Money Smarts: A Financial Literacy Series for Young Adults
Money doesn’t come with an instruction manual—but this class is the next best thing.
Designed for young adults in 9th grade and up, this 6-week workshop series with Financial Literacy Coach Mary Pesek builds real-world financial confidence through hands-on lessons.
Each week tackles essential life skills—from budgeting and credit to fraud protection, major purchases, and side hustles—with practical activities and take-home tools you can use right away.
Join the full series or drop in by the week—your future self will thank you.
Program Highlights
Interactive exercises every week
Real-life scenarios & decision-making practice
Take-home tools to apply immediately
Optional one-on-one coaching sessions for participants
Topics Include:
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Objective: Build a foundation for financial confidence
Understanding income vs. expenses
50/30/20 Budgeting rule
Creating & sticking to a simple monthly budget
Activity: Fill out a personal budget worksheet
Takeaway Resource: Budget Template + Top 5 money tracking appsion text goes here
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Objective: Understanding big-ticket decisions and long term impacts
Buying vs. Leasing a Car: cost, maintenance, & lifestyle factors
Buying Vs. Renting a Home: equity, flexibility, & costs
Activity: Group pros/cons comparison exercises
Takeaway Resource: Car & Home decision-making checklist
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Objective: Learn to Build, Protect, & Improve your Credit
What makes up your credit score
How to use credit cards wisely
Strategies for paying down debt
Activity: Credit Score Myth-Busting Quiz
Takeaway Resource: Credit Score Improvement Plan
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Objective: Recognize and Avoid Common Scams
Types of Scams (online, phone, social media)
How to protect personal information
Steps to take if your identity is stolen
Activity: Spot-the-scam game using real-life examples
Takeaway Resource: Fraud prevention quick guide
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Objective: Learn essential skills for day-to-day adult life
Apartment hunting tips & lease tricks
Setting up utilities & services
Basic home maintenance & repairs
Activity: Lease review and "red flag" spotting exercise
Takeaway Resource: Car & Home decision-making checklist
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Objective: Explore ways to earn additional income, manage workload, & avoid burnout
Materials: Side hustle idea list, pros/cons worksheet, time management tools
Activity: Brainstorm income streams; case study of a successful side hustle, create an action plan
Key Points: Align side hustle with skills/interests, legal/tax considerations, time vs. income balance
Cost
Full series: $120
Per session: $20
Please note:
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