Q: Can you recommend a financial education curriculum which is available in multiple formats?  We work with students with various disabilities and thus different learning modalities.  Flexibility in presentation is a must for us, and we want to find a program with a good demonstrated track record.


A: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) initiated a national financial education campaign in 2001 by launching Money Smart, a comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help individuals outside the financial mainstream develop financial skills and positive banking relationships. The award winning program has reached well over one million users, and is available in a curriculum specifically designed for either adults or youth.  In addition, there is a train the trainer module, and Money Smart is available in several formats to meet the financial education needs of Americans. The program is available in both print and Braille formats, but has recently become available in two additional formats which may be of interest.

The Money Smart Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) is an easy to use learning tool that teaches the 10 modules of the Money Smart curriculum through computer interaction. The CBI can complement formal classes or enable people to study independently at their own pace. Each module generally takes between 20-30 minutes to complete. Students receive ongoing feedback and, upon successful completion of each module, can print out a personalized certificate of completion. The CBI is available online or on CD-ROM, in both English and Spanish. The following link allows you to access the online CBI version of Money Smart: www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/mscbi/mscbi.html


The Money Smart Podcast Network is the portable audio (MP3) version of Money Smart and designed to accommodate financial learning for individuals "on the go." There are no required prerequisites for the audio version. With verbal descriptions and topic based scenarios, the audio version utilizes detailed dialogue to deliver basic financial information. The segments are short and tailored for easy listening. These segments are grouped into four general categories:

• General
• Checking & Savings
• Budget & Savings
• Credit

The audio files are designed to work with virtually all audio (MP3) players. The following link allows you to access the Money Smart Podcast Network online: www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/audio/index.html

The FDIC is continuing to work to form alliances with other major entities, including financial institutions, national non-profit organizations, community- and consumer-based groups, and federal, state and local agencies to promote financial education. For more information on the FDIC outreach and money smart program, visit www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/index.html