Agnoli TV Debut Shines Spotlight on Financial Education, Credit Unions

GREENSBORO, N.C. - North Caroliina Credit Union League Financial Education Specialist Ed Agnoli touted credit unions and financial education in a recent segment of the local Triad Today television show. Agnoli, who joined the League less than a month ago, also updated the audience on the status of legislation that would mandate financial education in all North Carolina high schools. Agnoli appeared at the invitation of Truliant Federal Credit Union President/CEO Marcus Schaefer, who regularly appears on Triad Today. Truliant is a regular sponsor of the show, which airs on both the ABC and UPN affiliates in the Greensboro-High Point-Winston-Salem television market. Broadcast veteran Jim Longworth hosts the 30-minute show. Agnoli commented on a bill that cleared the N.C. Senate last week that mandates financial education in the high school curriculum. "A different version of the bill has already passed the NC House," Agnoli remarked, "so the financial education mandate could phase in two-to-five years from now, depending on the compromise that is struck between the House and Senate." Agnoli also talked about the High School Financial Planning Program offered free-of-charge by credit unions and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE). "The NEFE materials give students the basics of how to balance a checkbook and live by a budget," Agnoli said. Agnoli made the point that many Americans lack these basic financial skills. Truliant recently completed a strategic planning process. "A big part of our emphasis in the new strategic plan is financial education," said Schaefer. "It's clear that financial education is a definite need among North Carolinians, and credit unions such as ours should continue to show leadership on the issue."