Governor Jack Markell discusses financial literacy and initiatives from the Delaware Money School.
Governor’s Weekly Message
Governor Markell discusses financial literacy initiatives.
Full text of Governor Jack Markell’s weekly message:
Somebody told me once that “From Purses to Portfolios” sounded like a killer sale at a Delaware department store.
Actually, it’s an annual event where hundreds of women committed to maximizing their economic opportunities get together with some of the top financial educators in the region for a free conference dedicated to helping them get ahead financially.
It’s one part of a series of great – and free – events throughout the year to help people get or keep more for their money as part of the Delaware Money School.
At a time when families know that every dollar earned or kept matters more than ever, the Money Schools’ mission of bringing people together to make the most of their money is more critical than ever.
And at a time of tight government budgets, it’s great to know that the Money School is an independent organization that doesn’t rely on state or local government spending to survive.
Money School instructors know that if knowledge is power – financial literacy is economic power.
Why?
Financial literacy provides protections against fiscal predators – people looking to take advantage of someone’s good nature or short-term economic need.
Financial literacy helps people make the most out of every dollar – how to reduce costs, maximize returns, fix errors and identify new opportunities to turn a few dollars a week into longer-term wealth.
It’s about learning how to get the best interest rates – which can save thousands of dollars a year – and offer the best rate of return – which can be worth tens of thousands over a lifetime.
Financial literacy helps people take advantage of the help that’s already out there – how to make the most out of tax breaks that can help working families.
How to navigate the sea of opportunities known by their numbers – like 401k or 529 – that provide tax incentives to save for the future and help families have more money available when they need it for important investments like sending kids to college.
We’re fighting hard to bring more jobs to Delaware and expand economic opportunity for people who are working.
But it’s great to know that there are opportunities for families to make the most of what they have -through the Money School – - and that volunteers at events like Purses to Portfolios are working hard to help people manage their money – - and keep Delaware moving forward.
