seek guidance during tax season - Shelby County Reporter
3/19/14
Bank on Books challenge - Pelham Reporter
3/19/14
Pelham Public Library awarded $83,500 grant - Pelham Reporter
3/10/14
Pelham Library receives grant - Pelham City News
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Online Publications Publicity 8/21/14
Get ready to shred at the Pelham Public Library - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
8/4/14
Learn to coupon at the Pelham Public Library - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/31/14
Library hosts CEFA information session - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/23/14
Pelham Library offers teen reading clubs - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/21/14
Career training at Pelham Public Library - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/18/14
Pelham Career Training - APLSeeds
7/11/14
Class teaches about preserving food at Pelham Public Library on July 28 - al.com
7/10/14
‘From the garden to the jar’: Pelham Public Library hosts canning program - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/8/14
Library offers skilled trade career information session - pelhamreporter.com/shelbycountyreporter.com
7/7/14
Interested in a construction career? Learn about a training program on July 29 at Pelham library - al.com
5/28/14
Pelham Library starts summer with a boom - pelhamreporter.com
5/20/14
Pelhamopoly comes to the Pelham Public Library - pelhamreporter.com
5/9/14
Summer Reading in Pelham - APLSeeds
4/25/14
Bank on Books - APLSeeds
4/23/14
RMS students learn to save - pelhamreporter.com
4/21/14
Read to win at Pelham Public Library - pelhamreporter.com
4/17/14
“Smart Investing” in Pelham schools - pelhamreporter.com
4/11/14
Teaching Taxes - APLSeeds
3/11/14
Valley Elementary students’ reading pays off - shelbycountyreporter.com/pelhamreporter.com
3/11/14
Pelham Public Library awarded $83,500 grant - shelbycountyreporter.com/pelhamreporter.com
3/10/14
Pelham Public Library receives $83,500 grant for financial education programs for children, families - al.com
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Print Publications
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Online Publications
Pelham Public Library receives $83,500 grant for financial education programs for childr...
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Pelham Public Library receives $83,500 grant for financial education programs for children, families Martin J. Reed | mreed@al.com By Martin J. Reed | mreed@al.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter on March 10, 2014 at 3:26 PM, updated March 10, 2014 at 3:31 PM
PELHAM, Alabama -- The Pelham Public Library has received an $83,500 grant under a program to provide more financial and investor information as well as money -related educational programs to help children and adults. The grant for the national Smart Investing @ Your Library Program came from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association. It's the second time the library has been awarded
The Pelham Public Library has received an $83,500 grant to help provide financial tools that can assist children and families. (File photo)
the grant. "This Smart Investing @ Your Library grant will allow the Pelham Public Library to provide a source of free, unbiased information for our community," Pelham Library Director Barbara Roberts said in a press release about the grant. The Pelham Public Library was one of 17 public libraries nationwide chosen through a competitive process to receive the grant from FINRA in partnership with the American Library Association. The grant will build upon programs initiated in 2011 at the library and concentrate on families with children ages 3 to 18. The library plans to use the grant to reach out to the four public schools in Pelham as well as preschool students at local daycare centers. Children ages 3 to 8 will receive hands-on learning opportunities with exhibits from the Betty Brinn Children's Museum to add to the knowledge about money. Students ages 9 to 13 will participate in "Money on the Bookshelf" and "Bank on Books" -- two programs that combine reading with lessons in personal finance.
http://blog.al.com/spotnews//print.html?entry=/2014/03/pelham_public_library_receives.ht... 3/28/2014
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 7
Facebook Statistics Facebook Likes March 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 388 Facebook Likes November 2014. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 776 Total Number of People Reached Via Facebook March-November 2014. . . . . . 52,737 Total Number of Ads Shown to Local Facebook Users. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,996
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Website
Website Statistics Total Website Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33,330 Total Page Views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99,812 Google Keywords Used to Find Website: teen money, smart investing at your library pelham public library, differences between value line and morningstar reports, financial literacy + coping with financial stress + video, library and financial resources, list of financial resources of library, smart investing at the library, investing + library
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Promotional Material
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Promotional Material
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Preschool
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Financial Fun for the Very Young
Financial Fun for the Very Young July 1-Nov 1, 2014
Two interactive games from the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum were placed in the Children’s Department. Cravings and Savings emphasized saving, spending and goal setting. Sharing focused on the role that charitable donations make in a family budget..
