FDIC’s new Money Smart games: A resource for Banks & Educators

The FDIC recently debuted the Play Money Smart site, an online depository of 14 games about everyday financial topics. It is based on the FDIC’s award-winning Money Smart program. Game categories include EARN, SPEND, SAVE, BORROW and PROTECT.

The summer heat may be here, but back to school is just around the corner. Bank On Greater Milwaukee wants to highlight a new financial literacy resource for banks, parents, educators, and youth.

The FDIC recently debuted the Play Money Smart site, an online depository of 14 games about everyday financial topics. It is based on the FDIC’s award-winning Money Smart program. Game categories include EARN, SPEND, SAVE, BORROW and PROTECT. Topics in the games cover asset-building, borrowing, credit cards, credit scores, disasters, home-buying, and more! Each game includes parts to evaluate or test knowledge, and is designed to be fun – you can earn virtual coins! “How Money Smart Are You” games can be found at www.playmoneysmart.fdic.gov/games and includes resources for both youth and adults.

The FDIC recently debuted the Play Money Smart site, an online depository of 14 games about everyday financial topics. It is based on the FDIC’s award-winning Money Smart program. Game categories include EARN, SPEND, SAVE, BORROW and PROTECT.

SPECIAL RESOURCES FOR BANKS, EDUCATORS & COMMUNITY PARTNER

Banks, educators, and other organizations can reward those who are on Play Money Smart by setting up organizational accounts and create automatic rewards and prizes for those that complete game sections. Participants including youth, educators, and parents, can create an account through a customized portal tied to their banking institution. Banks are encouraged to promote the Play Money Smart site to help spread the word about this resource and connect with their customers.

Since being released last September, over 14,500 accounts have been created. Each participants receives a certificate of competition that can be shared with banks, schools, community associations, businesses and more! Some examples of prizes awarded by organizations include coupons for free pizza, pencils, water bottles, t-shirts, books, and other personalized prizes for those who completed modules through their account.

Free Money Smart promotional materials are available including infographics and flyers. Check out the How Money Smart Are You Promotional Guide. Community-based organizations and financial institutions can help spread the news about the expansion of Play Money Smart by adding a link to their website and creating an organizational account. All Money Smart materials are available in both English and Spanish.

“Financial education programs such as Money Smart can more effectively meet the financial needs of the unbanked and their communities.” -Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

OTHER MONEY SMART RESOURCES

Parents and educators can view the Money Smart Podcast Network, a portable audio (MP3) version of Money Smart.

Banks and other organizations can also join the FDIC Money Smart Alliance to partake in the program and provide feedback. Members agree to use or promote the curriculum by teaching Money Smart or training others to teach it. They also provide feedback to the FDIC to help improve the Money Smart program. Learn more about the FDIC Money Smart Alliance.

There are also free training opportunities to become a Money Smart trainer, at the Money Smart training webpage.  And check out the Money Smart Success Stories page for testimonials on these great resources.

What other products does Money Smart include?

  • Money Smart for Young People – This set of four grade-specific curriculums includes lesson plans and Parent/Caregiver Guides to help educators deliver basic financial concepts to students in kindergarten through 12th grade. We developed these materials with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
  • Money Smart for Young Adults (catalog.fdic.gov) – Each of the eight modules includes a fully scripted instructor guide that bankers and others without teaching experience can easily use to help young people ages 12-20 learn the basics of personal finance. Money Smart for Young Adults is currently being revised and is scheduled to be released in 2022.
  • Money Smart for Adults – Completely updated in 2018, this 14-module curriculum can be used to provide training for adults in many different life stages and financial situations. That includes adults new to this country, adults with disabilities, adults starting or changing careers, and adults going through significant life events such as expanding their families or purchasing or renting their first homes.
  • Money Smart for Older Adults – This curriculum focuses on preventing elder financial exploitation. We also developed these materials in collaboration with the CFPB.
  • Money Smart for Small Business – This curriculum provides information related to starting and managing a business. We developed these materials with the U.S. Small Business Administration.