Gov. McDonnell Declares April Virginia Financial Literacy Month
To remind Virginia citizens about the importance of financial literacy, Gov. Bob McDonnell signed a proclamation (PDF) recognizing the month of April 2012 as Virginia Financial Literacy Month. The proclamation was introduced by the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants (VSCPA) as part of its award-winning Financial Fitness campaign to improve the financial health of all Virginians. The VSCPA hopes the commemorative month, along with other outreach activities, will build awareness for the importance of wise money management as well as recognize and encourage other Virginia organizations to make a difference in financial education.
The VSCPA offers a variety of supportive resources online at www.FinancialFitness.org to help Virginia organizations get involved, including a commemorative logo, flyer, press release template and more.
Virginia CPAs feel, as the premier financial experts, they should be active in educating their respective communities on wise financial planning.
“Getting our personal finances in order starts with improving Virginians’ knowledge about how to make financially sound decisions and taking advantage of resources available through various channels, including the VSCPA,” said Damon DeSue, CPA, chair of the VSCPA Board of Directors. “Continuing to raise awareness will have a profound impact on Virginia citizens and contribute directly to the financial future of Virginia. We thank Governor McDonnell for his willingness to support this awareness campaign.”
National statistics show the United States is suffering from a decline in the level of financial literacy among citizens. In fact, U.S. consumer debt totaled more than $2.5 trillion by December 2011, of which credit card debt alone exceeded $801 billion. Americans now save, on average, less than 4.6 percent of their income.
To celebrate Virginia Financial Literacy Month, the VSCPA is holding a free financial literacy workshop for the public led by an experienced VSCPA member. A workshop called “Planning for the Golden Years” will be held on April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Richmond CPA Center.
In addition, consumers can get free online advice on personal finance topics by emailing questions at www.FinancialFitness.org through the “Ask a CPA” Email Program. Experienced, licensed certified public accountants (CPA) will provide answers to financial questions within three business days.
For more information on any of the VSCPA’s events for Virginia Financial Literacy Month and to find a toolkit to help your organization get involved, visit www.FinancialFitness.org.
LAST UPDATED 3/30/2012
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