Financial Education for Youth | Utah Office of State Treasurer

The Office of State Treasurer is committed to advocating for and strengthening financial education requirements and programming within the public education system.

Local and national studies have found that students who take a financial literacy course have greater financial knowledge and improved behavior during their lifetime.

Proper financial education teaches our youth critical financial concepts, and our robust and specific competency-based standards set us apart as the leader in the space.

The state financial literacy graduation requirement equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed financial decisions and establishes a framework for Utah schools to provide quality financial education to students.

In collaboration with the State Auditor, we released a report in 2018 evaluating the effectiveness of the graduation requirement, which found that Utah students who have completed the graduation requirement have better personal financial knowledge and make better behavioral choices than those who have not. The study also identifies opportunities to improve the effectiveness of the program itself to help further strengthen the financial skills of Utah’s young adults as well opportunities to enhance program oversight.

A primary objective of the Utah Council on Financial and Economic Education (UCFEE) is to defend and strengthen Utah’s K-12 financial education requirements.

Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge

The Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge is a statewide investment competition for students in grades 4-12.

The program, administered by Office of State Treasurer and the Utah Financial Empowerment Coalition, is paid for by generous donations from community partners. There is no cost to teachers or their schools for students to participate.

The Utah Treasurer's Investment Challenge is a simulation of Wall Street trading that provides a framework for teaching Utah students about the U.S. economy and financial markets. The challenge is designed for classroom use to help students understand the stock market, the costs and benefits involved in economic decision making, the sources and uses of capital, and other related economic concepts in an integrated manner with other curriculum. It is intended to be a catalyst for further study of and interest in free enterprise capitalism.

Learn More

Other Utah Resources

Utah State Board of Education

General Financial Literacy Website

Utah Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy

Utah Jump$tart Website

Utah Junior Achievement

Utah Junior Achievement Website

Finance in the Classroom

Finance in the Classroom Website

my529

my529 Website

Utah Saves Week

Utah Saves is a campaign that encourages Utahns to set savings goals and hold themselves accountable to those goals. Participants can pledge to save online at utahsaves.org to receive savings advice tailored to their goals.

Among several savings-related events and promotions during the week, Treasurer Oaks and Utah Jump$tart Coalition visit schools to share the importance of saving with Utah students.

my529

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged vehicle designed to encourage individuals to invest for future qualified higher education expenses. my529 is the official 529 plan established and sponsored by the State of Utah. It is a direct-sold plan, which means you can set up an account and make contributions by dealing directly with my529.

Utah’s 529 plan is one of the best in the country. my529 is one of only three plans to receive a Gold rating from Morningstar in October 2020 because of its low costs, strong stewardship, and exceptional investment options.

Learn more about my529: https://my529.org/why-choose-my529/.

Other Resources

HANDS ON BANKING

Hands on Banking provides tools to help you become financially savvy. The Hands on Banking® online learning center offers resources for anyone who wants to learn more about money management. Our financial articles can help you find answers to your questions, from budgeting tips to buying a home, to improving your credit. Our self-directed courses take you in depth to improve financial literacy at each stage of life. We also offer classroom resources for educators. Together, we’ll help you and your family take charge of your financial future. Learn more at handsonbanking.org.

JUMP$TART CLEARINGHOUSE

Jump$tart Clearinghouse is an online library of financial education resources for teachers, parents, caregivers and anyone committed to financial smarts for students. To access the resource, visit jumpstartclearinghouse.org/.

COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION ECONEDLINK

Online resources to integrate personal finance and economics into K-12 curriculum. To access the resource, visit econedlink.org/.

EVERFI

EVERFI is an e-learning company that partners with corporations and foundations to provide online learning courses to schools at no cost. EVERFI's courses aim to engage and teach K-12 students a variety of critical life skills ranging from financial literacy to digital citizenship, STEM education and career success. Each course is highly interactive and individualized for the 21st century learner, is standards aligned and has self-grading assessments for teachers. To learn more about these free teaching resources, visit everfi.com.

PETER PIG'S MONEY COUNTER

Learning about money is fun with Peter Pig. In this interactive game, kids practice identifying, counting and saving money while learning fun facts about U.S. currency. After completing the game, players are rewarded with a trip to the virtual store to buy accessories within budget and dress up Peter Pig in fun scenes. To access the resource, visit practicalmoneyskills.com/play/peter_pigs_money_counter.

H.I.P. POCKET CHANGE

A number of games from the U.S. Mint that teach students about currency and managing money. To access the resource, visit usmint.gov/learn/kids/games.

