TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In recognition of Florida Thrift Week (January 17-23), Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Jimmy Patronis highlights Florida’s pledge to promote the value of thrift and importance of saving money for future financial success. Florida Thrift Week is made possible by a long-lasting partnership with the James Madison Institute (JMI) and was highlighted by the Governor and Cabinet in a Resolution presented to JMI President and CEO Dr. Bob McClure today.
 
CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “Florida’s economy is thriving and that is due in large part to good fiscal stewardship and strong asset management. That is why I’m proud to partner with the James Madison Institute and highlight Thrift Week to encourage individuals, families, and businesses across our state to save and spend wisely. Just as our nation's forefather Benjamin Franklin taught, thrift and savings are vital to effective financial planning and long-term financial success for all Floridians.”
 
The Florida Department of Financial Services has a selection of financial education programs developed to help Florida’s consumers build financial independence. Finance Your Future, is a free, interactive online course designed to educate Florida’s middle and high school students to use core money management concepts. The Department recently launched the Finance Your Future app. It is free and available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores.
 
In addition, the James Madison Institute offers a free curriculum guide, “All About the Benjamins: Understanding the Value of Thrift”, that has been used extensively in Florida high schools to teach students about the importance of thrift and other American values.
 
“National Thrift Week” was first observed January 17, 1916. The YMCA hosted the event on Benjamin Franklin’s 210th birthday to honor his devotion to promoting one of the oldest American values thrift.  Considered as a true thrift advocate, Benjamin Franklin believed in the American people’s ability to collectively achieve financial independence through hard work, frugality and generosity.