TLDR:
- Maija Winesberry leads financial literacy classes for teens at U.S. Army Garrison Italy.
- The goal is to equip young people with skills to effectively manage their finances and reduce future financial hardships.
Maija Winesberry, the Army Community Service financial readiness program manager at U.S. Army Garrison Italy, has started classes for teenagers on financial literacy. The aim is to provide teens with a foundational understanding of financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. The classes are designed to help teenagers navigate the complexities of the modern world and prepare them for making informed financial decisions as they transition into adulthood.
One of the key motivations behind these classes is to ensure that young people have the necessary skills to manage their finances effectively, including planning for higher education. By empowering teens with financial literacy, they can avoid financial pitfalls in the future and make informed decisions about their financial well-being.
Some students expressed that financial tips are not commonly taught in schools, and parents may not always cover topics like debt. By participating in these classes, teenagers like Isaac Dube have found it helpful to learn about important financial topics like how to pay for college, which will benefit them as they enter adulthood.
The U.S. Department of Defense encourages family members to engage in financial readiness classes, emphasizing the importance of managing personal financial responsibilities for overall readiness and well-being. Through programs like the ACS Financial Readiness Program, young people can gain valuable skills that will set them up for financial success in the future.
Overall, these financial literacy classes play a crucial role in empowering teens to take control of their financial futures and make informed decisions about their money management, preparing them for the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.