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS

Ready to get your game on? Test your money skills and give your brain a workout with these fun and educational games. To access the resource, visit practicalmoneyskills.com/play.

FDIC MONEY SMART FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

FDIC Money Smart for Young People is an innovative standards-aligned curriculum that can be incorporated into subjects such as English language arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies. To access this resource, visit fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/young.html.

MY529 ROADMAP

This guide is a list of ideas on how you can lead your child in each of these areas at every age – whether they are 18 months or 18 years old. Each section includes tips on how to work with children to instill a basic understanding of money. CLICK HERE to download the resource (PDF).

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Utah State University Extension offers the tools and expertise you need to make the most of your financial resources, whether you are buying a home, planning for a baby, educating your family, or getting ready for retirement. Visit the extension website at extension.usu.edu/saltlake/home-family-food/finance.

ECON ED AT THE ST. LOUIS FED

The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provides economics and personal finance lessons, activities, and readings provide flexibility and real-world connections, making it easier to prepare students with 21st century skills for college and career readiness. Visit the resource at https://www.stlouisfed.org/education.

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City offers economic and personal finance resources to better understand how the economy functions, as well as tools to make better financial decisions. Access the resource at https://www.kansascityfed.org/education/educator%20resources.

MATH THAT MAKES SENSE

Math That Makes Cents integrates financial literacy concepts into math lessons to make math more fun and engaging. Created in conjunction with the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability of Youth, each lesson is in worksheet form so you have a quick “in-and-out” opportunity to reinforce math with real world applications that your students can relate to. Explore the resource at https://www.economicscenter.org/teaching-resources/math-that-makes-cents.aspx.

NEXT GEN PERSONAL FINANCE

Next Gen Personal Finance offers a free online curriculum of 65+ complete lessons and 200+ standalone activities you can access from anywhere. Content includes curriculum, podcasts and professional development all focused on personal finance education. View all the available resources at ngpf.org.

HANDS ON BANKING

Hands on Banking provides tools to help you become financially savvy. The Hands on Banking® online learning center offers resources for anyone who wants to learn more about money management. Our financial articles can help you find answers to your questions, from budgeting tips to buying a home, to improving your credit. Our self-directed courses take you in depth to improve financial literacy at each stage of life. We also offer classroom resources for educators. Together, we’ll help you and your family take charge of your financial future. Learn more at handsonbanking.org.

FOOLPROOFME ACADEMY

FoolProofMe offers free consumer life skills curriculum. To access this resource, visit foolproofme.org/academy.

JUMP$TART CLEARINGHOUSE

Jump$tart Clearinghouse is an online library of financial education resources for teachers, parents, caregivers and anyone committed to financial smarts for students. To access the resource, visit jumpstartclearinghouse.org/.

RAMP IT UP

Ramp It Up is a gamified tool to encourage students to learn about and take positive action toward financial readiness for college. To learn more, visit the Ramp It Up website.

COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION ECONEDLINK

Online resources to integrate personal finance and economics into K-12 curriculum. To access the resource, visit econedlink.org/.

EVERFI

EVERFI is an e-learning company that partners with corporations and foundations to provide online learning courses to schools at no cost. EVERFI's courses aim to engage and teach K-12 students a variety of critical life skills ranging from financial literacy to digital citizenship, STEM education and career success. Each course is highly interactive and individualized for the 21st century learner, is standards aligned and has self-grading assessments for teachers. To learn more about these free teaching resources, visit everfi.com.

CHAIR THE FED GAME

Learn how monetary policy works by taking charge of a simulated economy. To access the resource, visit frbsf.org/education/teacher-resources/chair-federal-reserve-economy-simulation-game/.

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS

Ready to get your game on? Test your money skills and give your brain a workout with these fun and educational games. To access the resource, visit practicalmoneyskills.com/play.

GEN I REVOLUTION: ONLINE PERSONAL FINANCE GAME

Developed for middle school and high school students, this online game gives your students the chance to learn important personal finance skills as they play and compete against fellow classmates. Visit the resource at genirevolution.org/.

FDIC MONEY SMART FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

FDIC Money Smart for Young People is an innovative standards-aligned curriculum that can be incorporated into subjects such as English language arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies. To access this resource, visit fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/young.html.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU FINANCIAL LITERACY ACTIVITIES

These classroom activities can be completed within a single class period. Each activity comes with a teacher guide and supporting student material, so it’s easy to implement whether you’re an experienced personal finance teacher, integrating financial literacy into another subject area, or supplementing your existing financial education curriculum. CLICK HERE to access the resource.