2 87 children participated in Cravings and Savings
47 children participated in Sharing
80% of families surveyed indicated “I will definitely discuss money matters with my children.”
100% of the families surveyed indicated “My family and I use the library as a source of free unbiased information.”
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One Hen
I believe the first lesson that included a
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Elementary One Hen Vocabulary Activity Sheet
group discussion of spending and saving
Directions: Use the words in the word box below to match an economic concept with its definition
and a list of different financial terms was
1.
beneficial to our students. They were
A business where money is kept for saving and is invested, supplied for loans, or exchanged. ___ ___ ___ ___
2.
A medium of exchange. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
given about 30 minutes to write their
3.
To receive something on loan with the understanding of returning it.
own poem after the discussion having to do with finance. At first I thought it was unfortunate that the performance was
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 4.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 5.
put off until the next month, but now I think it might have strengthened their thoughts about spending and saving. I know they enjoyed the poems that were performed and were familiar with them
before the performance. - Mary Foy, Media Specialist Valley Intermediate School
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
People who provide goods and services. (people at work) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
6.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
What is given up when a choice is made. (the second choice) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
7.
___ ___ ___ ___
A person who takes a risk and starts a business hoping to make a profit. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
8.
since our students performed those poems on the morning show the weeks
“Gifts of Nature” such as water, soil, word, and coal.
Goods made by people and used to produce other goods and services. (machines, tools, and buildings) ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
9.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
The condition of not being able to have all the goods and services that we want. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
10. What someone must make when faced with two or more alternative uses for a resource. ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ 11. A sum of money lent at interest. ___ ___ ___ ___ 12. Accumulate money for future use. ___ ___ ___ ___
bank choice scarcity
borrow money save
WORD BANK capital resources loan human resources
opportunity cost entrepreneur natural resources
Copyright © Council for Economic Education
One Hen: Valley Intermediate School Lesson: Understand the concepts of saving and spending, identify the figurative language and the financial concepts in “The Money Tree” by C.J. Heck and the anonymous “Money” poem that Poetry Alive! performed at our school on April 25th. Students will create a personal poem about using money wisely (two days at 60 minutes each).
Students understood key concepts in financial literacy (earning, spending, and saving). Students created a personal poem using their financial literacy skills.
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Elementary
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Poetry Alive SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER, MARCH 19, 2014
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Poetry Alive
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Elementary
Poetry Alive-Valley Intermediate School Grades 3-5 (two programs) May 22, 2014 A professional troupe entertained and educated students with a high-energy program. Financial literacy poems provided the foundation of the program. The poems also emphasized earlier financial literacy lessons, see One Hen.
Students saw money poems performed Students wrote their own money themed poem Over 750 students participated, an entire school!
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he library. These bucks can then be used to “buy” prizes. Students can buy a prize from the treasure hest for 3 bucks or smaller prizes for 1 buck. This will teach children the concept of saving up for omething, as well as “working” for their money.
Elementary
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Bank on Books
One buck may be earned by: Checking out 5 children’s books or audio books (no movies or cds) *up to 15 books per day Checking out 1 children’s financial book *only 1 financial book per child due to limited quantity
hree bucks may be earned by getting a Library Card (or by showing us a current library card if child APLseeds, APRIL 25, 2014 lready has one) *card must be in the child’s name not the parent’s. This is only good once.
Children will also receive a free Bernstein Bears Book () on their first visit to the library during the rogram *while supplies last. he library will also take pictures of children as “Million Dollar Readers” and post them on the “Bulletin Board of the Rich and Famous.”
Children must be present to earn bucks. Bucks must be redeemed by 8:00pm March7th.
Image A
Bank on Books-Valley Elementary School - Grades K-2 February 17 to March 7, 2014 Bank on Books, a financial literacy and reading program, was put on in conjunction with Valley Elementary School. When students came to the library and checked out books, they earned “book bucks” which could spend on small prizes or saved for larger ones. Emphasis was placed on financial literacy books during the program.
