Creative Wealth Programs and
National Financial Literacy Education Standards

A Narrative Summary 

Creative Wealth uses the Jump$tart standards as quality benchmarks for all custom-designed curricula. Jump$tart is a national coalition of organizations dedicated to improving the financial literacy of pre-kindergarten through college-age youth by providing advocacy, research, standards and educational resources. Jump$tart strives to prepare youth for life-long successful financial decision-making. CWI shares its vision that personal finance and financial literacy education should be available to all students.

Camp Millionare has been linked to the California Standards and those standards are available upon request. A detailed list of standards are included in the Camp Millionaire Curriculum Binder.

Personal finance: the principles and methods that individuals use to acquire and manage income and assets.

Financial literacy: the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage one’s financial resources effectively for lifetime financial security.

Financial education: education curriculums, lessons, games, books and seminars designed to improve the state of financial literacy of an individual, family, group, community or nation.

1. Financial Responsibility and Decision Making

Overall Competency: Apply reliable information and systematic decision-making to personal financial decisions.

Responsibility and choice are at the heart of all CWI programs. We empower students with a foundation of knowledge as well as the motivation to access additional resources throughout their lives. We instill a sense of mastery in navigating the world of money through the introduction of systems, laws, and strategies that support financial wellbeing. We foster comfortability with financial terms, issues, and alternatives.

2. Income and Careers

Overall Competency: Use a career plan to develop personal income potential.

Goals and objectives are introduced and advanced throughout the CWI Financial Literacy teen curriculum. We provide a relevant and real context for exploring career options, identifying sources of personal income, and what it takes to create a financially responsible lifestyle. Modules include taxes, bank accounts, paychecks, as well as financial habits and choices.

3. Planning and Money Management

Overall Competency: Organize personal finances and use a budget to manage cash flow.

Financial systems and strategies create the foundation upon which individuals can create the lifestyles they desire and manage their finances to support them. The CWI teen curriculum provides a variety of practice exercises and activities to lay the bricks and fill in the mortar for this important foundation. We provide guidance for creating personal plans and methods to increase the success of following through. Modules include saving and spending plans, budgets, systems and records, purchasing decisions, charitable giving, wants v. needs, income distribution, check writing, account management.

4. Credit and Debt

Overall Competency: Maintain creditworthiness, borrow at favorable terms, and manage debt.

Understanding credit and debt is key to resisting the temptations of impulse- and over-spending. CWI encourages living a debt-free life and highlights self-responsibility in making lifestyle and financial choices. The teen program fosters a knowledge base for understanding consumer credit laws, avoiding and correcting debt problems, borrowing money, contracts, credit cards, credit scores, simple v. compound interest, and developing partnerships with others.

5. Risk Management and Insurance

Overall Competency: Use appropriate and cost-effective risk management strategies.

Taking financial literacy to a level many adults have not yet mastered, the CWI teen program presents advanced concepts and principles in a way that promotes autonomy and self-confidence. Lifestyle choices are emphasized through the identification and management of risk, protection and insurance, money personalities, as well as the importance of health and well-being in all areas.

6. Saving and Investing

Overall Competency: Implement a diversified investment strategy that is compatible with personal goals.

Investment is held as a pillar of possibility and is explored throughout the CWI teen program on many facets. The “in’s and out’s” of investing are delivered through a variety of activities and in facilitated discussions. Belief systems are identified for immediate and ongoing self-reflection. Lifestyle choices are used to develop hypothetical investment strategies. Financial freedom is proposed within a structure of self-discipline, desire, and choice.

In addition to all of the basic financial lessons you’d expect from exceptional financial literacy programs, Creative Wealth goes beyond that. Your kids/students learn what it really takes to be successful and happy in life.

And remember, “Save Early, Save Often, Invest Wisely.”