170 | Financial Literacy Curriculum for High School Students

Most students leave high school barely able to balance a checkbook, let alone launch a business or build wealth. Teacher Rob Phelan noticed this gap—and built a solution that turns teenagers into entrepreneurs while teaching them financial fundamentals. Brad and Jonathan explore how combining financial literacy with hands-on business creation gives students skills their textbooks never mention.

Key Topics Discussed

[00:00:40] Introduction to Financial Literacy Curriculum

• Rob Phelan's collaboration with ChooseFI to create a K-12 financial education curriculum
• Current pilot in Dubai school and partnership with University of Richmond's Masters of Continuing Education program

[00:01:54] Rob Phelan's Background

• Rob's journey as a high school teacher and passion for financial education
• Personal financial experiences shaping his teaching philosophy

[00:05:03] Challenges in Financial Education

• Knowledge imbalance in financial literacy within marriages and households
• Need for financial literacy education in schools

[00:34:14] The Simple Startup Workbook

• Resource designed to guide students in entrepreneurial ventures
• Hands-on learning through brainstorming and business planning

[00:41:00] Implementation and Feedback

• Student and teacher feedback from curriculum pilots
• Importance of interactive and project-based learning in financial education

Key Resources

• The Simple Startup Workbook [00:55:25]
• ChooseFI Podcast [00:50:36]
• ChooseFI Foundation [00:52:06]

Notable Quotes

• "Discovering my passion for teaching drove my commitment to financial education." [00:03:17]
• "True financial education involves personal development, not just knowledge." [00:19:47]
• "Understanding needs vs. wants is critical for effective budgeting." [00:32:01]
• "Building a personal relationship with money is key for students." [00:21:59]
• "Student-driven learning leads to deeper engagement and understanding." [00:40:34]

Action Steps

• Explore The Simple Startup Workbook to help students launch businesses [00:34:14]
• Incorporate financial literacy discussions into existing curricula [00:51:51]
• Engage students in needs vs. wants conversations through practical budgeting activities [00:32:01]
• Reach out to Rob Phelan to discuss implementing the curriculum in your school [00:52:06]

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▶ Listen Next: Ep. 176 — Flexible Spending Rules for Early Retirees | Michael Kitces | Essential Listening

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