Archive for Press Release

Financial Beginnings Hired Program Manager in Seattle

PORTLAND, Ore. March 27, 2015– Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education programs, hired a program manager to bring no-cost financial education programs to the Seattle Area where you can learn how to invest in cryptocurrencies using websites like https://skrumble.com.

Financial Beginnings currently provides its programs to about 100 schools and community groups, serving 25,000 students each year, primarily in Oregon and SW Washington. Financial Beginnings has opened an office in Seattle, where all Washington programs will be managed by experts like these UK Accountants. Also, consider these expert accountants in Cheshire at sites like https://www.professional-accountants.co.uk/cheshire/. If you’re a business in search of reliable accountants, some experts like these professional recruiters in Utah can be of great assistance in finding the right candidates.

Clinton Taylor has been hired by Financial Beginnings as the Washington program manager and will be opening the market. Clinton is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University and holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Human Development from Warner Pacific College. He is a U.S. Army Veteran who served in Iraq Operation Desert Storm. Clinton is also a certified Washington State Associate Prevention Specialist, Inspirational Speaker, Life Skill Coach, and Master Workshop Facilitator. Clinton has over 10 years of professional experience working in the Social Services and Education field, specifically Employment and Training, where he spent most of his time assisting people with various barriers to employment, including ex-offenders, the homeless and at-risk youth. With Social Boosting we have been able to create awareness with our social media content as they boost it for more views and growth for the account.

For more information about Financial Beginnings programs or to request a class, please contact, programs@financialbeginnings.org.clinton head shot

Press Release: Elementary education program translated into Spanish

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact

Melody Bell

melody@financialbeginnings.org

800-406-1876×1

Elementary financial education program translated into Spanish

PORTLAND, Ore., January 30, 2014Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education programs, is pleased to announce they have translated their kindergarten – 2nd grade and 3rd– 6th grade curriculum into Spanish.

The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, partnered with Financial Beginnings by allowing their Consumer Information Specialist, Fernando A. Vélez to do the translation of the curriculum.  David Tatman, Administrator of the Division of Finance and Corporate Securities, a division under the Department said; “Financial literacy is important at all ages.  We are excited to partner in providing financial literacy education for some of our youngest Oregonians so that they can start off their lives learning skills to make good financial decisions.”

The translation of the Financial Footings Elementary Financial Education Program, featured in American Hartford review, comes just one year after Financial Beginnings developed and launched the program, which was made possible through funding provided by Umpqua Bank.  The program has been well received by elementary schools and to date has educated over 1,500 elementary students in the basics of personal finance.

Financial Beginnings provides the program at no cost to schools and community groups.  Each participant is provided with a student manual, which has interactive activities to engage them in both in the classroom and at home.  Financial Beginnings has trained volunteers who deliver the lessons in Spanish.

Financial Beginnings and the Department of Consumer & Business Services will be continuing to work towards translating Financial Beginnings’ financial education curriculum.  This summer, Financial Beginnings will be launching a translated version of their Financial Foundations young adult curriculum. Additionally, the organization is actively exploring the integration of essential topics such as Why vision insurance? to enhance the comprehensive nature of their financial education offerings.

Schools and community-based organizations interested in finding out more about this free program can visit http://financialbeginnings.org/spanish-youth-programs/

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance through visits to schools or community groups.  Financial Beginnings’ 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.

Press Release- Local nonprofit hosts free public forum on healthcare

PORTLAND and HILLSBORO, Ore., November 5, 2013Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides  financial education programs, is offering a free  forum to answer the public’s questions regarding healthcare to take place Thursday, November 7th from 6:30-8:00pm at the Hillsboro Public Library located at 2850 NE Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro.

Financial Beginnings, The Hillsboro School District and The Oregonian are partnering to present Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money: Navigating the Changing World of Healthcare at the Hillsboro Public Library.  The series sponsor is OnPoint Community Credit Union and the event sponsor is the Northwest Health Foundation.