Over 750 students participated, an entire school! Over 350 financial literacy books checked out between the school and library Information on saving for college included for parents
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Bank on Books
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Elementary
PELHAM REPORTER, MARCH 19, 2014
The incentive program will work by giving out “Book Bucks” (see Image A attached) to students who use the library. These bucks can then be used to “buy” prizes. Students can buy a prize from the treasure chest for 3 bucks or smaller prizes for 1 buck. This will teach children the concept of saving up for something, as well as “working” for their money. One buck may be earned by: Checking out 5 children’s books or audio books (no movies or cds) *up to 15 books per day Checking out 1 children’s financial book *only 1 financial book per child due to limited quantity Three bucks may be earned by getting a Library Card (or by showing us a current library card if child already has one) *card must be in the child’s name not the parent’s. This is only good once. Children will also receive a free Bernstein Bears Book () on their first visit to the library during the program *while supplies last. The library will also take pictures of children as “Million Dollar Readers” and post them on the “Bulletin Board of the Rich and Famous.” Children must be present to earn bucks. Bucks must be redeemed by 8:00pm March7th.
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 17
Middle School
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TeenBoss Money Workshop
TeenBoss Money Book List Cash, Credit, and Your Finances: The Teen Years © 2009, by Jill Russo Foster The Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens Paperback © 2001, by Susan Shelley The Millionaire Mind © 2001, by Thomas J. Stanley The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy © 2010, by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens: 8 Steps to Having More Money Than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of Paperback ©2002, by David Gardner and Tom Gardner Prepare to Be a Teen Millionaire © 2008, by Robyn Collins, Kimberly Burleson Spinks Rich Dad, Poor Dad for Teens: The Secrets About Money--that You Don't Learn in School! © 2004, by Robert T. Kiyosaki The Teenage Investor : How to Start Early, Invest Often & Build Wealth © 2003, by Timothy Olsen Teenvestor: The Practical Investment Guide for Teens and their Parents © 2002, by Emmanuel Modua and Andrea Walker
Or ask a reference or youth services librarian about other helpful books on these topics that are @ your library!TM
18 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
TeenBoss Money Workshop
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Middle School
TeenBoss Money Workshop While you’re waiting, think about your definition of what it means to be financially successful.
Let’s look at a typical millionaire! Which car would a typical millionaire drive?
A
B
C
TeenBoss Money Workshop
The only reliable way to get to a million dollars is to work and plan and save. TeenBoss Money Workshop
TeenBoss Money Workshop
Five Questions:
1. Which of the following would a typical millionaire be MOST likely to own? A. Rolex watch B. Jimmy Choo shoes C. Honda Civic D. American Express Black Card 2. The only reliable way to become a millionaire is to: A. Win the lottery B. Sign an NBA contract C. Save and invest D. Develop a mega-successful video game 3. Compound Interest works FOR you when you A. Save/invest money B. Owe money (credit cards) 4. You can become a millionaire if you invest A. A small amount over a long period of time B. A medium amount over a short period of time and then leave it alone for a number of years C. A large amount over a number of years D. All of the above 5. Using a credit card as a teenager is a bad idea for most people. True or False
VIEW POWERPOINT SLIDESHOW
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 19
Middle School
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TeenBoss Money Workshop
TeenBoss Money Workshop
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Middle School
PELHAM REPORTER, MARCH 19, 2014
TeenBoss - Riverchase Middle School Grades 6 and 8 (two programs) April 22, 2017 Performer Tommy Johns presented the TeenBoss workshop to the students at Riverchase Middle school. Program taught, in an entertaining format, included goals setting, budgeting and concepts such as compound interest and investing.
500 students participated
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 21
High School
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Money Math With Taylor and Tyler
Do you know the power of compound interest like Taylor? Hi! I’m Taylor. I started working when I was 16 to save money. Why? By putting away just $25 a week, look how much I’ll have!
Money Math for Teens Debt Elimination: Power Tools for Building Wealth
$25 saved per week at 5.5% interest compounded monthly.
Money Math for Teens Introduction to Earning Interest: Middle School Version
Money Math for Teens The True Cost of Owning a Car
Compound interest is paid both on the money deposited and on any interest accumulated to date. The longer you save, the more compounding works for you. Go to SaveAndInvest.org/Taylor for more information.
PLAY GAME
Money Math with Taylor and Tyler-Pelham High School (Seniors 6 programs) March 8 - April 14, 2014 Students at Pelham High School watching animated videos on financial literacy and then took quizzes to assess their understanding. Topics covered included compound interest, eliminating debt, and the true cost of owning a car.
