Why Financial Literacy Is Mental Health Education

Some of the most emotional conversations I’ve had with students were never about grades. They were about money.

As a Family and Consumer Science teacher, I’ve had students ask things like, “How am I supposed to afford college if I’m already stressed about gas money?” or “What happens if I pick the wrong major and end up in debt?” Those questions don’t come from a lack of ability. They come from fear and uncertainty about adulthood.

I’ve also seen it in small moments that stick with me. A student once told me they were skipping activities they loved because they felt guilty asking their parents for money. Another shared that they were considering not going to college at all, not because they didn’t want to, but because they couldn’t picture how it would be possible financially.

Today’s young people are growing up in a world where rising gas prices, housing costs, and college tuition are constant background noise. For many, adulthood feels less like a milestone and more like a question mark.

That’s why I created my community service initiative, Leading a Lifetime of Life Skills. I saw that many students were academically strong, but still felt unprepared for real-life responsibilities like budgeting a paycheck, understanding credit cards, or planning for monthly expenses.

Financial literacy is often seen as just math or money management, but in reality, it’s emotional. For example, learning how to build a simple budget can turn “I don’t think I can afford this” into “I know exactly what I can afford this month.” Understanding credit can turn fear of the unknown into informed decision-making. Even learning how to plan for recurring costs like gas, food, or phone bills can reduce daily stress and anxiety.

Here are some practical life skills I encourage students to start with right away:

1. Use a simple 50/30/20 budget rule:

Try splitting income into 50% needs (gas, food, essentials), 30% wants (going out, shopping), and 20% savings. Even if the percentages aren’t perfect, the structure builds awareness.

2. Track spending for one week:

Write down everything you spend, even small purchases like coffee or snacks. Most students are surprised by how quickly small costs add up.

3. Start a “future fund” early:

Even $5 or $10 a week into savings creates a habit. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

4. Understand credit before using it:

A credit card is not “free money.” I tell students to think of it as borrowing with a bill attached. Paying it off monthly builds confidence and protects your future.

5. Practice a basic monthly plan:

List expected monthly expenses like gas, phone, subscriptions, and food. Then compare it to income or allowance. This helps eliminate surprises.

When students begin to understand these concepts, I’ve seen real shifts. They start asking better questions, feeling more in control, and worrying less about “what ifs.”

Through the Miss America Opportunity, I’ve been able to use my voice to advocate for life skills education that prepares students for more than academics alone. Because while test scores matter, so does the ability to feel stable, confident, and prepared for life after graduation.

I truly believe financial literacy is mental health education. When young people feel financially informed, they don’t just gain knowledge. They gain confidence, clarity, and peace of mind.