In April the Fed announced a major redesign of its financial education Web site as a way to increase use of Federal Reserve educational materials and promote economic and financial education in the classroom.

Access to mainstream financial services is on the horizon for unbanked and underbanked consumers in Houston through Get Checking(TM), a national initiative sponsored by eFunds Corp. and the University of Wisconsin Extension.

When the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas updated its popular print publication, "Building Wealth: A Beginner's Guide to Securing Your Financial Future", it also produced a new animated, interactive CD-ROM version.

A unique partnership between Unity One Federal Credit Union and Fort Worth's Washington Heights Elementary School created a "Kids Bank" that encourages savings and teaches children valuable financial skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

Last fall, the Texas Department of Banking surveyed Texas banks to identify the financial education services and programs they offer. One hundred and fifty-four banks responded to the online survey.

Exceptionally high numbers of unbanked Houston residents are experiencing the advantages of having a bank account as the Bank on Houston program wraps up its second quarter of operation.