Extension Communications
Extension 4-H Youth Building
Ames, Iowa 50011-3630
(515) 294-9915
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Extension Communications |
6-29-04
For immediate release
Contacts:
Tahira Hira, 1750 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-2042, tkhira@iastate.edu
Catherine Hunt, Marketing Specialist, (515) 294-1039, cathi@iastate.edu
Japan Consumer Finance Association to Study Financial Education and Counseling at Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa - On July 4, 2004, as millions of people around the country launch fireworks to celebrate America's independence, Iowa State University (ISU) will launch the fifth in a series of financial education and counseling programs for the Japan Consumer Finance Association (JCFA).
Twenty-five members of the JCFA are expected to attend the Financial Education and Counseling: Critical Partnerships program on the Iowa State campus July 4-8. Tahira Hira, professor, human development and family studies at Iowa State University organized the program, will teach several of the sessions, and has gathered a diverse group of professionals from around the country to share their financial expertise with attending JCFA members.
"This effort has grown from its original focus on just the money management issues to a program that covers a wide-range of more universal financial concepts, factors that influence financial literacy, and financial counseling models," Hira said.
Sessions are taught by ISU faculty; Sue McDonnell, Iowa State University Extension family resource management field specialist; Mary Weibel, bankruptcy clerk, Iowa Southern District Court; Takao Nishimura, professor, Yokohama National University; and professionals from many companies and organizations including Steve Rhode, Certified Financial Recovery Counselor and founder of Myvesta; Thomas Coates, co-founder, Consumer Credit of Des Moines; and Janet Garkey, consumer writer, Credit Union National Association.
"We are particularly pleased to be collaborating with so many different organizations to deliver a broad range of information," Hira said. "It will make the program more reflective and meaningful, and generate definitive results."
Program sessions include the Financial Status of the American Family, the Comparison of American and Japanese Financial Behavior, Furthering Financial Literacy through Partnerships, and more. Participants will study steps in a financial counseling model and then apply the principles in a role-playing activity. The program also features a focus group activity to explore the financial behavior of the Japanese, and concludes with a certificate ceremony, farewell reception, and a final session to outline future steps.
The four prior programs Hira developed and implemented for the JCFA include Financial Counseling: Collaboration and Partnership with Non-profits and Government Agencies in 2002; Financial Counseling: A New Approach in 2001; Financial Counseling Skills in 1997; and Financial Counseling: A Tool for Creditors in 1996.
"The 10-year association between the Japan Consumer Finance Association and Iowa State University has been beneficial for both parties," said Nishimura. "Our work together continues to improve our financial counseling systems in Japan."
Hira is uniquely qualified to deliver financial education to the JCFA. Hira's research focus is on consumer bankruptcies, family financial decision making, and financial planning. She has conducted research in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, Japan, and New Zealand. Hira received a research excellence award in 1990 from the Japan Society of Household Economics. She has received many honors and awards for her work including the Japan Society of Household Economics Research Excellence Award. Her work has been cited in newspapers and magazines worldwide, including The Washington Post, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Wall Street Journal, The Christian Science Monitor, Modern Maturity, Money Magazine, The Otago Daily Times (New Zealand), Nippon Keizai Shinbun (Japan), and The Daily Telegraph (U.K.). Hira has appeared on National Public Radio, CNN News, CBS News, and the NBC "Today Show." Hira and ISU's work with the JCFA has contributed to the development of two financial counseling centers in Japan-- in Osaka and Tokyo.
For more information about the program contact Hira at (515) 294-2042 or tkhira@iastate.edu.
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