MARLBORO – Department of Banking and Insurance Acting Commissioner Ken Kobylowski spoke to Marlboro High School juniors and seniors about such things as careful usage of social media, saving and budgeting and prudent credit card spending as part of the Department's Financial Literacy program on May 7. The Acting Commissioner told students to save by paying themselves first every month and to leave room in their budget for the unexpected. He also warned students that college admission offices and potential employers will check what they post to social media sites. "Take these studies seriously. They will affect your future," Kobylowski said. Following the presentation, the Acting Commissioner took questions from students and staff about DOBI's role in government, online banking and how to build a strong credit history. Acting Commissioner Kobylowski was introduced by senior Matthew Herling, a leader of the school’s Business Administration Learning Center. This center offers a four-year program of study to a limited number of academically motivated students who wish to develop their interests in the areas of business and management. The program is focused through the study of targeted courses, which include finance, management, economics, law, and computer technology. Classroom activities are regularly augmented by guest lectures, field experiences, and close affiliations with business and industry.

Since 2006, DOBI and its partners have reached thousands of students in public high schools in all 21 counties with Financial Literacy programs. In addition, a new financial literacy high school graduation requirement began in New Jersey last year with the 2010-2011 ninth grade class. All students will take at least 2.5-credits in financial, economic, business and entrepreneurial literacy. By graduation, students will demonstrate an understanding about how the economy works and their own role in the economy and develop the necessary skills to effectively manage personal finances.

Pictured above (from left): Acting Commissioner Ken Kobylowski addresses students at Marlboro High School; Principal Shaun Boylon, senior Matthew Herling, Acting Commissioner Kobylowski, Freehold Regional High School District Superintendent Charles Sampson and Social Studies Supervisor Shanna Howell.