Financial Literacy for Students

Gr 9 Up—This fast-paced overview of banking and finance explains the elements of basic economics which impact an average person's life. Chapters cover banking, figuring interest, credit cards, loans, and savings. The information is presented in animated graphic format, with two young bank experts appearing on camera infrequently. Identity theft and its prevention, as well as online banking are covered. Simple and compound interest are described in extremely simplistic terms. The optimistic introduction to the credit card chapter is soon supplanted by warnings of disaster for those incurring deep debt. Loans for school, a car, a home, and other items are discussed. Sound advice is presented about savings and interest, bank certificates of deposit, bonds, and 401K accounts. Some of the red subtitles are too "hot," making them illegible on the screen. This good, utilitarian program provides a very general introduction to financial literacy.—Robin Levin, Fort Washakie School/Community Library, WY