AICPA Launches 'Feed the Pig' Podcasts

Feed the Pig, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) public service campaign, this week launched a free podcast series to instruct 25- to 34-year-olds on how to take control of their finances.

The first podcast, "Managing Your Student Loans," is available now through Apple iTunes store: http://feedthepig.podomatic.com”.

The next four episodes include:

• Buying Your First Home
  
• Paying Down Debt vs. Saving for the Future
  
• Filing Your Taxes
  
• Compulsive Spending

A new podcast will be available every 10 days.

According to an AICPA-commissioned study, the median net worth of Americans 25 to 34 years of age is significantly lower than it was 20 years ago, despite increases in income: In 1985, it was $6,788; in 2004, it was $3,746. In addition, there is an increased willingness among Americans in this age group to acquire unsecured debt: The average level of debt in 1985 was $3,118, whereas in 2004, it climbed to $4,733.