NEWS RELEASE 2010
ABA Media Contact: Marquita Powell  

(202) 663-5418
E-mail: mpowell@aba.com  

facebook.com/ABAEF

List of participating banks: http://reporting.qualtrics.com/ABAEF.php?report=GSAC&ALID=392821

GETTING AMERICA’S STUDENTS SMART ABOUT CREDIT
In Celebration of the 8th Annual Get Smart About Credit Day

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21 – Today bankers will celebrate the American Bankers Association Education Foundation’s eighth annual Get Smart About Credit Day in high school and college classrooms, explaining the dos and don’ts of wise credit use. 

“If credit came with an owner’s manual, it would be filled with the tips and secrets bankers will share with young adults today,” explains Laura Fisher, executive director of the ABA Education Foundation, which sponsors the Get Smart About Credit program. “For those who already have a card in their wallet, make an honest assessment of your credit habits. Share your best practices with your child or make changes if you’re on the wrong track.”

Those who don’t receive an in-person lesson from a banker volunteer can get credit education resources from the Get Smart About Credit website: www.getsmartaboutcredit.com. The website brings components of the Get Smart About Credit program into the homes of families across the country. The site offers tips, quizzes and a host of credit-related information.

Celebrating its eighth anniversary, Get Smart About Credit Day brings thousands of bankers and students together for lessons on developing good credit habits, such as paying on time, protecting your identity, using credit wisely and not borrowing more than you can repay. [List of participating banks]

Today 2,500 bankers, including ABA Education Foundation National Partners BBVA Compass and U.S. Bank will reach more than 84,000 students with Get Smart About Credit lessons. Participating banks are listed on the Get Smart About Credit Honor Roll -- a list of participating bankers powered by Qualtrics online survey software.

 The ABA Education Foundation provides financial education programs and resources that help bankers make their communities better. Nearly 100,000 bankers have taught basic finance skills to about 4 million young people through participation in the Foundation’s signature programs, Teach Children to Save and Get Smart About Credit. Founded by bankers in 1925, the foundation is guided by a board of bankers and is an affiliate of the American Bankers Association. For more information, visit www.abaef.com or call 1-800-BANKERS.

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