Chepenik Presents 4.01K Race for Financial Fitness, Today

For years Jason Chepenik, managing partner of Chepenik Financial, has known that there is a correlation between financial health and physical health. Money and finances are one of the top causes of stress, which ultimately affects ones wellness, not to mention adding to absenteeism, increased insurance costs and more.

And while there's been an increasing emphasis on wellness and physical fitness in schools and in the workplace, there's been little to no education on financial wellness.

To get ahead of these issues, Chepenik created a run called the 4.01K Race for Financial Fitness. Now in its 2nd year, the 4.01K race has grown throughout the state of Florida and to Minnesota, raising money for the local offices of Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization that provides financial literacy education to students in grades K-12.

The race will be held on April 1st (4/1), starting at 4:01 with a length of 4.01 kilometers.

"We really wanted to get behind this idea of gathering around 4/01 as an industry - celebrating 4/01, advocating for financial literacy and for health and wellness, which is something the industry has been rallying behind for a while now," said Chepenik.

The goal is to put a focus on health and financial planning, and raise money for Junior Achievement. The local JA organizations are a key piece in this initiative because they provide early education on saving, planning and investing.

"We can't emphasize enough how important it is for students, even the little ones in elementary school and especially those older students as they get closer to making financial decisions that affect their entire lives." The skills they gain now have significant impact on them as they become adults," said Kathy Panter, President of Junior Achievement of Central Florida.

"The root cause of the American financial crisis is financial illiteracy, and it starts young," agrees Chepenik. "Kids get credit cards before high school, come out of college with debt and they don't know how to make good decisions. We never teach about saving for the future. So, our goal is to fund these Junior Achievement programs and help kids from a very early age learn how to save and plan and make good financial decisions."

To-date the 4.01K Race for Financial Fitness has been a success and continues to grow. So far they've tripled the dollars raised last year, with more than $120,000 in sponsorships, donations and race sign-ups, and still a month to go.

The race is being held throughout Central Florida, and in South Florida and Minnesota.

"We're very excited that local Minnesota investment firm Channel Financial has taken over the race in Minneapolis," said Chepenik. "Our plan is to be in 10 states next year and continue to grow nationally."

All race proceeds go to the local Junior Achievement organization. Race sponsors include Nationwide, Securian, Mass Mutual and Florida Hospital. For more information go to http://www.401krace.com.

What: 4.01K Race for Financial Fitness, a road-race to raise awareness for health and financial fitness and funds for the local Junior Achievement chapters. In addition to the race, there will be live music, food, drinks and more.

Where:

• Central Florida: Baldwin Park
• Daytona: 1000 Champions Dr.
• Kissimmee: 1800 Denn John Lane
• South Florida: Dreher Park, West Palm Beach
• Minnesota: SE 3rd Ave and Main St SE, Minneapolis

When:
April 1st, 2016
Registration Begins at: 4:01 P.M

About Chepenik Financial
Since 1973, this family-owned financial services firm has been helping clients develop the resources they need to live healthier, happier, more fulfilling lives. Chepenik Financial offers corporate retirement plans, health and wellness plans, and wealth management services for individuals, companies and nonprofit organizations. Securities are offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through Resources Investment Advisors, Inc. a registered investment advisor. Chepenik Financial and Resources Investment Advisors, Inc. are separate entities from LPL Financial http://www.chepenikfinancial.com.

About Junior Achievement of Central Florida (JA)
Junior Achievement of Central Florida (JA) empowers young people to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices. Through volunteer-delivered K-12 programs, JA prepares all graduating students in Central Florida to be financially literate; grounded in free enterprise, leadership and entrepreneurial principles; and ready for the workforce.