Chris Franklin, CEO Titan Financial, holds court

Over the past four years the Shock Exchange has learned the fundamentals of investing, followed the performance of those stock picks and the issues affecting those companies from company specific issues to the overall economy.  In the process people visiting our website also educated themselves on the mystical, magical world of investing and the macroeconomic forces that impact the Market.  Who knew we would launch an exciting trend in the process - teaching financial literacy.  As I have stated from the outset, financial literacy is a life skill that all Americans should have.  This is expecially true given that individuals, and not corporations, are now responsible for their own savings from retirement.  The "James Brown" of youth mentorship programs, the Shock Exchange is the most sampled and copied travel team/youth mentorship in this country's history.  From teams stealing our players to polititians and entertainment moguls biting our style, we can only be flattered ... because after all, imitation is the grandest form of flattery.

Non-Profits Seek Council From Shock Exchange

Since our feature article in the July 2008 issue of Black Enterprise, I have received at least 15 phone calls from like-minded non-profit organizations inquiring about (i) where I got the idea marry basketball and financial literacy, (ii) how are we structured to (iii) helping them set up a youth mentorship program teaching financial litieracy, in a similar vein as the Shock Exchange.  We have long held that financial literacy is a life skill that everyone should have.  Given the recent financial crisis which we documented and foretold in March 2008 http://clicky.me/4WW, financial literacy is on the forefront of every household in America, and even rises to the level of the presidency.  We are happy to see other non-profits seek varying ways to add value to he kids they serve and that the country is beginning to see the impact that government policies have on the stock market and our lives as a whole. 

President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy

Relaxing after August '08 Investment Meeting

Need for Improved Financial Literacy  

We believe the the market turmoil and credit crisis of 2008 underscore the critical need for improved financial literacy in the United States.  While there are many causes to the economic problems facing the country, it is undeniable that a lack of financial literacy is a contributing factor.  Far too many Americans entered into home and other loan agreements that they did not understand and ultimately could not afford ... The lack of financial skills such as how to create and maintain a budget, understand credit, or save for the future are preventing millions of Americans from taking advantage of our vibrant economic system.

Underbanked and Underserved

Tens of millions of our citizens are either unbanked or underserved, which leaves them outside the economic mainstream.  Addressing these issues is critical to the future of our nation's economy.

Mr. Schwab made the following recommendations:  improve financial literacy among children of all ages, from pre-school through post-secondary education; supoort and enhance the increasing import role of employers in providing financial education to their employees; increasing access to financial services for the unbanked and underserved; undertake critical research in the area of financial literacy; and increase public awareness both of the problem and of the many resources available to combat it.

"Q" Launches Five Million Kids National Education Campaign  

TheUrbanDaily.com reported that Quincy Jones and his son QD3 have teamed up with singer/rapper/actor Tyrese Gibson to launch the 5 Million Kids ("5MK") National Education Campaign.  The goal is to teach 5 million children, parents and teachers how to get rich legally through financial literacy. 

Making Dumb Sexy

The initiative will also seek to rengage youth in school activities by finding 25,000 volunteers for classrooms nationwide.  Jones will try to secure $50 million in Earned Income Tax Credits for parents, teachers and adults.  Jones was quoted by Allhiphop.com as saying that "We've spent the last 20 years making dumb sexy."