At a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink announced her resolution designating April as Financial Literacy Month. During the month of April, CFO Sink will raise awareness about the need for increased financial literacy among Floridians, as well as increased availability to financial information and assistance.

 

“Whether it’s purchasing your first home, saving for retirement or avoiding excessive debt levels, it is truly important for Floridians to make wise decisions with their financial resources,” said CFO Sink. “During the month of April, my office will be working to help educate Floridians about the importance of prudent money management and the resources available in their communities.”
 

Chairman Piedro and board members of the Financial Literacy Council at the Cabinet meeting designating April as Financial Literacy Month in Florida

CFO Sink is a strong proponent of financial literacy. Through regional outreach coordinators, her Department of Financial Services (DFS) aggressively educates consumers in their local communities on topics such as the wise use of credit cards, identity theft, hurricane preparedness, small business security, life insurance policies and first-time homebuyer workshops. During 2007, DFS conducted more than 2,680 outreach events around the state.

CFO Sink’s Financial Literacy Council was created to study the financial problems that affect consumers, particularly young persons, seniors, working adults and small business owners, which arise from a lack of basic knowledge of financial issues. The council will also develop recommendations to aid DFS in developing programs and resources aimed at increasing financial literacy among Floridians

For more information on financial literacy or the CFO’s Council please visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com.

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, financial literacy is essential to the financial stability of all Floridians; and

WHEREAS, a vigorous and healthy economy is fueled by the choices of financially informed consumers, and Florida’s citizens should make educated decisions throughout their lives concerning saving, budgeting and how to obtain and use consumer credit; and

WHEREAS, education is the first line of defense in helping consumers manage their money wisely and safeguard themselves against fraud and identity theft; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Florida Financial Literacy Council seek to heighten Florida consumer awareness and educate Floridians about the wise use of consumer credit, avoiding excessive debt, small business security and first-time home buying; and

WHEREAS, the Florida Department of Financial Services and the Florida Financial Literacy Council will continue to educate Floridians about becoming better informed investors and borrowers and encouraging them to save and invest for retirement and other financial goals; and

WHEREAS, during the month of April, state and federal agencies, consumer groups and the financial services industry will join together to conduct educational events in communities and schools to illustrate the importance of personal financial literacy.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2008, as

FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH

in the State of Florida and encourage all Floridians to make informed financial decisions and take advantage of the resources that can help them become responsible consumers, savers, and investors.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 25h day of March, 2008.


CHARLIE CRIST
GOVERNOR

BILL MCCOLLUM
ATTORNEY GENERAL

ALEX SINK
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

CHARLES H. BRONSON
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE