What is a challenge?

•  develop an app or graphic
• submit a healthy recipe for kids or an idea or story through photos or videos
• improve a product or process
• solve a problem previously thought unsolvable

Once a challenge is created, other people can join the challenge to propose a solution, discuss the challenge, and show support. Incentives, which are payable only if a challenge is solved, encourage others to solve a problem and earn their rewards.

• Children in grades K-5 will be guided by Carmen Cents and learn all about the history and mission of the  FDIC. 
• Become a smarter consumer at http://www.ftc.gov/YouAreHere/  which has a virtual mall where you can play games, design ads, chat with customers and store owners, and much more. You’ll learn key consumer concepts, such as how advertising affects you, how you benefit when businesses compete, how (and why) to protect your information, and how to spot scams.
• Learn about the responsibilities of the Federal Reserve, as well as some basics of economics, at http://www.federalreserve.gov/kids/default.htm#system   

Information for Tweens and Teens

• MyMoney.gov, is a website dedicated to teaching all Americans the basics about financial education. Whether you are planning for college, learning about balancing your checking account, or creating a good credit history, the resources on MyMoney.gov can help you do it better.
• Teens will find a wealth of information about money management (saving, banking, investing, savings bonds, spending) here to help them start smart.
• The FDIC website provides valuable information for young adults on topics ranging from common mistakes young adults make and how to avoid them to banking, credit cards, and buying a home or car.  Learn how to take control of your finances and the important steps that should be taken at key stages of life to successfully reach your financial goals.

Deter - Detect - Defend

• Stealing wallets, purses and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, tax information)
• Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured website, from business or personnel records at work and personal information at home.
• Rummaging through your trash, the trash of businesses and public trash receptacles
• Posing as someone who needs information about you
• Buying personal information from inside sources

• PLACE a fraud alert on your credit reports. Fraud alerts can help prevent an identity thief from opening any more accounts in your name. Contact the toll-free fraud number of any of the following three consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report:

• CLOSE the accounts that you know have been opened fraudulently, or tampered with.
• CONTACT the Internal Revenue Service Identity Protection Unit. An identity thief might use your Social Security number to file a tax return in order to receive a refund, or use it to get a job.
• FILE an FTC ID Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can find detailed information here to help you deter, detect and defend against identity theft.
• FILE a police report with your local police, or the police in the community where the identity theft took place. The FTC Complaint can be incorporated into the police record for maximum protection.
• FILE an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) which offers an easy to use reporting mechanism to alert authorities of suspected violations.

• Drive more efficiently by driving sensibly, observing the speed limit and avoiding excess idling.
• Keep your car in shape by keeping your car's engine properly tuned and the tires properly inflated.
• Plan and combine trips to save you time and money.
• Choose a fuel efficient vehicle and take advantage of Federal tax incentives.
• Know the factors that can decrease MPG such as quick acceleration, heavy breaking and excessive idling.