SLGFA's Financial Literacy Workshops and Presentations Help Students Statewide

With students nationwide graduating with an average student loan debt of close to $30,000 and the unemployment rate for undergraduates rising, financial literacy education is more important than ever, and SLGFA is here to help.

SLGFA offers several on-site workshops and presentations that can assist schools in educating their students about topics such as budgeting, savings, wise credit card use, investing for the future, and loan repayment. SLGFA Default Prevention Coordinator Sandy Beaty has designed presentations that educate students on money management and will continue to benefit students long after graduation.

"I really enjoy leading financial literacy presentations knowing that I can give students information that will have a positive effect on their future," Sandy said. "Hopefully, students will borrow conservatively and make wise financial decisions so that they do not graduate with overwhelming debt. Several financial aid officers have told me that they wish they had known these things when they were starting college."

Some of the more popular workshops that SLGFA provides include, "Credit Cards: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," "Budgeting: Steps to Become Money Wise," and "Managing Student Loans," all of which have been offered to college and high school students statewide.

"Credit Cards: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly," arms students not only with information on the benefits and pitfalls of credit card use and the importance of maintaining a good credit report, but it also provides students with an average daily balance method that calculates interest, payments, and balances so students will have an idea of how much they'll owe each month.

Budgeting is important for everyone, regardless of age, and SLGFA offers, "Budgeting: Steps to Become Money Wise." This presentation trumps many of the myths surrounding budgeting and replaces them with facts, solid examples, and ways to help students get back on track and in control of their spending.

With college costs continuing to increase, many students are taking advantage of federal student loans to help bridge the gap of paying for their higher education. "Managing Student Loans," helps students understand what having a college loan means, including responsibilities a student has for repaying the loan and consequences of defaulting on the loan.

If you're interested in hosting any of these financial literacy presentations at your school or would like to learn of other ways that SLGFA can assist in financial literacy, contact Sandy Beaty by e-mail or by phone at 800-622-3446, ext. 637.