Campobasso

19-20 March 2024

Institutions protect us from scams and other threats to our money and teach us how to manage money correctly. 'We are not alone' is the message of the second stage of 'On the Road' 2024, which took place on 19 and 20 March in Campobasso. The themes were the protection of bank and financial customers, and financial education, meaning the spread of knowledge on how to manage money prudently and appropriately for our needs. In addition to Banca d'Italia, the main event featured contributions from the Guardia di Finanza (Italy's financial police force), the Prefecture, the University of Campobasso and the Regional Office for Education in Molise.

The Guardia di Finanza protects us and the State from fraud, also by acting in advance. 'It is always good to try to prevent things', said Luigi Migliozzi, Head of the Regional Command of Molise of the Guardia di Finanza, during his talk. However, the security of our money also depends on how much we know about managing it. 'A person without skills is vulnerable', said Michela Lattarulo, Prefect of Campobasso. The Prefecture collaborates with Banca d'Italia on a financial education project for migrants.

Institutions must also respond to a demand for financial education that is greater than in the past. Financial literacy 'used to be the domain of a few, mostly men aged 35 and over', said Luca Brunese, Rector of the University of Molise. 'Today, there is much more interest. And the network of institutions works'. In schools in the region, financial education is currently part of the last three years of high school; however, 'we should think about starting financial education in early childhood', said Maria Chimisso, Director of the Regional Office for Education in Molise.

Banca d'Italia protects bank customers and has a dedicated department that provides financial education. According to Magda Bianco, Head of the Directorate General, the goal of all the institutions involved in the event is to increase people's well-being; an intermediate goal is economic and financial inclusion, meaning 'allowing everyone to truly participate in the financial system and benefit from it'.

Banca d'Italia also has a financial education project for the inclusion of the poorest and most marginalized people, called 'You and Economics'. This was also presented in Molise, the day before the main event, at the Bank's Campobasso office. In the morning, the office opened its doors to people and gave guided tours, explaining the Bank's functions and the services it offers; visitors also had the opportunity to participate in workshops on banknotes, cybersecurity and the services provided to the public.