Empowering Teens to Make Smart Financial Decisions

Chelsea Groton Bank has had a long-standing commitment to financial education and wellness. The Bank’s Community Education Officer, Miria Gray, regularly teaches programming in high school classrooms, plans and facilitates the Money Madness event, and supports the learning that is included as part of the Chelsea U Student Banking program. Each of these efforts is aimed at empowering teens to make smart financial decisions in their futures.

“It’s so important that young adults receive financial literacy education at an early age, and we are proud to offer financial wellness programming in several ways; through the annual Money Madness event, through Chelsea University classes and online learning, and by going into high school classrooms on a regular basis,” explained Gray. “Many of the topics we cover may not be included in regular school curriculum, but they are critical to be aware of before beginning to make monetary decisions as young adults. Our high school students are the future of our region, and we’re committed to empowering teens to ensure they are well-positioned for success.”

Money Madness

For the last 17 years, the Bank has produced a Money Madness seminar. On March 14, students from Fitch High School, Holy Family High School, Ledyard High School, North Stonington High School, Norwich Free Academy, Montville High School, and Waterford High School convened in the Crozier Williams Student Center at Connecticut College for the 17th Annual Money Madness seminar, presented by Chelsea Groton Bank.

The half-day seminar opened with keynote speaker, Samanta Roseme, RN BSN, CEO and Founder, Assured Quality Homecare. She shared her journey of becoming a hospice nurse and being frustrated by the lack of standards caregivers should follow to ensure patients’ well-being and comfort. Her husband challenged her to do something about it, so she did. Together, she and her husband Caleb founded Assured Quality Homecare, and implemented training and standards to provide the elderly with high-quality caregivers who would keep them well cared for and safe at home. Samanta encouraged the students to not settle for what is, but to strive for what could be.

The day also included several sessions presented by representatives from the Byrnes Agency, Better Business Bureau CT, CT Department of Banking, United Way, and Chelsea Groton Bank. Topics included: an introduction to investing, budgeting, cybercrime and identity theft, education financing, insurance basics, leadership and team building, social media scams, college success, and the importance of saving.

The seminar closed with a Family Feud-style game where students teamed up with their classmates to compete against other schools. Questions pertaining to the day’s panel discussion and break-out activities were asked to test what the students learned.

Chelsea U Student Banking

Our Student Banking program was created specifically for empowering teens and young adults, ages 13-22, with the knowledge to safely manage their money. With the products, services, and technology associated with our Student Banking program, teens will learn all the basics, including how to use a debit card and save for a goal, and the ins and outs of earning good credit.

Plus, students are invited to attend free programs to learn financial life skills, including how to get started with your new account, and preparing for your financial future, and enjoy food, fun and win gift cards while participating in a group activity.

Looking to offer financial wellness in your classroom or organization?

If you’re interested in having our Community Education Officer teach in your school or organization, or you’d like to learn more about how you can obtain a teacher grant to teach financial wellness programming in your classroom, email Miria Gray at mgray@chelseagroton.com.