One of the greatest gifts we can impart to today's youth is sound financial acumen. Every day we hear the details of what happens to young people who are not financially prepared: runaway student debt, credit card debt or the struggle of living paycheck-to- paycheck. Last month we learned about Young Illinois Saves, the state-wide effort to increase financial literacy among teens and young adults. This campaign is patterned on the America Saves model with Champaign County Saves as the local affiliate. This fall we will begin a series of youth focused meetings presented by local Champaign County Saves volunteers. All seminars are at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at 801 N. Country Fair Drive, are free and open to the public.

• "How to Raise a Money Smart Child" on October 20 presented by Mike Kessel of Edward Jones. This seminar is designed for parents and grandparents of children aged 4 – 12. It provides great tools and techniques for talking with children and grandchildren about money.
• "Your Life, Your Money" on October 28 presented by Steve Ayers of U of I Extension. This popular youth focused PBS production featured compelling, real-life stories of young people facing the overcoming intense economic challenges. Youth will learn sound financial advice on banking, credit, investments, budgeting, insurance and self-employment.
• "Paying for Education" on November 3 presented by Mike Kessel of Edward Jones. This seminar is for parents and grandparents interested in options for paying for their child's education. The seminar discusses the various options for education saving including the Coverdell Education Savings accounts and financial aid.
• "Me, A Millionaire???" on November 18 presented by Steve Ayers of U of I Extension. This seminar is for junior and senior youth and reviews the factors affecting your ability to build wealth over your lifetime.
• "Foundations of Investing" on December 1 presented by Mike Kessel of Edward Jones. This seminar is for anyone new to investing or needing a refresher on allocation and inflation impact.
• "What do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?" on December 7 presented by Steve Ayers of U of I Extension. This seminar reviews available resources to help youth select a career path.

How can you become involved in Young Illinois Saves?

• If you are a teen or young adult, volunteer as a motivational workshop leader.
• If you work with a youth group, schedule a Young Illinois Saves motivational workshop or Welcome to the Real World simulation for your youth.
• Volunteer as a Young Illinois Saves wealth coach.

Contact me at 333-7672 for more information on Young Illinois Saves.