According to an online parenting resource, children are overspending and going into debt before their 21st birthday. Parents and educators should teach youth money management skills, and specific things such as how to save money, how to live on a budget, how to invest and how to spend money wisely are just a few things that should be taught.
A nonprofit organization strives to educate kindergarten through college-aged students about the importance of finances and financial management. This organization maintains partnerships with about 150 organizations nationwide. There are many free educational resources
Another organization teaches children the basics of money and long-term financial success. The program is divided into an elementary-school, high-school and college program, and each curriculum is designed to give students a hands-on, interactive and even entertaining way to learn about finances. Students learn about investing, saving versus spending, and spending smartly. Each curriculum provides the next generation a solid foundation on which they can build their financial future and make sound financial decisions for life.
The National Youth Financial Educators Council (NYFEC) offers a curriculum that mixes the educational concept of money with real-life financial situations. The financial literacy curricula is designed for preschool children to adults, according to NYFEC. Various focus areas addressed in each curricula include investing, saving, debt, credit, financial planning and risk management.