DSEF Supports National Consumer Protection Week March 2-8, 2008
Welcome! You have reached the Direct Selling Education Foundation website in support of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s National Consumer Protection Week, taking place March 2 – 8, 2008.
DSEF, a non-profit organization, is joining numerous government agencies and national consumer groups in promoting this year’s theme, Financial Literacy: A Sound Investment, to help consumers build a firm financial foundation by making informed decisions about their personal and business finances.
Our hope at DSEF for National Consumer Protection Week and beyond is for consumers to make informed decisions about their personal finances, understand their options in the financial marketplace, enhance their money management skills, avoid scams and frauds, develop good financial habits, and protect their financial information in the home and over the Internet.
Our Consumer Partner Showcase has a number of original articles by leading experts on some of the most pressing consumer issues, including the sub-prime mortgage crisis, foreclosures, identity theft and family financial issues relating to job loss, retirement and investing in uncertain times. Here, you also will find information about DSEF sponsored materials on pyramid schemes and identity theft.
A key goal of the 2008 National Consumer Protection Week is to encourage consumers to take the steps necessary to build a solid financial foundation. This page highlights some of the outstanding financial literacy programs available nationwide for individuals, parents, and students. You will find programs and activities on topics that include debt management, money management for youth, credit, identity theft awareness, E-banking, budgeting and savings.
DSEF extends its appreciation to the organizations listed for allowing us to link to their websites.
Our Company Showcase includes messages of support and activities for the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week from members of the Direct Selling Association, representing 15.2 million independent business owners involved in person-to-person selling businesses, while highlighting a number of financial programs offered by our companies.
“As Chair of the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, I am committed to advancing consumer rights, ethical leadership and individual economic empowerment. When I founded The Pampered Chef in 1980, one of my goals was to provide opportunities for other woman and men to achieve their dreams, including financial freedom and independence. The Pampered Chef is honored to partner with the DSEF for National Consumer Protection Week, and we hope that our customers, Consultants and coworkers will take advantage of the education and resources available to further their financial literacy and security.”
Doris Christopher, Founder and Chairman
The Pampered Chef
Chairman, DSEF Board of Directors
“The National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), and in particular this year’s focus on financial literacy, is important and worthy of support. Check out DSEF”s special Web site for NCPW that contains great information and resources.”
Greg W. Marshall, Ph.D.
Rollins College
DSEF Academic Board Member
“As a board member for the Direct Selling Education Foundation and an executive for one of the leaders in the direct selling industry, I am happy to support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week in its efforts to stress the importance of financial literacy.
This is an area of increasing importance in the United States as more than 1.5 million families filed for personal bankruptcy last year. Surveys reveal that only 45% of teens know how to use a credit card while just 26% understand credit-card interest and fees. That may explain the financial issues that emerge later in life. Currently, the average household carries approximately $10,000 to $12,000 in total revolving debt and has nine credit cards.
The problems are real, and ACN supports every effort to educate consumers on becoming financially responsible. As a company, ACN encourages readers to take advantage of the resources on the Foundation’s NCPW website to educate their employees, customers and family members. Together, we can make a difference.”
David Merriman, Executive Vice President
ACN Inc.
DSEF Board Member
“As president of USANA Health Sciences and as a member of the Direct Selling Education Association’s board, I believe in empowering people to protect both their physical and financial health. That is why I am so pleased to join the DSEA in support of the 2008 National Consumer Protection Week, which encourages people to become more knowledgeable about the financial transactions they make every day. I encourage you to use the resources on this site to improve your financial skillsfrom safer online shopping to smarter investing. With accurate information and sound financial habits, you have the power to make better decisions about your finances and, ultimately, your future.”
Dave Wentz, President
USANA Health Sciences
DSEF Board Member
“The Kirby Company is proud to support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week on financial literacy, slated for the week of March 3, 2008. The Direct Selling Education Foundation (DSEF) devotes its own resources to educate people on a multitude of issues, including but not limited to family financial issues, frauds, scams, and credit issues to name just a few. Join us in promoting DSEF’s efforts to help educate the American public to a brighter financial future.”
Mr. Robert G. Shumay, Vice President, Consumer & Public Relations
The Kirby Company
DSEF Board Member
“As a DSEF Board member, I support the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week and their focus on financial literacy. Consumer education in general and financial literacy in particular are essential components of a healthy economic system that contributes to the well being of individuals, families and communities. Furthermore, financial literacy provides for a more balanced relationship between businesses and consumers. I encourage readers to consult the resources available on the DSEF’s NCPW website. The information provided there can be useful for teachers and their students as well as individual consumers in their roles as employees or customers.”
Dr. Maria E. Canabal, Chair, Department of Family & Consumer Sciences
Texas State University San Marcos
DSEF Board Member
“As a DSEF board member, I am excited about the FTC focusing on financial literacy during National Consumer Protection Week. I would encourage everyone to take a good look at the resources provided in DSEF’s NCPW website.”
Mr. Robert Henry, Chairman and CEO
Arbonne International
DSEF Board Member
“For nearly 150 years, the mission of The Southwestern Company has been to help young people develop the skills and character they need to achieve their goals in life. This development process includes the importance of financial literacy. We whole-heartedly support the Direct Selling Educational Foundation and the Federal Trade Commission in their efforts to educate consumers during National Consumer Protection Week and throughout the rest of the year.
As a member of the Direct Selling Education Foundation Board of Directors, it is exciting to help spread the word about this crucially important initiative. The resources on DSEF’s National Consumer Protection Week website span a wide array of audiences, from customers and employees to family and friends. Take advantage of it!”
Mr. Daniel W. Moore, President
The Southwestern Company
DSEF Board Member
“Regal Ware Worldwide is pleased to join DSEF in support of National Consumer Protection Week. Building on our founding principles of integrity, dedication, performance, and pride, we continue to encourage consumers to use the tools available through DSEF’s website to aid in making informed decisions and understanding their options in the financial marketplace.”
Jeffrey Reigle, President & CEO
Regal Ware Worldwide
DSEF Board Member
“Mary Kay Inc. understands the impact that educational tools can have in the lives of consumers and business owners alike. We join with DSEF to commend the FTC for its focus on financial literacy during National Consumer Protection Week. Timely programs such as this benefit all of our companies and every stakeholder we represent.”
Michael Lunceford, Senior Vice President
Mary Kay Inc.
DSEF Board Member
“National Consumer Protection Week grows in importance and effectiveness when business and industry joins hands with government consumer agencies and advocates. By contributing their ideas, talents and resources, the corporate world ensures that many more consumers across the country can learn about the importance of being a smart consumer. Educated consumers make smarter choices, and that’s good for legitimate businesses.
What’s more important than celebrating just one week out of the year is the Direct Selling Education Foundation’s total commitment to the improvement of consumer education on a daily basis. DSEF has distinguished itself as a loyal supporter of efforts to improve consumer education on so many fronts: colleges and schools, government consumer agencies, and international efforts.”
Elizabeth Owen, Executive Director
National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators
DSEF Board Member
DSEF is pleased to provide a link to the FTC’s National Consumer Protection Week’s Outreach Toolkit. The Toolkit includes banners, buttons, sample documents, and other tools to promote National Consumer Protection Week.
