The Latest

New Poll Examines Consumer Trust in Financial Institutions Following Recent Bank Failures

New Poll Examines Consumer Trust in Financial Institutions Following Recent Bank Failures

This opinion poll captured exclusive, moment-in-time data on consumer trust in financial institutions and how those sentiments changed following a major, well-publicized crisis in the industry.

How Can Other Fields Help Improve the Impact of Financial Education?

How Can Other Fields Help Improve the Impact of Financial Education?

Different states have different requirements for financial education. Some are based on needs in the community, while others are based on what the legislature is willing to pass.

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Impact

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap: Our Exploration of Impact

By Amy Marty Conrad, Managing Director - Insights, NEFE

A frequent debate, both within and outside the financial well-being sector, is whether financial education “works.” Though, this is generally understood to mean whether financial education can make a measurable difference for those it is delivered to.

Financial Well-being in the Workplace: An Opportunity for Quality

Financial Well-being in the Workplace: An Opportunity for Quality

Organizations seeking to attract and retain top talent are turning to workplace wellness initiatives as a way to differentiate themselves.

Introducing Stephanie Cote – NEFE’s 2023 Visiting Scholar

Introducing Stephanie Cote – NEFE’s 2023 Visiting Scholar

Discover how NEFE's 2023 visiting scholar, Stephanie Cote, will explore financial education for Indigenous populations in a seven-part series.

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Quality

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Quality

By Dr. Beth Bean, Senior Vice President, Research and Impact

Read our exploration of what constitutes quality financial education and how it can be made more equitable and inclusive. Learn about culturally responsive education, effective legislation, and reducing complexity in this recap of our Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit.

Physical Health Meets Financial Health: Strategies for Improving Access to Financial Education

Physical Health Meets Financial Health: Strategies for Improving Access to Financial Education

By The NEFE Institute

School-based curriculum has been a successful entry point for widely introducing important financial education concepts, but access to this curriculum has not been available to many important demographics.

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Access

Financial Education Innovation & Impact Summit Recap:  Our Exploration of Access

By Raven Newberry, Managing Director, Policy and Advocacy

With less than half of states offering financial education in their public schools, millions of Americans do not have guaranteed access to this essential information.

New Advocacy Resource: Infographics on Financial Education’s Effectiveness

We have created three infographics detailing the findings of a joint meta-analysis with the FINRA Foundation to assist those advocating for effective financial education.

New Opinion Poll Explores Emotions Tied to Financial Well-Being

New Opinion Poll Explores Emotions Tied to Financial Well-Being

Through our first opinion poll of 2023, we explore the intersection between external markers of financial well-being and personal opinions of financial well-being.

In Context: Nonparticipation and Financial Trauma

By The NEFE Institute Team

Chloe McKenzie's research on nonparticipation and financial trauma interrogates and tests assumptions that are central to the financial well-being field.

Part Two: Limited and Nonparticipation by Design

Part Two: Limited and Nonparticipation by Design

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

When evaluating what financial trauma does to us, we must understand that limited or nonparticipation in the economy shows up in two distinct ways.

Part Three: Limited and Nonparticipation as a Trauma Response

Part Three: Limited and Nonparticipation as a Trauma Response

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

The wealth gap exists for a number of reasons, one of which is because of pervasive financial trauma.

Part One: The Myth of the Financial Personality Defect

Part One: The Myth of the Financial Personality Defect

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

The chroniclers and researchers of our financial positions and circumstances have left little space for financial trauma’s role in the evolution of the widening wealth gap.

NEFE Welcomes New Board Trustees

NEFE welcomes three new professional team members to its 17-member board for 2023, Christine D. Lovely, The Honorable Loretta Sanchez, and Bob Lewis. The NEFE Board named Richard Ketchum 2023 chair, Jason Young vice chair, Colleen Walker chair emeritus.

National Endowment for Financial Education Announces Strategic Partnership Pilot Program

We recently committed $2 million for strategic partnerships with the Appalachian College Association and the Colorado Community College System.

NEFE Names First Innovation Award & Impact Award Recipients

We named the first Innovation and Impact Award recipients at the inaugural Financial Education Innovation and Impact Summit.

Nationwide Opinion Poll Gauges Financial Decision-Making Confidence and Resources of U.S. Adults

Nationwide Opinion Poll Gauges Financial Decision-Making Confidence and Resources of U.S. Adults

We followed up on our recent opinion poll of U.S. adults on types of personal finance decisions made by then exploring the reasons behind the confidence of those decisions.

#FinCon2022: A Retrospective

The NEFE staff who attended this year ranged from experienced FinCon participants to newbies. Each of them had a different perspective on their key takeaways.

