Personal Economics Program

Helping Nebraskans Gain Financial Freedom Through Education

• What is PEP?
• How does PEP work?
• How do I use the program?
• How do I become a PEP banker?
• NBA's PEP Handbook
• NBA's PEP Handbook Order Form (order hard copy)
• View the Online Catalog of PEP Resources
• PEP Activity Report Spreadsheet
• PEP Honor Roll (2011-2012)
• 2011 National Teach Children to Save Day Honor Roll
• Special Events & Opportunities
• Financial Links for Kids & Adults

What is PEP?

• PEP is a program designed to teach consumers of all ages about personal money management.
• PEP assists consumers in making educated financial decisions.
• PEP is an opportunity for bankers to work with local teachers and community leaders to educate the public about personal financial management.
• PEP is a partnership program, designed so that participants can structure the program to meet community needs.
• PEP is a volunteer program of bankers that provides an opportunity for banks and bankers to become more aware of their community and consumers’ needs, wants, and perceptions.
• PEP is a program that helps the public feel more comfortable with money management and the bank and bankers within the community.
• PEP is presentations including topics such as personal finance, banks and banking, and the financial system.
• PEP is a win-win situation that benefits the consumer, banks and bankers, and communities.

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How does PEP work?

The Personal Economics Program (PEP) was developed by the American Bankers Association with resources provided by the Fund for Education in Economics in 1977.  In 1992, the ABA Education Foundation was established to monitor the continuation of this worthwhile endeavor.

The ABA Education Foundation believes education is the key to responsible consumerism and a responsible banking industry. The foundation promotes understanding of banking and financial services by enhancing the public’s knowledge of financial management.

Local PEP volunteer bankers are asked to visit their area schools and community groups to explain personal financial management, banking services, careers in banking, and other economic and financial issues. Their goal is to combat fiscal illiteracy and help develop more educated consumers for the future.

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How do I use the program?

The Nebraska Bankers Association maintains a lending library of videos from various educational sources. Bankers may check out the videos for two weeks, with some flexibility allowed. Supplemental pamphlets are also available from the Federal Reserve, FDIC, and other banking industry mediums that can enhance your presentations. Some pamphlets have minimal costs.

When a banker is invited to speak at a local school or to a community group, the banker may contact the NBA office and request materials that that best suits his or her purpose or find and use resources of their own.

The requested materials are sent to bankers by mail or UPS with a packing slip or invoice.  Bankers are asked to pay the return postage for video rentals.

In addition, bankers are asked to keep track of all financial-related presentations on the PEP Activity Report Spreadsheet and to turn in one spreadsheet per institution by the March deadline each year.

Bankers are encouraged to customize PEP presentations with learning materials from their own banks such as deposit slips, sample bank statements, loan application forms, etc.

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How do I become a PEP banker?

You become a PEP banker when you give any classroom or group presentation, bank tour, or financial education venture within your community—with or without using PEP materials.

The Nebraska Bankers Association recognizes outstanding PEP banks and bankers at the NBA Annual Convention. The American Bankers Association also recognizes local bankers and state associations for their PEP programs.  In several past years, the NBA has received the "Award of Merit" for excellence in providing banking and personal financial education. Nebraska banks and bankers also have won national awards.  Presentations documented on the NBA Personal Economics Program Activity Report Spreadsheet are counted toward these awards each year.

If you are interested in previewing any of our videotapes or would like a sample packet of our brochures by category, contact the Nebraska Bankers Association at 402-474-1555 or e-mail   brett.walburn@nebankers.org  .

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For More Information Contact:

Brett Walburn
Marketing & Member Services Coordinator

Angela Nelson
Finance & Marketing Manager

Joni Sundquist
Vice President of Communications