When we think about family, we think about growing up, our relationships and what we learned from our parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Those valuable life lessons stay with us for life and help guide us into adulthood. One key element about what Financial Literacy First does is to not just deliver great and engaging financial concepts, but ultimately to help the youth make better life decisions.
I was teaching recently at Open Door, a nonprofit in Five Points in Denver that helps teens navigate around poverty, gangs, and negative influences. Reverend Leon Kelly and his wife are long-time friends. We gave our Basics 101: Budgeting, Savings and Understanding Credit to about 10 students. When I asked the question, ‘who here wants to be a millionaire?’, all hands shot up! Then I spoke about the decisions they make in life and how every decision can lead to that. What we often overlook, however, is that it’s not just about the decisions on whether you join a gang, or take a job, or buy a drink; it’s that every decision can affect an outcome. What our parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles did is give us the framework for decision-making. However, if they lacked the financial knowledge to share with us growing up, you had to learn it on your own. Financial lessons are some of the hardest to learn.
For generations, schools have done an excellent job teaching students subjects like math, science, history, and literature. Yet many young adults graduate without ever learning how to create a budget, build credit, understand taxes, compare insurance options, manage debt, negotiate a salary, or invest for their future. These are the practical life skills that often determine financial stability and long-term success. While academic knowledge is essential, financial literacy equips young people with the confidence to make informed decisions that affect nearly every aspect of adult life.
One reason financial literacy has historically been absent from school curricula is that educational priorities have focused on standardized academic subjects. Personal finance was often viewed as a responsibility of parents or something to be learned through experience. As a result, many adults entered the workforce unprepared for the financial decisions they faced. Fortunately, times are changing. Most states now
recognize the importance of financial education, and many—including Colorado—have implemented personal finance requirements, so students receive foundational instruction before graduating from high school.
While these new graduation requirements are an important step forward, they provide only the beginning of what young adults need to know. At Financial Literacy First, we believe true financial confidence comes from going beyond the basics. Our comprehensive curriculum explores real-world topics such as budgeting, banking, credit management, investing, entrepreneurship, taxes, career planning, homeownership, insurance, and wealth-building strategies. We are committed to helping young people
develop the practical knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills that lead to financial responsibility and a sustainable, successful adult life.
Financial Literacy First’s mission is to educate and empower young adults ages 16 to 25 by providing financial education that prepares them for lifelong success. We understand that education and skill development often require financial support, which is why we also offer scholarships to help participants pursue education, certifications, and career-building opportunities. By combining meaningful financial education with scholarship assistance, we are investing in the next generation of responsible, confident adults who are equipped to build stronger futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Enroll in upcoming classes, find out about upcoming events and look into ways that you can get involved by visiting www.financialliteracyfirst.org.
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