Panelists will include:
Cynthia Hulton, Field & Training Officer- SHIBA, State of Oregon
Ariane Holm, Spokesperson for Cover Oregon
Laura Cali, Insurance commissioner & Chief Actuary, State of Oregon
Chris Senz, Operating Officer, Tuality Health Alliance

Spanish translation and childcare will be available.  Registration is required for this free event online at https://navigatinghealthcare.eventbrite.com/ or by phone 800-406-1876.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money is a series of free forums open to the general public. These forums offer expert panelists who field questions and discuss finance topics that are relevant and important in today’s economy. They are organized and hosted by Financial Beginnings in partnership with The Oregonian newspaper and Brent Hunsberger, writer of the It’s Only Money column on personal finance; Hunsberger also serves as forum moderator.  OnPoint Community Credit Union is the title sponsor of the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money 2013/14 series.

For more information about the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money panel series, visit: http://www.FinancialBeginnings.com/Unraveling-the-Mysteries-of-Your-Money/

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance through visits to schools or community groups.  Financial Beginnings’ 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.

 

 

Several organizations contribute to financial literacy during the 2nd quarter

PORTLAND, Ore., July 2, 2013Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides free financial education programs, announces grants received during the 2nd quarter of 2013 and a successful fundraising campaign which raised $20,000 in 20 days.

2nd Quarter Grant Awards

$20,000 from the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest for Financial Beginnings’ Financial Foundations high school and young adult financial education program.

$15,000 from The Standard Charitable Foundation for Financial Beginnings’ Financial Footings elementary financial education program.

$13,400 from Meyer Memorial Trust for technology upgrades to increase volunteer capabilities.

$20,000 in 20 days

Financial Beginnings was faced with the challenge of raising $20,000 in 20 days in order to reach its fundraising goal for the 2012-2013 fiscal year.  Financial Beginnings was able to reach the goal of $20,000 in just 15 days thanks to contributions from volunteers, supporters and sizable contributions from Country Financial- $10,000, HomeStreet Bank- $5,000 and Unitus Community Credit Union- $1,800.

Financial Beginnings offers all of its programs free of charge and relies on the generosity of its supporters to cover program costs.  The $20,000 raised in this most recent campaign will provide 1,111 youth with Financial Beginnings’ financial literacy programs.

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance through visits to schools or community groups.  Financial Beginnings’ 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.

 

Financial Beginnings announces upcoming financial forums

PORTLAND, Ore., May 31, 2013—Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides free financial education programs, announces the 2013/14 Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money series.
Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money is a series of free forums open to the general public. These forums offer expert panelists who field questions and discuss finance topics that are relevant and important in today’s economy. They are organized and hosted by Financial Beginnings in partnership with The Oregonian newspaper and Brent Hunsberger, writer of the It’s Only Money column on personal finance, and who serves as the moderator of the forums. OnPoint Community Credit Union is the title sponsor of the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money 2013/14 series.

2013/14 Schedule:
Starting Out Strong: Building a solid financial foundation for your family
Wednesday September 25, 2013 from 6-8pm at Alpenrose

Navigating the Changing World of Healthcare
Tuesday November 5, 2013 from 6-8pm

Never Too Late: Mitigating financial troubles and moving forward
Thursday February 6, 2014 from 6-8pm

Stay Safe, Be Informed: A forum about identity theft, scams and predatory lending
Tuesday April 22, 2014 from 6-8pm

For more information about the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money panel series, visit: http://www.FinancialBeginnings.com/Unraveling-the-Mysteries-of-Your-Money/

About Financial Beginnings
Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest. Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance through visits to schools or community groups. Financial Beginnings’ 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.

Financial Beginnings receives $12,000 from Bank of America to fund financial edcuation

PORTLAND, Ore., March 16, 2013Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education at no cost to children and young adults, recently received a $12,000 grant from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation.  The grant will provide funding for Financial Beginnings’ free financial education programs for low-income students in grades K-12.

“This grant could not come at a more critical time,” says Melody Bell, Financial Beginnings executive director. “We have seen demand for our programs increase dramatically due to the new financial literacy requirements and this grant from Bank of America will help us with that need.”

