The 14th Annual National Personal Finance Challenge Highlights Financial Literacy Among Teens
High school students from across the United States came together in Atlanta for the 14th Annual National Personal Finance Challenge, an event designed to test and enhance their understanding of personal finance. Organized by the Council for Economic Education, the competition brought together teams from 28 states, each showcasing their knowledge in critical areas such as savings, investing, and retirement planning.
The event is more than just a competition; it serves as a platform for young people to gain essential financial skills that can shape their future. Clark Howard, a well-known consumer advisor, emphasized the importance of starting early when it comes to financial education. “It’s never too early to start planning for your future,” he said, highlighting how financial literacy can empower students to make informed decisions.
Participants faced complex questions that tested their ability to think critically about money management. The challenge aims to promote awareness and understanding of financial concepts among high school students, preparing them for real-world financial responsibilities.
Madeira High School from Cincinnati, Ohio, secured third place overall in the competition. Each member of the team received $500 as a reward for their achievement. Will Manning, a student from Madeira, expressed pride in his team’s performance at the state level, noting that they had beaten nine other teams to reach the championship stage.
Vrishab Nooka, a student from Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, shared his thoughts on the value of starting small in the world of finance. “I think starting small is a great way for you to get comfortable in that field of finance, but also it gets you experienced in understanding where your money goes,” he said. His perspective reflects the growing recognition that financial education should begin early and be built through hands-on experience.
Jahnavi Kari, also from Ardrey Kell, highlighted the personal growth she experienced through the competition. “It’s also honestly helped me be more confident in myself, get more public speaking abilities, learn about really cool careers, and see what exactly I want to do in the future,” she said. For many participants, the challenge has been more than just an academic exercise—it has opened up new possibilities and perspectives.
Chris Caltabiano, interim CEO of the Council for Economic Education, encouraged students to embrace their financial mistakes as learning opportunities. “Don’t be embarrassed about your mistakes,” he said. “Your mistakes can be really good learning moments for young people.” This mindset aligns with the broader goal of the competition: to foster resilience and a proactive approach to financial decision-making.
The event underscored the growing need for financial education among young people. Participants stressed the importance of early investment and saving habits, recognizing that these practices can have long-term benefits. As Nooka pointed out, “Money’s almost like a taboo to talk about. It’s something that we don’t really talk about much and it’s something we need to change.”
Through events like the National Personal Finance Challenge, students are not only gaining knowledge but also developing confidence and practical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. The competition continues to play a vital role in shaping the next generation of financially responsible individuals.
