I wrote my Sunday column on the creative ways that kids are learning about money at school. From bankers in the classroom to a touring theater troupe that teaches about savings, kids are gaining money know-how in entertaining ways, especially during Financial Literacy Month.

One challenge of teaching money at a young age is retention. It's tough to care about things that don't directly affect us.

"Financial education is best and has the most impact when it's timely and relevant," said Cathy Solheim, a University of Minnesota professor who teaches financial education to college kids.

That's why programs such as the Financial Opportunity Centers are so important. The centers provide everything from career help to financial advice to debt management in five locations in St. Paul and Minneapolis. The centers are funded by in part by the Twin Cities Local Initiatives Support Corporation, a community development nonprofit.

Last week, the group celebrated a $705,000 grant awarded for the Financial Opportunity Centers from the federal Social Innovation Fund, a new program that matches every federal dollar with private funds to help improve the economic stability of low income families.

This is just one of the many examples of nonprofits in the community trying to give adults the knowledge needed to make smart choices about taking out a home loan, paying down credit, creating a household budget and weighing the costs of various services.

Banks and credit unions also offer several resources - both online and in person - to improve financial skills.

For information about the centers, visit LISC or call 651-649-1109.