6 sessions 53 students participated, total Majority of students scored 90% or higher on assessment quizzes
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Bite Night
“I should have paid off my credit card first now I have to spend my retirement in an RV!” Ariana C., age 17
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High School
“I thought I had plenty of time to worry about it, but I should have started saving for it as soon as I started earning money.” Jonathan D., age 18
“Paying off my student loans in the game really made a difference now I can afford nicer stuff!” Michelle S., age 17 PLAY GAME
Bite Night-Pelham High School (Seniors 6 programs) March 8 - April 14, 2014 Pelham High School students participated in a game designed by Channel One of Financial Entertainment that allowed them to practice owning a small business. Through playing, students learned the importance of paying off debt, investing in their business, and maintaining a realistic budget.
6 sessions 53 students participated
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High School
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YA Book Club Financial Decisions Meeting The following are the questions discussed in the YA Book Club during the special Smart investing@ your library meeting. The book was Eleanor & Park, by Rainbow Rowell. How do you think the fact that Eleanor’s mom didn’t have a job impacted Eleanor’s life? Do you think her mom might have chosen to stay with her abusive stepdad because he had a job? What are some of the biggest differences between Eleanor’s home life and Park’s home life? Do you think their financial situations affected their interests and hobbies? Why do you think Park’s mom thought Eleanor was “low class” at first? What made her change her mind, once she saw how many siblings Eleanor had to take care of?
YA Book Club Financial Decisions Meeting (Summer Reading Program) June 2, 2014 The Pelham Library YA Book Club read Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell, and met to discuss how the financial decisions made by the characters affected their lives. Teens were able to asses the real-life benefits of saving for the future - and the dangers of not planning ahead financially - by analyzing the impact on the characters’ lives.
6 teens participants Majority of participants polled responded that they had a renewed understanding of the importance of financial decisions and their consequences
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YA Summer Reading Program
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High School
YA Summer Reading Program June 3 - July 27, 2014 Summer Reading Program events for the teens at the Pelham Public library emphasized the importance of financial literacy. Topics covered included saving, investing, and the impact of debt.
Majority of participants responded that they had learned something through these activities
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 25
High School
– TARDIS Coin Bank “I learned that making a budget is really important, and not as hard as I thought.” Elia G., age 15
“If you save now, you’ll be in better shape later. Even if it’s not a lot now, it can grow!” Amanda P., age 16
“You have to save more than you spend to get ahead.” Logan R., age 13
TARDIS Coin Bank (Summer Reading Program) July 8, 2014 The Pelham Library hosted a craft session where teens created a coin bank and learned the importance of saving versus spending. Teens spent time together creating their coin banks and discussing the value of budgeting to reach goals like buying a car or paying off student loans.
7 students participated Majority of participants polled responded favorably in assessment survey, saying they learned some new financial information
26 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
Duct Tape Wallet
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Middle School
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 27
High School
28 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
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Hunger Games Monopoly
Hunger Games Monopoly
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High School
Hunger Games (Summer Reading Program) June 3 - July 27, 2014 Teens came to the Pelham Public Library to play the library’s special version of Monopoly. Based around the hugely popular book series The Hunger Games, teens played the classic finance game to learn skills like investing, managing mortgages and budgeting for the future.
15 teens participated Majority of participants responded favorably in assessment survey
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Reality Check is a program that simulates living on a budget as an adult. Each participant will draw a job with an associated salary and a family situation i.e.: married, single and number of children. Each student will have to visit various storefronts and “buy” goods and services. Taxes have to be paid; housing, transportation, and food must be purchased, as well as clothing and entertainment.
High School
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Reality Check Juvenile Detention
See if you can make your money last. Hosted by the Pelham Public Library as a part of Smart investing@your library®. Smart investing@your library® is a partnership between ALA and FINRA investor education.
“I got a second job! We can get a better place!”
“What if I live in the forest and hunt and grow food, then I don’t need to buy groceries.” “I can’t afford to have fun.”
“What do you mean she gets to pay $20.00 less for car insurance just because she is a girl.”
“I need insurance? That’s for old folks… OK, my kids need health and dental, give me the family plan.”
Reality Check-Juvenile Detention Center Shelby County Alabama (facility population ranges from 20-34 young adults. Average age is 16) June 10, 2014 Eight young men and women in the Shelby County Juvenile Detention Center took part in the interactive game Reality Check. Participates had to budget within the constraints of a randomly drawn job, with associated salary and family situation while interacting with “salespeople” who wanted them to spend more. The children were creative in devising solutions to the perceived problems, as illustrated with the comments below.
