Financial Information Month laudes the benefits of saving regularly

ZIZ News…Sept 29, 2011 – “Grow Your Savings” is the theme for the 10th year of observing October as Financial Information Month, which is a regional financial education campaign celebrated in the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) since 2002.

This year, saving consistently and regularly is being lauded as the means to achieving one’s goals be they education, a vacation, starting a business, owning a home, or securing finances for retirement. In simple terms, the 2011 Financial Information Month theme advocates that saving is a pre-requisite for a good life.

During the month, financial institutions will collaborate with ECCU member governments, the media and other public and private sector partners to host a series of informational and educational initiatives geared at empowering all residents of the ECCU to achieve their life’s goals.

These initiatives will include:
• A declaration speech by the Minister for Finance in each of the eight member countries of the ECCU to launch the month;
• The ECCB’s issuance of a two dollar circulation coin with the month’s theme. The coin is legal tender;
• The launch of a Financial Information Month theme song and ringtone;
• A Business Development Symposium targeting CEOs, business leaders and prospective entrepreneurs. The symposium will focus on business strategy and management within a changing economic environment;
• Discussions on financial issues with schools, business houses, community groups and churches; and
• Radio and television programmes and newspaper articles on money management and investing.

Financial Information Month is a collaborative effort among the ECCU member governments, financial and academic institutions, the media, private and public sector institutions and community-based groups. The month forms part of an ECCU financial education programme coordinated by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

The programme incorporates a series of initiatives designed to support the attainment of the goal of “a financially developed and vibrant ECCU region that fosters strong and sustainable economic growth and the improved well-being of the citizenry.”