The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and the Florence County Library System are excited to announce the 2012 Teens & Money Essay Contest – a competition for Florence County high school students. The contest is made possible through a grant from Smart investing@your library® – a partnership between the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and the American Library Association.

Kids today are growing up with words and phrases like “recession,” “economic downturn,” and “from Wall Street to main street.” The value of a dollar has never been more apparent in our country’s history. It is imperative that students grasp financial concepts and money management skills. Those who learn fiscal responsibility and understand the importance of wise spending and saving will reap the benefits as they enter “the real world.”

Our goal is to provide these young consumers with sufficient information to enable them to exercise the option of informed choice. The Department and Library believe that students participating in the essay contest will develop a better understanding of financial literacy and consumer education, and will improve the students’ writing skills.

To participate in the contest, you will need to download the following three forms and follow the instructions:

Florence County Essay Contest Letter, Essay Contest Guidelines, and the Statement of Assurance.

Resources for Teens

Teens and Money	Teens & Money Free, unbiased financial information including multimedia and games for teens from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
	Dollars from Sense Created by experts and funded by the FINRA Investor Education, this interactive site instructs young adults in the basics of personal finance and investing.
	Feed the Pig Interactive money management and financial literacy site aimed at 25-34 year olds, but also useful for teens and college students.
	Financial Football VISA and the National Football League offer this fast-paced interactive game that engages students while teaching them money management skills.
	Generation Money Videos, games, quizzes and activities to promote financial literacy.
	GenIRevolution Online personal finance game for high school students developed by the Council for Economic Education.
	The Mint Money management tips, games, and tools for kids, teens, and parents.
	Money Smart for Young Adults FDIC cirriculum helps youth 12-20 learn the basics of handling their finances, including creating good relationships with financial institutions.
	Moneytopia Online interactive game to help teens learn to save and manage money.
	NEFE High School Financial Planning Progam Nationally recognized financial education curriculum created by teachers and financial professionals, supplemented by social networking options.
	Teens and Money: Money 101 Resources, games and activities for sound money management from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.