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Take charge of your finances.

Money Matters® brings personal finance to life for students—both in classrooms and online! Our hands-on workshops and full curricula can be led by our expert staff or taught by teachers using our ready-to-go materials, perfect for groups of 10–30. Plus, our FREE, fast-paced virtual classes let kids dive into fun games and activities while learning the value of money—and in select sessions, they can even earn a $10 savings certificate to start their own bank account!

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Which Money Matters®  program is right for you?

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Money Matters®

Welcome to Money Matters In-Person Classes

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Money Matters Image

Grades K-3 Topics

  • Intro to Money (K-1 Only)
  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Saving and Goal Setting
  • Credit vs. Debit
  • Philanthropy
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Money Matters Image

Grades 4-8 Topics

  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Saving and Goal Setting
  • Credit
  • Credit vs. Debit
  • Investing
  • Philanthropy
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Money Matters Image

Grades 9-12 Topics

  • Banking
  • Budgeting
  • Saving and Goal Setting
  • Credit
  • Credit v. Debit
  • Investing
  • Philanthropy
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Money Matters®

Welcome to Money Matters Virtual Classes

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Money Matters Image

Grades K-1st

  • Coin Detectives: students will learn all about coins with a story and interactive activities.
  • Lunch Time: students will practice making purchases on a limited budget.
  • Where’s Goldie?: students learn about basic concepts of banking and personal finance.
Register Here
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Money Matters Image

Grades 2-4

  • What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?: students will explore different career paths to find one that is a good fit for them.
  • See Your Savings Grow: This class will teach second through fourth graders about the importance of setting short- and long-term savings goals, why saving at a bank is a good idea, and give them the opportunity to practice saving with a fun life simulation game!
  • Budgeting Basics: This class will teach second through fourth graders about needs and wants, and basic budgeting concepts.
  • Money That Grows on Trees: This class will teach second through fourth graders about interest and making their money work for them.
  • Why Money?: In this class, students will learn the history of money, and how money came to be, and also some fun facts about the money we use today.
Register Here
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Money Matters Image

Grades 5-7

  • Balancing with the Bank: This class will guide fourth through sixth graders through the process of balancing a register with fun, interactive activities and a video tutorial.
  • Values and Spending: This class will guide fifth through seventh graders through the process of recognizing their values and the ways that those values affect their spending habits, as well as providing them with a five-step process for goal-setting and creating a basic financial plan.
  • Credit vs. Debit: This class will guide fifth through seventh graders through the basics of credit and debit and reinforces their learning through a self-assessment quiz and a game show-style challenge.
  • Pay Yourself First!: This class will teach fifth through seventh graders about the importance of habitual saving, and how they can reach their savings goals by planning ahead.
  • How to Write a Check & Deposit: This two-part class will guide fifth through seventh graders through the process of writing a check and deposit, as well as allow them to practice recording transactions in a check register.
Register Here
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Money Matters Image

Grades 8+

  • Investing 101: This class will guide seventh through twelfth graders through the basics of various types of investments, and will help them evaluate risk.
  • Beyond Basic Budgeting: This class will guide eighth through twelfth graders through the concepts of budgeting and scarcity, introduce them to the ideas of basic payroll taxes, and provide them with guidance to easily create a real-world budget.
  • Spending Habits: This class will teach seventh through twelfth graders how to take charge of their financial situation by improving negative spending habits while reinforcing positive ones.
Register Here
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Money Matters Image

Financial education for the take charge generation.

Money Matters classes general information

Explore more about Money Matters®.

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Resgistration

Registration for Virtual Money Matters is Required.

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Technology Needed:

Classes are offered on Google Classroom. Participants will need access to a computer/tablet, an internet connection, a Google account, and the ability to operate Google Classroom by themselves or with the assistance of an adult. Some classes have materials that are available for printing through Google Classroom. Answers can be written on a separate sheet of paper if a printer is not available.

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Additional Information:

After registering, participants will receive a Google Classroom password for this class. Please contact Margarita Archilla Kohart at marchillakohart@yacenter.org for questions or assistance registering.

Have questions? Contact us for help in choosing the perfect program for your students.

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Curriculum

Start preparing for Money Matters classes

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The Young Americans Way

The free enterprise system is the 8th wonder of the world. Teaching young people to be active participants is our responsibility for its preservation.

Bill Daniels, Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get Money Matters to my school?

Contact Margarita Archilla Kohart to get started: marchillakohart@yacenter.org or (303) 320-3242.

How long does it take to teach the curriculum?
  • K-3 takes approximately 12 instructional hours. 
  • 4-8 and 9-12 take approximately 14 instructional hours.
How much does it cost to attend and are there scholarships?

Cost varies based on the following considerations: Single Workshop vs. Full Curriculum, Teacher-Facilitated vs. YA Staff Facilitated, and Onsite vs. Offsite Delivery. 

Financial aid is available. Contact Margarita Archilla Kohart for more information: marchillakohart@yacenter.org or (303) 320-3242.