Teens & Money

Over the past two months, teens attended our 3-part financial wellness series taught by a local financial literacy advocate, Shondy Monroe.  They explored budgeting & saving, establishing credit, smart spending, and even the value of self-worth and confidence as it relates to make smart financial decisions. 

At the end of the first session, each teen created a money motto, which was a wheel made out of a simple paper plate and construction paper, but it included phrases that will help them keep their financial goals in perspective when deciding if it was more important to save money or go out and buy the latest iPhone.  During the second session, the teens split up into pairs; one person being the banker and the other person was the consumer.  They got a brief but realistic glimpse of what it's like to apply for a loan when you have a credit score of 800 v. 600.  The last session started off with a mirror being passed around the room and each teen saying a positive phrase about themselves.  The room was filled with smiles as everyone heard "I am strong," "I am creative," "I am funny"... 

It was great to see everyone energized and learning about money!  If you're just getting started with money management, then check out these resources.

Making Money Work by Kara McGuire

Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Smart Strategies for Saving and Building Wealth by Linda Bickerstaff

Smart Strategies for Paying for College by G. S. Prentzas