This is a valid question. Whether it is your teen, your grandchild, a niece or nephew, the question remains. Why? Because trust is based on confidence and past experience with that young person. Is your child [or family member] open to listening to you about money matters
Financial Literacy First is a local nonprofit public charity that teaches Financial IQ Classes, Power Hours and provides scholarships. We have been a trusted organization engaging the community since 2018. Our lay teachers are Accountants, Bankers, Real Estate Agents, and Financial Advisors, those that you rely on for professional advice.
To promote financial literacy among students, the house bill [Colorado 25-1192] aims to mandate financial education in schools:
- Require schools to implement a financial education curriculum.
- Focus on essential topics like budgeting, saving, and investing.
- Ensure age-appropriate materials are used for different grade levels.
- Provide training and resources for teachers to effectively deliver the content.
- Assess student understanding through standardized testing or projects.
- Encourage partnerships with local financial institutions for real-world insights.
Families naturally want to know their teenagers and young adults are prepared for the responsibilities of adulthood, and one of the most important of those responsibilities is managing money. When a young person has been properly taught financial education, parents can feel more confident trusting them with financial decisions. Programs like those offered through nonprofit financial literacy organizations begin by teaching youth the basics—how money works, how to budget, how to save, and how to make thoughtful spending decisions. These early lessons give teens and young adults a strong foundation that helps them understand the value of money and the importance of planning for the future.
When young people master these fundamentals, they begin to see how good financial habits can shape their lives. They learn how responsible saving and spending can help them become self-sustaining adults who are capable of supporting themselves. Financial education also helps them understand larger life goals, such as purchasing a reliable car, qualifying for a home, or managing credit wisely. By learning these skills early, teens are better equipped to make smart choices, avoid costly mistakes, and build a more stable and successful future for themselves and their families.
Recognizing the importance of these skills, the state of Colorado recently passed Colorado House Bill 25-1192, which requires school districts to incorporate financial literacy into courses required for high school graduation. Beginning in the coming years, students will receive structured instruction that includes understanding financial aid, budgeting, and other core financial concepts, ensuring that more young adults leave school prepared for real-world financial responsibilities. This growing focus on financial education highlights a larger truth: generational wealth often isn’t passed down as much as it could be. Sometimes parents simply were never taught these financial skills themselves, and even when they were, children can be resistant to advice that comes from home. Programs that teach financial literacy help bridge that gap, giving families a shared language around money and empowering the next generation to build stronger financial futures.
How can you make a difference?
Financial Literacy First wants to engage more schools or community-based groups with those that are already nurturing the 16-25 year olds.
Visit https://financialliteracyfirst.org to find out more.
