What's a good starting point to research the idea of teaching financial literacy to older adolescents/younger adults? Have you ever experienced a course or seminar like this at that age?

I took a course in “personal finance” recently. Our “textbook” was On My Own Two Feet by Manisha Thakhor and Shanor Kedar. It’s supposedly ” modern girl’s guide to finance”, but our class was co-ed, and it didn’t seem to bother any of the guys, beyond their initial laughter. It is a great book, and it’s only like ten bucks. I don’t know if this is the type of resource you’re looking for, but it could be helpful. the authors also have a pretty cool website at http://www.onmyowntwofeet.com.

As far as feedback, I think you’re definitely on the right track with talking about accumulating “stuff” and pre-emptively striking at the glazed-eye effect.

Sounds cool! Let us know how it goes!

When I was in business college, my business economics/accounting class covered this sort of thing. It was a kind of side step in to ‘personal economics/accounting’.
Why not use that as a starting point. Find out what is taught in business finance classes and roll it back to individual/private level.
Or, you could outline the objective, which could be completing a private budget, savings and investment plan and work backwards from there, i.e. what would they need to know to do that, etc.
I certainly think it’d be useful! Best of luck with the project!

I believe that any introduction to Business, with rudimentary ideas about division of labor, supply and demand, working for pay, spending less than you earn, and investing the rest wisely, with personal applications and discussion will do.

I have a friend who is just transitioning his business to become a personal financial planner. Until he gets his certification (he is studying now, but has not yet taken the test), he does offer services similar to what you are describing. He has clients including women who are widows whose husbands always handled their finances that he advises.

Here is a link to his website, which might give you some ideas. If you want, Kev, PM me and I can introduce you.

I think giving kids a financial framework that they can base their entire life on is an excellent idea. Probably the best idea I’ve heard this fiscal year.
If you do it, and produce a textbook that can be taught at the middle and high schools that you can’t reach, you will be the saviour of the next generation.

When I started high school my father started a checking account for me, and for every deposit I made and kept in he would match at the end of the month. This made me spend less money so that I would get a larger amount at the end. I thought that that was a nice start to teach finances.

Sorry for getting in way late on this discussion.

I like these ideas. Another part no one mentioned is the business of leading seminars. I have taken a couple of really good classes with great instruction on how to be a great seminar facilitator. Kev, I don’t know your level of experience and learning with that… PM me and I can tell you more of what I know around that.

Kevbo, consider using stories, as oposed to only the traditional list of do’s and don’t. Look how well it worked for Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad, Poor Dad series. Personal Finance (PF) is one my biggest pet peeves with our current educational system (here in NYC at least). Lost of 3-R’s but nothing on PF, a subject that permeates our lives from the moment we can ask our parents to ‘lets go buy candy’ with the first coins or dollar bill we receive (honestly, what a better moment to bring up the concept of saving?).

PF affects us all, not matering race, gender, etc., so regardless of what appraches you use, best of luck! I really hope you take a shot at this. I am sure that with the current market conditions, learning to save/invest/buy is more crucial than ever, particularly for our young people about to join the workforce.