UGA Cooperative Extension is a collaboration between UGA CAES and UGA FACS.

Contact Your County Office
Translation Disclaimer close

Users agree that automated translations may not effectively convert the intended design, meaning, and/or context of the website, may not translate images or PDF content, and may not take into account regional language differences. Any person that uses the translated site does so at that person’s own risk. UGA Extension is not responsible for any damages, costs, liability, or risk associated with any use, functionality, and/or content of the website translations.

For more information, visit the Language Translation page.

Summary

Equipping Georgia's youth with financial literacy skills reduces the likelihood of credit abuse and overspending later in life. Your Money, Your Future is a series of six financial management lesson plans targeted to 5th through 8th grade students.

Situation

Georgians with limited financial literacy skills are at a great disadvantage in the financial marketplace and are vulnerable to unfair and fraudulent business practices. Research has shown that high levels of debt coupled with low levels of savings contribute to financial insecurity for many Georgia households. This has resulted in the following statistics: •The average household debt excluding mortgages was $18,700 •The U.S. Personal Savings rate has declined from 11.2% in 1982 to a negative 0.2% in September 2006. •Georgia's personal savings rate ranks 35th in the nation •Georgia ranks 2nd in the nation in personal bankruptcy filings Equipping Georgia's youth with financial literacy skills reduces the likelihood of credit abuse and overspending later in life. Targeted educational programs create public awareness and help Georgia consumers to reduce debt, maximize tax credits, increase savings, and plan spending to meet financial goals. The Georgia Performance Standards implemented in 2007 (7th through 12th grades) and in 2008 (Kindergarten through 6th grades) require that financial literacy be taught in social studies classes statewide.

Response

The Lanier County FACS Agent, Lowndes 4-H Agent, and Randolph 4-H Agent worked with University of Georgia Consumer Economics Specialist to develop a financial Literacy curriculum for youth. Your Money, Your Future is a series of six financial management lesson plans targeted to 5th through 8th grade students. The lessons include: •You & Money (Money is a limited resource with three uses). •Your Money Personality (Personal values influence money decisions) •SMART Goals (Setting goals for the future you want) •Saving Matters (Understanding the magic of compound interest) •Using Credit Wisely (Introduction to credit) •Invest in Yourself (Education, income, and Life-long learning)

Impact

The Youth Financial Literacy Curriculum is currently being piloted in schools across 66 GA counties, and reaching several thousand youth. Evaluation results of the program are in progress. The curriculum has also been submitted to the Eastern Family Economics and Resource Management Association conference for a national train-the-trainer session.

State Issue

Financial Literacy for Youth

Details

  • Year: 2009
  • Geographic Scope: State
  • County: Lanier
  • Program Areas:
    • 4-H Youth
    • Family and Consumer Sciences

Author

  • Hubbard, Jennifer Rachel

Collaborator(s)

CAES Collaborator(s)

  • Miller, Melinda D.
  • Peavy, Krispin B
  • Rupured, Michael
Back To
Extension Impact