Learn the Value of Financial Education

Overview

In this section, you will begin to see that financial education is more than just learning how to budget or manage credit—it is about empowerment, confidence, and making informed decisions. Through these activities, you will explore how understanding money, especially in the context of higher education, equips you to recognize the true cost of college, weigh the impact of student loans, explore funding options, and set clear financial goals. You will also reflect on your current financial mindset and consider how building knowledge can strengthen your ability to make smart choices.

By the end of this section, you will understand the real value of financial education and how it can help you avoid stress, reduce debt, and open up more opportunities both during and after college. You will be prepared to take your first steps toward managing college costs wisely and building lifelong money habits that support your future success.

Learn

In this activity, you will explore why financial education matters now more than ever for high school and college students, and how it can directly support your future success. Building strong money skills early not only helps you make smarter financial choices, but also reduces stress, prevents costly mistakes, and sets the stage for long-term confidence and independence. In her personal blog post, the author reflects on discovering financial literacy in high school and raises an important question—why isn’t such vital education available to all students? She highlights the lasting benefits of learning how to manage money at a young age and how those lessons can shape decisions during and after college

You will read the Learning the Value of Financial Education (Figure A) blog post linked here and below. As you read, be sure to highlight or note key points related to how financial literacy can empower you, prevent common financial pitfalls, and strengthen your readiness for life after high school.

Apply

(Optional) Use the information you learned to complete the activity outlined below.

After reading the Learning the Value of Financial Education (Figure A) blog post above, please complete the following steps:

• 1. Identify a personal financial learning goal that will help you build confidence in managing your money. Example goals could include using a budgeting app to track spending, exploring college scholarships, or attending a finance workshop like those offered by Penn’s Financial Wellness Programs.

  2. Write your goal in one clear sentence so that it is specific and easy to remember.

  3. List the first small step you will take this week to begin working toward your goal.

Click the link to access Module 4 Section 03 - Learn the Basics of Financial Literacy.