Deborah Dye Joyce, Registration Supervisor with the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Securities, will discuss personal finance topics with students at Four County Career Center, 22900 State Route 34, Archbold, on Wednesday, April 19. She will make seven presentations to junior and senior students throughout the day.

Governor Bob Taft has proclaimed April to be Saving and Investing Education Month in the State of Ohio. This observance month, which is part of a national investor education campaign, is designed to encourage consumers to save, invest wisely, and protect themselves against fraudulent schemes.

Ms. Dye Joyce will discuss the basics of personal finance, including the reasons that people invest and the factors to consider when selecting various investment options.

The personal finance presentations follow the release of a national survey that found that high school students received an average score of 52% on a 30-question quiz on personal finance issues. The survey -- sponsored by the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Finance Literacy – compares to a survey the coalition did three years ago when the average score was 57%.

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The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of Securities is responsible for protecting investors from unfair and fraudulent practices in the securities industry. The Division promotes an honest and fair securities market in Ohio where individuals and businesses can raise capital and investors can expect a fair return on their investment. Other Commerce divisions enforce regulations regarding industrial compliance, financial institutions, real estate, liquor, auctioneers, and unclaimed funds, among others. The department's Internet address is www.com.state.oh.us