Bangor, ME - February 2, 2011 - MaineStream Finance is offering the Money Smart Online Instruction, a free online financial education course. "Financial education fosters financial stability for individuals, families and entire communities," said James Macomber, Microenterprise Consultant for MaineStream Finance. "The more individuals know about credit and banking services, the more likely they are to increase savings, buy homes, and improve their financial health and well being." 

 "The Money Smart Online Instruction is a friendly and easy to use learning tool that teaches 11 modules of the Money Smart curriculum," said Macomber.  "The online course enables people to study independently at their own pace and is for users 13 and over."  Each module generally takes between 20-30 minutes to complete. Students receive ongoing feedback and, upon successful completion of each module, can print out a personalized certificate of completion.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recognizes the importance of financial education, particularly for those with little or no banking experience. In 2001, the FDIC started a national financial education curriculum by launching Money Smart, a comprehensive financial education curriculum designed to help low- and moderate-income individuals outside the financial mainstream enhance their financial skills and create positive banking relationships. The FDIC has reached over 2.5 million consumers since 2001. 

The 11 Money Smart training modules include:
Bank on It - An introduction to bank services
Borrowing Basics - An introduction to credit
Check It Out - How to choose and keep a checking account
Money Matters - How to keep track of your money
Pay Yourself First - Why you should save, save, save
Financial Recovery - How to recover financially and rebuild your credit after a financial-setback
Keep It Safe - Your rights as a consumer
To Your Credit - How your credit history will affect your credit future
Charge It Right - How to make a credit card work for you
Loan To Own - Know what you're borrowing before you buy
Your Own Home - What home ownership is all about

This training is offered through MaineStream Finance, a subsidiary of Penquis. There is no cost to participate. This online training is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the FDIC. 

To register for this opportunity, go to mainestreamfinance.org and click on "Money Smart", then complete the registration form. Follow the instruction on the web pages.

For more information contact James Macomber at 50 North Street, Dover-Foxcroft, ME or call 1-800-215-4942 ext. 2476 or email jmacomber@penquis.org. Individuals interested in learning more about the services offered by MaineStream Finance can call MaineStream Finance at 1-800-215-4942