Sound Choices and Teens ... Like Oil and Water?

New York, NY (PRWeb) December 27, 2006 -- "Absolutely not!" says Robert Duvall, President and CEO of the National Council on Economic Education (NCEE, www.ncee.net). "Provided information that is compelling, appealing and teen-friendly, teenagers can be equipped with the vital real-life skills that will help them make smart choices and ultimately succeed in today's ever-more-complex and challenging world."

As the national public discussion on teens and their lack of financial literacy and understanding grows ever more intense, the NCEE, in partnership with The Allstate Foundation, has produced a vital, innovative and entertaining new DVD, "Risky Business: What Every Teenager Needs to Know about Living Smart," aimed at 16-19-year-olds and their parents (http://riskybusiness.ncee.net).

The "Risky Business" video series, produced in English and Spanish on one comprehensive DVD, shows teenagers how sound decision-making can empower people and provide greater opportunities for success, financial freedom and overall well-being. This comprehensive educational package includes videos that show students how making well-informed decisions can help young people build a financially successful and more satisfying life.

"In this age of complex financial issues, we all agree it is critical for young people to know how to manage risk and make wise financial choices," says Duvall. "It is important to create a teaching tool that presents information in a style that resonates with teens and to which they will respond. We feel we have done that with 'Risky Business: What Every Teenager Needs to Know about Living Smart.'"

Each of the four 15-20 minute video segments introduces major principles of risk and personal finance decision-making in an entertaining, accessible and academically appropriate manner. Each video segment is accompanied by three lessons designed to help teach the content covered by that video. Topics such as investing in oneself, getting a good education and using credit wisely, are just a few of the relevant issues covered.

"In order to position themselves for success as adults, today's teens truly must master the fundamentals of financial literacy, technological proficiency and basic life skills," said Jan Epstein, Executive Director of The Allstate Foundation. "We believe this program will motivate teens about the importance of making smart choices, and help them get on the right track to financial and personal independence."

For more information on the "Risky Business" video series, visit http://riskybusiness.ncee.net. If you are a member of the media and would like to view the "Risky Business" DVD, please contact Naheed Elyasi by e-mail.

The NCEE (www.ncee.net) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to improving economic and financial literacy. Both directly and through its unique nationwide network of state Councils and more than 200 university based Centers for Economic Education, NCEE's programs reach more than 150,000 K-12 teachers and over 15 million students in more than 70,000 schools each year.

Established in 1952, The Allstate Foundation is an independent, charitable organization made possible by subsidiaries of The Allstate Corporation. The Allstate Foundation sponsors community initiatives to promote "safe and vital communities"; "tolerance, inclusion, and diversity"; and "economic empowerment." The Allstate Foundation believes in the financial potential of every individual and in helping America's families achieve their American dream. For additional information, visit www.allstate.com/community.

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