TEEN SPENDING POISED TO BREAK THE BANK

For Immediate Release
Citigroup (NYSE) symbol: (C) Contact: Jennifer McCarthy, Do Something, 212-827-3760
March 24, 2006 Luis Rosero, Citigroup, 212-559-2455

TEEN SPENDING POISED TO BREAK THE BANK
Do Something responds with cool Financial Education Challenge

Nationwide – Did you know that teens spent $159 billion last year? And nearly half believe they'll spend even more in 2006.

It’s time teens learn as much about saving as spending!

Do Something, a national youth organization that makes community service cool for kids, is kick-starting the dialogue. It will challenge teens to take responsibility for their spending habits with the third-annual Financial Education Challenge, launching April 1st. The challenge is supported by a $167,000 grant from the Citigroup Foundation.

Supported by the Citigroup Foundation, this month-long challenge features an online, interactive game designed to help middle and high school students learn how to take control of their personal finances in preparation for the real world.

When players sign up at www.dosomething.org, they receive an imaginary bank account, choose a career, make lifestyle choices and select a financial goal. The program then adds new layers of “real life” circumstances, such as surprise career opportunities, donating to a disaster cause or tempting “splurge” items. The game helps players make decisions to reach their goal by teaching different ways to save, invest and spend while keeping a financial plan in mind.

“No matter your age, understanding how to save and spend wisely is incredibly important,” said Dara Duguay, Director of Citigroup's Office of Financial Education. “Citigroup is pleased to join Do Something in helping teach thousands of young people how to prepare for a positive financial future.”

“More than 25,000 students participated in our Financial Education Challenge last year,” said Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something. “We’re looking forward to having even more teens sign up this year so that they’ll learn to better utilize their spending power.”

Teachers can facilitate the Financial Education Challenge in school by downloading free ten-day lesson plans at www.dosomething.org. Since 2004, over 4,000 teachers have downloaded the curricula. In the past, 90 percent reported that students gained a greater understanding of the importance of saving.


*Source: The TRU Study, 12/2005

The Citigroup Financial Education Program is a global, company-wide effort to identify, support and implement initiatives that help give individuals, families and communities the tools needed to make sound financial decisions. Citigroup’s 10-year, $200 million global financial education commitment is focused in three areas: Personal Financial Education, Small Business Financial Education, and Institutional Financial Education. Additional information about Citigroup’s Financial Education Program, including Foundation guidelines, links and resources, including the Citigroup Financial Education Program Curriculum and Facilitator’s Guide may be found at: financialeducation.citigroup.com.

Citigroup (NYSE: C), the leading global financial services company has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citigroup's trademark red umbrella include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com

Do Something, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, inspires, supports and celebrates young people changing our world. Do Something was founded in 1993 by Andrew Shue (Melrose Place) and Michael Sanchez, childhood friends from New Jersey who wanted to support and inspire young people to make a difference in their communities. The non-profit organization is a premier provider of youth-led leadership and citizenship initiatives, providing kids with the inspiration, information, and opportunity to do something to make a difference. For more information about Do Something visit www.dosomething.org.



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