We also provide electives that cover other financial matters such as taxes and insurance, as well as other subjects relevant to different stages in life.
The Curriculum
Our core program concentrates on four fundamental financial topics that we believe are the foundational elements of developing good financial habits.
Academy
Do you earn an allowance or receive money on birthdays or holidays? Some kids may hide their money in a safe spot in their room, but a better place might be to put it in a bank. It’s the first step you can take in becoming responsible with your money.
- Dollars & Sense: Intro to Financial Literacy
Learn what it means to be smart and responsible with money and why it is important to your future.
- Bank On It
Learn about the purpose of bank accounts, how they work, and the different series that banks provide.
Investing is when you let your money work for you.
- Investing Basics
Sally Saver just got her first real job and she has some long-term plans for her money. Through Sally Saver’s story, understand what it means and why to invest as well as what you need to know when you invest.
People borrow money for different reasons. The key is to know when it makes sense to borrow money.
- Get Down with Debt
Follow Jimmy’s money journey as he learns about lending and borrowing, the cost of borrowing, and the consequences of having good and bad credit.
Knowing how to track where your money goes is an important step to being responsible with your money so that you have enough to do the things you want to do.
- Budgeting 101
Money is used for different purposes. Explore different ways of getting money. Understand the importance of budgeting and making sure you are paying for your “needs” before your “wants” and ways to be a smart saver and spender. We will also review different types of “expenses” and practice doing a budget.
Build upon the foundation of the Fundamental Four. Additional programs include topics around: Personal Money Management, Taxation, Family Wealth, Life Transitions, and other relevant subject matter.
- Money Conversations
Talking to parents about money can help you learn how to be more financially responsible. Learn how to initiate conversations about money.
- Action Boards
You don’t have to be artistic. You just have to have goals and dreams. Creating an action board will help keep you focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Sally Saver’s Good Money Habits
Review concepts about banking, budgeting, and credit as you help Sally Saver make some good money decisions.
Prep
Understanding how bank accounts work is the first step to becoming financially responsible and managing your cash.
- Dollars & Sense: Intro to Financial Literacy
Explore what it means to be financially literate and why it is important. Establishing good money habits today will positively impact your ability to manage your money in the future.
- Bank On It
With the great and almighty debit card, comes great responsibility. So, learn what you need to know about managing your accounts including: avoiding fees and penalties; keeping your accounts secure; and maintaining balances.
Breaking down Investing into digestible components makes it a less intimidating topic. Gain a good foundation and understand the importance of saving early and often!
- "Why Invest?"
Understand the purpose of investing and why it is a key component to future financial well-being.
- “Loaning” & “Owning”
Review the key characteristics of stocks and bonds and how they differ.
- "How Do Markets Work?"
Learn how financial markets function, how investors transact and how financial assets are priced.
It is critical to know how to manage debt wisely and avoid the pitfalls that can put your financial health at risk.
- Get Down with Debt
At some point, you will borrow money for different purposes. We will review debt considerations and discuss the true cost of borrowing.
- Low Down on Credit
Understand how to use credit wisely and how to properly manage and protect your credit cards.
- What is FICO?
As you develop a credit history, you receive a financial report card. It’s important to make good financial decisions to attain an above average score.
Knowing how to track where your money goes is an important step to being financially responsible so that you have enough to pay for your needs and to do the things you want to do.
- Budgeting 101
Understanding how you allocate your money is the first step to budgeting. Controlling your wants and needs; developing savings goals and establishing good spending habits are necessary to becoming responsible with your money.
- Budgeting 102
Learn about fixed and variable expenses and discretionary and nondiscretionary spending. Understand the spending categories that are in your control. Practice budgeting and/or create a personal budget.
- Lifestyle Presentation
What kind of lifestyle do you picture in the future? Get an understanding about the cost of living.
Build upon the foundation of the Fundamental Four. Additional programs include topics around: Personal Money Management, Taxation, Family Wealth, Life Transitions, and other relevant subject matter.
- FUNdamentals of Trusts
Learn how trusts work and the purpose of trusts. Understand what it means to be a good beneficiary and roles and responsibilities of the trustee.
- Hi Ho Hi Ho – off to College I go
Learn about the school selection process and what you need to know about the application process and how to finance your education.
- Rules of the road
As a new driver, there are a lot of things to know in addition to driving laws. Get tips for developing good driving habits; learn what to do in adverse conditions; and understand how to stay safe and protected.
- It’s a Taxing World
Review the history & purpose of taxation and the variety of taxes that impact your life. Examine the future landscape of taxation with the changing world.
- Action Boards
You don’t have to be artistic. You just have to have goals and dreams. Creating an action board will help keep you focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Money Talks
Having conversations with parents about money and their experiences can help you learn how to be more financially responsible. Learn how to initiate conversations about money.
- Money Minds
Understand the psychology behind money behaviors and how to establish good habits for different money personalities.
- Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad can be exciting, but it is important to take precautionary measures to stay safe and ensure that your vacation is as fulfilling as you imagine.
- What’s in Your Bucket
Setting goals is the first step towards taking control of your life and finding direction. Create an action plan and a bucket list.
- Managing and Protecting Your Identity & Online Reputation
Cybercrime is on the rise. Learn about the latest traps and how to avoid them. Additionally, discover how to use technology and your social media to your benefit.
University
Managing your bank accounts and your cash is the first step to becoming financially responsible.
- Bank On It
Review what type of account makes the most sense for you and how to maximize services provided. Understand how to protect yourself and limit potential fraud.
Gain a good foundation of becoming a smart investor and learn about the power of saving early and often!
- Why Invest?
Understand the purpose of investing and why it is a key component to future financial well-being.
- “Loaning” & “Owning”
Review the key characteristics of stocks and bonds as well as the benefits and risks of investing.
- How do Markets Work?
Learn how financial markets function, how investors transact and how financial assets are priced.
- How to Put the Odds in Your Favor
Focus on what you can control as an investor in light of an unpredictable market.
Don’t get bogged down with debt and understand the true cost of credit. Use credit wisely and avoid the pitfalls that can stress your financial stability.
- Get Down with Debt
Understand how much debt is appropriate, what is good debt, and debt to be avoided at all costs. Review considerations before taking out a loan and discuss the true cost of borrowing.
- Low Down on Credit
Learn how to use credit wisely and how to properly manage and protect your credit cards.
- What is FICO?
Review the components of your credit score; the importance of building and maintaining good credit; and steps to repair poor credit.
Tracking your spending and creating a realistic plan is an important step to financial responsibility.
- Budgeting 101
Understanding your current spending habits is the first step to budgeting. Controlling your spending by differentiating your wants and needs; developing savings goals; and establishing good spending habits are critical to successful budgeting.
- Budgeting 102
Learn about fixed and variable expenses and discretionary and nondiscretionary spending. Understand the spending categories that are in your control. Take the necessary steps to create a personal budget.
- Budgeting 103
Now that you mastered budgeting, there are variations of budgets that can be established for different purposes. Plan for challenging times as well as times of prosperity.
- Art of Wealth Preservation
Understand what it means to be a responsible owner of wealth and what it means to be a good steward.
- FUNdamentals of Trusts
Learn how trusts work and the purpose of trusts. Understand what it means to be a good beneficiary and roles and responsibilities of the trustee.
- Wealth & Well-being
According to a study conducted in Melbourne, Australia, the golden triangle of happiness includes strong personal relationships, a sense of purpose, & financial security. This program focuses on aligning your financial life with what provides fulfillment.
- Adulting
What are the things you should know when starting life out on your own? This program covers information on caring for your home and your car; necessary insurance coverage; tips for starting your career; and considerations for serious relationships.
- Hi Ho Hi Ho – off to College I go
Learn about the college life, expectations and tips for success. Discuss considerations in selecting a major including academic requirements, available resources, and trends.
- Owning the Farm
Review considerations when purchasing a home including the costs associated with ownership. Understand how to select a mortgage and implications of selling a home.
- Roaring 20’s
This program is based on Meg Jay’s book, “The Defining Decade” which discusses how to make the most of your 20’s. There has been a movement to delay “life” or “adulting” into the 30’s (to take time out to travel or take time off from school); however, statistics show that the 20’s are critical years for future success.
• Maximize your “identity capital”
• Increase your network by pursuing “weak ties”
• Move forward in the face of the unknown - Rules of the road
As a new driver, there are a lot of things to know in addition to driving laws. Get tips for developing good driving habits; learn what to do in adverse conditions; and understand how to stay safe and protected.
- 10 Healthy Financial Habits
Review best practices you can implement to achieve financial wellness.
- Insuring Your Future
Understand the basics of insurance, why it matters and the purpose of different types of insurance.
- Happy Retirement
Learn about the importance and benefits of maximizing your retirement funding.
- Perks of Work
Take the complexity out of work benefits and understand what may be included in your compensation.
- It’s a Taxing World
Review the history & purpose of taxation and the variety of taxes that impact your life. Examine the future landscape of taxation with the changing world.
- Personal Income Tax Basics
Navigate your personal income tax return and review a case study.
- Action Boards
You don’t have to be artistic. You just have to have goals and dreams. Creating an action board will help keep you focused on what you want to accomplish.
- Money Minds
Understand the psychology behind money behaviors and effective best practices for different money personalities.
- Traveling Abroad
Traveling abroad can be exciting, but it is important to take precautionary measures to stay safe and ensure that your vacation is as fulfilling as you imagine.
- What’s in Your Bucket
Setting goals is the first step towards taking control of your life and finding direction. Create an action plan and a bucket list.
- Managing and Protecting Your Identity & Online Reputation
Cybercrime is on the rise. Learn about the latest traps and how to avoid them. Additionally, discover how to use technology and your social media to your benefit.