Introduction Most adults agree that, more than ever, financial literacy is imperative for our youth. Today we find growing efforts to teach teens how to manage money, use credit responsibly, and plan for future financial goals. Unfortunately, what’s often missing from these programs is attention to the “human” side of financial literacy—those deeply-rooted attitudes that dictate how we actually behave around money. We’ve all seen many people who spend extravagantly while professing tight budgets…who hide purchases from family or friends…who buy things they don’t really want or forgo important purchases that they can easily afford...or neglect dealing with their finances at all. We’ve seen how often money is used to symbolize power, success, freedom, or love. In real life, many spending patterns reflect not logic, but unconscious habits and attitudes that were acquired young and persist despite financial savvy or economic status. The purpose of this curriculum—and the Money HabitudesTM materials on which it is based—is to help teens closely examine how they personally relate to money. This self awareness helps them become effective in discerning financial choices, communicating about money issues, and responding wisely to everyday financial challenges. Some specific subjects teens learn include: • The role of money in society and why they need to learn about it • Their assumptions and expectations about money in their own lives • The many hidden meanings that people attach to money, and how these are reflected in different behaviors • How socio-cultural, family, and life experiences influence individual financial behavior • The role of individual personality and emotions in forming financial behaviors • Common “money personalities” and the advantages and disadvantages of each • How to use this information to gain control, set and reach goals, and enhance relationships Money HabitudesTM lessons use a non-judgmental tone, non-technical content, and teen–friendly context to fully engage students in the learning process. At every stage, the emphasis is on self-discovery through observation, discussion, reflection, and creative activities. Once teens realize that financial success depends more on taking personal control of their habits and attitudes than the amount of money they have or their ability with math, their confidence will increase. LESSON 1 | INTRODUCTION | V COPYRIGHT © 2011 BY THE DIBBLE INSTITUTE