Why save and invest?

Students need to understand that they are responsible for their own wealth. No one is going to care about their financial well-being as much as they do. Maybe your students would like to: buy a car, pay for college or graduate school expenses, save for special occasions or emergencies, or buy a house someday. Once they decide why they are saving - and when they need the funds - students can decide how to save and invest.

Suggested student activities

• Have students develop a chart of their financial goals.
  • Why do they want to save? How much will they need? By when?

• Have students chart their monthly income - even if it is just allowance - and their monthly expenses.
  • How much money do they get each month?
  • Where do they currently spend their money?
  • How much, if anything, are they saving?

• Have students chart their savings.
  • Where will they keep their savings?
  • Will their savings earn interest?
  • See "Rule of 72."