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It’s graduation season! Congratulations to the class of 2026, whether you’re graduating from high school, college, graduate school or career training.
At Treasury, we also want to congratulate Oregon kindergarteners, who are graduating after their first year of school. We’re celebrating their accomplishment by giving their families a savings jumpstart toward their dreams.
I’m partnering with Dr. Charlene Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Education, to award a new “Kinder Grad” diploma to celebrate kindergarten graduations across Oregon. It’s free and downloadable, in English and Spanish. We hope every school joins us!
The diploma also explains how Treasury is providing kids a financial boost: Parents and guardians of kindergarteners receive a $100 bonus if they open an Embark account, which is Oregon’s official 529 plan and helps families to save for many education expenses. Also, families that already have accounts can receive an Oregon tax credit worth as much as $380 per year!
- Elizabeth Steiner, MD, Oregon State Treasurer
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One in every 17 Oregon adults is a problem gambler, according to a 2024 survey. That’s defined as gambling that causes negative physical, mental and financial impacts. In addition, one in every 33 Oregonians had urges that met the criteria for a clinical gambling disorder.
These troubling statistics could get worse, as more young adults blur the line between gambling and investing. Questions? Take a “Gambling Risk Quiz.”
Want help? The Oregon Health Authority offers statewide prevention programs and treatment services. Visit OPGR.org, or call 1-877-MY-LIMIT.
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Oregon law lets consumers guard their data privacy
Your data may be for sale – and you can stop it. Companies routinely collect and sell personal information about consumers’ behavior. Under Oregon law, you can obtain a list of that data and “opt out,” which forbids businesses from your using personal information.
Oregon nonprofit launches Indigenous-focused curriculum
Oregon-based Financial Beginnings has launched a new education program that gives Indigenousand stability for themselves, their families and their communities.
Free help for teachers: Prep for Oregon’s new personal finance classes
Oregon’s new personal finance course requirement for high schoolers begins in the 2026-27 academic year. Teachers have options and tools to prepare, including free workshops and sample lesson plans submitted to the Oregon Department of Education.
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Oregon Financial Empowerment Roundup
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Personal finance students who perform noteworthy service can join a new national honor society through the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy.
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