Goal setting success to wrap up 4-H Build a Million curriculum experiences

Youth that complete the sixth unit of the 4-H Build a Million curriculum start their journey to strong personal finance and basic investing principles.

The last unit of the 4-H Build a Million curriculum is called “Putting It All Together and Next Steps,” which wraps up the learning experience for youth through the program. 4-H Build a Million is free to download for adults and parents to use to teach youth, but there is also an online version for youth to do hands-on learning in each of the units and lessons. The information is geared towards youth ages 14- 19 in grades 9-12, but can be adapted to younger children.

Decision making, goal setting, responsibility and money management are all important life skills youth need to learn not only in their financial setting, but throughout their life. This sixth and final unit helps youth put the knowledge they gained into practice to build these life skills. Once the youth have completed the first five units and have a basic understanding of personal finance and basic investing using the activities, ice breakers and online videos, now is the time youth can actually take steps to show what they have learned.

In this “Putting It All Together and Next Steps” lesson, youth will review the Picture Your Success activity from the first lesson and explore investing plans for their future. They will have a chance to design their personal crest, which incorporates their learning about goals and goal setting for short term, intermediate and long term. Youth will explore if they are willing to sacrifice to reach those goals and if their decision will have an impact on others.

At the end of the six units, youth will receive a certificate for participating. This can be put in their portfolio and will be helpful for future jobs, on resumes and even in interviews.

There are many other resources that can be used along with 4-H Build a Million to teach youth about personal finance and basic investing. To view these resources, visit Michigan State University Extension's Youth Money Management page.

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