April is Financial Literacy month and GSSEM observed it in style.
For a second year, Girl Scouts from across Southeastern Michigan spent a day at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago-Detroit Branch with a grant from Citizens and volunteers from Comerica Bank, for some lessons designed to help them become financially savvy.
Nearly 60 young women heard from experienced, financial professionals on how to make smart choices when it comes to money, and why being selective on spending and starting a savings plan makes lots of sense, and cents!
Budget like a Boss!
These messages will benefit the girls for years to come, believes Lonn Hartman, GSSEM’s Financial Literacy program specialist. “Not everything they heard will make total sense to them right now, but hopefully much of it will stick with them and they’ll understand it later when they’re older.”
Surviving and thriving B.I.G. time
In addition to professional sessions, Girl Scouts also participated in “Surviving in the Real-World with The B.I.G. Institute,” coordinated local Detroiter, Laketa Dumas and her team.
Randomly given a mock profession, background and income, participating Girl Scouts worked their way through multiple real-life scenarios highlighting needs and wants including finding a place to live, buying a car, food, insurance, taxes, travel and wanting to have or do fun things.
“We teach even our youngest that money has meaning. These lessons plant the seeds for lifelong financial confidence,” said Lonn.
Lonn’s Top 3 Financial Lessons
1) Money is earned through work.
2) Every dollar has a job, whether it’s to save, spend, or give.
3) Understanding the difference between wants and needs helps make smart decisions.
Future Financial Lessons
Any time is a good time to learn about proper financing, not just during Financial Literacy month. Check out these additional programs happening throughout the summer.
Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors—Master the art of managing money in the real world. Moving through different stations making tough choices, you’ll face a mini challenge where you call the shots on your money moves. Will you steer towards wealth or end up on the struggle bus? It is all in your hands!
Saturday, May 10, 10 AM – 1 PM, Brownstone
Saturday, May 31, 11 AM – 1 PM, Monroe
Tuesday, July Jul 15, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Clinton Township
Register today for these upcoming badge workshops and others at www.gssem.org/events.