MY529 ROADMAP

This guide is a list of ideas on how you can lead your child in each of these areas at every age – whether they are 18 months or 18 years old. Each section includes tips on how to work with children to instill a basic understanding of money. CLICK HERE to download the resource (PDF).

TAKE CHARGE TODAY

A program and curriculum with a decision-based approach to personal finance. Formerly Family Economics & Financial Education, Take Charge Today provides a consistent framework for thinking through financial choices in order to improve well-being. Access the resource here: https://jumpstartclearinghouse.org/resource/take-charge-today/.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Utah State University Extension offers the tools and expertise you need to make the most of your financial resources, whether you are buying a home, planning for a baby, educating your family, or getting ready for retirement. Visit the extension website at extension.usu.edu/saltlake/home-family-food/finance.

MONEYSKILL

MoneySKILL is a customizable, online personal finance course designed to educate students about money management, and provide them with skills and knowledge to make sound financial decisions. It consists of 37 modules in English and Spanish and covers topics such as budgeting, savings and investing, credit, and more. Learn more at https://afsaef.org/MoneySKILL/About.

CON ‘EM IF YOU CAN

When it comes to investment and financial fraud, we are all at risk. But that does not mean students cannot learn to spot and avoid a scam—and even have fun doing it. Americans lose up to $50 billion per year to fraud, according to the Financial Fraud Research Center. And about 80 percent of consumers over the age of 40 said they'd been solicited for a potentially fraudulent scheme at some point. These are big problems, but research suggests that learning to spot the tactics used by fraudsters can help investors defend against them, and avoid becoming fraud victims.

That is where Con 'Em If You Can comes in. It is a new interactive game developed by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and D2D Fund that offers an innovative and downright entertaining way students can learn about these tactics. Access the resource here: http://www.conemifyoucan.org/?utm_campaign=ConEmSyndication&utm_medium=Highlight&utm_source=FINRA&fbclid=IwAR0CfjJWngCysRD1yIhUNRUw7tNIKlAvRcT04WPqP_2yknxpoJee8riAG1o.

INVEST QUEST GAME

Students can get a glimpse of their future as their investing intelligence is put to the test in this online game created by the FTC and SEC. The resource is available at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/game-0007-invest-quest.

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City offers economic and personal finance resources to better understand how the economy functions, as well as tools to make better financial decisions. Access the resource at https://www.kansascityfed.org/education/educator%20resources.

MATH THAT MAKES SENSE

Math That Makes Cents integrates financial literacy concepts into math lessons to make math more fun and engaging. Created in conjunction with the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Capability of Youth, each lesson is in worksheet form so you have a quick “in-and-out” opportunity to reinforce math with real world applications that your students can relate to. Explore the resource at https://www.economicscenter.org/teaching-resources/math-that-makes-cents.aspx.

UTAH FUTURES

UtahFutures provides tips, tools, resources, and conversation-starters about preparing and paying for college so obtaining a higher education can be a reality for all Utah students. Access the resource at https://www.utahfutures.org/.

Coupon Follow

Coupon Follow offers a financial literacy guide for students, outlining the information students need to know before they graduate. Access the resource at https://couponfollow.com/research/financial-literacy.

NEXT GEN PERSONAL FINANCE

Next Gen Personal Finance offers a free online curriculum of 65+ complete lessons and 200+ standalone activities you can access from anywhere. Content includes curriculum, podcasts and professional development all focused on personal finance education. View all the available resources at ngpf.org.

HANDS ON BANKING

Hands on Banking provides tools to help you become financially savvy. The Hands on Banking® online learning center offers resources for anyone who wants to learn more about money management. Our financial articles can help you find answers to your questions, from budgeting tips to buying a home, to improving your credit. Our self-directed courses take you in depth to improve financial literacy at each stage of life. We also offer classroom resources for educators. Together, we’ll help you and your family take charge of your financial future. Learn more at handsonbanking.org.

FOOLPROOFME ACADEMY

FoolProofMe offers free consumer life skills curriculum. To access this resource, visit foolproofme.org/academy.

JUMP$TART CLEARINGHOUSE

Jump$tart Clearinghouse is an online library of financial education resources for teachers, parents, caregivers and anyone committed to financial smarts for students. To access the resource, visit jumpstartclearinghouse.org/.

RAMP IT UP

Ramp It Up is a gamified tool to encourage students to learn about and take positive action toward financial readiness for college. To learn more, visit the Ramp It Up website.

