FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Casey Boggs
cboggs@ltpublicrelations.com
503-477-9215

PORTLAND, Ore., June 23, 2011—Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides free financial education to children and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest, recently received a grant for $15,500 from the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest. The grant allowed Financial Beginnings to provide financial education programs to 650 students at six schools in the Portland Public School district this spring and will support Mayor Sam Adams’ Summer Youth Connect Program.

The Association selected Financial Beginnings as a grant recipient due to their commitment to teaching students how to responsibly manage personal finances and their experience in educating the functions of the banking, credit and insurance industries. Financial Beginnings was one of three local nonprofits to receive a grant from the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest.

“As a group comprised of credit industry professionals, the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest recognizes the importance of providing early education on how to use credit responsibly,” said Board Chairman Gina Whitlow. “Supporting educational programs for children and young adults is typically far more cost-effective than dealing with the resulting economic issues that a person or community may face as a result of bad credit and bankruptcy. Financial Beginnings’ education model is effective, has a prolonged impact and we are proud to provide our support.”

About Financial Beginnings
Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides multi-session courses, free of charge, to students and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest through visits to their individual schools or community groups. The courses incorporate all aspects of personal finance to provide individuals the foundation needed to make informed financial decisions. More information is available at www.financialbeginnings.org.

About the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest
The Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest brings together local credit workers to share ideas, support the industry movement and educate the community in the proper use of credit. More information is available at www.creditnw.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact
Casey Boggs
cboggs@ltpublicrelations.com
503-477-9215

PORTLAND, Ore., May 26, 2011—Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides free financial education to children and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest, announced today that Tiffani Penson was elected to its board of directors at its quarterly board meeting.

Penson divides her time working for the City of Portland as bureau support manager for Mayor Sam Adams’ Summer Youth Connect Program, as well as program manager for the Procurement Services Minority Evaluator Program. She has made Financial Beginnings an official partner of Mayor Adams’ Summer Youth Connect program.

“Tiffani’s experience with outreach engagement programs and ability to manage community relationships will be a valuable asset to our board,” said Melody Thompson, executive director of Financial Beginnings. “Her experience will be instrumental in helping guide Financial Beginnings as we continue to grow our programming in Oregon and Washington.”

In her spare time, Penson volunteers as an assistant basketball coach for the St. Andrew Nativity School seventh grade boys basketball team. She is also a member of the National Delegate Election Citizen Involvement Committee and the Boise-Elliott Elementary School Site Council.

About Financial Beginnings
Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides multi-session courses, free of charge, to students and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest through visits to their individual schools or community groups. The courses incorporate all aspects of personal finance to provide individuals the foundation needed to make informed financial decisions. More information is available at www.financialbeginnings.org.

Media Contact
Casey Boggs
cboggs@ltpublicrelations.com
503-477-9215

Financial Beginnings Partners with the Office of the Treasurer to Provide Free Reading Program to Oregon K-5 Students

50 Oregon College Savings Plan accounts, worth $500 each, to be awarded

PORTLAND, Ore., November 29, 2010— Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education at no cost to children and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest, today announced its partnership with the office of the Oregon State Treasurer and the Oregon College Savings Plan to offer the fifth-annual Reading is an Investment program to all Oregon elementary students in grades K-5.

The Reading is an Investment program will be presented to Oregon elementary students in conjunction with the Banking on Our Future program administered by Financial Beginnings. This program utilizes trained volunteers to teach students the basics of banking, budgeting, the power of credit, and sound investing.

Reading is an Investment is an effort designed to highlight the importance of reading, while teaching children about the world of money and basic financial concepts. By participating in the program, students will be entered into a drawing to win one of 50 Oregon College Savings Plan accounts worth $500 each, and receive a prize packet and a certificate of achievement from the State Treasurer for participating in the program. Additionally, each public elementary school library in Oregon will receive two books that focus on personal finance for children, The Penny Pot and Rickshaw Girl.

“Providing Reading is an Investment and Banking on Our Future combines two great programs that teach vital life skills to Oregon students,” said Melody Thompson, executive director of Financial Beginnings. “Literacy and financial education are the building blocks for making informed financial decisions now and throughout life, and we are pleased to partner with the Office of the Treasurer and the Oregon College Savings Plan to reach even more students this year.”

For additional program details, please visit http://www.ost.state.or.us and click on the “Reading is an Investment” link, or contact the Office of the State Treasurer at 503-378-4329.

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides multi-session courses, free of charge, to students and young adults throughout the Pacific Northwest through visits to their individual schools or community groups. The courses incorporate all aspects of personal finance to provide individuals the foundation needed to make informed financial decisions. More information is available at www.financialbeginnings.org.