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Money Smart Staff and Volunteer Training
April 29, 2014
AGENDA □ Lunch and Networking (12:00 PM) □ Opening Remarks and Introductions (12:30 PM) □ The FDIC, Financial Education, and Money Smart □ A Review of the Money Smart Modules (Adult Version) and their Objectives □ Delivering Effective Presentations – Guide To Presenting Money Smart (1:30 PM) □ Module 7 Review – To Your Credit (2:00 PM) □ Module 11 Review – Financial Recovery (3:15 PM) □ How Do You Feel? / Wrap-up (4:20 PM)
Money Smart Staff and Volunteer Training April 29, 2014 Mr. John Olsen, Community Affairs Specialist Division of Depositor and Consumer Protection, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) conducted a Train-the–Trainer seminar covering aspects of the FDIC Money Smart curriculum for adults. Modules covering Credit and Financial Recovery were covered as well as tips for making effective presentations.
8 Staff and Volunteers Participated
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Smart Money Series
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Better Shred than Read
Better Shred than Read: Preventing Identity Theft April 26, 2014 Safe and secure disposal of personal information was stressed. Over 100 people brought 3 tons of materials to be destroyed. While waiting for disposal of materials, attendees were given FINRA information on protecting against identity theft.
104 residents participated Over 3 tons shredded
32 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
Better Shred than Read
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Smart Money Series
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 33
Smart Money Series
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Budget Smart
Budget Smart: Smart Money Family Series April 1-April 30, 2014 This program encouraged families to discuss finances and budgeting with their children. When a patron checked out an item from the library’s personal finance collection, a packet that included FINRA brochures and other prompts to help get the conversation about money started was included. Also, upon filling out the survey and returning it to the library, the patron received $5.00 credit toward library fees and sales.
27 families participated Included prompts to discuss finances with children
34 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
Earn It! Keep It! Save It!
12/2/2014
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Smart Money Series Earn It! Keep It! Save It!
Pelham Public Library hosting free tax preparation on Feb. 15
Pelham Public Library hosting free tax preparation on Feb. 15 Martin J. Reed | mreed@al.com By Martin J. Reed | mreed@al.com Email the author | Follow on Twitter on February 03, 2014 at 8:17 AM, updated February 03, 2014 at 8:22 AM
PELHAM, Alabama The Pelham Public Library is hosting a free income tax filing event on Feb. 15 that uses IRStrained volunteers to prepare state and federal returns for individuals with incomes of less than $52,000 last year. Anyone interested in using the service must call the library to schedule an appointment at 6206418. The service at the library will be from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Clients must be at the library 15 minutes prior to their scheduled time.
The Pelham Public Library is hosting a free tax preparation event using IRStrained volunteers on Feb. 15. (File photo)
Customers must bring specific documentation to their appointment including photo proof of
Saturday, March 15, 2014 1:00 - 4:30 pm
identification, Social Security cards for themselves, their spouse and all dependents, or Social Security number
A partnership between American Library Association and FINRA Investor Education Foundation
verification letters issued by the Social Security Administration, and birthdates for all persons listed on the tax returns. Other necessary information includes wage and earning statements Forms W2, W2G, and 1099R from all employers during the past year, interest and dividend statements from banks (Form 1099), copies of their prior year federal and state returns if available, bank routing and account numbers for direct deposits of their refunds, other relevant information about income and expenses, and, if applicable, amounts paid for daycare and the daycare provider's identifying number. Also, both spouses must be present to sign joint returns.
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EarnStrategies It! Keep It! Save It! for Low Income Families Earn it! Keep it! Save it!: Tax
March 15, 2014
Free Tax Preparation Program for Lower Income Families.
Every year in the United States billions of dollars in tax credits go unclaimed by low-income taxpayers who don’t know they are This helpedTolower tax-payers get the money to them for Library free. Ten IRS trained eligible forprogram these credits. meetincome the needs of this population locally,due Pelham Public partnered withvolunteer a representative from income the Alabama Jump$tart(VITA) Coalition, a non-profit organization promoting financial literacy, to provide free electronically income tax prepatax assistance workers helped 28 families apply for appropriate tax credits, fill out, and ration on March 15th, 2014 for local lower income families residing in Shelby County. In addition to assistance from the Alabama submit tax returns. addition, returned were processed electronically Jump$tart Coalition, thereInwere 10 IRStax trained Volunteer Income Taxand Assistance (VITA) submitted. volunteers that processed and electronically delivered state and federal forms for 28 individuals. They also help clients apply all the appropriate tax credits, allowing the people who need it most to get the returns they deserve. To qualify for this assistance, individuals must earn a yearly income of $52,000 or less. The program lasted 3.5 hours. The response from the people that participated was overwhelmingly positive. Due to this response, the library has decided to make this an ongoing program available to local residents every year.
