Investing in the Future

Habits developed early can last a lifetime, and these early-formed habits exert a particular influence on a person’s money management skills. Everyday choices about spending, saving and budgeting often have long-term consequences, impacting the financial stability and quality of life for individuals and families. Today's youth are not only handling money at a much younger age than prior generations, they are also facing a growing number of influences and dealing with increasing amounts of information that affect their financial thinking.

With these factors in mind, the East Bay Asian Local Development Corporation (EBALDC) launched its Money Savvy Youth Program (MSY) in June 2006. As part of the organization's Family Economic Success programs, MSY classes provide students with the money-management knowledge, skills, and tools needed to build secure futures, at the same time giving them the confidence to make sound financial choices today.

This free program, aimed specifically at fourth and fifth grade as well as high school level classes, works in collaboration with teachers in their classrooms. The financial education consists of one-hour classes that are held once a week for five consecutive weeks. Financial topics include: Income, Spending and Credit, Savings, and Goal-setting. Each course encourages students to engage in open dialogue and incorporates fun, interactive components, such as group skits, guest speakers sharing their expertise in the financial-services field, and group projects along with grade-specific math work.

After the successful completion of the five-week classes, MSY participants will earn a $50 savings bond.

Please contact Wilson or Leo at (510) 287-5353 (ext. 326, 306) to discuss how we can bring financial education into your school.