“Mister… why don’t we learn something in school that affects my life? Like taxes?” 

a student asked me as we began to discuss the microscopic structures of a cell. It was a common occurrence during my time as a science educator. Students found interest in many aspects of our biological world, but the value of personal finance education was at the forefront of their minds and experiences as youth living in South Los Angeles. Many of my students learned from a young age about the necessity of money, and how stressful life could be when it was a daily concern. As I became more involved supporting students outside of my science classes, helping with college applications, fostering social emotional growth, and discussing financial decision making, I realized that I wanted to focus my efforts on the holistic personal growth of students. As I join NGPF to support educators in preparing students for successful financial futures, my own students continue to motivate me to advocate for access to quality personal finance education. 

The first time I personally reflected on my financial decisions did not happen until I was working part time while attending UCLA. At the end of one month, I looked at my bank account and asked myself, “Where did all my money go!?” I woke up to the reality that money matters are not always easy, and even with few financial responsibilities it was still necessary to be thoughtful with my spending. In that moment I created my first monthly budget. It opened my eyes to the actual dollar amounts that I spent going out to dinner, watching a movie with friends, and driving in LA traffic to popular hangout spots. As a married adult now living in the Bay Area, my budget has changed immensely over the last few years, but its importance has only increased. Much of what I have learned about money has been through experience (erring towards being frugal), but as I have grown into my current life stage, my thoughts can be summed up in some of these practical tips. 

I am thrilled to join Next Gen Personal Finance this fall and partner with inspiring educators around the nation as we advocate for personal finance education. We work so that students are equipped to make well informed financial decisions and plans (and no longer need to interrupt their other classes to ask about taxes). 

About the Author

Mason Butts

After graduating from UCLA with a Master's in Education, Mason spent 5 years as a science educator in a South Los Angeles public high school. He is committed to supporting the holistic growth of all students and empowering them to live a life of relational, academic, and financial success. Now settled in the Bay Area, Mason enjoys facilitating professional developments and partnering with educators as they prepare students for a bright financial future. When Mason is not building curriculum or planning a training, he can be found cycling, trying new foods, and exploring the outdoors.