Teaching personal finance was completely absent during my years in Massachusetts public schools, even though they were some of the best in the country. Despite their high academic standards, there were no classes to prepare teens and young adults for managing money in the real world. When I started college in 1992, banks set up booths on campus, offering gifts to entice students to sign up for credit cards. It seemed harmless at the time, but many of us wound up with financial issues that took years to overcome.
Today, teaching personal finance to homeschoolers; more specifically my 13-year-old, is one of my top priorities. I want him to develop smart money habits early, so he’s prepared for a secure and stable future. And I want this for your children as well!
A New Era in Personal Finance Education
When I started homeschooling my older kids in 2011, options for teaching personal finance were limited. We used a program from a well-known “celebrity finance guru,” but it wasn’t the right fit. Thankfully, things have changed. Families now have access to many high-quality resources for teaching financial literacy.
One of those is Beyond Personal Finance: Design Your Future. This curriculum stands out because it uses real-life situations and interactive tools to make personal finance engaging and practical.
Note: This is a sponsored post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
What Is Beyond Personal Finance?
Beyond Personal Finance: Design Your Future offers an interactive way to teach personal finance to homeschoolers. The program simulates real-life choices, like picking careers, housing, relationships, and investments. It shows how these decisions affect financial stability and teach students how to handle the challenges of adult life.
The curriculum has two levels:
- Level 1: For ages 8–12, simulating life from ages 13–22.
- Level 2: For ages 14+, simulating life from ages 22–42.
I chose Level 2 for my almost 13-year-old. But after reviewing it, I realized it’s better for older teens. That wasn’t a problem with the curriculum—it was my mistake. We’ll try Level 2 when he’s older, and I’ll purchase Level 1 for now.
How Does Beyond Personal Finance Work?
The program uses different tools to teach students key financial concepts:
- Online Portal: Students watch videos that explain financial topics.
- Reflection Questions: They answer questions in Google Forms.
- Digital Budget Sheets: These help students track their progress in real-time.
- Student Workbook: A printed workbook includes definitions, visuals, and activities.
- Plot Twists: Random life events challenge students to adjust their plans, just like in real life.
The program also includes assessments called “Checkpoints.” These tests are graded instantly and submitted through Google Forms.
Why Choose Beyond Personal Finance?
Teaching financial literacy isn’t just about budgets. It’s about helping students prepare for real-world decisions. This program goes beyond the basics. It covers foundational topics and more advanced ones, giving students a complete view of personal finance.
Key Features:
- Financial Foundations: Students learn to budget, understand spending habits, and manage unexpected expenses.
- Major Milestones: Lessons cover buying a car, renting an apartment, and using credit cards responsibly.
- Advanced Topics: Students explore credit scores, insurance, mutual funds, and even cryptocurrency.
- Long-Term Planning: The program focuses on retirement savings, tax strategies, and compound interest.
One of the most unique aspects is the “choose-your-own-adventure” style. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, students make their own choices and experience the consequences. This teaches financial responsibility in a hands-on way.
Final Thoughts
I’ve used two other personal finance programs with my older kids, and this one stands out. It’s detailed, engaging, and realistic. Charla McKinley, the creator, brings her expertise and passion to every lesson.
If you’re serious about teaching personal finance to homeschoolers, I highly recommend Beyond Personal Finance. It’s a thorough, hands-on curriculum that equips teens with the skills they need to succeed.
Although Level 2 wasn’t the right fit for my son yet, I’m excited to start Level 1 this year. We’ll return to Level 2 when he’s ready. Whether you’re new to financial education or looking to expand your homeschool lessons, this program is a great choice.
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