Young Minds Tackle Money Matters

A group of students from Lexington High School is all set to show off their financial smarts on a national level. They are heading to the National Personal Finance Challenge, where they will put their financial knowledge to the test. This event is a big deal for these teens, as it gives them a chance to apply what they have learned in a real-world setting. Allie Chen, a junior on the team, loves the practical side of learning about personal finance. She enjoys knowing what to do in different financial situations. This hands-on learning is not just fun; it is also very useful. It helps students feel more confident about managing their money. The team recently won the state finals, but two of their original members will be graduating soon. This means two new students have joined the team. Riyanna Beri, another junior, talks about the importance of teamwork. She says it is all about understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses and supporting each other. Lexington High School offers business classes, but being on the finance team gives students an extra chance to dive deeper into financial concepts. These concepts include earning income, spending, saving, investing, managing credit, and managing risk. Rachel LeComte, the faculty advisor, points out that this knowledge is beneficial for the students' personal lives and can also set them up for future careers. The team is preparing for the competition by managing their own curriculum and teaching each other. Older students guide the younger ones on how to prepare and what information they need. This self-directed learning is a valuable skill that will serve them well beyond the competition. During the national competition, the team will have to create a financial plan based on a case study. This exercise is important because it helps them think about their financial future. Knowing how to build credit and invest early on can lead to stronger financial decisions later in life. The national competition will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, the first weekend of June. The Council for Economic Education hosts the event, and the top four teams will win cash prizes. This competition is a great opportunity for the students to showcase their skills and learn from other teams.