The MoneyWi$er Podcast

From humble beginnings in a 4th grade classroom in Colorado, Janessa Boulay has created a tool that's being used in countries worldwide and in all 50 states! This classroom management platform creates a cyber-economy in every classroom.  Teachers can reward students with their classroom bucks by crediting student faux-bank accounts.  The platform can be used from elementary to high school and by all teachers. Janessa knows the importance of giving students a safe space to make mistakes and learn about money management and economics through experience. PayGrade is a way for students to experience money management without the risk of losing any real money.  

Check out the free version of PayGrade https://paygrade.io/ 

Young Americans Center for Financial Education recently conducted a study to measure knowledge gains of students who attended their Young AmeriTowne program.  Young AmeriTowne is an immersive experience where 5th graders in various financial literacy, civics and math lessons with their teachers, and then have an interactive field trip to AmeriTowne. Each student is assigned a job in the town and must participate in all of the functions of a real town. Join the conversation with Young Americans Center President, Rich Martinez as she shares about the AmeriTowne program and study. Rich is joined by study funder, Jon Shreve, President of MCG Health, and Research Analyst, Dr. Didi, Fahey, President of QREM.

https://yacenter.org/

https://qrem.info/

Alyssa meets with Personal Finance teacher, Chris Reynolds and discusses how the pandemic has effected his instruction and student motivation. In a time when adaptability is vital to continue learning, Chris gives some great example of how his school and district has continued to prioritize financial education. They talk about how Chris's district has implemented a personal finance graduation requirement, and all that went into getting the district on the same page.  The big picture is that incorporating personal finance for all students is possible, but can be accomplished many ways. Colorado is a local control state, which means all local school boards determine their district's graduation and curriculum requirements. So, in a district that requires all students to take a personal finance course, the concepts taught become a bridge between what students are learning in all their course, and how they can apply their interests and skills to earn money.

Colorado Academic Standards for PFL: https://www.cde.state.co.us/cofinancialliteracy/pflstandards

MSU Study on Better Borrowing: https://www.nefe.org/research/research-projects/completed-research/2018/effects-of-k-12-financial-education-mandates-on-student-postsecondary-education-outcomes.aspx

Colorado Grad Guidelines: https://www.cde.state.co.us/postsecondary/graduationguidelines 

Did you know your identity can be stolen even if you're still a minor?  Join Mountain Range HS in Westminster, Colorado as they interview the Colorado Attorney General, Phil Weiser.  Students discover some great tips to protect their identity and what to do if you encounter fraud.  Take a listen and see if any of these tips can help you protect your identity. 

Join Denver students Kiki and James as they learn as much as they can about cryptocurrency.  They ask expert, Dusty Wunderlich, about the history of cryptocurrency and if he thinks it will be the currency of the future.  If you are eager to learn about bitcoin pizza and blockchain, you have to take a listen! 

Lake Middle School students in Denver interview Broncos Super Bowl 50 Champion, Ryan Harris, about what it's like to be a pro athlete.  He dives into some of his experiences with money during his 10+ year NFL career, and gives some great examples of what NOT to do when you make it big. Listen in for some enlightening and inspirational stories.  And as Ryan says, Let's Change the World! 

We followed the Broomfield High School team as they competed in the JA Stock Market Challenge. They prepared, they practices, they learned all they could about the stock market before they went to compete in the challenge.  They didn't come out on top, but they learned a lot in the process. 

Welcome to the MoneyWi$er Podcast where students explore everything about money.  This season students will learn about cryptocurrency, how much pro athletes really make, how the stock market works and so much more!