28 families participated Two New Partnerships Formed- VITA and Alabama Jump $tart Coalition
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 35
Smart Money Series
36 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
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CEFA
CEFA
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Smart Money Series
PELHAM REPORTER, AUGUST 11, 2014
SHELBY COUNTY REPORTER, JULY 7, 2014
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 37
Smart Money Series
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CEFA
VIEW POWERPOINT SLIDESHOW
38 Pelham Public Library – Off to a Great Start
CEFA
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Smart Money Series
Financial Education for Working Families: Smart Money Family Series July 29, 2014 In this Career Training Opportunity Program 54 people to learned about career paths open to them as an alternative to traditional college education while lessening or eliminating the need of student loans. The Construction Education Foundation of Alabama showed the growing opportunities in the manual trades, like plumbing, HVAC and welding. Attendees learned how this training can be done while holding a day job.
54 individuals participated Participants were interested in the opportunities to lessen debt load
Off to a Great Start – Pelham Public Library 39
Smart Money Series
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Pelham Golden Jubilee
Golden Jubilee Community Awareness Program July 12, 2014 Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12, the City of Pelham hosted a 50th anniversary event for the City. The library manned a booth at this event featuring over fifty vendors with entertainment for adults and children. 316 people visited the library’s booth taking away 175 information bags with Smart investing@your library materials provided by FINRA publications. Ninety-five adults agreed to take the quiz.
3,000 attendees at Golden Jubilee Event 316 attendees visited Library’s Smart investing@your library booth 175 FINRA information packets handed out 95 booth visitors filled out financial assessment
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Using Excel to Teach Budgeting
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Smart Money Series
Family Budgets Made Simple: Using Excel to Teach Budgeting Ongoing Monthly At the onset of the current FINRA grant, the Excel Basics class has been structured to teach personal fiscal responsibility through the creation of a personal family household budget. Students are taught the basics of Microsoft Excel while constructing a simple budget.
14 individuals participated Budgeting basics taught using Excel Surveys and results attached
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Smart Money Series
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Pelhamopoly
Pelhamopoly: Smart Money Family Series June 1-July 31, 2014 This summer patrons were invited to play Pelhamopoly, a game that focused on financial literacy knowledge and learning. After completing the game board, which included activities to promote budgeting and saving, patrons were awarded a $5.00 credit on their library account.
32 families participated Provided overview of various aspects of financial literacy
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Pelhamopoly
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Smart Money Series
PELHAM REPORTER, JULY 9, 2014
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Smart Money Series
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Saving $$$ with Coupons PELHAM REPORTER, AUGUST 6, 2014
Saving $$$ with Coupons: Smart Money Family Series October 20, 2014 This program, which targeted beginner savers, focused on easy ways to trim household spending with coupons. Even experienced savers learned ways to streamline couponing. The 29 participates learned that savings do add up and can carry over to other types of saving.
29 individuals participated Learned a little time can save big bucks
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Saving $$$ with Food Preservation
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Smart Money Series
Saving $$$ with Food Preservation: Smart Money Family Series July 28, 2014 In partnership with the Alabama Cooperative Extension system, this program taught another way the household budget can be trimmed, by canning. Extension agent, Angela Treadaway discussed canning, freezing and food safety to the 31 attendees.
31 canning enthusiasts participated Home canning and freezing to save money on grocery bill
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Thank You
Dear Members of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation Board, On behalf of the students and parents in the City of Pelham please accept my sincere appreciation for the opportunity for this library to participate in this very worthwhile grant program. By receiving a second Smart investing@your library grant we have been able to build awareness within the community for the need of financial literacy programs, materials, and services. The inroads we have made in the community will provide the basis for the future sustainability of this project. Sincerely, Barbara Roberts, Director Pelham Public Library
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Off to a Great Start
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