North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions · ND
Litchfield-Marion LifeSmarts “Money Hounds” earn third place at 2026 national championship
January 1, 2026
Summary
This document serves as a press release announcing the third-place achievement of the Litchfield-Marion LifeSmarts team at a national competition. It confirms the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions' ongoing commitment to supporting youth financial literacy programs.
Pictured from left to right are Money Hounds team members Dakota Severance, Charlie Enger,
Kaitlyn Severance, Andrian Danilov and Gracie Enger. Photo Credit: National Consumer League
BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions (NDDFI) is proud to announce that the Litchfield‑Marion LifeSmarts “Money Hounds” team secured third place at the 2026 National LifeSmarts Championship, held last week in Orlando, Florida. Competing against the best teams from across the nation, the Money Hounds demonstrated exceptional skill, persistence, and teamwork.
The Money Hounds previously placed second at the 2025 national competition, continuing a strong pattern of success at the national level.
Coached by Dave Handt and Jaydan Andrud, the team included Team Captain Charlie Enger, Andrian Danilov, Dakota Severance, Kaitlyn Severance, and Gracie Enger. Their strong performance continues a tradition of excellence for the Litchfield‑Marion program.
“We are very proud of our students, their 3rd place finish this year and the manner in which they represented North Dakota,” said Coach Dave Handt. “The experience was amazing, and the program equips the students for real life awesomeness!”
The 2026 LifeSmarts National Championship featured 46 teams from across the nation. LifeSmarts, a program of the National Consumers League (NCL), equips teens with real‑world knowledge and skills to navigate today’s complex global marketplace.
“LifeSmarts builds confident, informed young consumers, and the Money Hounds are a remarkable example of that mission in action,” said North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Lise Kruse. “Their achievement reflects not just talent, but teamwork and perseverance. We are thrilled to see North Dakota students excel at this level, and we congratulate the team, their coaches, and their community on this outstanding accomplishment.”
NDDFI hosts the annual statewide North Dakota LifeSmarts competition. LifeSmarts supports North Dakota’s commitment to improving financial literacy among youth, complementing ongoing statewide efforts to prepare students for college, careers, and independent adulthood.
For more information about LifeSmarts, visit LifeSmarts.org.
All middle and high schools in North Dakota are invited to participate in LifeSmarts. Educators interested in starting a LifeSmarts team can learn more by contacting the NDDFI at dfi@nd.gov
###
CONTACT:
Jennifer Skjod, Communications Director | 701-328-7681 | jeskjod@nd.gov
Source: https://www.nd.gov/dfi/news-and-publications/press-releases
Common questions
- What does "Litchfield-Marion LifeSmarts “Money Hounds” earn third place at 2026 national championship" cover?
- This document serves as a press release announcing the third-place achievement of the Litchfield-Marion LifeSmarts team at a national competition. It…
- Which agency issued this update?
- This update was issued by North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions.
- When was it published?
- It was published on January 1, 2026.