The salesman told me I could afford the hummer, so I bought it. Now I can’t afford a place to live, furniture or anything! Now what do I do Mom! The credit card salesman will say anything to get you to buy a credit card and you become more in debt I learned about mutual funds, savings, retirement, IRA and how to save money Try to get a good education to get a good job that can pay for life

What is the Credit for Life Fair? Data indicates that 55% of all college students and 10% of high school students have a major credit card. Of those people, 25% have more than $3,000 in credit card debt!

 “Teenage Debt Problems Over Lack Of Credit Card Knowledge” Knowledge”  “Level of teenage debt rings alarm bells”  “Teenage debt '3 times salary‘”  “Call for finance lessons as teen debts mount”  “Credit card firm targets teens” MASTERCARD was accused of encouraging teenagers to go into debt with the launch of a payment card for children.

Steps to a successful event… Why does it work? Collaboration between: Businesses Chamber of Commerce Educators Partnership

First: Engage Educators Second: Sell Program to Businesses Third: Raise Funds Fourth: Develop Timeline

Sell program to businesses Partner with local Chamber Contact local banks Contact credit and lending associations

Engage Educators School presentation highlighting participation benefits Guidance Business teacher, math teacher Career Specialist In advance distribute student preparation materials participant profile occupation profile

Raise Funds Local banks compliance with community service practices and policy “Sell” sponsorship: padfolio, t-shirt Food donations from food vendors

Develop Timeline 6-months in advance:Form Committee Set Date Reserve Facility* Solicit Donations/Sponsorships Determine Student Give-a-ways 3-months in advance:Recruit Booth Captains and Volunteers Purchase Padfolios Press Release 2-months in advance:Booth Captain Orientation School Registration Order T-shirt with Sponsorships

Timeline (continued) 6-weeks in advance:Solicit refreshments (Water, Breakfast and Lunch) School Registration Deadline New Event: Banners needed 4-weeks in advance:Student Orientation School Bus Arrangements Confirm Facility Arrangements Purchase supplies (tablecloths, pens, pencils, nametags) 3-weeks in advance:Volunteer Orientation 2-weeks in advance:Student Participant Profile DUE Press Release (#2)

Timeline (continued) 1-week in advance:Student Package Prepared Padfolio (calculator and pencil) Budget Credit Report Name Tag Volunteer Packs Booth Descriptions Evaluations Day Before:Transport materials to facility Set up facility Registration Booths – Tables/Chairs Refreshments

Credit for Life Fair Booths  Furniture  Clothing  Insurance  Savings and Retirement  Transportation  Reality Check  Housing  Credit Counseling  Credit and Lending  Luxury  Education  Nutrition/Health  Career Counseling

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities  Guide the students  Students must visit and make a purchase at every booth  Direct students to Credit Counselor for periodic assessments of their spending plan  Explain credit card usage (charges, balance)  Record credit card purchases in two places (Budget/Spending Plan and Credit Card) Have fun! Have fun!

Volunteer Orientation Agenda  Overview of Credit for Life  Goals of the Fair  Student Schedule  Review a sample Student Profile  General Volunteer Duties  Booth Description  Roles and Responsibilities  Managing your Booth  Questions and Answers  Booth Discussion

Event Debriefing  Student Questionnaire  Volunteer Evaluations  Team Captain follow-up debrief meeting