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
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
Rob Phelan's Background
- Rob's journey as a high school teacher and passion for financial education
- Personal financial experiences shaping his teaching philosophy
Challenges in Financial Education
- Knowledge imbalance in financial literacy within marriages and households
- Need for financial literacy education in schools
The Simple Startup Workbook
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FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
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- Resource designed to guide students in entrepreneurial ventures
- Hands-on learning through brainstorming and business planning
Implementation and Feedback
- Student and teacher feedback from curriculum pilots
- Importance of interactive and project-based learning in financial education
Key Resources
Notable Quotes
- "Discovering my passion for teaching drove my commitment to financial education."
- "True financial education involves personal development, not just knowledge."
- "Understanding needs vs. wants is critical for effective budgeting."
- "Building a personal relationship with money is key for students."
- "Student-driven learning leads to deeper engagement and understanding."
Action Steps
- Explore The Simple Startup Workbook to help students launch businesses
- Incorporate financial literacy discussions into existing curricula
- Engage students in needs vs. wants conversations through practical budgeting activities
- Reach out to Rob Phelan to discuss implementing the curriculum in your school
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FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
FI Calculator
Travel Tools
Podcast
Local Groups
Forums
Book Club
Value Matrix
Debt Payoff
Workout Logger
Events
Free FI Planning Tools + Community
FI calculator, expense audit, Coast FI tracker, local groups, and 750+ podcast episodes.
No password needed. Free forever.