Nationally Syndicated Columnist to Share Financial Advice with Indiana Parents

(April 13, 2006 – Indianapolis, Ind.) Nationally syndicated finance columnist, Michelle Singletary, will provide Indiana parents with free tips and advice during a financial literacy parenting event presented by Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University (NFI). The event will be held Thursday, April 20, 2006, at 7:00 p.m., at the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Lilly Theatre.

Financial Literacy Month is a nationwide, month long effort designed to help families and individuals make informed financial decisions. “One of the most important places for children to learn financial skills is in the home. However, this often can be a stress point for parents who don’t feel prepared or equipped to discuss financial matters with children,” said Elizabeth Coit, executive director of NFI.

Home foreclosures, rising credit card debt, and personal bankruptcies, budgeting, delayed gratification and the concept of saving will be among the topics covered in the informal conversation. “Research indicates that only 7 percent of parents say their children have a good understanding of financial matters,” said Coit.

Singletary also will share issues including new methods to teach age-appropriate financial literacy, and how parents can take an active role in educating their children about personal money management.

This communitywide event, sponsored by WFYI Public Broadcasting, is free and open to the public. Space is limited. Those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve seats online at www.networksfinancialinstitute.org or by calling 800.603.7113. Financial planners will be at the event to answer questions and provide financial planning resources. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Networks Financial Institute at Indiana State University was founded in 2003 with a grant from Lilly Endowment.  NFI strives to facilitate broad, collaborative thinking, dialogue and progress in the evolving financial services marketplace, concentrating on the areas of education, outreach and research.

Headquartered in Indianapolis with offices in Washington, D.C., and on the campus of Indiana State University, and with outreach internationally, NFI’s goal is to serve as a catalyst for change in the financial services industry.

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