Confidence in Making Personal Financial Decisions

Confidence in Making Personal Financial Decisions

When polled, 83% of U.S. adults admitted to making at least one personal finance-related decision over the past year.

What We’re Reading: Can Social Capital Supplement Financial Education

A Brookings research report highlights social capital in relation to bonding versus bridging, families, mentors and peer networks.

Opportunity Leads to Participation, According to Recent Poll on Financial Education Access

Opportunity Leads to Participation, According to Recent Poll on Financial Education Access

NEFE has collected new data, further substantiating how individuals with financial education opportunities choose to take it in overwhelming numbers.

NEFE Announces Nearly $500,000 in New Grants

NEFE Announces Nearly $500,000 in New Grants

Our next grant cycle opens September 15th.

Not all Mandates are Created Equal: a 2022 Legislative Recap

By Emma Donahue, Manager, Policy and Advocacy

Our policy and advocacy team’s analysis of financial education bills and provisions from the most recent legislative session.

In Context: Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy

By The NEFE Institute Team

We will continue to push for nuanced approaches to financial education: those that situate peoples’ experiences of systemic racism and trauma in context, and those that integrate culturally sensitive teaching.

Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy

Understanding Racial Trauma's Impact on Financial Literacy

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

Personal finance programming likely does not capture the multi-layered texture of individual socioeconomic experiences and struggles.

Building (and Rebuilding) Trust in Higher Education: What Community Leaders Face

Building (and Rebuilding) Trust in Higher Education: What Community Leaders Face

By The NEFE Institute

Lack of experience, trust and access to reputable financial funding sources is one of the key issues our Focus on FinEd Podcast Series Addresses.

New Polling Shows How Race, Income Play a Role in Discriminatory Practices by the Financial Services Sector

New Polling Shows How Race, Income Play a Role in Discriminatory Practices by the Financial Services Sector

Of those who have experienced discrimination or bias, a significant number attribute the reason to their identity or personal circumstances.

How LGBTQIA+ Representation Assures Better Data

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)

Only when all individuals and families are provided a level playing field free of bias and discrimination will we truly be able to achieve economic stability.

Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ Respondents Say They’ve Experienced Discrimination, Bias in Financial Services

Nearly 1 in 3 LGBTQIA+ Respondents Say They’ve Experienced Discrimination, Bias in Financial Services

This is a summary of a survey of 1,050 U.S. adults who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community and their interactions with the financial services sector.

Podcast Episode Seven: Recap – A Conversation with Nan Morrison

The final episode in our podcast series – a discussion between Dr. Billy Hensley (NEFE) and Nan Morrison (CEE)

Building Momentum for K-12 Financial Education

Building Momentum for K-12 Financial Education

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

Legislative action, state support and access to trusted resources make a massive difference in leveling equitable financial education access for all students.

Poll: Most Adults Support Financial Education Mandates

Poll: Most Adults Support Financial Education Mandates

New Data Highlights Demand During Financial Capability Month

A Reflection on the Research Brief: Financial Education Matters

A Reflection on the Research Brief: Financial Education Matters

Testing the Effectiveness of Financial Education Across 76 Randomized Experiments

Podcast Episode Six: How can we Better Align Financial Education to Support the Values and Contexts of Diverse Communities?

This episode reflects on the importance of placing a diversity, equity and inclusion lens on financial education.

NEFE Announces Research Commitment with RAND Corporation

Announcing a grant partnership with the RAND Corporation to research Income Share Agreements (ISAs).

The Importance of State Legislation to Financial Education Access

The Importance of State Legislation to Financial Education Access

By Beth Bean, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Research and Impact, and Raven Newberry, Director, Policy and Advocacy

It is crucial that all students have access to financial quality education to equip them with the skills needed to navigate our increasingly complicated economic landscape.

What We’re Reading: Research Continues on Whether Financial Education is Effective

We partnered with FINRA and a renowned research team to highlight and amplify recently-published research that explores whether financial education programs affect financial knowledge and behaviors.

Podcast Episode Five: How to Better Support the Needs of Communities in Rural Areas

Host Raven Newberry interviews Chrystel Cornelius on how the conversations that happened during the policy convening event can evolve into logical next steps for communities to implement financial education.

Trauma after Trauma – Navigating Financial Anxiety in the Postpartum Period

Trauma after Trauma – Navigating Financial Anxiety in the Postpartum Period

By Chloe McKenzie, Founder, BlackFem, Inc.

Guest author and BlackFem founder Chloe B. McKenzie explores how financial trauma and financial shame can emerge for new mothers.

