Personal Finance & Financial Literacy for Next Gen Audiences

December 18, 2023

CNBC went on the road this month to talk to high school students in Nashville, Tennessee and Queens, New York about financial literacy and personal finance, principles that each student can put into practice in their day-to-day lives. 

CNBC journalists joined more than 1,200 students across both cities to discuss key financial concepts including the importance of credit, saving and borrowing for college, retirement savings planning, how the markets work, and more.

“We aim to provide our audiences the information they need to make informed decisions about their money. This commitment extends to our youth, the next generation of CNBC audiences,” said KC Sullivan, President, CNBC. “By meeting students where they are, we are taking important steps to help inspire long-term financial success.” 

Studies show personal finance education can make a significant difference in young adults’ financial behaviors, from improving credit scores and lowering loan delinquency rates to reducing payday lending and helping students make better decisions about college loans.

In Nashville, CNBC’s Senior Personal Finance Correspondent Sharon Epperson joined Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee for an interactive personal finance program with approximately 80 Cane Ridge High School students. Sharon kicked off the day speaking with the students about money and how they can manage, grow and protect it. 

At Frances Lewis High School, where CNBC joined approximately 1,200 students, CNBC Make It Money Reporter Kamaron McNair, Deputy Personal Finance Editor and Certified Financial Planner Kelli Grant, and Steve Liesman, Senior Economics Reporter, talked to students about the markets, their money and ways to save it.

CNBC’s journalists explained the role of the Federal Reserve in our economy and how the Fed’s actions impact their pockets. CNBC’s journalists also shared helpful tips with students to help them better understand economic data like market conditions, jobs data, inflation data and interest rates and why this information is important for their long-term financial planning.   

“With partners like Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee and Frances Lewis High School, we can help to increase students’ access to financial literacy information and help to set them up for long-term success,” added Sullivan.   

Engaging with local student communities is part of CNBC Your Money, a financial education initiative that educates people about their personal finances across every life stage from school age to retirement. 

For 10 important money lessons you should learn by 18, click here.