Youth Academy Financial Literacy Mentorship

(Pilot Program) “Secure the Bag”  It's a one-hour program designed to teach young people AGE: 14 to 18 the real-life money skills they need before their first job or paycheck. This program will be fun, relatable, and straight to the point. If you would like to get your child in this program please contact me down below and we can setup a meeting and talk. 

* Online Program coming soon

PROGRAM OVERVIEW  

1. Welcome & Icebreaker 

• Introduction by Gary B. aka Uncle G
• Icebreaker question: "If you had $500 right now, what would you do with it?"

2. Understanding Banking 

• Difference between banks and credit unions
• What’s a checking account vs. savings account?
• What is a debit card, and how does it work?
• What is direct deposit and how to set it up

3. Budgeting Basics 

• The purpose of a budget: Control your money before it controls you
• Introduce a teen-friendly version of the 50/30/20 Rule
  
  • 50% needs (like food, school supplies)
  • 30% wants (fun, fashion, games)
  • 20% savings/investments
• Walkthrough of a "First Check Budget Worksheet"
• Tips for tracking spending (apps, notes, jars)

4. Intro to Credit 

• What is credit and how does it work?
• Difference between debit and credit
• What’s a credit score and why it matters (future rent, phones, cars)
• Quick story: “How a small mistake can cost big later”

5. Understanding the W-4 

• What is a W-4 and why does it matter?
• Explain terms like “withholding,” “exempt,” and “dependents”
• Simple step-by-step example of how to fill out your first W-4
• Brief walk-through of a sample paycheck

6. Q&A + Wrap Up 

• Open discussion: “What’s one money question you’ve always had?”
• Collect written questions anonymously if time allows
• Recap key takeaways
• Hand out “Your First Money Moves” Checklist (print or digital)