How South Carolinians Go From No Money to Know Money

January 13, 2015
Local Nonprofit Aims to Eradicate Financial Illiteracy in the Palmetto State
COLUMBIA, SC – Not unlike many millenials, 27-year-old Steven Hughes made every money mistake imaginable in his college days at Clemson University. From maxed out credit cards, car repossessions, and evictions, the Columbia native’s lacking financial foundation played out like a fiery nightmare.  But once he realized the damage that had been done, over the next five years, Hughes took every initiative to improve his money mindset and rebuild his financial future.
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Today, Hughes is Founder and Chief Financial Mentor at Know Money Inc., a nonprofit organization [recognized by the state] that exists to create money savvy youth and young adults in South Carolina. Since its launch in March 2014, Hughes has used Know Money to singlehandedly provide one-on-one financial mentoring, professional development, and life skills training to more than 250 youth, young professionals, and corporate and non-profit entities statewide.
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On January 10th, Hughes hosted the first event in Know Money’s The Green Room Series, a year-long initiative to spread financial literacy in South Carolina through community engagement, professional development seminars, and other interactive events. Nearly 50 attendees filled the room for the free financial seminar and vision board party called #BoardsAndBank, and three lucky guests walked away with $50 cash to open or build their emergency savings accounts. The event was presented with support from the Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College, and a number of other local start-up non-profits and businesses, to include: Project E.A.R.N., Business Diversity Development Partners, Bandwagon Fanclub, Haphazard Designs, Quench Natural Beauty Boutique, Sowing Seeds into the Midlands, and Pieces of Society.
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The next installment in The Green Room Series will take place in March 2015 and will focus on investment strategies for every income. For more information, please visit www.know-money.org or contact Steven Hughes at [email protected].
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