State Treasurer Curtis Loftis visits 15 schools in October and November

Visits come as Treasurer travels the state with his “Log on to Financial Literacy” tour

(Columbia, SC)—State Treasurer Curtis Loftis took his “Log on to Financial Literacy” tour to fifteen schools across South Carolina from October 3 through November 19, 2013. The “Log on to Financial Literacy” tour encouraged students to visit the State Treasurer’s website for fun games and interactive information they can use to develop important financial skills. The Financial Literacy website can be accessed by clicking here.

In addition to speaking with students and teachers, Treasurer Loftis presented each school with iPads loaded with financial education software. The iPads were not paid for with state funds.

A Dorman High School Economics teacher told the Spartanburg Herald Journal about the tour, “This is really the first time anyone has stopped to tell them how to spend money.”

State Treasurer Curtis Loftis stated, “I’m proud of all of our accomplishments over the past two years to grow financial literacy in South Carolina.”

“Traveling the state I’ve realized that we don’t spend enough time talking with children about the importance of understanding money and saving for college. I’m glad to have been a part of helping to change this in South Carolina, and look forward to continuing to promote financial literacy,” said Treasurer Loftis.

FINANCIAL LITERACY TOUR FACTS:

• Treasurer Loftis began his first financial literacy tours in 2011
• Fifteen schools visited from October-November ‘13
• 8 public schools (including Title 1 and Charter Schools)
• 5 private schools (including Montessori, religious and special needs)
• Home-school co-ops
• 115 iPads given to schools from October-November
  • iPads are not purchased with state funds
• The State Treasurer is directed by state law to administer the 529 College Savings Plan.
  • Marketing of the plans is one of the most important aspects of ensuring young people can go to college debt free.
• Columbia Management purchased the iPads with funds designated for the financial literacy program after receiving proper written authorization from the State Treasurer’s Office
• Many states that offer 529 Plans have similar agreements with the firms they partner with to fund state scholarships and financial literacy programs

See photo below of thank you notes received from schools across South Carolina thanking Treasurer Loftis for speaking about Financial Literacy.