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As more and more finance apps fill the marketplace, consumers have the opportunity to be increasingly selective with their download choices. App availability is widely accessible to smartphone users, and many users are progressively feeling the need to keep a close tab on their finances when on-the-go, whether away from their home base, or simply in their daily routines between bank visits. When they make the decision to bring a financial app into their device, how do security concerns versus the convenience factor play out? A recent study by Experian explored these decision-making evaluations and the motivations behind them, finding that nearly half of consumers currently use financial apps to gain confidence and control over their financial welfare (46 percent). Four in five of those using apps felt more knowledgeable about their current financial situation since downloading. Respondents also cited secure login protocols and alerts as important features to help them maintain control of their information in the mobile space, whether accessing via smartphone or tablet. Among those with mobile devices (either a smartphone or a tablet), 60 percent currently use them to access their personal financial information in some way, with nearly half – 45 percent – also using the device to learn more about their personal finances or credit. Further, the interest for credit education is real: nearly two in three are interested in learning how to improve their credit. And 90 percent of respondents said that immediate access to apps made them feel more in control of their financial health. “When people know more about credit, that’s power – power to better understand credit and reach their financial goals,” said Guy Abramo, president of Experian Consumer Services. “Since April is National Financial Literacy Month, it’s the perfect reminder to learn more about something that affects our financial lives on a daily basis, namely credit,” continued Abramo. “The survey shows that when people engage with financial apps, including ours, they feel more confident about their financial situation.” The demand for information continues to be strong, especially among those beginning their credit journey: of respondents ages 18-34, at least three in four wanted to know how to improve their financial outlook and how to improve their credit. Check out the full survey: This article is provided for general guidance and information. It is not intended as, nor should it be construed to be, legal, financial or other professional advice. Please consult with your attorney or financial advisor to discuss any legal or financial issues involved with credit decisions.

Experian® has been named the “Organization of the Year” and presented with the Excellence in Financial Literacy Education (EIFLE) Award by the Institute For Financial Literacy during the Annual Conference on Financial Education in San Antonio. “Consumers are at the core of why we are in business. It is our responsibility to be the consumer champion, ensuring people are armed with the right tools and education to help them succeed,” said Craig Boundy, former chief executive officer, Experian North America. “It is a privilege to be among the winners of this prestigious award. Experian remains committed to the pursuit of financial literacy and using data for good to create insightful resources that help consumers take action in their financial lives.” The EIFLE Awards acknowledge innovation, dedication and the commitment of individuals and organizations that support financial literacy education worldwide. The Institute for Financial Literacy established the EIFLE Awards in 2007, and each year it continues to grow. This year’s competition was one of the most diverse, with nominations from around the world. “Experian’s passion and dedication to consumers is very clear through the work and services it provides, and I congratulate its advocacy and distinguished accomplishments,” said John Linfield, executive director of the Institute for Financial Literacy. “It is an honor to recognize those that care so deeply about financial literacy, and it is my sincere hope that through efforts like Experian’s, one day financial literacy education will be ubiquitous in our communities, schools and homes.” The foundation of Experian’s public education and grant programs is built on the principle of maximizing positive impact through strategic outreach and creating education materials at no cost for consumers and professionals who work with underserved audiences. Experian established the industry’s first dedicated consumer-education program more than 20 years ago and has supported the advancement of financial literacy through: Consumer education through Ask Experian, the first financial education advice column in credit reporting Weekly consumer engagement through the #CreditChat, a conversation about personal finance with a panel of experts via Twitter and YouTube Donations to consumers through gifts-in-kind and financial-literacy programs totaling 1 million dollars annually In addition, April is Financial Literacy Month and to support this year’s theme, “Light the Way for Financial Literacy,” Experian created a program with activities and education materials to help financial educators and consumers improve their understanding of credit principles and practices. Please visit the Experian News blog to learn more about activities and new resources launching throughout the month.

Are you in the dark with your finances? Take control this April during Financial Literacy Month and join Experian as we provide education and resources to help light the way to financial literacy. Experian is a long-time advocate for financial education and empowerment for consumers.  As a result, we are teaming with the Jump$tart Coalition® this month to encourage people to take time to think and talk about their own money matters.  We want to encourage people to take full advantage of all of the available resources designed to improve their financial literacy and well-being. “To make true progress in financial literacy, it takes an army of willing and relentless partners to come together for a shared goal of making a brighter financial future for consumers of all ages. From the very beginning, Experian has advocated and committed to be part of the journey to financial literacy.” – Laura Levine, president and CEO of the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy® To support this year’s initiative, Experian created a program with activities and education materials to help financial educators and consumers improve their understanding of credit principles and practices. Join in all month long for exciting activities created to help guide consumers on their financial journeys: Chat with the experts in the #CreditChat We are passionate about educating consumers all year round and that's why we host our Plutus award–winning #CreditChat on Twitter, accompanied with a Google+ hangout every Wednesday at 3 p.m. Eastern time.  Each week in April we will discuss hot topics in personal finance to help you become more financially capable. April 1: Ways to make Smarter Money Decisions with New York Times columnist Carl Richards and the Jump$tart Coalition. April 8: How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft featuring Experian’s public-education experts Rod Griffin and Becky Frost. April 15: How to Rebuild and Raise Your Credit Scores with Jeanne Kelly, journalist and nationally recognized voice in credit counseling. April 22: How to Get Financially Ready for College with Wells Fargo and reporter Liz Weston. April 29: Financial Inclusion: Ideas to Help the Underbanked with Operation Hope, the nation’s leading nonprofit social-investment-banking and financial-literacy-empowerment organization on a mission to eradicate poverty. Empowering financial education throughout the country On April 1, 2015, at the Annual Conference on Financial Education in San Antonio, Griffin will discuss the characteristics necessary to become a credit-score superstar and provide an update on credit reporting to financial professionals. Hosted by the National Consumers League on April 17–20, Experian — a longtime supporter — will be on the judging panel for the Lifesmarts competition championship in Seattle. Check out these consumer education resources Visit Experian’s help site for answers to common questions, advice and education about consumer credit. Consumers are welcome to ask their credit questions on our Facebook page at https://facebook.com/ExperianUS. Join the Credit & Finance Talk with Experian on its iHeart Radio show to get the inside scoop on how to live credit-confident with expert interviews, credit information and steps to protect your identity. Search the Jump$tart website for engaging resources available to help introduce children to personal finance. Turning insights into action is at the core of everything Experian does and why we have worked so diligently through our credit education program over the past 20 years — to be a champion for consumer financial literacy.