Introduction
A
n important precursor to financial literacy courses, the Money Habitudes® 2 curriculum introduces
young people to the human side of money. It helps teens and young adults closely examine how they
personally relate to money, and why it matters. This edition is designed especially for youth at risk for
unstable and poor quality relationships in low-income settings. That said, much of the content is relevant
to any young person.
The three lessons explore the different ways people behave around money, as well as the hidden
symbolism and sources of these actions. Young people also discover how their new insights can improve
both relationships and financial success.
Most adults agree that, more than ever, financial literacy is imperative for our youth. Today we find
growing efforts to teach teens and young adults 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 habits and attitudes that dictate how we actually behave around money.
We’ve all seen 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, instead of logic, many spending patterns reflect unconscious habits and attitudes acquired
in childhood that persist despite financial savvy or economic status.
The purpose of this version of the Money Habitudes® 2 curriculum is to help young people in
high-risk situations closely examine how they personally relate to money. The resulting 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 young people need to learn about it
• Assumptions and expectations about money in young peoples’ personal lives
• The variety of hidden meanings people attach to money and how these interpretations 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 challenges of each
• How to use this information to gain control, set and reach goals, and enhance relationships
iii Copyright ©2014 The Dibble Institute
A
n important precursor to financial literacy courses, the Money Habitudes® 2 curriculum introduces
young people to the human side of money. It helps teens and young adults closely examine how they
personally relate to money, and why it matters. This edition is designed especially for youth at risk for
unstable and poor quality relationships in low-income settings. That said, much of the content is relevant
to any young person.
The three lessons explore the different ways people behave around money, as well as the hidden
symbolism and sources of these actions. Young people also discover how their new insights can improve
both relationships and financial success.
Most adults agree that, more than ever, financial literacy is imperative for our youth. Today we find
growing efforts to teach teens and young adults 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 habits and attitudes that dictate how we actually behave around money.
We’ve all seen 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, instead of logic, many spending patterns reflect unconscious habits and attitudes acquired
in childhood that persist despite financial savvy or economic status.
The purpose of this version of the Money Habitudes® 2 curriculum is to help young people in
high-risk situations closely examine how they personally relate to money. The resulting 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 young people need to learn about it
• Assumptions and expectations about money in young peoples’ personal lives
• The variety of hidden meanings people attach to money and how these interpretations 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 challenges of each
• How to use this information to gain control, set and reach goals, and enhance relationships
iii Copyright ©2014 The Dibble Institute