Introducing Chloe B. McKenzie – NEFE’s 2022 Visiting Scholar

Chloe McKenzie, NEFE’s 2022 visiting scholar, has dedicated her research to examining and reforming financial education, specifically advocating for equity among Black women and women of color.

Podcast Episode 4: What Research Says is Effective in Financial Education and How Best to Support that with Legislative Dollars

Host Raven Newberry interviews Massachusetts’ State Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Deputy Treasurer Alayna Van Tassel, who provide perspectives of policymakers, examples of initiatives they spearheaded in their state and the benefits of replicating them in other states.

NEFE Poll on Personal Finance Shows How Americans Ended 2021

NEFE Poll on Personal Finance Shows How Americans Ended 2021

New polling provides a snapshot of how U.S. adults viewed their financial quality of life at the end of 2021.

Podcast Episode 3: Alternative Approaches to Financial Education Mandates and Their Effectiveness

Host Raven Newberry interviews Heather Daly and Mike Bobbitt who provide methods, reasoning and examples for what kind of alternate programs can resonate in a community.

Podcast Episode 2: Financial Education’s Role in Equitable Access to Post-Secondary Education

Host Raven Newberry interviews Rachel Yanof as they discuss key takeaways and next steps from the policy convening topic: what role might financial education play in equitable access to postsecondary education and training?

Bankrate Names NEFE Best Financial Nonprofit in Social Honors

Bankrate Names NEFE Best Financial Nonprofit in Social Honors

NEFE named Best Financial Nonprofit for bringing financial awareness and education to the masses.

NEFE Updates Personal Finance Ecosystem With New Design; Focus on Inclusion

NEFE Updates Personal Finance Ecosystem With New Design; Focus on Inclusion

NEFE has updated its Personal Finance Ecosystem, a research-informed framework to help understand the many factors that comprise and influence an individual’s financial well-being.

NEFE's Hensley Appointed to Union College Board of Trustees

NEFE's Hensley Appointed to Union College Board of Trustees

Dr. Billy Hensley has joined his alma mater’s advisory group as an at-large member.

AFCPE Presents NEFE with 2021 Setting the Standard Award

AFCPE Presents NEFE with 2021 Setting the Standard Award

NEFE was recognized as the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education® 2021 “Setting the Standard” Award winner.

2 in 5 Americans Admit to Financial Infidelity Against Their Partner

2 in 5 Americans Admit to Financial Infidelity Against Their Partner

New survey analyzes financial infidelity among U.S. adults who report having ever combined finances in a relationship.

Request for Proposals – NEFE 30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference

Request for Proposals – NEFE 30th Anniversary Celebration and Conference

NEFE has issued a Request for Proposals for an event planner or production company to assist in planning NEFE’s 30th anniversary celebration and multi-day thought leadership conference in Denver in early Q4 of 2022.

NEFE Case Study: How Stanford University Embraced the Personal Finance Ecosystem

NEFE spoke with Stanford University’s Mind Over Money team about their work and using the Personal Finance Ecosystem to contextualize their efforts.

Americans Display Concern, Optimism in New Poll on Financial Well-Being

NEFE’s recent survey is the latest in a series spanning a 16-month period that overlaps the pandemic in the U.S.

RTDNA and NEFE Announce 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

RTDNA and NEFE Announce 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

NEFE congratulates the winners of the 2021 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.

What We’re Reading: A Review of the U.S. National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2020

NEFE’s summary and key takeaways from the Financial Literacy and Education Commission’s report

NEFE, Council For Economic Education Frame Key Financial Education Needs Through Extensive Policy-Focused Convenings

NEFE and the CEE have published summaries of a series of high-impact, policy-focused convenings with industry stakeholders, advocates, practitioners and policymakers.

NEFE Hits $5 Million Milestone in Research Grant Funding

NEFE Hits $5 Million Milestone in Research Grant Funding

The National Endowment for Financial Education has now awarded more than $5 million in research grand funding in support of financial education.

NEFE Retires Smart About Money, High School Financial Planning Program

NEFE has ended management of its financial education platforms to focus on new endeavors to support financial education.

NEFE, Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance Agreement will Continue CashCourse

NEFE, Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance Agreement will Continue CashCourse

NEFE donates the entire CashCourse platform, including intellectual property and resources, to HEFWA as part of a philanthropic effort.

NEFE Names New Senior VP of Research, Impact

NEFE Names New Senior VP of Research, Impact

NEFE welcomes Beth Bean, Ph.D., as senior vice president, research and impact. Bean will oversee the expansion and application of NEFE’s research, insights and engagement.

