Financial Education Programs

Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC)
The Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC) was established in February 2000 as the result of a merger of the Citizen Information Center (CIC) and the Federal Information Center (FIC). The merger combined the CIC Web site (www.pueblo.gsa.gov), the Consumer Information Catalog, and the Pueblo publication distribution program with the FIC nationwide toll-free telephone assistance center. The FCIC helps federal agencies and departments develop, promote, and distribute useful information to the public.

Cooperative State Research, Education, & Extension Service (CSREES)
CSREES links the teaching, research, and extension activities of 103 land-grant universities and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Research, conducted largely through the land-grant universities, is delivered to the people via the Cooperative Extension System (CES). CES is a public-funded, non-formal educational system that extends research-based information to nearly 3,150 county offices. CES is committed to improving the consumer skills of individuals and families. For guidelines on how educators can work most effectively with financial professionals, see Extension Financial Education Programs: The Use of Commercial Resources.

Department of Treasury
Working to implement the nation's Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) program, a system through which recipients of federal cash benefits receive their payments electronically. Treasury provides a host of fact sheets, newsletters, and other printed materials on EFT and direct deposit. Provides grants to community organizations that offer educational workshops related to EFT.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)
The FDIC and the Department of Labor (DOL) created Money Smart, a training program for adults outside the financial mainstream to build financial skills, enhance money skills, and use banking services effectively. The program may be used by banks, One Stop Career Centers, and other organizations to deliver financial education and appropriate financial services in their communities. FDIC Web site contains information about the program and a downloadable form to order a free copy of the Money Smart program via mail or fax.

Federal Reserve Board of Governors
Creates and publishes consumer education materials and brochures on financial issues. Diverse range of topics includes information on shopping for the best credit card, picking the best mortgage rate, and fair lending laws. Has produced a video that explains basic topics such as budgeting for saving, using compounding to help your savings grow, understanding risk, and choosing banking services. Consumer related publications are targeted to adults with various levels of knowledge on banking topics.

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Responsible for monitoring business practices and bringing suits against companies that defraud or otherwise harm consumers. Offers information online and in pamphlets for consumers on high cost loans, credit card debt, how to manage money during marriage or divorce, avoiding bankruptcy, and many other household financial topics.

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
SEC has a Department of Consumer Education that publishes many free brochures and pamphlets on investing wisely and avoiding fraud in the securities industry. Has started a campaign called "Facts on Savings and Investment" that provides educational material. Has an online quick guide called the "Financial Facts Tool Kit". All publications are free and are targeted to adults who are currently investing in the stock or other securities markets.