The goal of the Department of Financial Institutions’ educational outreach program is to help consumers take informed action when managing their finances. DFI offers free financial literacy materials and workshops to high schools, colleges, libraries, adult community education centers, civic organizations, county extension offices, churches and other public groups. Topics include banking, investing, lending, credit, budgeting, fraud awareness and financial institutions regulation. There is no cost for speakers or materials, and workshops can be tailored to suit the audience age and experience level. To schedule a presentation, email Tasha Stewart or call (502) 782-8818.
Please note that materials on investing are not intended to give investment advice or tell participants who to invest with or what to purchase. Presentations and take-home materials are designed to provide a basic understanding of concepts and prepare participants to research and make wise financial decisions.
Youth/Classroom Presentations
Saving
In this elementary school-level workshop, students learn about saving through a storybook reading and conversation about money.
Budgeting
Students create a real budget based on choices they make, such as whether to rent or own housing, and whether to buy a new or used car. Then they account for their other monthly bills and spending. Discussion includes what to do if the budget doesn’t work out.
Saving/Investing
Students write down real savings goals and learn how to reach them. Discussion includes the time value of money, compound interest and an explanation of different types of investments.
Credit/Borrowing
Students learn about the three types of credit – installment loans, home loans and credit cards. Discussion includes how credit reports and scores work and why it is important to maintain a good credit score.
Making Money Make Sense
This presentation is designed to motivate students to review their financial needs and desires, and then to make wise money decisions. Examples are provided to encourage goal setting, smart spending, saving and budgeting. Also discussed is the importance of being “credit smart” from an early age.
Financial Industry Regulation
This brief civics lesson describes how DFI regulates banks, credit unions, lenders, stockbrokers and investment advisers. It also addresses fraud investigations and how state and federal regulators work together.
NOTE: DFI offers free curriculum materials for teachers that can be used for single classes or throughout the school year.
Adult Presentations
Successful Budgeting in 4 Steps
Creating a budget – a step-by-step plan for meeting expenses in a given period of time – will help you take control of your money. Learn the four steps to successful budgeting and use take-home worksheets to prepare your own household budget. There will be an opportunity to share personal experiences or ask questions. The workshop is based on the Money Smart series by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
10 Tips for Better Credit
Top 10 ways to build and keep a good credit score, as well as finding the right type of credit to suit your needs.
Borrower Beware: Avoiding Bad Loans
Avoid fraud by learning the signs of predatory loans and about various credit schemes prevalent today. Also learn about products that are legitimate but may need careful consideration, such as reverse mortgages. NOTE: This presentation also is used during DFI's Senior Scam Jam events.
Pay Yourself First (America Saves Week)
Paying yourself first means to set aside some of your paycheck in savings before paying your other bills. Identify your savings goals and consider ways to achieve them. Get tips on saving money, learn about different savings accounts and investments, and consider strategies for choosing the best investment for you. The workshop is based on the Money Smart series by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
ANYONE Can Invest
This workshop will benefit investors of all skill ranges. Brush up on investing basics so you can build or improve your personal portfolio. Attendees will receive nonbiased investment help materials for adults. Topics and concepts covered include: “Five keys to success,” time horizon, risk tolerance, types of investments, the difference between brokers and advisers, how to choose a professional to help you, account choices, how to avoid fraud, and additional resources. NOTE: This workshop is designed to provide a basic understanding of investment concepts. It is not intended to give investment advice, and it will not tell you what to invest in or who to invest with.
Securities Division: Protecting Investors ... Including You (Investment Fraud Bingo)
This brief presentation (15-30 minutes) reviews what the DFI Securities Division does; explains what securities are and the services the division provides. It also contains a brief review of common investment schemes and red flags of fraud. There is an optional opportunity to play Investment Fraud Bingo, a fun, educational game that provides tips for avoiding investment fraud (additional 30 minutes).
Investment Fraud
This hour-long presentation details what investment fraud is and why anyone could be a victim. Americans lose billions of dollars each year to fraud. Learn about the top five investment scams and how to recognize the techniques scammers may use. Discussion includes red flags and how to check out an investment. NOTE: This presentation also is used during DFI's Senior Scam Jam events.
Financial Fraud and Older Americans
Nationally, financial abuse is considered to be the most common form of abuse to elders, costing its victims an estimated $2.6 billion per year. Securities fraud and predatory lending are two types of financial exploitation – a form of elder abuse. Learn to recognize the signs of financial exploitation and familiarize yourself with common scams. Learn when and how to report suspected fraud and/or elder abuse.
Investment Fraud for Law Enforcement / Financial Exploitation of the Elderly for Law Enforcement
These presentations may serve as training for law enforcement and prosecutors who want the knowledge and tools to investigate potential securities and lending fraud cases. Objectives may include understanding fraud/exploitation and reporting, recognizing cases, case scenarios, how to gain assistance in prosecuting financial fraud cases and reporting fraud. This training also may help first responders, medical personnel and/or social workers to be able to recognize clients who may be a victim and report the fraud.
Financial Industry Regulation
DFI also has staff members who are willing to share their knowledge of the regulation of financial institutions such as banks, credit unions, lenders, stockbrokers and investment advisers. Staff also may address fraud investigations and how state and federal regulators work together.
Teacher Presentations/Train the Trainer
DFI offers a variety of free curriculum materials and classroom presentations to Kentucky teachers on the Teacher Resources page. DFI also offers train-the-trainer workshops to instruct teachers and others on how to use the curriculum materials and conduct related activities in class. Our goal is not only to impart financial knowledge to students, but also to make learning fun.
Other Resources
The Department of Financial Institutions also partners with other state and national organizations with a goal of providing financial literacy education, such as Kentucky Jump$tart, the Kentucky Council on Economic Education and others.