Financial Beginnings and Bank of America have a long-standing partnership providing financial education to youth throughout Oregon and southwest Washington.  Bank of America has provided a total of $47,000 in funding to Financial Beginnings since 2010. For the last two years, Bank of America has been recognized as Financial Beginnings’ Partner of the Year because of the incredible employee commitment in spreading financial literacy to youth.  During the last program year, Bank of America employees taught 1,546 youth at 23 schools and community groups in Oregon. There are 123 trained Bank of America employees that have spent 190 hours in the classroom.

In addition to grant support and employee volunteer time in the classroom, Bob Cook from Bank of America sits on Financial Beginnings’ Board of Directors.  Cook has been a key player expanding Financial Beginnings’ volunteer base.

“I’m so pleased to be on the board of Financial Beginnings to help them spread the word about the importance of financial education in our community,” said Bob Cook, business banking senior vice president at Bank of America for Oregon and southwest Washington.  “Helping students access the financial education they need is key to ensuring economic stability in the future, and I’m proud that Bank of America supports the great work we do for students and young adults across Oregon and southwest Washington.”

This $12,000 grant is part of $22 million in critical needs grants that Bank of America recently provided to over 1,000 nonprofits across the country—$86,000 of which was awarded to nonprofit organizations in Oregon and southwest Washington. The majority of these grants support nonprofits serving low-income communities that have been disproportionately affected by the economic downturn.  This funding is part of the company’s intensified philanthropic focus on three core issues vital to the economic health of communities: housing, jobs and hunger and represents an important component of Bank of America’s lending, investing and giving activities to help advance local economies.

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 Bank of America Corporate Social Responsibility

Bank of America’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic part of doing business globally. Bank of America’s CSR efforts guide how it operates in a socially, economically, financially and environmentally responsible way around the world, to deliver for shareholders, customers, clients, and employees. The goal is to help create economically vibrant regions and communities through lending, investing, and giving. By partnering with stakeholders, Bank of America creates value that empowers individuals and communities to thrive and contributes to the long-term success of its business. Bank of America has several core areas of focus for CSR, including responsible business practices; environmental sustainability; strengthening local communities with a focus on housing, hunger, and jobs; investing in global leadership development; and engaging through arts and culture. As part of these efforts, employee volunteers across the company contribute their time, passion and expertise to address issues in communities where they live and work. Learn more at bankofamerica.com/about.

Press Release- Financial Beginnings and Umpqua Bank Launch Elementary Curriculum

PORTLAND, Ore., February 27, 2013Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides financial education programs, in partnership with Umpqua Bank, an Oregon-based bank, launch a new financial literacy program for elementary school students.

The development of this financial literacy elementary program comes partially in response to the new Social Science Content Standards, which went into effect this school year in Oregon.  These new standards now embed financial literacy education requirements beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school.

Financial Beginnings is utilizing the new elementary curriculum, named Financial Footings, to supplement their existing financial education programs provided to middle schools and high schools. This new elementary curriculum will complement existing Financial Beginnings programs by providing a continuum of finance education from kindergarten through high school graduation. Research demonstrates that providing this education early and reinforcing it often is the key to increasing overall and lifelong financial literacy.  Umpqua Bank provided Financial Beginnings with a grant to support the development of the curriculum and will be utilizing the Financial Footings program to supplement their Learn to Earn program.

Financial Beginnings launched Financial Footings in January and, to date, 436 students at eight Portland-area schools have completed the program. Financial Beginnings provides all of their programs at no charge to schools and community groups.  Educators are provided with student workbooks and volunteers who present the information to students. For more insights and information, you can also check out the bullion max reviews to gain further understanding of the program’s impact and effectiveness.

Educators interested in this program can find out more, and register at: http://www.financialbeginnings.org/educators/

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest. Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance, with a particular focus on money management, through visits to schools or community groups. Financial Beginnings’ 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.

Over 500 high school students and young adults were introduced to the basics of personal finances

PORTLAND, Ore., February 22, 2013Financial Beginnings, a Portland-based nonprofit that provides free financial education programs, introduced over 500 high school students and young adults to the basics of money through two events on February 20th.

