Accounting for Kids® Day makes money management fun for 10,000 Ohio elementary school students

News Release
For More Information:
Amy Johnson
800.686.2727, ext. 341 (office)
614.975.2225 (cell)
ajohnson@ohio-cpa.com

Students get a taste of stock market through simulated game 

(COLUMBUS, October 29, 2007) – More than 10,000 elementary students will take a break from their regular math classes on November 7 when CPAs across Ohio bring real world investing and savings concepts to life.

During the annual Accounting for Kids Day, 1,200 members of The Ohio Society of CPAs will lead 400 fourth through sixth grade classrooms in a fast-paced game that teaches them the potential risks and rewards of stock market investing. The game supplements classroom curriculum by introducing students to fundamental concepts they can use to manage their own finances, or that of a future business.

During the game, students buy, sell and track their own stock’s progress over a simulated 10-year period. Just as in real life, they will experience the ups and downs of the market, seeing how their dividends can change with the roll of the dice. As a result, they learn the importance of staying focused on a goal and how to manage risk to avoid great financial loss.

Now in its 7th year, Accounting for Kids Day teaches children how to make smart financial decisions and become savvy consumers and future business leaders.

The program is timely, since a recent survey by Weekly Reader and The American Institute of CPAs found 56% of nine to 12 year olds earn a weekly allowance. More than half (53%) have a savings account and 47% said they have a specific savings goal.*

“Accounting for Kids Day is a great opportunity to teach young children that managing money can be fun,” said Mark Macke, CPA, of Unble, Gayhart & Jacobsen in West Chester. "The kids get really excited as they work on strategies to grow their investments, and they also learn concepts that can be used to manage their personal finances or a future business."

To find a participating school in your area, contact Madyson Burgess or Amy Johnson at 800.686.2727 to arrange photo and story opportunities. Accounting for Kids® Day is presented by The Ohio CPA Foundation, the charitable organization of The Ohio Society of CPAs.

The Ohio CPA Foundation funds programs that teach Ohioans how to better manage their finances. It also supports initiatives that introduce students to career opportunities for CPAs, and provides financial support to college students who are majoring in accounting and pursuing careers as CPAs. Consumers can find more smart money management tips at www.financialfitnessohio.com.

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The Ohio Society of CPAs, established in 1908, represents more than 24,000 CPAs in business, education, government and public accounting. The Ohio Society’s members not only meet statutory and regulatory requirements as CPAs, but also embrace the highest standards of professional and ethical performance. This is achieved through ongoing professional education, comprehensive quality review and compliance with a strict Code of Professional Conduct.

*Weekly Reader Research and the AICPA, Tweens Savvy About Savings, January 2006.

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