Community Financial Education Foundation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the unemployment rate at its highest point in over 20 years and on an upward trend, Americans are facing very uncertain times. For the unemployed making the most out of every dollar is no longer a want, but a necessity.

On Monday, August 17 Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) was a special guest at the Congressman Eric Cantor’s District Job Fair in Midlothian, VA to help educate those seeking employment on better budgeting and money management.

“The turnout was tremendous. We expected a couple hundred people and more than 2000 people attended the job fair,” said Miranda Harwell, Executive Director of CFEF.

CFEF held break out sessions at the job fair that focused on personal finance, the importance of planning during an uncertain time and tips on how to best maintain good credit standing. In addition to financial education, CFEF offered attendees free Quicken software so that they are able to continue to utilize the tools they learned after the workshops concluded.

“Now more than ever, it is incredibly important for people unemployed to be particularly conscience of their personal finances and credit standing,” said Harwell. “Being unemployed is temporary, but bad credit will haunt you for years.”

If you would like to learn more information about the CFEF or attend one of their upcoming workshops in your area, please visit www.communityfef.org.

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) is the leading provider of financial education resources for consumer lenders. The non-profit organization developed the web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America to educate consumers and help them take control of their financial futures by providing them with debt management and budgeting tools. The foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants nationwide to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) hosted a financial education and money management workshop, at the University of Houston’s Mediterranean Room.

The objective of the workshop was to offer information and resources to keep them informed on how to make the best financial decisions available. CFEF hopes their goals were reached to help provided the community with credit counseling, budgeting tools and adequate services.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to help the people of Houston and better the community though financial education,” said Miranda Harwell, Executive Director of CFEF.

Participants left the workshop with knowledge to understand and carry out more efficient habits to manage their money. They also learned about a variety of ways on how to empower themselves to have better financial understanding to help them on future economic decisions.

“CFEF’s workshop was great. Before, I had little knowledge about mortgage products and point systems. Now, my interest has been sparked to become more informed about the various mortgage products out there.”

About Community Financial Education Foundation

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) is the leading provider of financial education resources for consumer lenders. The non-profit organization developed the web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America to educate consumers and help them take control of their financial futures by providing them with debt management and budgeting tools. The foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants nationwide to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. August 14, 2009 – The Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) will host a financial education and money management workshop Saturday, August 15 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the University of Houston’s Mediterranean Room.

The workshop, which is free and open to the public, will be tailored to the unique financial needs of the attendees. Participants will leave with tools that will help them to better save, manage and budget personal finances.

“We are thrilled to be bringing this knowledge to the people of Houston,” said Miranda Harwell, Executive Director of CFEF. “With the current state of the economy everyone needs to keep a close eye on their finances and make the most out of every penny. Our workshops give people the tools to do just that.”

The goal of the workshops is to not only provide information and resources to individuals, but ultimately CFEF hopes to further the economic advancement of underserved communities in the Houston area.

“Education is power and informed Americans will make more sound financial decisions and live better lives. Our goal is to turn financial fear into financial freedom.” said Harwell.

If you would like to attend the workshops or learn more information about the CFEF, please visit communityfef.org.

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) is the leading provider of financial education resources for consumer lenders. The non-profit organization developed the web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America to educate consumers and help them take control of their financial futures by providing them with debt management and budgeting tools. The foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants nationwide to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  May 12, 2009 – The Community Financial Education Foundation is pleased to announce the signing of 600 new Borrow Smart America members. The program teaches consumers to better manage their personal finances and live more effectively by providing debt management and budgeting tools. Borrow Smart America is a free online program that allows members access to resources which help them manage household budgets, improve credit scores and set saving goals.

“We believe the Borrow Smart America online financial education program will empower these borrowers to take control of their personal finances,” said Miranda Harwell, Executive Director of CFEF. “Education is power and informed Americans will make more sound financial decisions and live better lives. Our goal is to turn financial fear into financial freedom.”

CFEF launched its first educational initiative, Borrow Smart America, in November 2008. This free, web-based financial education program has debt management and budgeting tools that are designed to teach consumers how to create household budgets, project future expenses, set savings goals and improve personal credit.

Intuit Inc. has donated a copy of Quicken Deluxe for the first 500 consumers who complete the Borrow Smart Americacurriculum on the CFEF website. This initiative allows consumers to make their personal finances a priority long after they have completed the Borrow Smart America program.

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) is the leading provider of financial education resources for consumer lenders. The non-profit organization developed the web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America to educate consumers and help them take control of their financial futures by providing them with debt management and budgeting tools. The foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants nationwide to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Akaka of Hawaii held a hearing today to assess the progress of the Financial Literacy and Education Commission to examine the effectiveness of federal financial education programs. The United States Senate designated April as Financial Literacy Month in 2003 to create higher economic literacy and financial education among children.

