[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9246 of March 31, 2015

National Financial Capability Month, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Our Nation is built on the idea that we do best when everyone gets a
fair shot. Six years after a devastating recession shook many Americans'
faith in our financial system, our economy is steadily growing and
creating new jobs--but we must do more to restore the link between hard
work and growing opportunity for every person. We believe responsibility
should be rewarded, and that begins by empowering all people with the
tools and knowledge they need to share in America's prosperity. During
National Financial Capability Month, we renew our efforts to support the
informed financial decisions that will open doors into the middle class
and help ensure economic security for all.
Critical decisions--from financing higher education to saving for
retirement--can have lasting consequences for individuals and for our
country's economy. Financial literacy enables people of all ages to make
smart choices and set goals to protect their hard-earned income. And
increasing individuals' understanding of debt, including mortgages and
credit cards, helps guarantee every person receives equal treatment and
is able to secure lasting opportunity. By strengthening the financial ca

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pability of all Americans, we are investing in the fundamental promise
of a brighter future and building a more prosperous Nation.
My Administration continues to take action to provide all Americans with
the resources they need to get ahead. We launched the ``Know Before You
Owe'' campaign so students and families have a straightforward tool to
compare financial aid offers from different colleges, and we simplified
mortgage forms so homeowners are better able to comprehend their terms.
We started the myRA program, a new type of savings account to help
Americans take control over their future, and we are proposing new rules
to require financial advisors to put their clients' interests before
their own--ensuring all who responsibly prepare for retirement receive
the best information possible. To focus on increasing financial
capability in our schools, workplaces, and communities, I created the
President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young
Americans, and last year, I signed legislation to support programs that
teach young people personal finance skills.
Increasing financial capability across our Nation is an essential
component of middle-class economics. This month, let us all take time to

increase our knowledge of our finances and encourage our friends
and family to do the same. To start, all Americans can take advan-
tage of the free, reliable financial resources at www.MyMoney.gov,
www.ConsumerFinance.gov, and 1-800-FED-INFO.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2015 as National
Financial Capability Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this
month with programs and activities to improve their understanding of
financial principles and practices.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of
March, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA