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selves only a grade of C, D or F on their knowledge of personal finance. Should we be worried because that many people with a poor-to-middling understanding of money management are likely to be the major influence on their children's financial habits? I think so.
• "Fortunately, many financial education tools are available for people of all ages," noted Cunningham. "The challenge is making people aware of them and encouraging them to seek help when they need it."
• Helpful financial education sites include:
• • MyMoney.gov (www.mymoney.gov), the government's website dedicated to teaching Americans the basics about financial education.
• • The NFCC (www.nfcc.org), featuring information on obtaining free or low-cost help from trained, certified credit counselors.
• • Practical Money Skills for Life (www.pmsfl.com), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc., that includes saving and budgeting tips, and interactive video games like Financial Football that engage students while teaching them money-management skills.
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• Don't let another April pass without taking steps to improve your financial literacy - and that of your kids.
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• Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 17, 2013, go to www.practicalmoneyskills.com/summit2013.