SPI Addresses Student Financial Literacy Benefits (2024)

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SPI Addresses Student Financial Literacy Benefits (1)

California Department of Education
News Release

California Department of Education
News Release

Release: #23-22
March 30, 2023

BERKELEY—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond met with students at Berkeley High School today to discuss the benefits of financial literacy and personal finance courses. Superintendent Thurmond is working to make sure elective classes like these are taught at all California high schools with his financial literacy bill, Assembly Bill 984 (McCarty), co-sponsored with California State Treasurer Fiona Ma, which would make personal finance and financial literacy a high school graduation requirement.

Students spoke about what they have learned in the class and how it has helped them make financial decisions. They also shared their support for making personal finance courses available to all high school students.

“Young Californians are entering the workforce and higher education with very little understanding of financial literacy. This is deeply concerning, since students with higher financial literacy are more likely to invest in a savings account, prepare for retirement, and manage their debt,” Superintendent Thurmond said. “Access to financial literacy is also an equity issue that is directly reflected through racial wealth gaps. Only 27 percent of California high school students attend schools that offer personal finance classes. Ensuring that all young Californians have exposure to financial literacy is a vital step in closing inequality gaps and providing the skills and resources to improve their lives overall.”

Research shows that students who have access to high-quality financial education have better financial outcomes as adults that result in less debt and a higher quality of life. This is why the California Department of Education partnered with California-based nonprofit Next Gen Personal Finance to provide teacher stipends and professional development for financial literacy. Last August, Superintendent Thurmond announced that he secured $1.4 million in private funding for teachers in California high schools to receive professional development courtesy of Next Gen Personal Finance so they can teach financial literacy.

State Superintendent Thurmond was joined at the event by Tim Ranzetta, co-founder of Next Gen Personal Finance; Enikia Ford Morthel, Superintendent of Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD); Laura Babitt, President of the BUSD School Board; and Crystal Rigley, personal finance teacher at Berkeley High School.

Superintendent Thurmond’s funding builds on the $3.5 billion Arts, Music, and Instructional Materials Discretionary Block Grant to county offices of education, school districts, charter schools, and the State Special Schools that can be used to expand financial literacy course offerings. The one-time grant is available for encumbrance through the 2025–26 fiscal year and is allocated on a per-pupil basis.

# # # #

Tony Thurmond —State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Last Reviewed: Thursday, March 30, 2023

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SPI Addresses Student Financial Literacy Benefits (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of teaching financial literacy to students? ›

Students can better manage their money, avoid common financial pitfalls, and plan for long-term goals, ultimately setting a foundation for a more prosperous and independent future. It also fosters responsible financial behaviors and helps students contribute positively to their communities and the broader economy.

What are the benefits of financial literacy seminar? ›

Benefits of Attending Financial Literacy Workshops/Webinars
  • Building a Strong Financial Foundation. ...
  • Making Informed Career Choices. ...
  • Building Credit Responsibly. ...
  • Enhancing Money Management Skills. ...
  • Gaining Confidence in Financial Decision-Making. ...
  • Long-Term Financial Security.
Nov 20, 2023

Why is it important to have financial literacy and wellness? ›

In the end, financial wellness and literacy should be a part of everyone's life. By making a plan and taking control of your finances, you can have less stress, be more prepared, and have more opportunities to live your best life.

Why is it so important for high school students to take a personal finance class? ›

“Financial literacy is a necessity for California students,” McCarty said in a statement. “Most go into college or the workforce without any knowledge of personal finance.... Taking a finance class in high school can help students make smart money decisions that will benefit them throughout their adult life.”

Why is it important to teach children financial literacy? ›

Teaching kids the basics of money management can help them develop the skills necessary to achieve financial success later in life. From saving and investing to creating and sticking to a budget, early money lessons can give your kids a leg up when it's time for them to make more significant financial decisions.

What are the three most important aspects of financial literacy? ›

Three Key Components of Financial Literacy
  • An Up-to-Date Budget. Some tend to look at the word “budget” as tantamount to the word “diet,” but at its most basic, a budget is just a spending plan. ...
  • Dedicated Savings (and Saving to Spend) ...
  • ID Theft Prevention.

What are four benefits of financial literacy? ›

Benefits of Financial Literacy

Effective management of money and debt. Greater equipped to reach financial goals. Reduction of expenses through better regulation. Less financial stress and anxiety.

What does financial literacy training teach us? ›

Financial literacy enables individuals to make informed decisions about money management, budgeting, investing, and debt. By imparting this knowledge, students learn to handle their finances responsibly, avoiding debt traps and making wise investment choices.

What are 5 components of financial literacy? ›

The 5 components of financial literacy. There's plenty to learn about personal financial topics, but breaking them down can help simplify things. To start expanding your financial literacy, consider these five areas: budgeting, building and improving credit, saving, borrowing and repaying debt, and investing.

How does financial literacy affect students? ›

Studies have shown that students who receive financial education tend to save more, make better financial decisions, and have higher credit scores. Additionally,financial literacy education has been linked to increased college enrollment rates, improved employment prospects, and reduced financial stress.

What are the five principles of financial literacy? ›

This article will explore the five basic principles of financial literacy: earn, save & invest, protect, spend, and borrow, providing you with actionable insights to enhance your financial knowledge and make the most of your resources.

What is a famous quote about financial literacy? ›

"The number one problem in today's generation and economy is the lack of financial literacy." -Alan Greenspan. We've said it before and we'll say it again: financial education is key to avoiding debt and getting the most out of your money.

What are the 10 reasons why schools should be teaching financial literacy to our kids? ›

10 Reasons Why Learning About PERSONAL FINANCE is Important
  • The lack of “friction” related to the way we purchase and spend. ...
  • Student loan debt increasing. ...
  • Understanding personal finances encourages good savings, investing and financial practices. ...
  • Young adults are filing for bankruptcy.

Why is it important for high school students to study financial planning? ›

By introducing financial literacy education in high school, students gain practical skills that are directly applicable to real-life situations. Whether it's creating a budget, understanding credit scores, or navigating student loans, students are better prepared to tackle financial challenges head-on.

What are the 5 importances of personal financial planning? ›

Expenditure, income, savings, investments, and protection are the five areas that are critical to shaping your personal financial planning.

How do you integrate financial literacy to your students? ›

Embed financial concepts in subjects like Mathematics and Economics, and encourage project-based learning where students create budgets, understand savings, and explore investment basics. This practical approach makes financial literacy relatable and engaging for students.

Why is financial management important for students? ›

Financial management skills are important for students as they contribute to their economic development and overall financial well-being. Students with strong financial literacy and management abilities are more likely to experience increased wealth, financial security, and effective financial decision-making.

What are the strategies in teaching financial literacy? ›

It's the foundation of all other financial goals, such as buying a car, a house, or investing in a business. Encourage your students to start saving as early as possible. Teach them different strategies, such as setting savings goals, creating a budget, and automating savings.

Why should schools teach financial literacy thesis statements? ›

Many students who leave high school face a similar handicap while dealing with simple deeds such as managing their loans, money and debt. Therefore, Schools in America should allow financial literacy in their curriculum since it gives a better understanding of financial management for the future.

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