Home > STUDENT CREDIT CARDS > Money Seminar 

Money 101 seminar scores high marks with students

Canadian Bankers Association
September 17, 2002

Toronto – You can control money or have it control you. That's the message in There's Something about Money, the unique money management seminar for senior high school students sponsored by the Canadian Bankers Association (CBA). 

In preparing There's Something about Money to head back to school for its fourth year, the CBA released a Report Card on the program today based on evaluation results from students and teachers participating in seminar sessions in the 2001-2002 academic term. 

"We would rather see students learn the hard lessons about money management in the classroom than out in the real world," said Raymond Protti, President and CEO of the Canadian Bankers Association. "We encounter a lot of young people who think it's ok to share their debit card PIN with their friends, or not pay bills on time. There's Something about Money quickly dispels these ideas and reinforces the positive skills young people need to prepare for their financial life." 

Among the report's findings: 

• 97 per cent of students and teachers rated the overall content good to excellent.
• 94 per cent of students felt better equipped to prepare for their financial future as a result of the presentation.
• Student comments indicated a strong interest in all facets of the program, with particular emphasis on areas involving debit card security, credit ratings and post-secondary assistance."

The messages hit home," remarked Protti. "I read more 'I never knew' comments from students, but it is so encouraging to see those words followed by 'but now I know how to' statements. When young people learn things such as budgeting and tips to protect their debit and credit cards, they learn how to avoid potential problems and how to take charge of their financial well-being. Ultimately, knowing how to control their money allows young people to protect their money and themselves." 

More than 52,000 high school students in Grades 10 and above have participated in There's Something About Money since its inception in 1999, with over 1,800 seminars held to date in communities in every province of Canada. The 75-minute non-commercial seminar focuses on basic money management skills like budgeting, smart credit use, personal and business banking, career resources, savings and investment, and security and privacy issues. There's Something About Money seminars are presented by specially trained bankers who volunteer their services to local community high schools.

 "The most common remark we get when adults learn of the program is 'I wish I had this when I was in school,'" added Protti. 

Students completing There's Something About Money seminars were asked to anonymously evaluate the quality, relevancy and helpfulness of the program to their future money management needs. The report is based on their feedback. 

"Based on the overwhelmingly positive response from students, teachers and principals, the banking industry, through the Canadian Bankers Association, will continue to offer this unique money management seminar to Canadian high schools in the upcoming school year," Protti said. 

Across Canada, over 1,400 bankers have been active in delivering the program, representing 10 major Canadian banks including BMO Financial Group, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, HSBC Bank Canada, Laurentian Bank of Canada, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, TD Bank Financial Group, Canadian Western Bank and IntesaBci Canada. 

Interested students, teachers and principals can contact the Canadian Bankers Association at 1-800-263-0231 or visit the website www.yourmoney.cba.ca. 

Copyright © 2002 Canadian Bankers Association 

Need Canadian Credit Help Now?

Visit our Product Page for Canadian Credit Services and Suppliers.