MIAMI LAKES, FL --  Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry and BankUnited, a proud corporate partner of the Miami Dolphins, are teaming up to promote the 4 Downs for Finance financial literacy contest for high school students, designed to foster financial literacy at an age when many students are beginning to earn their first paychecks.

Elicia Rolle pictured with BankUnited State President of Florida Thomas M. Cornish and Miami Dolphins Wide Receiver Jarvis Landry.

Full-time Florida students ages 13 to 18 are encouraged to register online at www.4downsforfinance.com now through December 20th to access age-appropriate money tips throughout the football season, and submit an essay on a financial literacy topic. Everyone who enters will have a chance to win a football autographed by Landry and have his or her name read live on the radio during a game broadcast. One student will win a $1,000 cash prize and a visit with Landry.

“BankUnited is honored to partner with Jarvis and the Miami Dolphins to promote the importance of learning about money from an early age,” said BankUnited State President of Florida Thomas M. Cornish. “Jarvis has worked incredibly hard for everything he has accomplished both on and off the field, and his story of perseverance will inspire fans and young people everywhere.”

Landry surprised students at Nova High School and engaged them in lessons and games to introduce the importance of financial literacy. He shared personal stories of how growing up in Louisiana influenced his outlook on budgeting and saving, and conveyed helpful money tips:

• Earn money by getting a part-time job or helping mom and dad around the house.
• Make a budget; spend less than you earn and make sure there is enough left over to cover unexpected expenses.
• 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.

For more money tips or to register for 4 Downs for Finance please visit www.4downsforfinance.com.