Why is financial literacy important to you?

I want to see people of all walks of life make the most of their finances, have the knowledge to make decisions that won’t affect them financially ongoing, that is, to avoid the cycle of debt that I constantly see in my position at the bank (and have seen in my personal life). It’s heartbreaking seeing people struggle and not know how to overcome their situation. The best way to prevent this is to educate people.

I want to see the students make smarter decisions, not only now, but when they finish high school and begin in the workforce. I feel they need the knowledge prior to them turning 18 and before they go and apply for credit, end up indebted over their heads, or ruin their credit score for the years to come.

What have you enjoyed most about delivering the program?

I have enjoyed seeing the kids take an interest in the class, and participate in the savings and loan calculators associated with the different activities.  But mostly, I’m proud that we have been able to educate the students so they can make informed decisions in the future.

What was your financial literacy ‘ah-ha’ moment? 

My parents always instilled good savings habits in me. I worked hard, saved the majority, and always budgeted from a young age, but that didn’t last long when I went in to a relationship with someone who didn’t have the same financial literacy as myself. Luckily I was able to keep our heads above water but it could have easily ended very differently if I didn’t have that knowledge. After moving on from that, I knew I was always going to be passionate about helping others to be financially educated.