FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2010

 CPAs promote financial literacy to elementary students through reading program

    BROOKFIELD – Members of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA) will read money-themed books to more than 1,100 Wisconsin elementary students through a program called Reading Makes Cents during the month of April, National Financial Literacy Month.

    In an effort to teach financial literacy skills, WICPA members will read about the basics of money through age appropriate books selected from a recommended reading list. The CPAs will receive handouts to bring to class, including a flyer targeted to parents about teaching kids to save, a give-away item for the students and financial literacy curriculum to leave with the teacher. WICPA members selected schools of their own children, relatives or neighbors. 

    This is the second year of the program, which takes place in April to coincide with National Financial Literacy Month as declared by President Barack Obama. In addition, the American Bankers Association (aba.org) along with the Wisconsin Bankers Association celebrates Teach Children To Save Day on April 27. 

    Teaching financial literacy is a goal of the WICPA. The Institute also promotes the Feed the Pig campaign developed by the American Institute of CPAs and Ad Council and supports the AICPA’s 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy campaign. Furthermore, it provides member volunteers to participate in financial simulation events across the state where high school students choose careers and make decisions about their budgets and lifestyles. The activity is a fun and effective way for students to learn about personal accounting, financial responsibility and life choices and interact with business people. Approximately 10 more of these events are taking place before the end of the school year.

    For more information, contact Mary Murray at mary@wicpa.org or 262-785-0445, ext. 3005 or visit the Reading Makes Cents page at http://dev.wicpa.org/Content/PublicResources/Financialliteracy/ReadingMakescentsReadAThon.aspx.

The WICPA is the premier professional organization for Wisconsin CPAs, with more than 8,000 members working in public accounting, industry, government and education. Like other professionals, certified public accountants are required to obtain additional education, take a rigorous exam and become certified. Please identify all CPAs by including their credential with their names.

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