Session #1

When I launched Elevate Cents, I had one main goal in mind: to help young people build a strong financial foundation. I believed that if I could teach budgeting, goal-setting, and entrepreneurship in a hands-on, relatable way, it could make a real difference in their lives. 

Over the past few weeks, While in the Philippines, I had the privilege of teaching kids to young adults aged 11 up to 23 about the basics of financial literacy by doing a workshop. We covered three main areas: budgeting, SMART financial goals, and the basics of entrepreneurship. Each topic included an activity to keep things fun, and to make the lessons stick. 

Budgeting Using Envelopes

We started with budgeting. I introduced the classic envelope system using play cash and labeled envelopes. Students had to divide their income into categories: needs, wants, and savings. There are some interesting topics that may fit in between wants and needs such as a phone plan. Does that count as a need or a want? How much should they really be saving? The students calculated, and made decisions with their money like in real life. I watched them engage critically with their choices and I could tell they learned a lot. The budgeting exercise also opened my eyes to something important; many of these kids don’t even have bank accounts. Some told me that you need a specific amount of money to open one, which most of them didn’t have. That fact stayed with me. We often talk about saving and financial planning as if they’re accessible to everyone, but that isn’t always the case. For these kids, even having a place to put their money is a barrier. It made me realize just how important financial literacy is; not just the knowledge, but also the access and the support systems that need to come with it.

Students working together to create SMART goals

Our second workshop topic focused on setting SMART financial goals. I gave the students a weekly budget and asked them to plan toward something realistic and something they truly wanted or needed. Watching them break down their goals into manageable steps was powerful. Some wanted to buy school supplies. Others dreamed of saving up for a bicycle or an electronic. A few even said they’d help contribute to their family’s household expenses. Their goals weren’t all flashy or impulsive. I could see how seriously they took the task, and it reminded me that financial maturity doesn’t come with age but rather exposure, reflection, and opportunity.

Students in a group creating business ideas

The final session was entrepreneurship. We talked about what makes a good business, how to identify problems worth solving, and how to calculate basic costs and profits. Then, I let them create their own business ideas in groups. There were many interesting ideas such as creative handmade snacks, friendship bracelets, makeup products and more. They were able to  think like creators, innovators, and leaders which was great to witness, and they learned how to account for the cost of production as well.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned that financial literacy is more than a curriculum. It’s listening as much as it is teaching. It’s realizing that many kids don’t have a head start, so understanding their situation is key. However, when you give them the tools and space to think about money as something they can manage, plan, and use with intention, they rise to the challenge. They ask the right questions. They rethink their priorities. They dream bigger. I walked into these workshops hoping the students would learn something from me. I walked out with a deeper understanding of the realities they face, the creativity they bring, and the hope they carry.