Get ready for Get Smart About Credit Day.

It's time to start planning for the ABA Education Foundation's annual Get Smart About Credit Day on Oct. 18.

Get Smart About Credit Day focuses on financial education--and credit management in particular--for teens and young adults. Participating banks send members of their

Credit is a fact of life for most Americans. It helps consumers realize dreams such as purchasing a home or financing a college education. Credit can also provide a much-needed hand in an emergency.

However, it's important for consumers to understand that the choices they make about how to use their first credit card, or handle their first loan, can affect their lives. As a banker, you know how a positive payment history can help your customers achieve their dreams, whereas a poor credit report can close doors to mortgages, financing a business, and even getting a job.

That's where the ABA Education Foundation's Get Smart About Credit Program comes in. The foundation provides ready-made resources to help bankers educate their customers about the proper use of credit, including an eLearning Program that makes it easier to reach out to those who need education and information.

To learn more about Get Smart About Credit Day and the ABA Education Foundation's programs, go to aba.com and dick on "Consumer Connection" or call the foundation at 1-800-BANKERS.