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Published: September 16 2014

BankUnited, proud corporate partner of the Miami Dolphins, again teams up with wide receiver Brian Hartline to promote financial literacy to teens with 4 Downs for Finance, which kicked off its third season when the Miami Dolphins hosted the New England Patriots in their first regular season game on September 7 at Sun Life Stadium.

Florida students ages 13 to 18 can register online at www.4downsforfinance.com to access age-appropriate money tips and submit an essay telling why they think saving is important. Everyone who enters will have a chance to win a football autographed by Hartline and have his or her name read live on the radio during a game broadcast. One lucky student will win a $1,000 cash prize and a visit with Hartline.

“In the last two years, 4 Downs for Finance has reached hundreds of South Florida students with an important financial literacy message,” said John Kanas, BankUnited chairman, president and CEO.  “As someone who recognized the importance of good spending and saving habits from an early age, Brian is an ideal role model to help us cultivate the next generation of money-smart adults.”

Hartline has an entrepreneurial spirit and has used financial literacy tips off the field to his benefit. The wide receiver owns and operates a Smart Stop convenience store and Smart Stop Valero in Columbus, Ohio, and applies the financial literacy practices he has learned to his businesses.

As part of 4 Downs for Finance, Hartline shares money tips with youth such as:

• Earn money by getting a part-time job or helping mom and dad around the house.
• Save part of what you earn, at least 10 percent.
• Save a portion of monetary gifts you receive for holidays and birthday gifts, at least 10 percent.
• Set a savings goal.  Be ambitious enough that you have to work for it but realistic enough that the goal is achievable.
• Make a budget and track your expenses to understand where your money is going.

Winners will be announced during each remaining game-day radio broadcast throughout the regular football season. The grand prize winner will be announced after the conclusion of the season.  For more money tips or to register for 4 Downs for Finance please visit www.4downsforfinance.com.