Money Matters year 'round! Be sure to peep these lessons and check out the site in the coming months for exciting contests!
Hopefully, one of your New Year's resolutions was to learn ways to better manage your money! But don't feel alone -- in these hard economic times, it just makes plain money sense to do better with what you have!
BGCA's financial literacy program Money Matters can be your start for increasing your money smarts. Go there today and learn how to create a spending plan; learn about credit and debt; how to save and invest; and how to start planning to finance your college goals!
But not only can you learn solid lessons about the fundamentals of finance, you can also win big throughout 2012!
Right now, you can participate in the Money Matters Online Scavenger Hunt and become eligible to win a new iPod Touch! Club members ages 13-18 can participate in the contest, and all you have to do is answer five questions correctly to be entered into a drawing to win the iPod touch! All of the questions -- and the answers! -- can be found within the Money Matters website.
Money Matters Tips!
But even before you enter the contest, here are some smart money tips that you can use throughout 2012 and beyond to be on top of your financial game!
- Pay Yourself First – Always remember to save at least 10% of what you earn or receive.
- Set Goals - Make short- and long-term savings goals to help you save for the things you want or need.
- Track Your Spending – Keep track of the money you spend so you stay within your monthly budget. You can use the spending tracker on the Money Matters website, write it down or use your phone to create a memo until later.
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) - Talk to someone in your family about filling out the FAFSA.
- Open a Savings Account - Talk to an adult about opening a savings account to keep your money safe.