Author: Brian Good
Planning Unit: Bell County CES
Major Program: 4-H Family and Consumer Science Core Curriculum
Plan of Work: Achieving financial stability in homes and community
Outcome: Initial Outcome
According to the 2019 Most and Least Financially Literate States report, Kentucky ranks 45th in the nation for financial literacy. Much of what students learn about finances and consumerism begins at an early age. The University of Kentucky 4-H offers financial literacy programs for youth, aptly named, Dollars and Sense. The Bell County Extension Office recently offered this program to all students in 4th-7th grades at Yellow Creek School. Prior to the program, county extension agents spoke to the students about being responsible consumers. The agents talked about the differences between needs and wants and the goal of this program was to purchase from each station and have money remaining at the end. There was a total of 107 participants and each student was given a budget of $100. They had to visit twelve stations and purchase something at each one. The stations provided options from low tiers to higher priced options. Taxes ($20) were taken out of their money and a crystal ball table was set up to show students that unexpected occurrences can happen. The students also had the option to take a second job to assist in paying their bills. One student stated, “Some stuff is really expensive and it is hard to manage money!” Prior to the program, 80% of the students stated that they rarely/occasionally considered the price of an item before purchasing. After the program, 93% of the students reported that they will always consider the price before purchasing. Proceeding forward, due to success, this program will continue to be offered at all schools in Bell County.
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