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Family finance expert to discuss how marketers target children

Amy Gage
September 27, 2003

A 1987 graduate of St. Olaf College, Nathan Dungan grew up with what he calls the "share, save, spend" philosophy -- the idea that any person, or household, should think about philanthropy and prudence first, before going out shopping. Dungan's new book, Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child's ATM, has drawn attention from CBS News, Time magazine, Business Week, the Star Tribune and other media for its hard-hitting -- and potentially unpopular -- message. America's young people have become obsessed with money and status, Dungan says, and marketers are playing into children's greed.

Dungan will be on campus during Homecoming and Family Weekend to discuss his book, the reaction to it and what parents can do to keep their children grounded and grateful for what they have. He will speak on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 9:30 a.m. in the Viking Theater of Buntrock Commons. The public is invited. Dungan's web site has more information on the "share-save-spend" philosophy.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.