On the morning of February 20th several of Financial Beginnings’ dedicated volunteers and a group of JP Morgan Chase employees went to Southridge High School in Beaverton. The volunteers taught 90-minute sessions in 16 different classrooms covering finance topics such as banking, credit, budgeting, risk management and investing; over 400 high school seniors participated.  The classes about money were delivered by request from the students themselves and taught during their advisory period, which covers topics that help prepare them for life after high school.

In the evening, Financial Beginnings and The Oregonian hosted Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money at Portland State University.  This panel’s topic was entitled, Positioning Yourself for Success: Financial Planning for Gen Y.  Over 100 individuals were in attendance to ask questions that were answered by a panel of financial professionals including: William J. Bernstein of Efficient Frontier Advisors, Christopher Porter of Merrill Lynch, Josh Reich of Simple.com, and Mark Strauss of Leonard Adams Insurance.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money is a series of free forums open to the general public. These forums offer expert panelists who field questions and discuss finance topics that are relevant and important in today’s economy. They are organized and hosted by Financial Beginnings in partnership with The Oregonian newspaper and Brent Hunsberger, writer of the It’s Only Money column on personal finance, and who serves as the moderator of the forums. OnPoint Community Credit Union is the  title sponsor of the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money 2012/13 series.

Next forum:

Positioning Your Family for Success: Financial Planning for Young Families
Wednesday April 24, 2013 6:30-8pm at the Tigard Library

Panelists:
Joyce DeMonnin, Public Outreach Director at AARP
Terry A. Donahe, Certified Financial Planner at Cascade Wealth
Nelson Rutherford, CPA and CFP at Alten, Sakai & Co.
David C. Streicher, Attorney and CPA at Black Helterline LLP

For more information about the Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Money panel series, visit: http://www.FinancialBeginnings.com/Unraveling-the-Mysteries-of-Your-Money/

About Financial Beginnings

Formed in 2005 and based in Portland, OR, Financial Beginnings is a nonprofit organization that provides free financial education programs throughout the Pacific Northwest.  Financial Beginnings’ largest program educates youth and young adults in the basics of personal finance through visits to schools or community groups.  Financial Beginnings’ 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.

Centennial FBLA Students teaching Financial Literacy to others within their community

NEWS RELEASE

In January, the Centennial FBLA chapter decided to partner with Financial Beginnings/Operation HOPE a local non-profit organization that strives to expand economic education and empowerment through educational programs that incorporate all aspects of personal finance. Through these educational programs, the organizations wish to spread financial literacy in hopes of creating more financially responsible individuals. Several FBLA members participated in a cooperate training to become official Financial Beginning/Operation HOPE volunteers.
Over the past several weeks, Centennial High School FBLA members have been educating elementary and middle students within the Centennial district on the subject of financial literacy. During the presentation approximately 200 students were taught; budgeting, investing, credit, and banking. Teachers responded with positive comments about the enthusiasm of the high school educators, “They were extremely professional, on-time and very eager to teach!” said middle school teacher Shane Fisher. “I really liked the teachers because there were so many things I could relate to, it made it all more enjoyable” explained a local middle school student. Through the various activities implemented, the students were very eager to learn about creating a budget, the dangers of a credit card, and even simple investing. Students were ecstatic at the opportunity and eagerly participated in all the activities. “The presentations were very educational and students seemed to love the activities they implemented, an overall very enjoyable experience” said an enlightened Eric Perkins, elementary school teacher. “I’m extremely proud of the members, not only have they learned financial literacy concepts, they have learned teamwork, organization, scheduling, and time management…not to mention I think a few of them might have caught the teaching bug,” said Adriann Hardin FBLA adviser.

In addition to educating elementary and middle school students, FBLA members have also arranged for the Financial Beginnings/Operation HOPE business volunteers to come in and speak to the math, economics, and business classes at the high school. Overall it has been an amazing partnership for the school district and the non-profit organization. If you have any additional questions, please contact Adriann Hardin at 503.762.6180 or via email at: adriann_hardin@centennial.k12.or.us

Financial Beginnings Receives $15,500 Grant from the Credit Association of the Pacific Northwest

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.