Generation Change: A Financial Education Series for Teens

St. James’s is offering a course for 10th-12th graders with a parent on Sunday, January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2018 from 6:45 – 8:15 p.m.

What is Generation Change? Generation Change is a 4-week course that teaches teens what we all need to know to handle money faithfully. Teens will learn the basics of money: how to budget, manage a checking account, and spending wisely. They’ll also see the benefits of saving for the future, pledging to the church, and giving to those in need—and why it’s important to start good money management right away!

How does it work? Scott Hurt and Pam Goggins will facilitate this DVD and discussion based course. At least one parent/guardian must attend the course with their child in order to support their learning at home. The course costs $30 to participate and you’ll receive a workbook to use and keep. Self-guided make up sessions will be available as needed. We know it’s a school night so class will begin and end promptly.

Why is it so important to teach teens about money?

• 86% of teens say they’d rather learn about money management in a class before making mistakes in the real world.
• The average college student graduates with about $40,000 in total debt —$27,000 student loans and $13,000 consumer debt.
• The average teenager expects a starting salary of $73,000. The actual starting salary for a college grad is $27,000.
• In 2007, 51% of teens knew how to balance a checkbook. In 2011, 35%.
• 75% say that learning more about money management, including budgeting, saving and investing, is one of their top priorities.
• 84% of teens reported owning a cell phone, while just 52% had a savings account.

Generation Change has finished. And a special congratulations to everyone that took this  course and graduated!