How did you learn about managing money, budgeting, saving, debt, or even investing? Was it in your K-12 school experience? Managing finances is one of the critical responsibilities of every adult. However, financial literacy education is not consistently deemed a core requirement in many school districts across the country. Finance has often been an elective course, but school districts are starting to realize the importance and are designing personal finance and economics requirements. The National Finance Educators Councils reported that research indicates “40.2% of those with low levels of financial literacy relied on parents, friends, and acquaintances as their most important source of financial knowledge, compared to 20.8% of those with the highest levels of financial literacy”. We have resources to help you teach students these fundamental skills.
US Chamber of Commerce: Financial Literacy K-12
The US Chamber of Commerce has curated a list of high-quality teaching resources from government, business, and non-profit organizations. This includes curriculum, online tools, practical skills games, videos, and even experiential camps for children.
This collection includes lesson plans and worksheets focused on budgeting for personal expenses, family, and even food.
NextGen Personal Finance offers free high-school personal finance curriculum and professional development on money matters. Lessons, activities, and videos help make personal finance easy to understand and engaging.
GoVenture Personal Finance Cheat Sheet
This free reference card summarizes helpful information onto a two-sided 8>5″ x 11″ sheet of paper. This is a must use for anyone who needs a quick overview of savings, debt, credit, investing, and more!
Youth Entrepreneurs-YE Academy (Curriki partner)
Youth Entrepreneurs offers free business and entrepreneurship curriculum that includes business finance principles including cost of goods, price, and profit.
Pathway to Financial Success in Schools
This free online program from Discovery Education and Discover Financial Services has resources for middle school and high school teachers and students designed to empower them and their financial futures. Self-paced modules and videos are offered. See how one teacher uses them to engage students!
Is personal finance a required curriculum in your school district? Start the conversation and teaching in your classroom with these resources. At the very least, help students and parents know that these resources are available for free to help start the conversations at home!
