Q&A on the New Manage Your EBCI Moeny
Program
By SHAWN SPRUCE
Are you an enrolled EBCI member who will graduate from high school in 2011?
If so, a new requirement passed by Tribal Council, Ordinance No. 401 (effective April 1, 2011), states: “Any minor member, applying for their minors trust fund, will be required to complete the online Manage Your EBCI Money Course (manageyourebcimoney.org) and include his/her Certificate of Completion to be entitled to receive any monies.”
So what does this mean for me?
What it means is that before you can get your trust fund money, you are going to have to complete a short online financial education course, called Manage Your EBCI Money, in addition to completing your high school education or GED.
What is the Manage Your EBCI Money course?
An exciting new website specially designed just for you, EBCI youth, and dedicated to the fascinating world of personal finance. The site is loaded with valuable information such as a financial calculator that will show you how long it will take to become a millionaire if you start investing your money when you’re young (hint: before you are 40 if you play your cards right!), fun car buying factoids to help you make an informed decision regarding your next auto purchase, and even music videos geared towards a host of relevant financial topics such as identity theft, understanding credit cards, and managing your bank account; all for the purpose of assisting you with making the most of your EBCI money!
So how do I access the website?
Type manageyourebcimoney.org into the browser window of any web accessible computer and press enter. You will see a log-in screen with directions that you can take from there. You will need a valid email address as well.
Is the website complicated or difficult to understand?
The program is divided into 8 different learning modules and will take about three hours to complete. Each module contains a short quiz and you will have to answer 4 out of 5 questions correctly to move on to the next module. There is no time limit and you can retake the quizzes as many times as you need until you pass.
What if I do not have a computer or access to the internet?
You can stop by the Qualla Financial Freedom office located inside the EBCI Cooperative Extension Center at 876 Acquoni Rd to use a computer there. And more satellite computer stations will be coming soon.
Why am I being required to take an online course and why was this not started sooner?
As you well know, your EBCI minors trust fund is a substantial amount of money and your tribal leaders want to provide you with the skills, knowledge, and tools so that you can make smart choices with your money both now and for the future. A web-based course was determined to be the most effective way to provide this information and the new program has actually been several years in the making.
Where can I get more information?
Drop by Qualla Financial Freedom* 876 Acquoni Road Call: 554-6937 Or text: 788-2356, Key words: “Get Paid”
*Please direct all inquiries to QFF. DO NOT contact the Enrollment or Budget and Finance offices for questions regarding Manage Your EBCI Money.
Shawn is the program consultant for the First Nations Development Institute.