COUNCIL FOR ECONOMIC EDUCATION ECONEDLINK

Online resources to integrate personal finance and economics into K-12 curriculum. To access the resource, visit econedlink.org/.

EVERFI

EVERFI is an e-learning company that partners with corporations and foundations to provide online learning courses to schools at no cost. EVERFI's courses aim to engage and teach K-12 students a variety of critical life skills ranging from financial literacy to digital citizenship, STEM education and career success. Each course is highly interactive and individualized for the 21st century learner, is standards aligned and has self-grading assessments for teachers. To learn more about these free teaching resources, visit everfi.com.

CHAIR THE FED GAME

Learn how monetary policy works by taking charge of a simulated economy. To access the resource, visit frbsf.org/education/teacher-resources/chair-federal-reserve-economy-simulation-game/.

PRACTICAL MONEY SKILLS

Ready to get your game on? Test your money skills and give your brain a workout with these fun and educational games. To access the resource, visit practicalmoneyskills.com/play.

GEN I REVOLUTION: ONLINE PERSONAL FINANCE GAME

Developed for middle school and high school students, this online game gives your students the chance to learn important personal finance skills as they play and compete against fellow classmates. Visit the resource at genirevolution.org/.

FDIC MONEY SMART FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

FDIC Money Smart for Young People is an innovative standards-aligned curriculum that can be incorporated into subjects such as English language arts, Mathematics, and Social Studies. To access this resource, visit fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/moneysmart/young.html.

CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU FINANCIAL LITERACY ACTIVITIES

These classroom activities can be completed within a single class period. Each activity comes with a teacher guide and supporting student material, so it’s easy to implement whether you’re an experienced personal finance teacher, integrating financial literacy into another subject area, or supplementing your existing financial education curriculum. CLICK HERE to access the resource.

MY529 ROADMAP

This guide is a list of ideas on how you can lead your child in each of these areas at every age – whether they are 18 months or 18 years old. Each section includes tips on how to work with children to instill a basic understanding of money. CLICK HERE to download the resource (PDF).

TAKE CHARGE TODAY

A program and curriculum with a decision-based approach to personal finance. Formerly Family Economics & Financial Education, Take Charge Today provides a consistent framework for thinking through financial choices in order to improve well-being. Access the resource here: https://jumpstartclearinghouse.org/resource/take-charge-today/.

UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION

Utah State University Extension offers the tools and expertise you need to make the most of your financial resources, whether you are buying a home, planning for a baby, educating your family, or getting ready for retirement. Visit the extension website at extension.usu.edu/saltlake/home-family-food/finance.

MONEYSKILL

MoneySKILL is a customizable, online personal finance course designed to educate students about money management, and provide them with skills and knowledge to make sound financial decisions. It consists of 37 modules in English and Spanish and covers topics such as budgeting, savings and investing, credit, and more. Learn more at https://afsaef.org/MoneySKILL/About.

CON ‘EM IF YOU CAN

When it comes to investment and financial fraud, we are all at risk. But that does not mean students cannot learn to spot and avoid a scam—and even have fun doing it. Americans lose up to $50 billion per year to fraud, according to the Financial Fraud Research Center. And about 80 percent of consumers over the age of 40 said they'd been solicited for a potentially fraudulent scheme at some point. These are big problems, but research suggests that learning to spot the tactics used by fraudsters can help investors defend against them, and avoid becoming fraud victims.

That is where Con 'Em If You Can comes in. It is a new interactive game developed by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation and D2D Fund that offers an innovative and downright entertaining way students can learn about these tactics. Access the resource here: http://www.conemifyoucan.org/?utm_campaign=ConEmSyndication&utm_medium=Highlight&utm_source=FINRA&fbclid=IwAR0CfjJWngCysRD1yIhUNRUw7tNIKlAvRcT04WPqP_2yknxpoJee8riAG1o.

INVEST QUEST GAME

Students can get a glimpse of their future as their investing intelligence is put to the test in this online game created by the FTC and SEC. The resource is available at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/media/game-0007-invest-quest.

FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City offers economic and personal finance resources to better understand how the economy functions, as well as tools to make better financial decisions. Access the resource at https://www.kansascityfed.org/education/educator%20resources.

UTAH FUTURES

UtahFutures provides tips, tools, resources, and conversation-starters about preparing and paying for college so obtaining a higher education can be a reality for all Utah students. Access the resource at https://www.utahfutures.org/.