Collaboration Is Vital to Improve Financial Well-Being

Collaboration Is Vital to Improve Financial Well-Being

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

A true spirit of collaboration within the financial education community is necessary to unlock the doors to improved financial well-being for all Americans.

What We’re Reading: Working Paper Revisits Evidence on the Effectiveness of Financial Education

NEFE reflects on a working paper that quantifies the impact of financial education programs.

Majority of Americans Battered by Pandemic, Unsettled Economy

Majority of Americans Battered by Pandemic, Unsettled Economy

NEFE survey finds that nearly seven in 10 U.S. adults say they experienced unexpected financial setbacks in 2020.

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

The National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) welcomes three new members to its Board of Trustees for 2021.

RTDNA/NEFE Announce 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

RTDNA/NEFE Announce 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Award Winners

NEFE, in partnership with the RTDNA, announce the winners of the 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.

Survey Update: Over 4 in 5 Americans Still Experiencing COVID Related Financial Stress

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

According to a new survey over four in five Americans have experienced little to no relief on their financial stress since the initial outbreak of COVID-19.

NEFE Invests in Underserved Communities

NEFE Invests in Underserved Communities

NEFE is making a greater commitment to address structural and systemic racism and inequality by investing in several organizations that support underrepresented populations.

NEFE, AFCPE Partner to Support Diverse Communities

NEFE, AFCPE Partner to Support Diverse Communities

NEFE is launching an initiative through a partnership with the AFCPE to fully sponsor the training and credentialing of 100 new Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®), all of which will be people of color.

Racism, Bias and Economic Inequality Impair the Financial Well-Being of Millions

Racism, Bias and Economic Inequality Impair the Financial Well-Being of Millions

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

NEFE provides unrestricted operational grants to organizations focused on equity.

Listening, Reflection Is Key to Our Nation’s Healing

Listening, Reflection Is Key to Our Nation’s Healing

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

NEFE has always valued equity and inclusion, but is making a greater commitment to evolve by investing in communities of color and underserved populations.

The 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards is Now Open

The 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards is Now Open

The Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and NEFE are now accepting entries for the 2020 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.

With This Crisis Does Financial Literacy Even Matter?

With This Crisis Does Financial Literacy Even Matter?

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

Financial literacy matters more than ever, especially as the country moves forward in recovery.

Nearly 9 in 10 Say COVID-19 Crisis is Causing Financial Stress

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

According to a new survey released by NEFE, nearly nine in 10 (88 percent) Americans say the COVID-19 crisis is causing financial stress.

NEFE's Commitment and Short-term Changes in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

NEFE's Commitment and Short-term Changes in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

By NEFE

The National Endowment for Financial Education first and foremost prioritizes people and do not take this current situation lightly. In this global effort, we want to update you on our response and our actions as we continue to closely monitor COVID-19.

NEFE Partners with Knology on U.S. Financial Education Spending Database

NEFE Partners with Knology on U.S. Financial Education Spending Database

By NEFE

The National Endowment for Financial Education and Knology announce a collaboration to create a database of historical spending on financial education across all 50 states.

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

NEFE Welcomes New Board Members

By NEFE

NEFE announces two new members have joined its Board of Trustees who can provide diverse and unique insights and perspectives.

Majority of Americans Plan to Hone Financial Focus in 2020

By NEFE/The Harris Poll

NEFE's annual survey on consumer expectations, finds that three quarters of U.S. adults will make financial New Year’s resolutions for 2020 and that they may have anxiety over their ability to save money.

NEFE’s Hensley Speaks with Bigger Pockets Podcast on State of Financial Education

NEFE’s Hensley Speaks with Bigger Pockets Podcast on State of Financial Education

Billy Hensley, Ph.D., president and CEO of NEFE, joined Mindy Jensen of the Bigger Pockets Podcast for a thorough dialogue about NEFE’s vision for the future of financial education.

NEFE Welcomes New Managing Director Research

The National Endowment for Financial Education announces Jill Jones, Ph.D., has joined the organization as its new managing director of research.

NEFE Welcomes New VP External Affairs

The National Endowment for Financial Education announces Chris Shannon has joined the organization as its new vice president of external affairs.

Politics Hinders the Effectiveness of Financial Education

Politics Hinders the Effectiveness of Financial Education

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education

Billy Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO of NEFE writes about the role politics plays in the creation of financial education mandates.

RTDNA-NEFE Announce 2019 EPFR Award Winners

The National Endowment for Financial Education, in partnership with the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), proudly announce winners of the 2019 Excellence in Personal Finance Reporting Awards.

