Navajo & Az Treasurer recognize April as “Financial Literacy Month,” 4.12.21

PRESS RELEASE – Navajo Nation and the Office of the Arizona State Treasurer recognize the month of April as “Financial Literacy Month”

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – On Monday, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Vice President Myron Lizer, and Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee issued a joint proclamation recognizing the month of April 2021 as “Financial Literacy Month.” The proclamation calls for the Navajo Nation and State of Arizona to partner in order to raise awareness about the importance of financial education and literacy to empower Navajo families and communities to build financial strength and increase economic opportunities.

The Navajo Nation and the Office of the Arizona State Treasurer encourage educational institutions, nonprofits, and human services agencies to focus on the importance of financial literacy to help families improve their personal and household economic stability and success.

“Financial Literacy Month is a great opportunity to develop more skills and obtain more knowledge to secure a healthy financial future for yourselves and your loved ones. Take the time to spark a discussion in your home with your children about saving, spending, budgeting, credit scores, charitable giving, and financial security. All parents want their children to have the best opportunities in life and financial literacy plays a major role in that. This doesn’t necessarily mean you want them to have the best brand clothes and the latest or coolest gadgets, but it should serve to establish a strong financial foundation for them to build upon to help fund their education, own a home, and plan for retirement. Those are the long-term benefits that our Navajo people should focus on,” said President Nez.

The proclamation states, “Native American citizens suffer from higher levels of financial vulnerability than many other citizen groups, according to a 2017 FINRA Investor Education Foundation report” and “nearly four out of 10 American families lack financial literacy and support, according to a 2021 analysis.”

“In June 2019, the first-ever Statewide Task Force on Financial Literacy was established within the Office of the Arizona State Treasurer to advance financial literacy throughout the state of Arizona to ensure that all Arizonans can attain proficiency in basic money management. As a member of the Task Force, it is very important to voice issues that impact our tribal nations, including finances. Through the partnership with Treasurer Yee, many opportunities and resources are made more accessible for families and students to begin a successful financial journey,” said Vice President Lizer.

Financial literacy continues to be a priority of the Office of the President and Vice President and the Office of the First Lady and Second Lady.

“Making smart, informed financial decisions will position us well to achieve financial freedom and success,” said Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee. “Thank you to Navajo Nation President Nez and Vice President Lizer for partnering with my administration to educate and encourage Navajo families to build their financial awareness and save for their future.”

On the first day of Financial Literacy Month, Arizona State Treasurer Kimberly Yee launched the Financial Education Portal on the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office website which provides free resources and planning tools to learn practical money management principles. For more information, please visit the portal at https://www.aztreasury.gov/financial-education.

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