Visiting MLK Memorial.

Knowing how to handle money empowers you to take charge of your life. I’m Arianna, a soon-to-be college student who wants to help teens become entrepreneurs and community leaders by focusing on their finances. That’s one of the reasons I was selected by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Charles Schwab Foundation as 2018 National Money Matters Ambassadors. 

Money Matters is a financial education program available at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. Sponsored by Charles Schwab Foundation, the program teaches Club teens the basics of personal finance and the importance of being financially responsible from a young age. Money Matters taught me how to prioritize spending, manage budgets and develop healthy financial habits. 

Lincoln Memorial

As Ambassador, I recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet one-on-one with senators and representatives. I wanted to shine a light on how programs like Money Matters can support everyone, no matter their age. We discussed how critical it is to promote financial literacy from a young age. For teens just stepping out on their own or starting to think about higher education, knowing how and why to minimize debt is critical.