Portland Author Engages Kids in Financial Literacy Through Innovative Book Series

America's economic challenges are compounded by consumer financial illiteracy. A strong America requires strong consumers and author Paul Nourigat, Senior Wealth Strategist for US Bank, has created an innovative series of books to show kids the way.

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FarBeyond Publishing LLC

Dec 13, 2011, 06:18 ET

PORTLAND, Ore., Dec. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Throughout America, tens of millions of consumers are struggling with economic contraction. Their pain is compounded by financial illiteracy and poor habits formed early in life, regardless of gender, race, religion, geography, and age. Author Paul Nourigat, Senior Wealth Strategist for U.S. Bank, released a new five-book series titled Marvels of Money ... for kids. He hopes to strengthen America's youth, families and schools as a result.

Financial Illiteracy is Killing Us
Forbes Magazine reported August 2010 that 84% of college undergraduates have credit cards; half the students have 4 cards or more and only 17% pay off their cards each month. The primary gap between financial success and failure is defined by the financial disciplines and lessons learned early in life. There remains great promise in America, but we must do a better job teaching financial disciplines for our youth to become strong and independent.

Breaking through ... major social transformations
Parents and teachers are stretched in their capacity to weave financial messages into their other duties, given financial stress, single parent homes, along with increased class loads for teachers. Parents and teachers need better tools to deliver this knowledge.

"Our schools and teachers are very challenged with tough national learning standards and tremendous demographic shifts," says Kathleen Skidmore, Principal of Findley Elementary School in Beaverton Oregon, "The Marvels of Money ... for kids are the only books we have seen which address social studies, mathematics and reading in a single book; the values and financial lessons the author has integrated into the stories are priceless!"

Kids are watching, but are they learning?
The digital shift is making parents and teachers compete with the Internet, text messaging, cell phones, video games and TV. Each of the five books in the Marvels of Money for Kids series was designed with this "competition" in mind. The books are vividly illustrated in color, balanced with engaging stories which naturally capture a child's attention. Each book emphasizes practical lessons relating to a specific financial theme, while demonstrating good values, struggles and disciplines within a 32 page story.

"One distinctive characteristic of these books is that they are kid-friendly; written with kids in mind rather than adult to child which usually involves a preachy tone. It feels like kids are talking to kids about finances," says Bruce Ecker, a 29-year veteran of teaching, who instructs 4th graders at Raleigh Park Elementary School in Portland Oregon.

What about the other kids?
The "Marvels of Money ... for kids" series is oriented to ages 7-11 and available immediately. Nourigat's sixth book, a lighter read for 5-8 year olds called "Why is there money?" will begin selling December 13th. A seventh book geared to teens is expected in April 2012 and will be styled in the edgier graphic novel format to engage the discerning teenager in financial concepts.

www.MarvelsOfMoney.com provides videos of the books and their art. The site will also provide supporting content and tools for kids, parents and teachers.

FarBeyond Publishing LLC
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FarBeyond Publishing LLC creates and distributes media and books, providing families, children and educators with foundational messaging and tools for life.