Teenagers in limited resource families are faced with nonacademic barriers to learning that may carry over into adulthood impacting future success unless programs are in place to assist in the transition.  In an effort to address some of these barriers, the Family and Consumer Sciences agent and the Youth Service Center coordinator at the local high school have partnered to offer monthly programs throughout the school year for a group of 12 referred students.   The programs taught include information and hands on experiences on: kitchen readiness; nutrition; budgeting; shopping on a reduced budget; employability skills; and manners. While the holidays are often an exciting time of the year it can also represent added stress due to additional financial burdens and may contribute to depression in many youth.  As the holidays approached a request was made to offer a class for the students that incorporated the season of giving, budgeting, and nutrition.  In response to the request the Kenton County Extension Agent hosted Managing Holiday Expenses: Gifts in a Jar, at the high school. Students were taught how to implement holiday budgeting and other cost-saving strategies that can help reduce spending and financial stress. They sampled a budget savvy and nutritious soup and also placed the ingredients to “Moms Six Bean Soup Mix” in a canning jar to take home for themselves or give as a gift. Twelve participants participated in the workshop.  The students were surveyed following the class and nine indicated they had identified money management or cost-saving strategies their family could adopt, while 12 participants, increased their confidence in handling money issues or specific financial matters.  Eight participants identified at least one specific saving or wealth-related goal for their family and seven students plan to take action steps toward implementing at least one financial management strategy for their holiday spending plan presented during this program.