CFO Atwater Launches “My Money”: A New Financial Literacy Program for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the launch of a new financial literacy program tailored to meet the needs of Floridians with developmental disabilities. Called “My Money,” the program provides an interactive, web-based platform that teaches individuals with development disabilities how money works and how to bank independently. Families and caregivers can also use this program to learn more about how to help loved ones with developmental disabilities learn more about banking and finances.

“Without a firm understanding of how money works, people cannot make sound financial decisions for themselves, and the financial literacy programs that provide these skills must be inclusive and tailored to Floridians of all ages and ability levels,” said CFO Jeff Atwater. “Our My Money Program provides an avenue for people with developmental disabilities to take an important step on their pathway toward independence.”

The My Money program is a three-step, navigation-friendly program that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to learn at their own pace and in an accessible, inclusive format.

Step One includes personalized lessons on how to recognize coins and paper money and how they are used to purchase goods and services, the difference between a want and a need, and Step One explains the concept of a banking account;

Step Two provides interactive lessons on how banks and credit unions can help manage finances and outlines the basics of formulating a budget to make sure that one’s expenses don’t exceed one’s income;

Step Three focuses on understanding and applying for government benefits that are available to help cover household and medical costs, as well as the benefits of securing gainful employment. Step Three also outlines the importance of saving and investing money as a way of planning for the future.

This new program was developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Education, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, the Commission on Jobs for Floridians with Disabilities, the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, the Arc of Florida, the Florida Alliance for Assistive Technology, Disability Rights Florida and the National Disability Institute.

Florida’s Qualified Public Depositories, which include banks and savings associations, will provide information on the program at all Florida branch locations and on their websites for easy access.

To learn more about the My Money Program or to request information , visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/MyMoney. For more information about all of the Department’s financial literacy initiatives and resources, visit www.MyFloridaCFO.com/YMM/.