Thanks to Pam, Tony and Jackie for sharing their stories of the difference that personal finance education is making in the lives of their students. Whether it's understanding credit card details, making good choices during the new employee on-boarding process or protecting one's identity (knowing how to fix it when ID theft happens), financial education can empowers young people in so many ways. 

From Pam Driscoll Foutch of Sangamon Valley High School (Niantic, IL)

One of my former students was working a part time job at a retail store. A customer asked her about their credit card and some of the details. My student was so proud that she not only knew the information to share but was able to answer more directed questions about using credit in general. The customer even asked how she knew all of that. My student replied, “I learned it at school!” 

From Tony Capozziello of Beloit Memorial High School (Beloit, WI)

Several of my former students that have graduated college and landed a career, received the 401k and health insurance packet I teach them about in class. As I often say; "Know enough to know that you don't know and seek advice when you need it". I have received many FB or text messages from them asking for reassurance and guidance regarding those things that they need a little nudge with.

From Kerri Herrild of De Pere High School (De Pere, WI)

 I had a student set up a checking account this week and turn down overdraft protection. Another was figuring out how to set alerts on her account to avoid overdrafts. And one more asked her employer if she could split her direct deposit into two different accounts in order to save automatically. [Editor's note: NGPF now has an online bank simulator so students get practice at managing a checking account.]

--------------

Want to join a vibrant online community of personal finance educators, be sure to sign up for NGPF's FinLit Fanatics here! Over 350 educators and growing...

About the Author

Guest Post