From Kathleen Brennan from Mount Saint Mary Academy in Watchung, NJ:

“I also want to let you know that Next Gen Personal Finance really has become my go-to source.  My class has just finished the lesson on savings.  I love to use case studies (hear Kathleen’s tips on implementing case studies). My students had great fun with the Save Me! Case study and had interesting recommendations for Juan Carlos.  I love the integration of the Excel spreadsheet into the lesson.  As part of the Savings Unit, I also assigned the Savings Account Analysis as a group project.  The groups handed in their work today, and at first glance, they all did a great job.  My next unit is Investing— I’m looking forward to it.

 I’m not sure whether I mentioned it to you before, but I love the cross-curricular aspect of the curriculum.  Although my class is technically a math class, I’m really enjoying the ability to infuse writing, public speaking, marketing, technology, and other critical thinking features into the class.  I also love the fact that the material is so easy to access.  I must admit that I haven’t transferred my course into the Gooru environment just yet, but that will come.”

Thank you Kathleen for your specific feedback. We love supporting your work in the classroom!

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About the Author

Tim Ranzetta

Tim's saving habits started at seven when a neighbor with a broken hip gave him a dog walking job. Her recovery, which took almost a year, resulted in Tim getting to know the bank tellers quite well (and accumulating a savings account balance of over $300!). His recent entrepreneurial adventures have included driving a shredding truck, analyzing executive compensation packages for Fortune 500 companies and helping families make better college financing decisions. After volunteering in 2010 to create and teach a personal finance program at Eastside College Prep in East Palo Alto, Tim saw firsthand the impact of an engaging and activity-based curriculum, which inspired him to start a new non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance.