Orange County proclaims April “National Financial Literacy Month”

(Santa Ana, Calif.) The County of Orange has proclaimed April as National Financial Literacy Month to highlight the importance of financial education. National Financial Literacy Month has been recognized annually since 2004 to promote educational tools empowering Americans with the knowledge and resources to make wise financial decisions. Orange County Chairman Donald P. Wagner presented a County Resolution to Treasurer Shari Freidenrich, who is helping lead the education efforts for National Financial Literacy Month.

“Personal financial education is essential if families are looking to create financial stability and success,” said Donald P. Wagner, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “To overcome the very real inflationary challenges we are facing, I encourage all residents to check out available resources designed specifically to help individuals improve the financial future of their household.”

“The County of Orange and my office are highlighting high-quality financial education to improve financial literacy,” Treasurer Freidenrich said. “Learning how to manage your finances intelligently, use credit and loans carefully, and protect one’s identity and money gives people financial freedom and helps them take control of their lives.”

Just as important as learning how to protect and manage your money wisely is knowing how to avoid becoming a victim of financial scams. Last year the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) received 5.2 million victim reports describing more than $8.8 billion in losses to fraud, with investment scam losses doubling from 2021 to 2022. Treasurer Freidenrich partners with the FTC to provide consumer protection tips through a weekly Financial Tip of the Week which you can subscribe to at octreasurer.com/financialtips.

During National Financial Literacy Month, the County of Orange Service Center at 601 N. Ross Street is distributing free pamphlets and a resource flyer with links covering the five key components of financial literacy: earn, save and invest, protect, spend, and borrow. To view the National Financial Literacy month flyer, visit octreasurer.com/2023NationalFinancialLiteracyMonth.