Difference Makers

Difference Makers Youth Organization Hosts Teen Money Management

Apr 18, 2008

?“Really enjoyed event?”, ?“great speaker and instructors?”, ?“very interesting?”, ?“needed more time?”, ?“the workshop was fun?”, ?“and more people need to attend?” were just some of the comments made by youth who participated in the My Life, My Money Teen Financial workshop hosted by Difference Makers Youth Organization on Saturday, November 10, 2007 from 9:00 am ?– 3:00 pm at the Central Community Christian Church located on 981 S. Perry Street in Montgomery, AL.

The six-hour, interactive, fun-filled Youth Money Management workshop targeted youth from the ages of 13 to 17 years old. The course introduced 16 youth participants to the basics of budgeting, credit, and financial planning. Participants learned how to use simple budgeting tools, as well as how to prioritize spending.
They learned how to save, and why saving is so important.

The youth participated in exercises that helped them understand ?“needs?” versus ?“wants?”. The participants were also given Pre and Post tests to assess their knowledge of financial management.

The organization and its partners understand that young adults are frequently challenged with a number of money management issues they are not prepared to handle. ?“We were grateful for Senator Ross?’s support and of this project?”, stated Ms. Andrea Price, one of the organization?’s Co Founder. ?“The workshop was designed to help teens develop basic money management skills and techniques they can use throughout their lifetime" explained Ms. Price. She also explained that ?“the earlier good financial habits can be learned and implemented, the better. Teaching young people how to handle money pays off not only for them as individuals, but also for their future families and communities when they become self-sufficient adults. They become role models for the next generation, continuing the cycle of successful money management.?” ?“We believe that financial education paves the way for informed decision-making and encourages individuals to learn how to use credit wisely, save, invest, and plan for the future. It?’s never too early, to gain knowledge and skills to create a bright financial future?” explains Mrs. Gloria Jean Canty of the Save Kids of Incarcerated Parents, (SKIP), Inc. who partnered with Difference Makers on this project.

The organization used an innovative curriculum developed by Wells Fargo. Financial instructors for the event were Jeff Lawson of Wells Fargo Bank, Drue Tubbs, Vice President of Whitney Bank, Kameke Mitchell of EdwardJones Investments and Skip Jackson of K.B.J.E. Management.

The following organizations and individuals were also contributors and supporters: SKIP, Inc., Gloria Jean Canty, Senator Quinton Ross, Bishop Dr. John L. Smith, Central Community Christian Church, and Iron Sharpeneth Iron Fellowship, Inc.

The project culminated with an educational field trip to Atlanta on Saturday, November 12, 2007. The youth toured the CNN Center, the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola.

For further information, please contact Andrea Price at 334-280-0423 or 334-309-6014.