Metro Atlanta Summer Financial Program to Teach Kids the Value of Money

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Teaching financial literacy correctly often means starting young.

“The world is different these days with the Internet,” Ryan Behrens told a group of elementary school students in a back room at the Stockbridge branch of Delta Community Credit Union.

He spent the last two weeks teaching kids in the metro Atlanta area as part of DCCU’s Cool Cash Money Camp.

“Saving is simply putting money aside now, so that we can use it in the future,” he explained, instructing children on how to save for future goals and expenses.

Although most people wouldn’t associate finance with 8-10 year olds, kids here are eager to learn.

Harmony Latour wants to save money for her mother’s birthday present.

“Her birthday is this weekend, so I want to give her a birthday present before she leaves town,” Latour said.

Others wanted to save for something more extravagant.

“I would like to save money for a trip to Paris,” said Margerie Lebron, who already has the European excursion in her sights.

“Right now I have $2,059,” she said, explaining that she is about two-thirds of the way toward her goal. She would like to find a way to get there faster.

The numbers paint a bleak picture of America’s finances and show why programs like DCCU’s are needed.

“It’s important for them to understand what it means to make important financial decisions,” said Jai Rogers, DCCU’s vice president of business and community development.

The Financial Educators Council estimates that the average American loses $1,506 per year to financial illiteracy, which includes credit card fees, overspending and bank overdrafts. It’s also estimated that nearly 40% of Americans don’t fully understand how these things can harm their credit score and long-term financial goals.

“This is what we do all year,” Rogers added.

The class only lasts a few hours, but when the kids leave, they will have a better idea of ​​their financial future, even if they haven’t chosen a future yet.

“I want to be many things, but I don’t know which one to choose,” Amariah Jordan said.

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