LOVELAND MAGAZINE

News and Events from the Loveland, Ohio Area

Without fear or favor
Since 2004

Tag: Financial Literacy

  • Apply for Grant Funding During Financial Literacy Month

    Apply for Grant Funding During Financial Literacy Month

    Educational Organizations/Non-Profits Reminded to Submit Financial Literacy Grant Applications by April 30

    Each year, the Division’s Financial Literacy Grant Program awards up to $50,000 in funds to educational organizations throughout Ohio in support of initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, community colleges and state institutions, are encouraged to submit program proposals that aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to become financially independent. Programs may be conducted virtually or in person and should be tailored to community needs.

    The deadline to apply for the Financial Literacy Grant is Wednesday, April 30. For more information, visit com.ohio.gov/FinancialLiteracy.

    April marks Financial Literacy Month, which is a perfect time for individuals of all ages to assess their financial knowledge, establish realistic budgets, and ensure they are staying on track toward achieving their financial goals. In recognition of this month, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of Financial Institutions is sharing tips to help Ohioans better manage their budgets, while highlighting available funding to support youth financial education programs across the state.

    “Financial Literacy Month is all about helping to equip people with the information, tools and resources they need to effectively manage their financial circumstances,” Division Superintendent Kevin Allard said. “From setting realistic budgets to managing unexpected expenses, education is key to making informed decisions. Additionally, the Financial Literacy Grant Program is a great opportunity to connect organizations of all sizes who are dedicated to educating young Ohioans with key funding that can make a real and meaningful difference throughout these individuals’ lives.”

    Recent statistics highlight the growing importance of financial education. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, approximately 36% of consumers described being “just getting by” with their finances in 2024. In addition, 43% of families reported they had difficulty paying expenses, which marked an increase from 38% in 2023. Generation Z, in particular, struggles with financial literacy, answering only 37% of financial literacy index questions correctly in 2024.

    To help individuals make financial progress, the Division offers the following simple, yet effective tips that can be tailored to individual needs and circumstances:

    • Determine Your Income: Refer to your net income, not gross income, to create a realistic and achievable plan.
    • Track Your Spending: Identify what you’re currently spending your money on so you can find areas for improvement.
    • Set Financial Goals: Focus on specific objectives such as building an emergency fund or paying off debt.
    • Adjust as Needed: Be flexible and adapt your budgeting to life changes or unexpected challenges.
    • Automate Savings: By making savings automatic, you can simplify the process and ensure consistency.

    Building smart and easy financial habits is relevant at any age. The Financial Literacy Grant Program is an important part of that process through its funding of initiatives that enhance financial education for young Ohioans that provide the tools necessary to achieve financial independence.

  • Lynnette Viox will represent Loveland High School at the Third Annual Next Gen Changemaker Summit

    Lynnette Viox will represent Loveland High School at the Third Annual Next Gen Changemaker Summit

    Lynnette Viox (center), here with College Study Skills and Financial Literacy students from Loveland High School, will be attending the 2020 Next Gen Changemaker Summit in San Francisco in March

    Loveland, Ohio – “I am very honored and excited to represent Loveland at the summit and to further my professional development as we continue to advance the Business Department’s curriculum at Loveland High School,” said Lynnette Viox. “There is a strong interest in and demand for business courses among our students and this will benefit them as our program evolves.”

    Some 90 educators from 28 states across the country will gather in San Francisco for the third annual Next Gen Changemaker Summit in March. Viox, an applied technology and business teacher at Loveland High School (LHS) is one of six representatives from Ohio that will attend the conference.

    Participants at the Changemaker Summit are identified as educators who are working to achieve the Gold Standard in personal finance education in their schools and districts.

    According to Next Gen’s “Mission:2030”, schools achieving the Gold Standard ensure that all students take at least a semester-long personal finance class prior to graduation as part of the belief that all students deserve a financial education that will allow them to thrive in their personal lives beyond high school.

    “We are extremely excited about the opportunity to host such a talented and passionate group of educators for our third Annual Changemaker Summit,” said Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF). “While 90% of students and parents believe that personal finance should be taught in high school, only 16% currently get it. This inspiring group of changemakers will close that gap.”

    Summit participants will have the opportunity to collaborate and will be provided new resources and ideas on how to engage students in their classes. Teacher-led sessions and panels will showcase the progress of increasing access to personal finance education nationwide and how to support teachers in the advocacy for this type of curriculum in their communities.

    Viox, who in addition to her teaching position at Loveland High School also serves as first vice-chair of the Loveland City School District’s Business Advisory Council, worked in business for 10 years prior to becoming a teacher. She has served as a coordinator for the Clermont County Mentor Program, as a member of the district’s “Innovation X” team and as the co-founder and co-leader of the LHS Link Crew, among others.

    Viox will be representing Ohio at the Changemaker Summit along with Judy Matey, (Tuslaw High School, Massillon), Katherine Blanton (Butler Tech, Fairfield Township), Mark Rairigh and Nathan Kee (Bryan Middle and High Schools, Bryan) and Molly Tyson (Lorain High School, Lorain). NGFP has underwritten the full cost of the conference for all attendees as part of its commitment to teacher professional development.