Surprisingly, this isn’t an April Fool’s joke.
President Barack Obama has dubbed the month of April “National Financial Capability Month,” in order to teach Americans how to manage their finances responsibly.
But April’s new focus might seem ironic coming from the guy whose budget to Congress was more than two months late. But, hey, at least he turned in his NCAA March Madness bracket on time.
“I call upon all Americans to observe this month with programs and activities to improve their understanding of financial principles and practices,” President Obama said in an official proclamation.
But perhaps the President should take his own advice.
Obama’s statement explained that success requires “more than drive and initiative — it also requires smart financial planning.” He also stated that his administration wants to help people make good financial decisions in the marketplace.
“Together, we can prepare young people to tackle financial challenges — from learning how to budget responsibly to saving for college, starting a business, or opening a retirement account,” the President’s statement said.
The Obama administration also “continues to encourage responsibility at all levels of our financial system,” according to the statement.
Obama’s proclamation directs visitors to www.MyMoney.gov and www.ConsumerFinance.gov or to call 1-888-MyMoney for help reaching economic stability.
If only the President had used that telephone number earlier this year, Congress might have received his budget by Feb. 2.