Study: College Debt by Degree | NEFE

Study: College Debt by Degree | NEFE

The National Endowment for Financial Education, in partnership with The Ohio State University, recently published a study examining types of debt held by individuals at age 30, uncovering several inequalities between two- and four-year degree holders.

Stop the Argument Asserting Financial Education Doesn't Work

By Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., President and CEO National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE)

Billy J. Hensley, Ph.D., NEFE president and CEO, pens rebuke to claims that financial education is futile.

Many Americans Satisfied with Tax Filing Outcome

Many Americans Satisfied with Tax Filing Outcome

By NEFE/Harris Poll

Significant changes to the federal tax law in 2019 led to speculation that many taxpayers would end up owing money unexpectedly. Read how a new poll finds that 2 in 5 Americans are happy with their results.

Common Income Shocks Disrupt Retirement Savings

New research finds that almost no one is safe from periods of lost income due to a health crisis, job loss or other life transitions during their working years.

CashCourse Names 2017 Financial Educator of the Year

CashCourse and the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) announce Paul Goebel, director of the Student Money Management Center at the University of North Texas, has been named the 2017 CashCourse Financial Educator of the Year.

Neiser Appointed to CFPB Advisory Board

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has announced the appointment of Brent Neiser, CFP®, senior director with the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) as one of six new consumer experts from outside the federal government to its Consumer Advisory Board.

Report: 1 in 5 U.S. Teens Lack Basic Financial Literacy Skills

Results by the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) show that one in five (22 percent) U.S. teenage students lack basic financial literacy skills.

How Do We Get Teens to Care About Financial Future?

How Do We Get Teens to Care About Financial Future?

A recent analysis on the financial proficiency of teenagers shows Americans are uniquely in peril as the U.S. is the only country demonstrating low financial literacy levels compounded with low retirement income replacement rates.

The Conversation Couples Should Have on Valentine's Day

It’s time to celebrate relationships, love and commitment—and it won’t be cheap. What often is overlooked when couples take time out to appreciate each other is dedicating a moment to discuss money and financial values.

Millennials Show Alarming Gap Between Financial Confidence and Knowledge

Millennials are overconfident and underprepared when it comes to managing their money, according to new research. They consider themselves far more knowledgeable financially than they actually are.

1 in 3 Say Financial Life is Worse Than They Expect it to Be

By Harris Poll

More than two thirds of adults will make a financial New Year’s resolution for 2017, a sign that Americans remain focused on their financial health as much as their physical health.

Americans Reflect on Election and Impact on Personal Finances

By GfK Custom Research

New Poll Sheds Light on Financial Concerns under New Administration.

Millennial-Age Parents Suffering Severe Financial Strain

Millennial-Age Parents Suffering Severe Financial Strain

By NEFE/Harris Poll

A new survey conducted by the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and Parents Magazine reveals two in five (41 percent) of millennial-age parents rate their financial health unsatisfactory, while another 40 percent say financial strain is putting stress on their relationship with their spouse/partner.

New Guide Helps with Financial Consequences of Disaster

To help people mitigate potential damages and lessen the financial blow of a disaster, the National Endowment for Financial Education® (NEFE®) has partnered with the American Red Cross and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to produce a new guide.

President's Financial Capability Council Completes Work, Issues Final Report

The President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability for Young Americans published its final report to the President and Secretary of the Treasury on ways to build the financial knowledge and skills of the nation’s young people. The report includes recommendations for government, individual commitments to action, and best practices for improving financial capability.

U.S. Teens Average in Financial Capability

An international financial literacy assessment finds American teenagers struggle to demonstrate competitive financial knowledge on the world stage. Among 18 participating countries and economies, the U.S. ranks between 8th and 12th place in financial aptitude.

Study Finds College Grads Confront Rocky Transition to Self-Sufficiency

Study Finds College Grads Confront Rocky Transition to Self-Sufficiency

The majority of young adults are struggling to achieve financial security in their transition from college to adulthood, according to the latest report from a longitudinal study co-sponsored by NEFE. Arizona Pathways to Life Success for University Students (APLUS), an investigation at the University of Arizona that follows young adults from their college years to the workforce, is discovering how this time of passage affects financial attitudes, behaviors and overall well-being.

Financial Disconnect Among Seniors

A survey by the National Endowment for Financial Education finds that many adults say there are major barriers preventing their families from openly communicating about who will make financial decisions on behalf of an aging family member if they become unable to.

NEFE Digest

Inside, you'll find an archive of the NEFE Digest. These publications highlight NEFE's role in sponsoring research and innovative thinking in the field of personal finance.

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