H&R Block Debuts Teen-Focused Personal Finance Effort

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/194620/hr-block-launches-teen-focused-personal-finance-e.html#axzz2Ma6JgCLg

Only four states require at least a one-semester course in personal finance for high school graduation, three in four students say they don't know enough about personal finance and the average student loan debt for new college graduates is nearly $27,000. "The Craziest Thing I Did to Save Money" encourages young people to share stories about the quirky and offbeat things they have done to save up, while receiving real-life advice about managing finances without going to such extremes. Teens can participate through a Facebook experience, text-messaging game, humorous videos and opportunities to win more than $30,000 in scholarships. "Research shows teens really do want to learn money management skills while they're young -- they know it will help them avoid costly mistakes after graduation," said Susan Ehrlich, president of financial services for H&R Block, which provides financial education for teens through its H&R Block Dollars & Sense philanthropic program. "This campaign is a fun way to address the issue of personal finance and help teens make smart choices about money."