“With the state of the economy today, the best investment our government can make is in the financial education of all Americans,” said Miranda Harwell, Executive Director of the Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF). “We commend Senator Akaka for being a leader in the Senate and recognizing the importance of financial education. CFEF believes that providing financial education and budgeting tools will empower Americans to make informed financial decisions and live better lives.”

CFEF launched its first educational initiative, Borrow Smart America, in November. This free, web-based financial education program was designed to teach consumers how to create household budgets, project future expenses, set savings goals and improve personal credit.

Intuit Inc. has donated a copy of Quicken Deluxe for the first 500 consumers who complete the Borrow Smart America curriculum on the CFEF website. This initiative provides consumers with additional budgeting tools and enables them to make their personal finances a priority long after they have completed the Borrow Smart America program.

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation is the leading provider of educational resources and budgeting tools for payday loan borrowers. The non-profit organization, supported by companies in the online lending industry, developed the web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America. The foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants nationwide to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. –With the support of leaders from the Online Lenders Alliance the Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) has been created to educate micro-loan borrowers on money management and to help them achieve financial independence.

To help turn more consumers into responsible borrowers, policymakers and professionals in the online lending industry are supporting this independent, non-profit organization to deliver educational resources to the industry and consumers directly.

“There is a vacuum of financial education among consumers of micro loans,” said Mark Curry, President of CFEF’s Board of Directors. “Micro-loan borrowers who are underserved by traditional financial outlets are also underserved by traditional financial education programs. CFEF has tailored its programs to speak to the fundamental personal and financial needs of this audience.”

This month, CFEF launched its first educational initiative, Borrow Smart America. This free, Web-based financial education program was designed to teach consumers how to create household budgets, project future expenses, set savings goals and improve personal credit.

Intuit Inc. donated a copy of Quicken Deluxe to the first 500 consumers that complete the Borrow Smart America curriculum on the CFEF website. This initiative allows consumers to make their personal finances a priority long after they have completed the Borrow Smart America program.

In addition to the Borrow Smart America program, CFEF will launch a series of webinars in 2009 based on its financial education curriculum. It will also advocate for financial education instruction in America’s public schools and award grants to community groups, in addition to college scholarships for students who promote financial literacy in their communities.

Leading the Foundation’s effort is Executive Director Miranda Harwell. Harwell received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Georgia before beginning a career in public service in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining CFEF, Harwell worked as a finance assistant for North Dakota Senator Byron Dorgan and served as the youngest PAC Director in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s history. She is a certified educator in personal finance.

“With the state of the economy today, the best investment a company can make is in the financial education of its consumers,” said Harwell. “We have received significant support from the online lending community because they truly understand the need for financial education. Moving forward, we anticipate support for this initiative throughout the industry will grow even more in 2009.”

Launched in 2008, the Washington, D.C.-based Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) is the leading provider of educational resources for payday loan borrowers. The non-profit organization, supported by companies in the online lending industry, developed the Web-based financial education program, Borrow Smart America. The Foundation also advocates for financial education programs in America’s public schools and awards grants to community organizations and students who promote financial literacy in their communities, nationwide. For more information, visit communityfef.org.

Washington, D.C. - The Community Financial Education Foundation, a organization dedicated to increasing financial literacy across the country, announced today the hiring of an Executive Director. Miranda Harwell was selected after an extensive search process. Miranda joins the foundation from Talk PR, Inc., a marketing and public relations agency in Wilmington, NC.

“Financial literacy is important for any American to thrive in today’s economy. CFEF is developing strategic partnerships so our programs will reach consumers of all ages. This foundation is an important initiative and I look forward to making the foundation a success,” said Executive Director, Miranda Harwell

The Community Financial Education Foundation was established in 2007 by members of the online lending industry who saw a greater need for consumer awareness on financial matters. The foundation’s mission is to supply members of the online lending industry with tools to educate their customers and communities on financial literacy. The foundation will also sponsor financial literacy seminars around the country in schools and community groups.

Washington, DC. - The Community Financial Education Foundation (CFEF) announced today that it will begin offering services and programs designed to assist consumers with financial education development. CFEF was created specifically to address the growing need for financial literacy programs within the broad spectrum of consumers desiring help in understanding and managing their finances.

The mission of the Community Financial Education Foundation is to work with leaders of the online lending industry to assist national, state, local and community groups with the on-going task of education consumers of all ages about personal financial management and independence.

“We are excited about the prospect of helping people understand more about their finances and the importance of credit” commented new Community Financial Education Foundation Executive Director Miranda Harwell. “We believe financial literacy is absolutely vital for individuals and families. We are going to help however we can.” she added.

CFEF will be actively soliciting participation from America’s National Banks and their corresponding bank partners thus providing a resource for expanding operating capabilities and developing additional financial education programs.

For more information, please contact Miranda Harwell, Executive Director at (202) 629-0363 or visit our website at communityfef.org