From financial literacy to preserving the earth’s resources, April is a month of awesomeness…not just a day for fools! Go ahead and mark your calendars while I pick some spaghetti for dinner.
April Fools’ Day – April 1
Widely known as a day of practical jokes and pranks, the official origin of April Fools’ Day, also referred to as All Fools’ Day, is uncertain. Regardless, April 1st gives us a reason (and an excuse) to lighten up and bring a smile or laugh to those around us. Send someone on a “fool’s errand” looking for things that don’t exist, get someone to believe something ridiculous, or just support the spaghetti harvest by planting a spaghetti tree.
Read a Road Map Day – April 5
Did you ever hear the saying, “can’t get there from here”? Not true, but I’d never want to hear my GPS tell me that. So here’s the day to turn back time and get back to the “old way” of getting around. Grab the kids or some friends and set out on an adventure using only a printed map. Some of the best “discoveries” are made this way.
Tax Day – April 15
As Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” If Ben were here today though, he’d have an extra 3 days to file his taxes in 2016. The deadline to file Federal taxes is typically April 15th. However, when April 15th falls on a Friday (as it will in 2016), taxes are due the following Monday. Here are several tips for filing taxes online or on paper. Either way, you shouldn’t wait till the last minute.
Earth Day – April 22
Earth Day began in 1970 as a day to reflect on our planet, our environment, and what we can do to help keep them happy. Here are several ideas for Earth Day and how you can make a difference for our planet.
Take Your Child to Work Day – April 28
Does your daughter or son really know what you do at work? This day was created as a way to provide girls and boys with the opportunity to explore careers and combat gender stereotypes in the workplace. Recognized across the United States and around the world, this program encourages opening the eyes of children to the many skilled professions available today.
Financial Literacy Month – April
Financial Literacy Month is recognized during April in the United States and highlights the importance of teaching consumers of all ages to manage their money wisely. Credit unions nationwide conduct financial literacy and capability initiatives that empower their members to make smarter financial decisions.
Throughout the area, programs, seminars, and events are available to consumers of all ages to develop and enrich their knowledge of money and how to manage it wisely. Many states now require financial education in schools, but knowing how to save, budget and build credit is only the first step.
Being financially capable means having real-world practical experience over time. Interactive programs such as the Financial Reality Fair at Pottstown High School helps introduce provides students with hands-on experience to prepare them for the real world.
Among the numerous other resources available, the Centsables, endorsed by the Jump$tart Coalition® for Personal Financial Literacy, uses multi-media and entertainment to reach and teach children ages 6-12. Programs such as Biz Kid$, from The National Credit Union Foundation, focuses on making financial education engaging and meaningful for 9-16 year olds.
Managing money in today’s world is very different from 30 or 50 years ago, so even adults, who have arguably learned something about personal finances over the years by managing their own, can often benefit from refresher workshops available in their communities.
