At the Bay Area Financial Education Foundation (BAFEF), we believe that financial literacy is a vital skill for success in today’s world. Our Student Workshop is designed to equip students with essential knowledge and practical skills in personal finance. If you’re interested in hosting a workshop for your organization, please Request a Workshop today!

Each module is a focused session that covers a range of important topics:

Module Overview

1. Budgeting 101

In this session, students will learn how to leverage a budget effectively. They will explore:

• The purpose of a budget and how to track income and expenses.

• The difference between wants and needs.

• Strategies for managing debt.

• Practical activities to create a budgeting habit, using modern tools and tips to track real-life spending.

2. Understanding Credit

This session covers the fundamentals of credit, including:

• Key concepts such as credit cards, debit cards, and interest.

• Common types of loans and how they work.

• Responsible credit usage, credit score calculations, and pitfalls to avoid.

• Strategies for young individuals to manage credit responsibly.

3. Basics of Investing

Students will dive into the world of investing in this session, learning about:

• Foundational investing principles, including stocks, bonds, index funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

• Long-term investing concepts like the time value of money and compound interest.

• Risk, diversification, and practical application through an interactive investment game facilitated by our volunteers.

4. Taxes and Your Paycheck

In this session, students will gain insights into:

• The reasons behind government taxation and major tax categories relevant to young adults.

• How taxes are deducted from paychecks, including understanding paystubs and taxable income.

• Engaging activities that reinforce their knowledge of tax withholdings and financial responsibility.

5. Paying for College

This session prepares students for the financial aspects of attending college, covering:

• Saving strategies and financing options for college education.

• Understanding the financial aid process and best practices for students.

• Key terms in student loan documents and an interactive activity to help assess manageable levels of student debt.