National Financial Capability Month, 2012

Proclamation 8793 of April 2, 2012

National Financial Capability Month, 2012

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Across our country, millions of Americans work hard and
play by the rules to protect the gains they have made
and secure a brighter future for their loved ones. The
resilience and ingenuity of our people are driving our
economic recovery, and as we lay the foundation for an
America built to last, we must also promote a financial
system that is fair and sound for all. During National
Financial Capability Month, we recommit to ensuring
everyone has access to the information and tools that
empower them to operate safely and smartly in the
marketplace.

A strong and stable economy requires responsibility
from top to bottom--from banks and borrowers to workers
and executives. To protect everyday Americans from
abuses in the financial industry, I appointed Richard
Cordray to head the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau
(CFPB). His responsibility--and that of the CFPB--is to
ensure all Americans have the resources they need to
make sound financial decisions, and to guarantee every
individual receives fair treatment when they apply for
a mortgage, take out a student loan, or use a credit
card.

As we work to put an end to predatory behavior in our
financial markets, my Administration is taking action
to empower individuals and families with the tools they
need to get ahead. Last year, we collaborated with
representatives from the private, public, and non-
profit industries to release the National Strategy for
Financial Literacy--a comprehensive plan to improve
financial education across our country. The President's
Advisory Council on Financial Capability (PACFC)
continues to identify and promote the most effective,
data-driven strategies to better educate Americans on
financial issues. With help from the PACFC, we are
working to provide our young people with financial
skills to become successful students, entrepreneurs,
and leaders; to ensure American workers are able to
provide for their loved ones and save for retirement;
and to foster financial capability in families and
communities across our Nation.

During National Financial Capability Month, we
rededicate ourselves to advancing robust consumer
education and to helping every individual take
ownership of their financial future. I encourage all
Americans to take advantage of the free, reliable
financial resources at www.MyMoney.gov,
www.ConsumerFinance.gov, and 1-888-MyMoney.

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 2012 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
second day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.