Louisiana CUs Eye Financial Literacy

HARAHAN, La. -In celebration of International Credit Union Day, Louisiana credit unions focused on financial literacy as they delivered the message that “young people need to be smart about their financial future and credit history” via three live radio remotes at the Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Metairie (New Orleans area) Service Centers. “People of all ages need to know that their credit history impacts all areas of their lives including prospective employment. Your credit history is central to the type of car or home loan you are offered,” said Anne Cochran, president/CEO of the Louisiana Credit Union League. “Louisiana credit unions are using International Credit Union Day to shed light on the need to be financially responsible and to keep track of your credit history. Your financial future depends on it.” The 2004-05 school year marks the first year that the state required a personal financial management curriculum in all Louisiana high schools. In addition to normal high school courses, students this year will learn to prioritize their personal finances and protect their assets as they begin to accumulate money and more responsibilities. To help train teachers on the new curriculum Louisiana credit unions joined forces with the Credit Bureau of Baton Rouge, LSU AgCenter, the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, the Louisiana School Boards Association and Louisiana Bankers Association to raise more than $97,000 to pay free enterprise teachers a $110 stipend to attend a teacher training course.