TG offered a financial literacy-training module to direct students’ and parents’ focus on the differences between necessities as to desires and preferences. Nancy VanBoskirk, Financial Literacy Consultant for TG came to Prairie View Nov. 23 to educate students at the freshman center about smart financial decisions. During the seminar the audience gained knowledge real time. Before starting VanBoskirk passed out brochures for TG. It included game questions to test whether the audience was listening. This should notify students the importance of financial literacy. TG uses multiple resources to help students and families plan and prepare for college, learn the basics of money management, and repay their federal student loans. According to CollegeData 95.7 percent of the freshmen at Prairie View A&M University have financial aid or are on a scholarship. It is important that freshmen be aware of the financial debt they have put themselves, as well as their parents into. VanBoskirk said, “Needs are items that are needed to survive, and wants are items that are not needed to survive, but often provide comfort or convenience.”
VanBoskirk described cell phones as both a physical and psychology need, because a cell phone can ensure safety for the users and parents which is a psychological need, but unlimited minutes and texting are wants instead of needs.
VanBoskirk also made students aware of Federal Family Education Loan Program loans, which is a government-sponsored program that provides low interest loans. To help students and their parents pay for education beyond high school. Under the program, loans are made through a public and private relationship involving borrowers, schools, lenders, TG and the federal government.
TG also explained about debit cards. They are safer than credit cards because the cost is immediately deducted from the checking or savings account that is tied to the debit card.
In addition to TG resources, the organization also developed a public-service program called Adventures in Education that helps students plan and complete their journey of higher education. By providing a Web site and other free resources for students, parents, counselors, as well as educators.